One Man’s Dream: A Disney Travel Podcast | Expert Tips for Disney, Universal, Cruises, and Other Dream Vacations

Andrew & Ashley Chikes
  • 5.0 (18)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to One Man’s Dream: A Disney Travel Podcast — your passport to magical vacations and beyond! While we dive deep into everything Disney, from Walt Disney World and Disneyland to Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and even the international parks, we don’t stop there. We also explore Universal vacations, luxury getaways, and other unforgettable destinations to help you dream bigger and travel smarter. Each episode is packed with expert tips, insider strategies, hidden gems, and the latest updates — all designed to make your next adventure your best yet. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney traveler or just starting to dream about your next big trip, you’ll find plenty of inspiration, advice, and a little extra magic here.

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 120: We Booked Disney Cruise Line Concierge & Here's What Really Happened

    We just got back from a 4-night sailing on the Disney Magic and we're breaking down our full Concierge experience day by day. From the private lounge and exclusive character meets to Palo brunch, Marvel Day at Sea, princess experiences for our 5-year-old, and a chaotic disembarkation that put Concierge perks to the ultimate test. We're sharing what was worth it, what surprised us, and whether we'd book it again. Plus, Disney Cruise Line just dropped their Summer 2027 itineraries, so we're covering the highlights including the Disney Wish heading to Europe for the first time and two ships in Alaska. Whether you're considering a Concierge upgrade or planning your next Disney cruise, this one's for you. ✨ Want more Disney magic? Follow along on Instagram @ashleyc_mousecounselor. Got an idea for a future episode? Send me a message or comment. I love hearing from listeners! 🌟 Dreaming about your next trip? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or somewhere else, I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included when you book with me. More magic, no added expense!

    45 min

  2. JAN 29

    Episode 119: Disney Magic Concierge Cruise Preview: Our Marvel Day at Sea Experience & Luxury Bookings Guide

    Join us as we preview our upcoming Disney Magic concierge cruise sailing! In this pre-trip report, we're sharing everything we have booked for our Marvel Day at Sea sailing, including Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Royal Gathering character experience, Royal Court Royal Tea, Palo Brunch, and the Mojito & Caipirinha tasting. We'll discuss what to expect from Disney Cruise Line's concierge level service, how to maximize your character experiences onboard, and share insider tips for booking premium dining and activities. Whether you're planning your first Disney cruise or looking to upgrade to concierge, this episode covers what makes a Disney Magic sailing special and how to make the most of Marvel Day at Sea. Perfect for Disney cruise planners, Marvel fans, and anyone considering concierge level accommodations! ✨ Want more Disney magic? Follow along on Instagram @ashleyc_mousecounselor. Got an idea for a future episode? Send me a message or comment. I love hearing from listeners! 🌟 Dreaming about your next trip? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or somewhere else, I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included when you book with me. More magic, no added expense!

    28 min

  3. JAN 22

    Episode 118: Which Disney Cruise Should You Book? Wish vs Dream vs Magic Compared

    We've sailed the Disney Magic, Dream, and Wish, and we're comparing EVERYTHING! Which ship class is right for you? We break down the three main Disney Cruise Line ship classes, from the intimate classic Magic (875 staterooms) to the mid-size elegant Dream (1,250 staterooms) to the massive cutting-edge Wish (1,254 staterooms). In this episode, we compare: ✨ Rotational dining: Arendelle vs Rapunzel's Royal Table vs Royal Palace  🍹 Adult nightlife: All in one place vs scattered 🌊 Water features: AquaMouse vs AquaDuck vs AquaDunk and so much more! We answer: Is the Wish worth the premium? Does the Dream's centralized nightlife beat scattered bars? Is the Magic too small or perfectly intimate? Which ship is best for first-timers, families, couples, and budget cruisers? Plus, we rank all three ships and reveal which one we'd sail again first! Whether you care about dining, adult spaces, water slides, or value, we'll help you make the right choice. ✨ Want more Disney magic? Follow along on Instagram @ashleyc_mousecounselor. Got an idea for a future episode? Send me a message or comment. I love hearing from listeners! 🌟 Dreaming about your next trip? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or somewhere else, I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included when you book with me. More magic, no added expense!

