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!
Wanderlust & Wishes
Disney vs. Universal Orlando in 2026: Comparing Rides, Hotels, Food & Updates Since Adding Epic Universe (Ep 110)
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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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