Julie finally made it to Universal Epic Universe, and let's just say she's officially a convert!

After months of talking about Universal Orlando's newest theme park, Julie experienced it firsthand, and even a rainy start couldn't dampen her excitement. This week, Julie and Krystle dive into everything from the incredible immersive worlds and jaw-dropping attractions to the crowds, food, and little details that make Epic Universe unlike anything else at Universal Orlando.

Julie shares her first impressions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Super Nintendo World. She's also breaking down her favorite attractions, including Stardust Racers, what surprised her most, and what it was really like navigating gluten-free dining throughout the park.

Plus, we're talking practical planning tips, whether one day at Epic Universe is actually enough, and how this experience has changed Julie's perspective on planning Universal Orlando vacations.

So, does Epic Universe really live up to all the hype? Julie has some thoughts, and she's already planning her return!

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We're going on the go for a special bonus episode from Universal Orlando!

Julie is sharing a quick recap of her Universal Orlando FAM trip with three fellow travel advisors. The trip included two days of training, a Club Level stay at Loews Portofino Bay, time in both original Universal parks, and a full day at Epic Universe!

She's also sharing a few highlights from her gluten-free dining experiences at Portofino Bay's Club Level lounge, Café L'air De La Sirène, and Mythos. And, of course, she couldn't leave without a frozen gluten-free Butterbeer!

This is just a little sneak peek of an incredible trip filled with unforgettable experiences and even better friendships. Julie will be back with Krystle during the regular weekly episode to dive into all the details, so stay tuned!

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Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort gives you something a little different from the other Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World. It has the tropical atmosphere, beaches, palm trees, and laid-back feel of an island vacation, but it also happens to sit at the hub of the Disney Skyliner.

So, do the transportation and resort atmosphere make up for just how big this resort actually is?

This week, we're unpacking everything Caribbean Beach has to offer, including the rooms, pools, dining, transportation, resort villages, fifth sleeper options, and the newer Little Mermaid-inspired rooms in Trinidad. And because this resort is so spread out, we're talking about something that matters a lot here: location, location, location.

We'll break down which villages make the most sense if your priority is the Skyliner, which put you closer to Old Port Royale and dining, and why Trinidad may not deserve the bad reputation it picked up during the old Pirate Room days.

Of course, we have to talk about the Skyliner. Caribbean Beach is the hub of the entire system, giving guests fantastic access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, plus easy resort hopping to Riviera, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. But if you're heading to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom, you're still relying on buses.

We'll also talk about Fuentes del Morro Pool, Sebastian's Bistro, the fifth sleeper rooms, and whether Caribbean Beach offers enough of an upgrade to choose it over a Value Resort like Pop Century, especially when both give you Skyliner access.

And then there's the big question: Is Caribbean Beach too big, or is all that space part of what makes it feel like an actual vacation resort?

Resort Reviews is our weekly bonus series from Wanderlust and Wishes, where we're making our way through the Walt Disney World resorts in completely random order. No rankings determining who goes first and no playing favorites. Just one resort at a time and our take on what you really need to know before you book.

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What’s the best rope drop strategy at Disneyland? Should you start with Peter Pan, head straight for Rise of the Resistance, knock out Fantasyland, or completely ignore what everyone else is doing?

This week, we’re breaking down how rope drop actually works at Disneyland, how early you really need to arrive, and the different strategies for Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, the west side of the park, Toontown, and Rise of the Resistance. We also talk about how Lightning Lane Multi Pass should work with your rope drop strategy, why Peter Pan can be a trap, and why the most “efficient” plan isn’t always the best plan for your family.

Because there isn’t one perfect Disneyland rope drop. There’s the one that works for you.

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Disney's Contemporary Resort is one of the most iconic resorts at Walt Disney World. It opened with the resort in 1971, the monorail literally runs through the building, and you can walk from your room to Magic Kingdom. But when you're paying Deluxe Resort prices, is convenience enough?

This week, we're unpacking everything Disney's Contemporary Resort has to offer, including the rooms, pools, dining, transportation, Club Level, Garden Wing, and Bay Lake Tower. We're also digging into some of the history behind this opening-day resort, including its pretty incredible construction and how that famous A-frame design was originally meant to represent the future.

