Wanderlust & Wishes
Planning your next Disney, Universal, cruise, or all-inclusive vacation and feeling overwhelmed?
Welcome to Wanderlust & Wishes, the weekly travel podcast hosted by travel advisors Krystle and Julie. We help families, couples, and Disney-loving adults plan smarter vacations without stress.
From Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando to Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and all-inclusive resorts around the world, we share tips, honest reviews, hidden gems, and strategy you can actually use. Learn how to tackle rope drop, master Lightning Lanes, pack smart for cruises, and discover must-see experiences for every destination.
Whether you’re planning your first Disney trip, an adults-only getaway, or your next big adventure, Wanderlust & Wishes helps you travel like a pro and make unforgettable memories along the way.
New episodes every week- subscribe now and start planning your dream trip today!
Episodes
119 episodes
How Far Does $5,000 Go at Universal Orlando? Real Family Vacation Plans on a Budget for 2026 (Ep 109)
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 ...
Disney World Trip Report: Lightning Lane Wins, Resort Reviews & a 13th Birthday Adventure (Ep 108)
This week on Wanderlust & Wishes, we're sharing a very special Walt Disney World trip report as we celebrate our daughter Ella's 13th birthday!As part of a family tradition, Ella's grandparents take each grandchild on a trip of their...
On the Go Walt Disney World Birthday Trip June 2026
This episode is a bonus On-the-Go episode with real time reviews/comments on Julie's Walt Disney World trip. This trip was a birthday celebration trip for Julie's daughter, Ella. Ella brough her lifelong bestie, Sofia. This was Sofia's first tr...
Disney Cruise Line Specialty Cruises: Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime, Pixar & Marvel Day at Sea (Ep 107)
If you've ever wondered whether a Disney Cruise Line specialty sailing is worth planning your vacation around, this episode is for you!We're diving into Disney Cruise Line's themed cruises, including Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merr...
The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Family All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun & Riviera Maya (Ep 106)
Thinking about booking your first family all-inclusive vacation in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Costa Mujeres, or Playa Mujeres? In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're answering one of the most common questions we get from clients: how do a...
Anniversary Episode: Our Biggest Travel Opinions After One More Year of Trips, Cruises & Theme Parks (Ep 105)
In this anniversary episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we’re looking back on another year of travel, vacations, cruising, theme parks, and all the opinions that changed along the way. From debating Epic Universe vs Magic Kingdom to choosing be...
Magic Kingdom Hacks, Hidden Shortcuts & Rookie Mistakes (Ep 104)
Planning a day at Magic Kingdom can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we’re sharing the small Magic Kingdom tips and Disney World tricks that can completely change the flow of you...
Epic Universe Rope Drop Strategy 2026 (Ep 103)
This week on Wanderlust & Wishes, Julie and Krystle break down what rope drop at Universal Orlando’s newest theme park actually looks like right now, including what has changed since opening, whether Early Park Admission is really worth it,...
2026 EPCOT Rope Drop Plan | Front Entrance vs International Gateway (Ep 102)
Trying to figure out the best way to rope drop EPCOT in 2026? In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we’re breaking down exactly how to start your Disney day with the shortest waits, smartest route, and biggest time savings possible. We co...
Alaska Cruise 101: What You Need to Know Before You Book (Ep 101)
Planning an Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming, but in this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, Krystle and Julie break down everything you need to know before you book. From choosing between top cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Princess ...
Universal Orlando Wand Experience Explained - Spells, Locations, and Tips (Ep 100)
We’re celebrating Episode 100 … by diving into one of the most immersive and magical experiences at Universal Orlando Resort.In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, Krystle and Julie are breaking down all the things when it comes to ...
Disney World with Toddlers: Real Tips for Strollers, Naps, Rope Drop & Meltdowns (Ep. 99)
This week, Krystle and Julie are breaking down what traveling to Disney with toddlers actually looks like, from stroller strategy and nap schedules to rope drop planning, packing essentials, and handling those inevitable meltdowns. If you’ve be...
