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. APR 2

    EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2026: What to Eat, What to See, and Everything You Need to Know

    The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is back and running through June 1, 2026. Ashley and Andrew break down everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, including what is worth your time, what you can skip, and how to eat your way around World Showcase without losing your mind in the crowds. ✨ 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 entirely, I'll handle every detail so you can just show up and enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included in your booking at no extra cost to you.

    29 min

  2. MAR 26

    Disney Planning Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Vacation (And How to Fix Them)

    You've spent months planning your Disney vacation. But are you making mistakes that could derail the whole trip before you even leave home? In this episode of Travel Agent Confessionals, Ashley Chikes, a travel agent with Mouse Counselors, a Platinum Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, breaks down the most common Disney planning mistakes she sees families make every single year, and more importantly, how to fix them. From park day order and resort selection to Lightning Lane strategy and dining reservations, Ashley gets specific about what actually goes wrong and what to do about it. Plus she shares her honest take on which Walt Disney World restaurants are worth your time and which ones are overhyped. Whether you're still planning or already booked and second-guessing everything, this episode will leave you better prepared for your next Disney trip. ✨ 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 entirely, I'll handle every detail so you can just show up and enjoy. Email me at ashleyc@mousecounselors.com for a complimentary quote. My services are always included in your booking at no extra cost to you.

    24 min

  3. MAR 12

    Is a Disney Travel Agent Worth It? Here's the Honest Answer

    It's one of the most searched Disney planning questions out there, and in this episode we're giving you a straight answer. Ashley Chikes, a travel agent with Mouse Counselors, a Platinum Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, kicks off our new Travel Agent Confessionals series by sharing her own story, breaking down exactly what a Disney travel agent does that you can't do yourself, and getting candid about what she wishes every client knew before they booked. From unadvertised promotions to the behind-the-scenes work happening on your behalf long after you book, this is the honest conversation most Disney travel agents never have out loud. No fluff, no sales pitch, just real talk from someone who has planned hundreds of Disney vacations and taken more than a few herself. ✨ 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!

    25 min

  4. MAR 5

    Hollywood Studios 2026: Every Change Coming to Walt Disney World's Most Exciting Park

    Hollywood Studios is in the middle of its biggest transformation in years, with major changes arriving in 2026 and a massive new land still years away. In this episode, we break down every major change coming to the park in 2026 and beyond, including the reimagining of Animation Courtyard into The Walt Disney Studios, the brand-new Magic of Disney Animation experience, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's Muppets retheme, the new Mandalorian and Grogu mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and a first look at the Monsters, Inc. land (Monstropolis) currently under construction. Whether you're planning a Walt Disney World trip in 2026 or just keeping up with Disney news, this episode covers everything you need to know before you go.   ✨ 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!

    31 min

  5. FEB 26

    Girls Weekend Done Right: 4 Days at Disney World with Kids, Lightning Lane Tips & Hidden Gems

    Ashley is recapping her recent girls weekend getaway to Walt Disney World, kids in tow and magic all around. From a perfectly located room at Saratoga Springs to a packed EPCOT day with Frozen, Guardians, and a long lunch at Via Napoli, this episode is your blueprint for a girlfriends trip that works for the whole crew. She's walking through every detail: the Cake Bake Shop experience (plus the transportation lesson learned), a Magic Kingdom day loaded with Lightning Lane rides and character meets with Pooh, Tigger, Peter Pan, and Wendy, resort hopping over to the Grand Floridian for drinks at The Perch, late-night pool slides and Disney Springs dinner at Frontera Cocina. Whether you're planning a girls trip with littles, a multigenerational getaway, or just want to know how to maximize four days in the parks, this episode is packed with real tips, honest reviews, and proof that a girls weekend with kids can absolutely deliver. In this episode: Why Saratoga Springs is an underrated base for a girls trip Lightning Lane strategy for EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Honest reviews of Cake Bake Shop, Via Napoli, The Plaza, and Frontera Cocina Resort hopping to the Grand Floridian, and why you should always do it Character meets worth seeking out and a few surprise encounters ✨ 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!

    39 min

  6. FEB 19

    Episode 121: Disney Cruise Line Summer 2027 Sailings Announced: Everything You Need to Know

    Disney Cruise Line just dropped their Summer 2027 sailing announcements, and we're breaking it all down! In this episode of One Man's Dream, we cover every new itinerary, ship deployment, and destination revealed so you know exactly what's available and where to start planning. Whether you're dreaming of a Caribbean cruise, a European adventure, or a Bahamian getaway with Mickey, we'll help you figure out which sailing is right for your family and what to book before it sells out. If a Disney cruise is on your 2027 bucket list, this is the episode you need before you even think about hitting that "book now" button.   ✨ 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

  7. FEB 12

    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

  8. 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
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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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