    49 min

  4. JAN 15

    Episode 117: Imagineer for a Day: Reimagining Beloved Walt Disney World Attractions

    What if you had the keys to the Magic Kingdom (and a blank check from Bob Iger)? In this episode, we're putting on our Imagineering hard hats to reimagine six classic Disney attractions that deserve major upgrades. From transforming Magic Kingdom's aging Space Mountain into a Disneyland Paris style spectacle, to bringing back a next level Toontown that puts Storybook Circus to shame, to finally doing something about that gas guzzling Tomorrowland Speedway, we're dreaming big. Then Andrew tackles three icons that need some TLC: breathing new life into Journey Into Imagination, giving Spaceship Earth the respect it deserves, and adding that extra magic touch to the Haunted Mansion. These aren't just complaints. We're bringing actual solutions, creative ideas, and the kind of blue sky thinking that made Disney parks legendary in the first place. Whether you agree with our picks or think we're out of our minds, this episode will have you looking at your favorite attractions in a whole new way. What attractions would you reimagine? Let us know on social media using #OneMansDreamPodcast Perfect for: Disney park fans, armchair Imagineers, anyone who's ever said "you know what they SHOULD do..."   ✨ Want more Disney magic? Follow along on Instagram @ashleyc_mousecounselor. Got an idea for a future episode? Send me a message or comment. I love hearing from listeners! 🌟 Dreaming about your next trip? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or somewhere else, I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included when you book with me. More magic, no added expense!

    40 min

  5. JAN 8

    Episode 116: Disney's Construction Era: What's Worth the Wait in 2026 and Beyond

    2026 is Disney's year of transformation—and we're breaking down everything you need to know. We're covering what's actually opening in 2026 (hint: lots of refreshes, not many brand-new rides), Disney Cruise Line's global expansion with the massive Disney Adventure, and why construction walls are taking over Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. What to expect: Smugglers Run gets Baby Yoda, the Muppets take over Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and Big Thunder gets a major upgrade Bluey officially arrives in the parks DinoLand closes to make way for Tropical Americas (Encanto and Indiana Jones!) Cars Land coming to Magic Kingdom with two new attractions Villains Land and Monsters Inc updates Bottom line: 2026 is prep work. 2027 and beyond is when Disney goes BIG. We'll help you figure out what's worth your excitement and what's not.   ✨ Want more Disney magic? Follow along on Instagram @ashleyc_mousecounselor. Got an idea for a future episode? Send me a message or comment. I love hearing from listeners! 🌟 Dreaming about your next trip? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or somewhere else, I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included when you book with me. More magic, no added expense!

    33 min

  6. 12/31/2025

    Episode 115: Oh What Fun… It Is to Wait. Disney World at the Holidays

    Disney at the holidays really is something special, even when the lines are part of the story. In this episode, we’re recapping our recent holiday trip to Walt Disney World, from staying at the Grand Floridian to navigating the parks during one of the busiest times of year. We share what felt festive, what surprised us, and how crowds actually played out, plus a few standout moments along the way. It’s an honest, lighthearted look at holiday magic, realistic wait times, and why this time of year can still be worth it. ✨ Want more Disney magic? Follow along on Instagram @ashleyc_mousecounselor. Got an idea for a future episode? Send me a message or comment. I love hearing from listeners! 🌟 Dreaming about your next trip? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or somewhere else, I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included when you book with me. More magic, no added expense!

    43 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Episode 114: Epic Failure at Epic Universe

    We just got back from Epic Universe and the Helios Grand Hotel, and let’s just say…it wasn’t all smooth sailing. From rides to rooms, we share the highs, the lows, and the moments that had us questioning what “epic” really means. If you’re planning a trip, or just love a little honest Disney-adjacent drama, this episode is for you. ✨ Want more Disney magic? Follow along on Instagram @ashleyc_mousecounselor. Got an idea for a future episode? Send me a message or comment. I love hearing from listeners! 🌟 Dreaming about your next trip? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or somewhere else, I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included when you book with me. More magic, no added expense!

    1h 1m

  8. 11/25/2025

    Episode 113: Ashley’s Mystery Episode No notes. No script. No clue what’s coming next.

    Andrew walked in with a surprise topic and didn’t give me a single hint. I hit record with nothing in front of me and just rolled with it. It’s genuine, a little messy, and honestly pretty fun. If you like hearing things unfold in real time, this one’s for you! ✨ Want more Disney magic? Follow along on Instagram @ashleyc_mousecounselor. Got an idea for a future episode? Send me a message or comment. I love hearing from listeners! 🌟 Dreaming about your next trip? Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, Universal, or somewhere else, I’ll take care of the details so you can just enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included when you book with me. More magic, no extra cost!

    35 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to One Man’s Dream: A Disney Travel Podcast — your passport to magical vacations and beyond! While we dive deep into everything Disney, from Walt Disney World and Disneyland to Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and even the international parks, we don’t stop there. We also explore Universal vacations, luxury getaways, and other unforgettable destinations to help you dream bigger and travel smarter. Each episode is packed with expert tips, insider strategies, hidden gems, and the latest updates — all designed to make your next adventure your best yet. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney traveler or just starting to dream about your next big trip, you’ll find plenty of inspiration, advice, and a little extra magic here.

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