Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, but it's also one of the hottest. In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're sharing our favorite tips for staying cool, hydrated, and comfortable while tackling long park days in the Florida heat.

From smart hydration strategies and electrolyte tips to the best places to cool off, when to take a midday break, and the summer gear that's actually worth packing, we're covering everything we've learned through our own park visits and helping clients plan successful vacations year after year.

Whether you're planning your first Disney vacation, heading to Universal Orlando, or visiting any theme park this summer, these practical tips will help you spend less time recovering from the heat and more time enjoying your vacation.

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Planning an Orlando vacation and trying to decide between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando? We're revisiting one of our most popular episodes with a completely updated 2026 comparison.

A lot has changed since we recorded this episode last year. Epic Universe has officially opened, Disney's Lightning Lane system has evolved, and new attractions and hotels have changed the conversation.

In this episode, we're comparing Disney and Universal across the categories that matter most, including rides, hotels, dining, entertainment, transportation, skip-the-line systems, value, and more. We also discuss which destination is the better fit for families with young kids, tweens, teens, adults-only trips, thrill seekers, first-time visitors, and budget-conscious travelers.

Whether you're planning your first Orlando vacation or deciding where to go next, this episode will help you choose the destination that's the best fit for your travel style.

Topics we cover include:
• Disney vs. Universal rides and attractions
• Epic Universe's impact on Universal Orlando
• Disney and Universal hotels
• Lightning Lane vs. Express Pass
• Best food and snacks
• Entertainment and nighttime spectaculars
• Which destination offers the best value in 2026
• Our updated category winners and final verdict

As always, we're sharing our honest opinions based on our own experiences and what we're seeing as travel advisors helping families plan Orlando vacations every day.

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Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast

For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

With the addition of Epic Universe, many families are wondering if Universal Orlando is still an affordable vacation destination. In this episode, we're putting that question to the test.

Julie and Krystle each have a budget of $5,000 to plan a Universal Orlando vacation, but they're planning for very different families. Julie is building a trip for a family of four, while Krystle is stretching the same budget for a family of five. From hotels and park tickets to Express Passes, food, transportation, and souvenirs, we're breaking down exactly how we would spend our money and where we'd choose to save.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast

For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7