One Slice at a Time

Ryan Joy and Stephanie Pakosta
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Places & Travel

Pizza is the passport. Travel advisors Stephanie Pakosta and Ryan Joy travel the world one slice at a time - chasing great pies, great cities, and the unexpected stories you find along the way. Plus the kind of trip-planning-know-how you only get from agents who book it for a living. 

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 66: Can You Really Do Disney World in a Weekend?

    Who says Walt Disney World has to be a weeklong vacation? This week, Stephanie and Ryan are talking about one of their favorite ways to visit Disney: the quick weekend trip. Think Friday through Sunday—or maybe Monday if you can stretch it. They compare how they handle flights, resorts, park time, dining, transportation, Lightning Lanes, packing, and priorities when there are only a few days to work with. Stephanie explains why a nonstop early flight is non-negotiable when she flies from St. Louis, why she prefers staying close to the park she plans to visit, and why a short trip is not the time to try to conquer all four parks. Ryan shares what quick Disney trips look like when you live close enough to drive—and how sometimes the restaurant reservation determines the entire weekend. They also talk about who these trips work best for, including repeat Disney visitors, adults-only groups, parent-and-child trips, holiday party weekends, EPCOT festival visits, and families who may want a small taste of Disney before committing to a longer vacation. And yes, there’s pizza. Ryan takes us back to Portugal for another Crusty Review before Stephanie brings him back to Disney planning. If you have ever thought, “I would go to Disney more often if I didn’t have to take an entire week off,” this episode may change the way you think about a Disney vacation. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  2. Sep 21

    Beating the Heat at Disney World: What to Pack, Where to Cool Off & How to Plan Your Day | Ep. 65

    Disney World's Florida sun does not need a Lightning Lane. It finds everybody. Stephanie and Ryan are talking about how to handle a hot Walt Disney World park day without having your entire family hot, tired and cranky by lunchtime. They cover hydration, breakfast, breathable clothing, sunscreen, hats, strollers, scooters, cooling towels, fans, electrolyte packets and the other items they actually carry in their park bags. More importantly, they explain why the biggest heat strategy is not something you buy — it is how you plan the day. Learn how to use cooler morning hours, schedule indoor time during the hottest part of the day, decide whether a resort break makes sense, and save outdoor attractions for later when possible. Then Stephanie and Ryan go park by park with cooling stops in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Plus: why resort location matters more during hot weather, what to do when someone starts feeling sick, and Ryan's 8-out-of-8 Crusty Review of Sourdough in Porto. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  3. Sep 14

    Travel Day From Hell: Canceled Flights, Trains, Trees & No Rental Car

    Ryan’s trip home from Portugal should have been simple: Porto to JFK, a long connection, then on to Rochester. Instead, one canceled flight became a very long series of planes, trains, and automobiles — with a few mistakes of his own mixed in. Stephanie gets the full story: the wrong airport check-in line, a missed cancellation alert, another wrong line, no available rental cars in New York, three trains, a fallen tree, a power line on the tracks, heavy rain and a rental-car reservation that almost wasn’t honored. It is funny now. It was not very funny in the moment. More importantly, Ryan and Stephanie pull six useful lessons from the mess: check every flight segment, read your alerts, confirm last-minute rental cars directly, build extra time around important events, save records and receipts, and know when it is safer to stop for the night. Plus, Ryan reviews Forno d’Oro in Lisbon and explains why it earned an 8 out of 8 on the One Slice scale. What was your worst travel day? Find One Slice at a Time on Facebook or Instagram and tell us what happened. More from the show: OneSlicePod.com bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  4. Sep 7

