Wanderlust & Wishes

Julie & Krystle
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. 3d ago

    Resort Reviews: Disney's Contemporary Resort | Is Location the Ultimate Luxury?

    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. 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

  2. 6d ago

    All-Inclusive Resorts at Every Budget: What Does Spending More Actually Get You? (Ep 121)

    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 $5,000Under $10,000Wildcard with no budgetFlights 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. 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

  3. Sep 26

    Resort Review: Disney's All-Star Movies Resort | The Most Disney Value Resort?

    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 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

  4. Sep 23

    Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean: Who Does It Better? (Ep 120)

    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. 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

  5. Sep 19

    Resort Review: Disney's Pop Century Resort | The Value Resort That Changes the Game

    The random resort picker has spoken again, and this week we're heading to the Value Resort category with Disney's Pop Century Resort! Pop Century may be a Value Resort, but it has one major advantage that sets it apart from some of the other Value options at Walt Disney World: the Disney Skyliner. Add in updated rooms, a fun throwback-to-the-decades theme, and easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and suddenly this little Value Resort starts looking like a pretty compelling option. We're unpacking everything you need to know about Pop Century, including the rooms, resort layout, pools, dining, transportation, preferred rooms, and all those larger-than-life reminders of the 1950s through the 1990s. We'll talk about whether paying extra for a Preferred Room actually makes sense, how much the Skyliner changes the experience, and why Pop Century can be such a great fit for guests who plan to spend most of their vacation in the parks. We'll also compare Pop Century to its closest competitors, including the All-Star Resorts and Art of Animation, and talk about who should choose Pop Century, who might want something different, and whether this resort really gives you the best of both worlds: Value pricing with some seriously convenient transportation. 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 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

  6. Sep 16

    Universal Orlando Myth Busting: What’s Fact, What’s Fiction & What You Actually Need to Know (Ep 119)

    If you’ve ever planned a Universal Orlando vacation, you’ve probably heard at least a few of these: Universal is only for older kids. Express Pass means you won’t wait in line. Harry Potter is one land. You can do all of Universal in one day. And yes, people really do still ask us which Disney park has the Harry Potter castle. This week, we’re separating fact from fiction and tackling some of the biggest Universal Orlando myths we hear from travelers and clients. We’re talking Express Pass, Early Park Admission, hotel perks, Volcano Bay, traveling with younger kids, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and why planning Universal like you plan Walt Disney World can get you into trouble. With Epic Universe now part of the equation, there’s even more outdated and confusing advice floating around, so we’re breaking down what’s actually true, what depends on your trip, and what you really need to know before you go. Whether you’re planning your first Universal vacation or just want to see how many of these myths you’ve believed yourself, this episode will help you approach Universal Orlando with a much clearer game plan. 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

  7. Sep 12

    Resort Review: Port Orleans French Quarter | Disney's Most Charming Moderate?

    The random resort picker is taking us to New Orleans this week! On this Resort Review episode, we're checking into Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, one of the smallest, most charming, and maybe most underrated resorts at Walt Disney World. French Quarter doesn't have the Skyliner. You can't walk to a theme park. There's no table-service restaurant, Club Level, or sprawling list of amenities. And yet, this little Moderate Resort has a seriously loyal following. So what makes people love it so much? We're unpacking everything French Quarter, from its incredibly compact layout and New Orleans-inspired atmosphere to the boat ride to Disney Springs, Doubloon Lagoon, dining, rooms, transportation, and, of course, those Mickey-shaped beignets. We'll talk about why being a smaller resort may actually be French Quarter's biggest advantage, how it compares to Port Orleans Riverside and Disney's other Moderate Resorts, and why this might be one of the easiest resorts to recommend to someone who wants Disney magic without feeling like they have to hike across their resort just to refill a drink. We'll also get into who we think French Quarter is perfect for, who should probably stay somewhere else, and whether it deserves its reputation as one of Walt Disney World's hidden gems. 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 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

  8. Sep 9

    No Take Backs! Blind Ranking Walt Disney World Attractions (Ep 118)

    How confident are you in your Walt Disney World attraction rankings when you have absolutely no idea what’s coming next? This week, we’re putting our Disney opinions to the test with a blind ranking challenge. Julie and Krystle each brought 10 completely random Walt Disney World attractions and revealed them to each other one at a time. The catch? Once an attraction gets a spot on the list, it stays there. Do you play it safe and save the top spots? Do you panic and put something at #2 that absolutely does not belong there? And how quickly do you regret every decision you’ve made? There’s no strategy, no changing our minds, and definitely no take backs. Just 20 random attractions, questionable choices, and a whole lot of second-guessing. 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

See All (139)

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Julie & Krystle
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wanderlust & Wishes
  • Show Website
    Wanderlust & Wishes

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