Where We Roam Podcast

whereweroam
  • 4.6 (20)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Four travel experts. 34 years in the industry. Countless destinations and plenty of opinions. Where We Roam brings you real travel stories, insider tips, and honest takes on cruises, theme parks, resorts, and the trips worth dreaming about.

  1. 13h ago

    Disney Parks Update: Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Soarin’ Across America & Animation Courtyard

    Dayna is back from Walt Disney World with firsthand updates from some of the newest experiences in the parks! In this episode of Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Jess dive into Dayna’s recent visit for passholder previews, including the new Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the limited-time Soarin’ Across America overlay at EPCOT, and the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard. Dayna shares what changed, what stayed the same, and whether the Muppets overlay works on one of Hollywood Studios’ most iconic thrill rides. Jess also gives her very honest thoughts on the Muppets, Aerosmith, and why this retheme may not be winning her over just yet. Plus, the crew talks EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, nostalgic Disney smells, new park green spaces, snacky snacks, and another round of John’s 15-word Disney attraction guessing game. Whether you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip, curious about the latest Disney Parks updates, or just want honest reactions from travel advisors who love the parks, this episode has you covered. In this episode: Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster first impressions Soarin’ Across America review Animation Courtyard reopening updates Mickey Mouse Clubhouse early opening EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival thoughts Disney snack reviews Why scent is such a powerful part of the Disney experience A chaotic Disney ride guessing game

    38 min

  2. May 22

    Location, Location, Location: Disney Resort Showdown + Disney Parks Update

    This week on Where We Roam, we’re talking location, location, location with a Disney Resort Showdown featuring three of our favorite Walt Disney World resorts close to the parks: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. But first, Dayna joins us live from Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a Disney Parks update, including her experience riding Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT and the anticipation around Muppets Electric Mayhem taking over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. Then we go head-to-head-to-head with three very different Disney deluxe resorts. Animal Kingdom Lodge brings the savanna views, incredible theming, and some of the best resort dining at Disney World. The Polynesian delivers Monorail access, tropical vibes, Magic Kingdom convenience, and classic Disney nostalgia. Yacht Club brings the EPCOT resort area, walkability, Stormalong Bay, and easy access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. We rank each resort across the categories that matter most: location and transportation, theme and atmosphere, room size and layout, food and beverage, pools and amenities, and overall value. Which Disney resort wins when location is the name of the game? Listen in as we debate three Walt Disney World favorites and crown our winner.

    58 min

  3. May 15

    Would You Rather: The Ultimate Vacation Debate Episode

    This week on Where We Roam, we’re playing Travel Would You Rather — the ultimate vacation debate episode. John, Dayna, Jess, and Shawn are choosing between some seriously tough travel scenarios: a full week at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, a suite on an older cruise ship or an inside cabin on the newest ship, flying economy with an ultra-luxury resort stay or flying business class with more moderate accommodations, and whether swim-out suites beat butler service. We also get into Disney fireworks vs. character meet-and-greets, iconic historic hotels vs. brand-new luxury resorts, traveling with extended family, peak season crowds, loud hotel neighbors, and plenty of vacation hot takes along the way. It’s a fun, chaotic, and surprisingly revealing conversation about how we each travel, what we prioritize on vacation, and which “would you rather” choices are harder than they sound. Perfect for fans of Disney vacations, Universal Orlando, cruises, luxury resorts, family travel, and travel planning debates.

    43 min

  4. May 8

    Meet Jess: Our New Co-Host, Hawaii Expert, and Disney Resort Pro

    Jess is official official! This week on Where We Roam, we officially welcome Jess as a regular co-host and give listeners a chance to get to know her better. Jess shares how her love of travel started, what led her into the travel advisor world, and why Hawaii has become one of her deepest areas of expertise. We talk Maui memories, favorite Hawaiian resorts, bucket-list trips, traveling with kids before they leave the house, and what it was like being a travel advisor before, during, and after the pandemic. Then we put Jess to the test with a Disney resort guessing game and rapid-fire favorites covering Disney parks, Disney snacks, favorite cruise lines, and the eternal travel debate: cruise or all-inclusive? If you love Hawaii, Disney resorts, Royal Caribbean, travel advisor behind-the-scenes talk, or just want to meet the newest voice on the show, this is the perfect episode to jump into. In this episode, we discuss: Jess officially joining Where We Roam Her background in travel and life in New England Why Hawaii, especially Maui, is so special to her Bucket-list trips including Asia, Tuscany, safari, and Norway Disney resort trivia and favorite Disney parks Royal Caribbean vs. Disney Cruise Line Cruises vs. all-inclusive resorts What makes a great travel experience for families with older kids Listen now and help us welcome Jess to the show!

