Wanderlust & Wishes

Julie & Krystle
  • 5.0 (20)
  • 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. 5d ago

    Disney World Myths Busted! 13 Walt Disney World Planning Mistakes to Avoid (Ep 114)

    Think Walt Disney World is only for kids? Believe you have to  buy a MagicBand, or spend thousands of dollars to have a great Disney vacation? Think again! In Episode 114 of Wanderlust & Wishes, Julie and Krystle are busting some of the biggest Walt Disney World myths that first-time visitors hear over and over again. From Disney princess misconceptions and park reservations to staying off property, using a Disney travel advisor, bringing your own food into the parks, and whether rain really ruins your Disney day, we're separating fact from fiction. Whether you're planning your very first Walt Disney World vacation or you're a seasoned Disney fan looking to update your planning knowledge, this episode is packed with practical Disney vacation tips that can help you save time, reduce stress, and avoid common planning mistakes. 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. Jul 22

    Walt Disney World for the Holidays 2026 (Ep 113)

    Christmas may still be months away, but Disney has already started sharing what's coming for the 2026 holiday season, and we're diving into all of it in this year's Halfway to the Holidays episode. From Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights to EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays, festive resort decorations, Disney Springs, Disney Cruise Line Merrytime sailings, and Disneyland at Christmas, we're sharing what makes the holidays at Disney so special and why it's one of our favorite times of the year to visit. Along the way, we're discussing what's new for 2026, our favorite holiday traditions, travel planning tips, and the experiences we'd prioritize if we could only choose one. Whether you're planning your very first Disney Christmas vacation or looking for the latest updates before you book your next holiday trip, this episode is packed with practical advice from two travel advisors who love helping families experience the magic of Disney during the most wonderful time of the year. 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. Jul 15

    Alaska Cruise Roundtable: Real Experiences, Best Excursions & First-Time Tips (Ep 112)

    Thinking about taking an Alaska cruise? In this special roundtable episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're joined by three of our friends and fellow travel advisors who recently returned from three different Alaska sailings. From cruise line comparisons and unforgettable excursions to wildlife encounters, glacier viewing, packing tips, and planning advice, we're sharing the real experiences that can help you decide if an Alaska cruise is right for you. We compare what surprised them most, discuss the excursions they would book again, talk about what they would do differently next time, and separate common Alaska cruise myths from reality. Whether you're deciding between cruise lines, planning your first Alaska vacation, or simply dreaming about America's Last Frontier, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest opinions from travelers who have just experienced it firsthand. 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. Jul 8

    How to Beat the Heat at Disney World & Universal: Summer Park Survival Tips (Ep 111)

    Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, but it's also one of the hottest. In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're sharing our favorite tips for staying cool, hydrated, and comfortable while tackling long park days in the Florida heat. From smart hydration strategies and electrolyte tips to the best places to cool off, when to take a midday break, and the summer gear that's actually worth packing, we're covering everything we've learned through our own park visits and helping clients plan successful vacations year after year. Whether you're planning your first Disney vacation, heading to Universal Orlando, or visiting any theme park this summer, these practical tips will help you spend less time recovering from the heat and more time enjoying your vacation. 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. Jul 1

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

    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. 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. Jun 24

    How Far Does $5,000 Go at Universal Orlando? Real Family Vacation Plans on a Budget for 2026 (Ep 109)

    With the addition of Epic Universe, many families are wondering if Universal Orlando is still an affordable vacation destination. In this episode, we're putting that question to the test. Julie and Krystle each have a budget of $5,000 to plan a Universal Orlando vacation, but they're planning for very different families. Julie is building a trip for a family of four, while Krystle is stretching the same budget for a family of five. From hotels and park tickets to Express Passes, food, transportation, and souvenirs, we're breaking down exactly how we would spend our money and where we'd choose to save. 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. Jun 17

    Disney World Trip Report: Lightning Lane Wins, Resort Reviews & a 13th Birthday Adventure (Ep 108)

    This week on Wanderlust & Wishes, we're sharing a very special Walt Disney World trip report as we celebrate our daughter Ella's 13th birthday! As part of a family tradition, Ella's grandparents take each grandchild on a trip of their choice for their 13th birthday, and for the final grandchild's big adventure, she chose Walt Disney World. Ella even brought her lifelong best friend Sofia along for the fun. Join us as we recap our split stay at Disney's Riviera Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, discuss our Park Hopper strategy, and share the highlights (and frustrations) from Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom. We'll talk about using Wait Magic for Lightning Lane planning, riding Tiana's Bayou Adventure twice, experiencing the newly reopened Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, discovering an unexpected new favorite restaurant at EPCOT's San Angel Inn, and surviving a challenging day at Hollywood Studios. Plus, hear the unbelievable story of how a brand-new Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket turned into a memorable and surprising moment of the trip. Most importantly, Ella joins us to share her perspective on the vacation, her favorite rides, resorts, snacks, and memories from this milestone birthday celebration. 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. Jun 14

    On the Go Walt Disney World Birthday Trip June 2026

    This episode is a bonus On-the-Go episode with real time reviews/comments on Julie's Walt Disney World trip. This trip was a birthday celebration trip for Julie's daughter, Ella. Ella brough her lifelong bestie, Sofia. This was Sofia's first trip to Walt Disney World. Listen in for their 13 year old point of view. There were both fun and frustrating moments with forever memories made!  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 (124)

5
out of 5
20 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
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wanderlust & Wishes
  • Show Website
    Wanderlust & Wishes

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