Magic Kingdom Rope Drop Strategy 2026: Beat the Crowds & Get the Most Out of Your Morning (Ep 98)
On this episode, Krystle and Julie are breaking down exactly how rope dropping Magic Kingdom works in 2026. From the moment you scan into the park to those first critical decisions at park open, we’re walking you through a realistic strategy th...
Cruise vs All-Inclusive Resort: Which Vacation Is the Most Valuable for YOU? (Ep. 97)
Trying to decide between a cruise and an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation? You’re not alone and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.In this episode, Krystle and Julie are breaking down cruise vs all-inclusiv...
Princess Cruises 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking Your First Princess Cruise (Ep 96)
In this episode of Wanderlust and Wishes, Krystle and Julie welcome back friend and fellow agent, Margie Reynold. We break down everything you need to know before sailing with Princess Cruises. From what makes Princess different from other crui...
Disneyland vs Disney World: What’s Different and What Might Surprise You (Ep. 95)
Disneyland and Walt Disney World may share the same Disney name, but the experience can feel completely different and it’s easy to get caught off guard if you’re expecting them to be the same.In this episode, Krystle and Julie are breaki...
Surviving Spring Break at Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando (Ep 94)
Spring break is one of the busiest times of the year at theme parks, but that does not mean your trip has to feel chaotic.In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we are sharing our best strategies for navigating Disney World and Univ...
Universal Studios Rope Drop Strategy — What to Ride First & What to Skip for Shorter Waits (Ep 93)
On this episode, Krystle and Julie talk through rope drop strategies for Universal Studios. If you’ve ever walked out of Universal Studios in Orlando at 2PM wondering how the lines got so long so fast… this episode is for you.Universal S...
Disney Fantasy Birthday Cruise Surprise — Calder’s 10th Birthday at Sea (Bonus Episode)
This episode is all about the birthday boy and his adventures on the Disney Fantasy. Follow along from the surprise reveal to his thoughts on his very first cruise. We're certainly biased, but his genuine joy in all the things is absolutely pre...
Pixar Day at Sea on Disney Fantasy — First-Time Disney Cruise Line Recap (Ep 92)
Krystle just returned from her very first Disney Cruise Line sailing and it was not just any cruise. It was a Pixar Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy, and she surprised her 10 year old son with the entire trip.In this episode, we break do...
Best Cruise Lines for Adults Only Vacations — Top Child-Free Sailings Compared (Ep 91)
In this episode, Krystle and Julie dive into what an adults only cruise actually looks like. Not the wild spring break version. The relaxed, sleep in a little later, order the second cocktail, linger at dinner kind of trip.Whether you’re...
Best Couples Trips to Reconnect — Romantic Getaways Without Overplanning (Ep 90)
In this episode, we’re sharing our top spots for couple travel that are romantic, easy to plan, and genuinely enjoyable to experience together. From all-inclusive favorites like Cabo, St. Lucia, and Mexico, to adventure-meets-romance destinatio...
Adults-Only Walt Disney World Trip — No Kids, Just Vibes & Luxury (Ep 89)
Disney World isn’t just for families with kids. In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, Krystle and Julie break down exactly how to plan an adults-only trip to Walt Disney World that feels relaxed, elevated, and intentional.From choo...
Islands of Adventure Rope Drop Strategy — Hagrid’s vs VelociCoaster & Real Arrival Times (Ep 88)
Rope dropping Islands of Adventure can completely change your Universal Orlando experience, but only if you know exactly when to arrive and which rides to prioritize. In this episode, Krystle and Julie break down what rope drop actually means, ...
Disney Cruise Line 101 — How to Book a Stress-Free Disney Cruise from Start to Sail (Ep 87)
Thinking about booking a Disney cruise but not sure where to start?In this episode, we walk through the full process of booking a cruise with Disney Cruise Line, from the very first inquiry to embarkation day. We break down how itinerari...