Of course, we have to talk about the Contemporary's biggest selling point: location. We'll break down what it's really like to be able to walk to Magic Kingdom, hop on the monorail right inside your resort, head back for an afternoon break, or skip the post-fireworks transportation chaos altogether.

We're also talking about the things that aren't quite as impressive. Does the Contemporary feel "Disney" enough? Are the pools anything special? Should you splurge for a Theme Park View? Is the Main Tower worth the upgrade over the Garden Wing? And how do you decide between the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower?

Plus, with Chef Mickey's, Steakhouse 71, California Grill, monorail resort hopping, fireworks views, and some of the best transportation options at Walt Disney World, there may be more to this resort than its location alone.

Resort Reviews is our weekly bonus series from Wanderlust and Wishes, where we're making our way through the Walt Disney World resorts in completely random order. No rankings determining who goes first and no playing favorites. Just one resort at a time and our take on what you really need to know before you book.

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Finding the right all-inclusive resort sounds easy until you start factoring in who is actually going on the vacation.

This week, we’re looking at all-inclusive resorts through the lens of two very different families. Julie is, admittedly, a little extra when it comes to vacation planning, while Krystle’s family is much more willing to go with the flow. But beyond our planning styles, we’re also working with different family sizes, different ages, and different vacation dynamics. Julie is planning for a family of four, while Krystle is planning for a family of five, which can completely change what works when it comes to rooms, activities, dining, and overall value.

We each looked at what matters most to our families and searched for resorts in three different categories:

• Under $5,000
• Under $10,000
• Wildcard with no budget

Flights are not included, so we’re comparing the resort experience itself and asking what you really gain as the budget increases. Better rooms? Better beaches? More activities? Better food? Or are there resorts at the lower end that check just as many boxes?

We’ll walk through our criteria, the resorts that made our shortlists, where each one shines, and the tradeoffs we’d have to make along the way.

Because when it comes to all-inclusive resorts, the “best” resort may have a lot less to do with how much it costs and a lot more to do with who you’re traveling with.

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Disney's All-Star Movies Resort may be one of the most instantly recognizable Value Resorts at Walt Disney World. Giant characters, oversized movie props, colorful courtyards, and some serious Disney nostalgia make this resort feel exactly like what many people picture when they hear "Disney Value Resort."

But what do you give up for that lower price?

We're unpacking All-Star Movies from top to bottom, including the rooms, resort layout, pools, dining, transportation, and those larger-than-life themed sections featuring Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, The Love Bug, and The Mighty Ducks. We'll talk about Standard vs. Preferred rooms, which sections we think are worth requesting, and whether paying extra for a Preferred Room actually gets you anything beyond a shorter walk.

We'll also compare All-Star Movies to its closest Value Resort competitors, including Pop Century and Art of Animation. Is the over-the-top Disney theming enough to make up for bus-only transportation? Is this a resort adults can actually enjoy? And who is All-Star Movies really a great fit for?

If you're looking for a Disney resort that keeps the magic high without blowing the vacation budget, this one deserves a closer look.

Resort Reviews is our weekly bonus series from Wanderlust and Wishes, where we're making our way through the Walt Disney World resorts in completely random order. No rankings determining who goes first and no playing favorites. Just one resort at a time and our take on what you really need to know before you book.

Support the show

Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast
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For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
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Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean? It’s one of the biggest questions families ask when choosing a cruise, and the answer isn’t as simple as you might think.

This week, we’re putting Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean head-to-head to talk about who does it better when it comes to the things that actually matter on vacation. We’re comparing cruise ship activities, staterooms, dining, kids clubs, entertainment, pools and water attractions, private islands, nightlife, service, and what’s actually included in your cruise fare.

Does Disney Cruise Line still have the edge for families? Does Royal Caribbean offer more for teens and adults? How do Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay compare to Perfect Day at CocoCay? And once you factor in all those extras, which cruise line really gives you more for your money?

We’re also talking about how newer ships like the Disney Adventure are changing the conversation around Disney Cruise Line, and why choosing between Disney and Royal Caribbean may have a lot more to do with your family and vacation style than simply picking the “better” cruise line.

If you’re planning a Disney Cruise, considering a Royal Caribbean cruise, or trying to decide which cruise line is best for your next family vacation, this episode will help you figure out which experience fits you best.

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For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com
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