    Episode 63: A 9-Year-Old Reviews Disney Destiny — And She Did NOT Hold Back

    Adults can tell you whether the stateroom is comfortable or whether dinner was good. But what does a kid actually think about Disney Destiny? Stephanie recently sailed Disney Destiny with her 9-year-old daughter Eva, so this week we're giving Eva the biggest slice of the conversation. And she has opinions. Eva shares what stood out the moment she walked onto the ship, why the bunk bed became her favorite sleeping spot, what she thought of Disney's Oceaneer Club, and why Marvel Super Hero Academy became one of her favorite places onboard. We also talk about Hercules, Pride Lands, Worlds of Marvel, IncrediGames, family drawing activities, the silent DJ party, Haunted Mansion Happy Haunts, character meet-and-greets, food, and the things children can do when their family doesn't have anything planned. Stephanie shares the parent side too, including what she learned about busy character lines, arriving early for popular shows, using the Disney Cruise Line app, ordering room service, and taking a Disney cruise as one parent traveling with one child. And then things get serious. Eva takes control of the Crusty Review and rates Daisy's Pizza Pies against Via Napoli. Ryan and Stephanie may never recover. If you're thinking about Disney Destiny with kids, this episode gives you something most ship reviews don't: the opinion of the person you're actually trying to keep happy. Planning a Disney Cruise? Stephanie and Ryan help families choose the right Disney ship, sailing, stateroom, and trip plan without charging a planning fee. Email bookings@oneslicepod.com to get started. For more travel tips, join the Extra Cheese newsletter at extracheese.fun. Visit OneSlicePod.com for more episodes. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  5. Aug 31

    Episode 62: This Portugal River Cruise Was NOT What We Expected

    Ryan just returned from Portugal, and his review is simple: 10 out of 10—but he has notes. Before boarding his river cruise, Ryan spent five days working from Lisbon and Porto. His routine involved hotel breakfasts, plenty of travel-agent work, afternoon cappuccinos, and an impressive amount of Portuguese pizza. Then he boarded the AmaSintra for seven nights on the Douro River. That's where things got interesting. If you've previously cruised rivers such as the Rhine or Danube, the Douro may feel surprisingly different. Instead of waking up each morning already docked in the middle of a city, Ryan spent many mornings watching Portugal's vineyard-covered hills pass by while the ship sailed through the valley. The result? A much slower and more social style of river cruising. Ryan explains the locks, low bridges, afternoon excursions, wine focus, visits to smaller towns, and a full-day trip to Salamanca, Spain. He also talks about why this itinerary may be especially good for groups of friends who want sightseeing without giving up time to relax together. But there are a few things he would make sure every client understands before booking. We also get serious about pizza during this week's Crusty Review, when Ryan tells Stephanie about Oldman Pizza Studios in Porto and one of his favorite pizza experiences anywhere. If you're considering Portugal, AmaWaterways, or your first European river cruise, this episode will help you decide whether the Douro fits the way you actually like to travel. Want help planning your river cruise? Stephanie and Ryan work with several major river-cruise companies and can help with itineraries, dates, cabins, extensions, airfare, current offers, and the small details that make a major difference once you're there. Email us at Bookings@OneSlicePod to start planning. Visit ExtraCheese.fun to join our email list for more practical travel advice, podcast updates, and trip ideas. AmaWaterways describes its current Douro options as seven-night sailings through Portugal and Spain, with experiences that may include Porto, vineyards, wine estates and Salamanca.  bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  6. Aug 24

    Episode 61: Galapagos + Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Bucket-List Trip?

    What if one of the world's best wildlife experiences didn't require an African safari? This week, we're heading to the Galapagos Islands, where giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies are only part of what makes the destination so unusual. Stephanie and Ryan explain why visiting the Galapagos isn't the same as taking a traditional cruise. This is expedition-style travel focused heavily on wildlife, nature, small-group activities and learning from experienced naturalist guides. National Geographic-Lindblad's current Galápagos trips include activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, Zodiac trips and walking excursions with Galápagos naturalists.  We also talk about one of the biggest questions surrounding the Galapagos: How much does this kind of trip cost — and is it worth it? Ryan has put together a seven-night Galapagos group beginning September 18, 2027, with an optional eight-night Peru extension that includes Machu Picchu. The two portions can also be booked separately, according to the trip details discussed in the episode.  You'll hear us discuss:  What makes Galapagos wildlife different  Giant tortoises, penguins and marine iguanas  Why a naturalist guide can add so much value  What expedition-style cruising is like  Who should consider a Galapagos trip  Why this is not an inexpensive vacation  Combining Ecuador with Peru  Adding the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu  Ryan's September 2027 hosted group And because this is One Slice at a Time, Ryan still manages to work pizza into an episode about one of the most remote wildlife destinations on Earth. Thinking about taking a major trip like this? Stephanie and Ryan are travel advisors and can help you work through your options, budget and travel plans. Visit OneSlicePod.com to get help planning your next vacation. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  7. Aug 17

