Wanderlust & Wishes

Julie & Krystle
  • 5.0 (19)
  • 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. 4d ago

    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 Merrytime Cruises, Pixar Day at Sea, and Marvel Day at Sea. We break down what makes each sailing unique, when they're offered, which ships participate, and the exclusive entertainment, character experiences, decorations, parties, and activities that set them apart from a standard Disney cruise. We also compare all four specialty sailings to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your family, whether you're looking for festive holiday magic, superhero action, Pixar fun, or spooky Halloween celebrations at sea. Plus, we answer the big question: Would we actually change our cruise dates, itinerary, or departure port to sail on one of these specialty cruises? If you're planning a Disney cruise in 2026 or beyond, this episode will help you decide whether one of these unique themed sailings belongs on your vacation wish list. 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

    26 min

  2. Jun 3

    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 all-inclusive resorts actually work? Whether you're just starting your research or trying to narrow down hundreds of resort options, we're breaking down everything first-time visitors need to know before they book.  We'll discuss the differences between Cancun, Riviera Maya, Costa Mujeres, Playa Mujeres, and Isla Mujeres, explain what is typically included in an all-inclusive vacation, and help you understand how to choose the right resort based on your family's travel style. We also cover beach vacations versus pool vacations, dining options and food quality, allergies and special dietary needs, family room configurations, airport transportation, kids clubs, water parks, teen activities, and the extras that may or may not be worth the additional cost. Along the way, we'll share ten family-favorite all-inclusive resorts that consistently receive high marks from travel advisors, including Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Dreams Playa Mujeres, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Moon Palace The Grand, Nickelodeon Riviera Maya, and more. We also dive into the biggest mistakes families make when booking their first all-inclusive vacation, from choosing a resort based on price alone to overlooking room occupancy limits, beach conditions, and the importance of matching a resort to your children's ages and interests. 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

    40 min

  3. May 27

    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 between cruise vacations and theme park trips, we’re sharing the experiences, surprises, trends, and travel hot takes we can’t stop talking about after a full year of adventures and podcast episodes. We’re also discussing our favorite rides, resorts, snacks, cruise moments, biggest disappointments, and the travel opinions we know listeners may disagree with. Plus, we’re reflecting on our favorite episodes from the past year, what surprised us most in the travel industry, and how vacation planning conversations have shifted recently. Whether you love Disney destinations, Universal Orlando, cruising, family travel, vacation planning, or just hearing honest travel conversations, this episode is a fun look back at the moments and debates that defined our year. 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

    34 min

  4. May 20

    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 your day. These aren’t the big strategies everyone talks about nonstop. These are the underrated details, hidden shortcuts, transportation tips, ride strategies, food hacks, parade secrets, and survival tips that experienced Disney guests learn over time. We cover everything from rope drop strategy, Early Entry, Lightning Lane mistakes, and fireworks timing to stroller survival, the best midday break locations, mobile ordering tricks, hidden quiet spots, parade viewing hacks, rainy day strategies, and why the last hour of the night at Magic Kingdom is elite. We also talk through transportation from the TTC, ferry vs monorail, secret walkway shortcuts, underrated snacks, little kid survival tips, and veteran-level truths that can make your Walt Disney World vacation smoother and far less stressful. 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

    1h 10m

  5. May 13

    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, and how to decide between Super Nintendo World, Battle at the Ministry, Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and more. We’re talking real strategy, realistic expectations, and the touring advice that is already outdated. From Mine-Cart Madness and Mario Kart to Stardust Racers and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, we cover the rides that can make or break your day, plus hotel advantages, crowd flow,  and the biggest mistakes guests are making at Epic Universe. 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

    25 min

  6. May 6

    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 cover the best rope drop strategy for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, and Test Track, how your arrival method completely changes your morning plan, and the differences between entering through the front entrance and International Gateway. We also dive into Early Entry advantages for Disney Resort guests, real wait time patterns, and the biggest rope drop mistakes that can waste valuable park time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney planner, this episode will help you maximize your morning at EPCOT with updated 2026 Walt Disney World planning tips and verified strategies designed to help you beat the crowds and ride more attractions with less stress.  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

    38 min

  7. Apr 29

    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 Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line to understanding the difference between roundtrip and one-way Alaska itineraries, we cover it all. We dive into why Glacier Bay matters and how ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan shape your experience. We also chat about the most popular Alaska cruise excursions like whale watching, dog sledding, and the White Pass Railway, plus what to expect when it comes to weather, pricing, and packing. If you’re deciding between sailing from Seattle or Vancouver, wondering if a balcony room is worth it, or trying to figure out the best time to cruise Alaska, this episode helps you get started. 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

    26 min

  8. Apr 22

    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 wands inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We’re talking through how the interactive wands actually work, where you can cast spells throughout the parks, and the spots that are absolutely worth your time versus the ones you might want to skip when crowds are high. We’ll also share tips for getting the most out of your wand, how to avoid common mistakes, and whether the experience is really worth the cost. If you’ve ever wondered how to unlock all the magic in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and Ministry of Magic or you want to make sure your kids (or let’s be honest… you) get the full wizarding experience, this episode will help you plan it the right way. 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

    26 min
See All (116)

5
out of 5
19 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
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wanderlust & Wishes
  • Show Website
    Wanderlust & Wishes

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