Travel Beyond the Guidebook - Hidden Gems | Theme Parks | Nostalgic Destinations

Have you wanted to visit Walt Disney World but are not sure you want to be fully immersed in the Disney bubble but still have the benefits? 

If you answered yes, maybe staying off-property at a Disney Hotel Partner is exactly what you need. 

In this episode, I share our experience of staying at a Walt Disney World Official Hotel and give you the good and the bad, as well as what surprised me the most. 

BY TH...

Who are some of the most treasured and nostalgic characters from your childhood?

If you answered anyone from Jim Henson, Sesame Street, or The Muppets, you’re in for a fantastic trip down memory lane today!

In this episode of the podcast, I share insights from my visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, and help you decide if this unique destination should be on your travel list.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LI...

Have you ever taken a road trip where you considered the gas station a main attraction?

If not, you probably haven’t visited Buc-ee’s, a wildly popular convenience store known for its catchy billboards, clean bathrooms, and mouthwatering food options. 

In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing my first-hand experience with this roadside marvel and giving you the inside scoop on traveling there yourself.

BY THE TIME ...

What’s your favorite part about visiting Walt Disney World?

While there’s so much love about these magical theme parks, there’s also a lot you can do outside the park gates. 

In this episode of the podcast, I introduce you to the monorail crawl and encourage you to find the hidden fun inside the Disney resorts along the monorail line.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• What a monorail crawl is and...

Are thrill rides something you look for when choosing your theme park destinations?

Whether you’re seeking thrills or prefer a more chill park experience, Universal's Islands of Adventure has it all.

In this episode of the podcast, I take you inside our December 2023 trip to Islands of Adventure and help you discover if this theme park is the best fit for you!

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• About t...

What’s the biggest rookie mistake you’ve ever made at a theme park?

From navigating long lines to choosing theme park dining to knowing which thrill rides are for you, planning a trip can have a steep learning curve.

In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing my biggest rookie mistakes, best tips, and everything else you need to know when visiting Universal Studios Orlando.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

Do you dream of theme parks, quirky roadside finds, and hidden gems beyond the guidebooks? Now, don’t get me wrong, a guidebook or Google search is a great place to start when researching a trip. Believe me I have the tabs open and the stack of books to prove this.  But changes are you aren’t finding anything that really interests you or want more information before putting in your vacation request.

 In each episode, I share int...

In this very short episode, I am providing an update and some information about the relaunch. I do hope that you will help me get the word out in the beginning of April. If you are interested in being part of the relaunch flurry (it will only take you about 15 minutes), please message me on Facebook, Instagram or reach me through my contact form. I'm really excited about the changes and I hope you love them too.

Instagram: https...

In this episode, Beth provides some insight into upcoming trips and taking an hiatus on new episodes until the new year. The new year will bring new adventures, stories, and nostalgia of your favorite places. During hiatus, there will be a new website and a few other surprises. So stay tuned and let us know on social media if there are any topics you would like covered next year. Happy Holidays and New Year!

Facebook: https://ww...

In this episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, you join host Beth Schillaci as she shares her excitement for her upcoming trip to Walt Disney World during the holiday season. Beth discusses the festive atmosphere and magical experiences that await visitors in each park, from the Jingle Cruise in Magic Kingdom to the holiday storytellers in Epcot and the Mary Menagerie in Animal Kingdom. She also highlights the unique decorations and ...

Beth, the host of The Roaming Yeti podcast, excitedly shares her upcoming trip planning for Universal Studios Orlando. As she reminisces about her last visit 24 years ago, she dives into the park’s history, tracing its origins back to the early 1980s when Universal Studios Florida was conceived to expand the brand outside of Hollywood. Beth's research reveals the park's opening attractions and how it has evolved over the years, inc...

Unlock the magic of animatronics - Lee Romaire's adventures in the space of animatronics reveal the enchanting possibilities this technology holds in theme parks and entertainment. Revolving around realistic creations and interactive characters, animatronics extend the scope of immersive visuals and tangible experiences, thus invoking awe and fascination in audiences. With artificial intelligence and untethered animatronics, a new ...

Join me as we embark on a mouthwatering journey through time, exploring the fascinating history of road trip food. From hardtack and canned fruits to drive-in diners and social media discoveries, discover the evolution of flavors that have shaped our road trip experiences.

In this episode, we will:

• Discover the fascinating history behind your favorite road trip foods and how they have evolved over time.
• Explore the im...

Beth Schillaci, the host of The Roaming Yeti podcast, is back with another spooky episode. In this installment, she delves into the haunted histories of hotels and ships in the United States. Beth's passion for adventure and history led her to uncover some chilling tales that will send shivers down your spine. From the famous Stanley Hotel in Colorado, known for its association with Stephen King's "The Shining," to the eerie Cresce...

In this episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, I send my fearless Yeti, Addi, to explore some of the most haunted locations in the United States. Join me as I as I share Addi's bone-chilling experiences and findings at haunted places like the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, the Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana, the Winchester Mystery House in California, the Bell Witch Cave in Tennessee, and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asy...

In this episode, join me as I take you on our exciting journey of attending Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. I share our experience and insights, providing valuable tips and recommendations for making the most of this spooktacular event. We cover it all, from character meet and greets to exclusive food options, parades, fireworks, trick-or-treating, and shorter ride wait times. I even drop a pro tip about...

During my episode with Steve about his road trip adventures, my intrigue for roadside attractions skyrocketed. These kitschy landmarks, found sprinkled along America's highways, had always been curiosities to me. I realized that these attractions were not just random oddities - they were pieces of history, each with a unique story of creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural significance. My fascination for these attractions turne...

In this week's episode of The Roaming Yeti podcast, I dive into our recent visit to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. I share my personal experiences, recommendations, and tips for attendees. Don't miss out on this episode if you're a food and wine enthusiast planning to attend the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Subscribe to the podcast now and be a part of the conversation!

In this episode, we will:

Welcome to the Roaming Yeti Podcast, where we share travel stories full of nostalgia, interesting locations, and the tales behind those locations. I am your Host and Head Yeti, Beth Schillaci.

In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of cross-country road trips with my guest, Steve McCready. Steve shares his personal experience of a baseball-themed road trip that he took with his father back in 1992. Steve's journey taug...