    Episode 60: AmaWaterways Celebration of Beer Rhine Cruise | AmaFiora 2027

    Is the Rhine the perfect place to take your first European river cruise? This week, we're heading from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam and talking through one of the best-known river cruise routes in Europe—with one very fun addition. Ryan is hosting an AmaWaterways Celebration of Beer Rhine River cruise November 13–20, 2027 aboard AmaFiora. We'll take you stop by stop through the route, including Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Along the way we're talking castles, vineyards, walking tours, bike rides, Riesling, Rüdesheim coffee, regional food, Kölsch beer, Altbier, Amsterdam snacks, and the kind of small-group experiences that make river cruising so different from an ocean cruise. We also explain what it's actually like to cruise with AmaWaterways. What's included? How do excursions work? Can you change your plans? What drinks are included? Can you bring your own bottle of wine back onboard? AmaWaterways offers multiple excursion choices in many ports, and guests can often change their selection even after initially choosing an excursion. Stephanie and Ryan also discuss the included drinks and the local experiences that happen both ashore and onboard.  And yes—we finally get to the beer. The special sailing includes a brewer onboard, tastings, and beer experiences tied to the regions along the Rhine.  If you're thinking about river cruising and aren't sure which cruise line, cabin, itinerary, or sailing fits you best, that's where we come in. Visit OneSlicePod.com to connect with us and start planning. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  8. Aug 10

    Episode 59: Is Disney’s Aulani Resort Worth It?

    When most families think about a Disney vacation, they picture theme parks, early mornings, ride reservations, and packed schedules. Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii offers something very different. In this episode of One Slice at a Time, Stephanie Pakosta and Ryan Joy discuss whether Disney’s Aulani Resort is worth the long flight to Oahu and why it may be one of Disney’s most relaxing family destinations. Aulani is located in Ko Olina on the quieter west side of Oahu, about 30 minutes from Honolulu International Airport when traffic is light. The resort sits along a protected lagoon with calm water that works well for swimming, floating, paddleboarding, and families with younger children. Stephanie and Ryan explain why many Aulani guests may not need a rental car for their full stay. Parking can add a major daily cost, while airport transfers and one-day car rentals may be a better fit for guests who only plan to visit places such as Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or Dole Plantation. They also cover Aulani dining, including the Disney character breakfast at Makahiki, oceanfront dining at AMA‘AMA, casual meals at Ulu Cafe, drinks and small plates at The ‘Ōlelo Room, and nearby restaurants such as Monkeypod Kitchen. Stephanie shares why families should reserve popular meals as soon as their booking window opens. The episode also covers: Rainbow Reef snorkelingThe lazy river, pools, slides, and splash areasThe KA WA‘A luauUkulele, animation, art, and cultural activitiesLaniwai SpaPainted Sky experiences for children and tweensHotel rooms, studios, and multi-bedroom villasGrocery delivery and kitchen optionsAunty’s Beach House and children’s activitiesMagicBand+ use at the resortPool chair planningHow much Disney theming guests should expectStephanie and Ryan agree that Aulani puts Hawaii first and Disney second. Guests receive the service and small details associated with Disney, but the main focus remains Hawaiian culture, scenery, food, and time together. They also explain why Aulani may work especially well as the final four or five nights of a larger Hawaii vacation. Families can spend the first part of the trip touring Oahu or another island, then finish at Aulani with fewer plans and more time at the beach and pool. And because this is One Slice at a Time, Ryan shares a Crusty Review of Brick Fire Tavern, a Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant he visited during his birthday trip. Planning an Aulani vacation involves more than choosing a room. Stephanie and Ryan can help you decide how many nights to stay, whether to add another Hawaiian island, which room type fits your family, when to reserve dining and activities, and whether you need a rental car. Visit OneSlicePod.com to request help planning your Hawaii vacation. Join the One Slice at a Time newsletter for practical travel advice, destination ideas, new podcast episodes, and planning tools. Visit ExtraCheese.fun to subscribe. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

See All (66)

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Pizza is the passport. Travel advisors Stephanie Pakosta and Ryan Joy travel the world one slice at a time - chasing great pies, great cities, and the unexpected stories you find along the way. Plus the kind of trip-planning-know-how you only get from agents who book it for a living. 

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Joy and Stephanie Pakosta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 One Slice at a Time
  • Show Website
    One Slice at a Time

You Might Also Like