    51 min

  5. Apr 30

    NCL Haven FAQ: Everything to Know Before You Upgrade

    Thinking about upgrading to The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line? Before you spend the extra money, this episode breaks down what you really need to know. After John’s recent stay in a Haven Penthouse with Balcony on Norwegian Luna, we’re answering the most common NCL Haven questions: what The Haven actually is, what perks are included, how the private restaurant compares to specialty dining, whether the service feels elevated, and who this luxury “ship-within-a-ship” experience is really for. We talk through the food, the cocktails, the stateroom, butler service, concierge perks, priority boarding, private spaces, kids in The Haven, Vibe Beach Club access, line-skipping benefits, and whether the upgrade feels worth it compared to a regular Norwegian cruise experience. If you’re considering The Haven on Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, or another NCL ship, this episode will help you decide whether it’s the right splurge for your next cruise. In this episode, we cover: What The Haven is on Norwegian Cruise Line What’s included with The Haven Norwegian Luna Haven Penthouse review Haven restaurant food and service Haven bar and elevated cocktails Free at Sea Plus in The Haven Butler service and concierge perks Kids in The Haven Vibe Beach Club and thermal spa access Priority boarding, shows, tendering, and line-skipping Whether The Haven is worth the upgrade Listen before you upgrade — this is your NCL Haven FAQ.

    1h 1m

  6. Apr 23

    Universal’s Epic Universe vs. Disney’s $10B Plan — Who Comes Out on Top?

    Universal’s Epic Universe is officially raising the stakes—and Disney is responding with a massive $10 billion investment across its parks. But is it enough? In this episode of Where We Roam, we break down the growing battle between Disney and Universal, including what’s coming to Walt Disney World through 2030, how Epic Universe is already changing the game, and why this feels like a full-blown theme park arms race. We also dive into the latest Disney news, including the release of 2027 bookings, what it means for pricing and availability, and key updates like potential changes to perks, dining plans, and bounceback offers. From new lands like Encanto and Monsters Inc. to long-term projects like Villains Land, we’re analyzing what excites us, what concerns us, and whether Disney is moving fast enough to keep up. If you’re planning a future Disney or Universal trip—or just love theme park strategy—this is a must-listen.

    1h 2m

  7. Apr 16

    Norwegian Luna Review: Stunning Ship, But Does Royal Caribbean Still Win?

    Norwegian Luna is one of the most stunning new ships at sea—but is it enough to take down Royal Caribbean? Fresh off the first public sailing, we’re breaking down our full experience onboard NCL’s newest ship—from embarkation and ship design to dining, entertainment, and The Haven. But the real question: 👉 When you compare it head-to-head with Royal Caribbean… who actually comes out on top? In this episode, we cover: First impressions and embarkation (and where it falls short) Solo cabins vs suite life in The Haven Specialty dining vs main dining—and why it didn’t feel so “special” Entertainment differences between NCL and Royal Ship layout, flow, and overall design Where Norwegian Luna shines—and where Royal still dominates Plus, we share honest onboard reactions from Megan and Lisa to round out the conversation. If you’re trying to decide between Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean for your next cruise, this is the real-world comparison you’ve been waiting for.

    1h 9m
  8. Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay… Which Disney Island Wins?

    Apr 9

    Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay… Which Disney Island Wins?

    Disney Cruise Line now has two private destinations… but which one actually delivers the better day? In this episode of Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and special guest Jess break down Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point—and it gets surprisingly competitive. Dayna just sailed back-to-back itineraries hitting BOTH islands in the same week, giving us a rare side-by-side comparison, while Jess brings fresh perspective from recent sailings. We’re scoring each destination across what actually matters: Beaches (spoiler: this one isn’t close 👀) Layout & ease of getting around Activities (snorkeling, biking, water play & more) Vibe (classic Disney vs. authentic Bahamas feel) Food (and yes… we go there) From crystal-clear Bahamian water and pink sand beaches to nostalgia, crowd flow, and real-world usability, this is the honest breakdown Disney cruisers need. If you’re deciding between itineraries—or just want to know if Disney’s new island lives up to the hype—this episode gives you the answer.

    54 min
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4.6
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Four travel experts. 34 years in the industry. Countless destinations and plenty of opinions. Where We Roam brings you real travel stories, insider tips, and honest takes on cruises, theme parks, resorts, and the trips worth dreaming about.

Information

  • Creator
    whereweroam
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Where We Roam Podcast

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