One Slice at a Time

Ryan Joy and Stephanie Pakosta
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Places & Travel

Pizza is the passport. Travel advisors Stephanie Pakosta and Ryan Joy travel the world one slice at a time - chasing great pies, great cities, and the unexpected stories you find along the way. Plus the kind of trip-planning-know-how you only get from agents who book it for a living. 

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 61: Galapagos + Machu Picchu: The Ultimate Bucket-List Trip?

    What if one of the world's best wildlife experiences didn't require an African safari? This week, we're heading to the Galapagos Islands, where giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies are only part of what makes the destination so unusual. Stephanie and Ryan explain why visiting the Galapagos isn't the same as taking a traditional cruise. This is expedition-style travel focused heavily on wildlife, nature, small-group activities and learning from experienced naturalist guides. National Geographic-Lindblad's current Galápagos trips include activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, Zodiac trips and walking excursions with Galápagos naturalists.  We also talk about one of the biggest questions surrounding the Galapagos: How much does this kind of trip cost — and is it worth it? Ryan has put together a seven-night Galapagos group beginning September 18, 2027, with an optional eight-night Peru extension that includes Machu Picchu. The two portions can also be booked separately, according to the trip details discussed in the episode.  You'll hear us discuss:  What makes Galapagos wildlife different  Giant tortoises, penguins and marine iguanas  Why a naturalist guide can add so much value  What expedition-style cruising is like  Who should consider a Galapagos trip  Why this is not an inexpensive vacation  Combining Ecuador with Peru  Adding the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu  Ryan's September 2027 hosted group And because this is One Slice at a Time, Ryan still manages to work pizza into an episode about one of the most remote wildlife destinations on Earth. Thinking about taking a major trip like this? Stephanie and Ryan are travel advisors and can help you work through your options, budget and travel plans. Visit OneSlicePod.com to get help planning your next vacation. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  2. Aug 17

    Episode 60: AmaWaterways Celebration of Beer Rhine Cruise | AmaFiora 2027

    Is the Rhine the perfect place to take your first European river cruise? This week, we're heading from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam and talking through one of the best-known river cruise routes in Europe—with one very fun addition. Ryan is hosting an AmaWaterways Celebration of Beer Rhine River cruise November 13–20, 2027 aboard AmaFiora. We'll take you stop by stop through the route, including Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Along the way we're talking castles, vineyards, walking tours, bike rides, Riesling, Rüdesheim coffee, regional food, Kölsch beer, Altbier, Amsterdam snacks, and the kind of small-group experiences that make river cruising so different from an ocean cruise. We also explain what it's actually like to cruise with AmaWaterways. What's included? How do excursions work? Can you change your plans? What drinks are included? Can you bring your own bottle of wine back onboard? AmaWaterways offers multiple excursion choices in many ports, and guests can often change their selection even after initially choosing an excursion. Stephanie and Ryan also discuss the included drinks and the local experiences that happen both ashore and onboard.  And yes—we finally get to the beer. The special sailing includes a brewer onboard, tastings, and beer experiences tied to the regions along the Rhine.  If you're thinking about river cruising and aren't sure which cruise line, cabin, itinerary, or sailing fits you best, that's where we come in. Visit OneSlicePod.com to connect with us and start planning. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  3. Aug 10

    Episode 59: Is Disney’s Aulani Resort Worth It?

    When most families think about a Disney vacation, they picture theme parks, early mornings, ride reservations, and packed schedules. Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii offers something very different. In this episode of One Slice at a Time, Stephanie Pakosta and Ryan Joy discuss whether Disney’s Aulani Resort is worth the long flight to Oahu and why it may be one of Disney’s most relaxing family destinations. Aulani is located in Ko Olina on the quieter west side of Oahu, about 30 minutes from Honolulu International Airport when traffic is light. The resort sits along a protected lagoon with calm water that works well for swimming, floating, paddleboarding, and families with younger children. Stephanie and Ryan explain why many Aulani guests may not need a rental car for their full stay. Parking can add a major daily cost, while airport transfers and one-day car rentals may be a better fit for guests who only plan to visit places such as Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or Dole Plantation. They also cover Aulani dining, including the Disney character breakfast at Makahiki, oceanfront dining at AMA‘AMA, casual meals at Ulu Cafe, drinks and small plates at The ‘Ōlelo Room, and nearby restaurants such as Monkeypod Kitchen. Stephanie shares why families should reserve popular meals as soon as their booking window opens. The episode also covers: Rainbow Reef snorkelingThe lazy river, pools, slides, and splash areasThe KA WA‘A luauUkulele, animation, art, and cultural activitiesLaniwai SpaPainted Sky experiences for children and tweensHotel rooms, studios, and multi-bedroom villasGrocery delivery and kitchen optionsAunty’s Beach House and children’s activitiesMagicBand+ use at the resortPool chair planningHow much Disney theming guests should expectStephanie and Ryan agree that Aulani puts Hawaii first and Disney second. Guests receive the service and small details associated with Disney, but the main focus remains Hawaiian culture, scenery, food, and time together. They also explain why Aulani may work especially well as the final four or five nights of a larger Hawaii vacation. Families can spend the first part of the trip touring Oahu or another island, then finish at Aulani with fewer plans and more time at the beach and pool. And because this is One Slice at a Time, Ryan shares a Crusty Review of Brick Fire Tavern, a Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant he visited during his birthday trip. Planning an Aulani vacation involves more than choosing a room. Stephanie and Ryan can help you decide how many nights to stay, whether to add another Hawaiian island, which room type fits your family, when to reserve dining and activities, and whether you need a rental car. Visit OneSlicePod.com to request help planning your Hawaii vacation. Join the One Slice at a Time newsletter for practical travel advice, destination ideas, new podcast episodes, and planning tools. Visit ExtraCheese.fun to subscribe. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  4. Aug 3

    Episode 58: A Marriage Board Meeting on Celebrity Reflection

    Have you ever reached the middle of the year and realized that you have been so busy living your life that you have not stopped to ask whether you are building the life you actually want? Ryan and his wife, Maggie, decided to answer that question during a three-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Reflection. They called it their midyear board meeting. This was not simply a quick vacation or a standard romantic getaway. Ryan and Maggie intentionally set aside several hours to review the first six months of their year, celebrate what had gone well, discuss areas that needed work, and set personal, business, and relationship goals for the months ahead. In this episode, Stephanie and Ryan discuss why travel can create the right setting for honest conversations. At home, serious discussions often happen between work, laundry, emails, errands, and family duties. On a cruise ship, many of those daily distractions disappear. Ryan explains how he and Maggie prepared for their meeting, used photos and social media posts to remember what they had done during the first half of the year, and spent about four hours reviewing their progress. They then allowed their ideas to sit for the rest of the sailing before meeting again on the final night to settle on their next goals. The episode also includes plenty of Celebrity Reflection talk. Ryan shares why Café al Bacio became their board-meeting headquarters, his thoughts on the pistachio latte and pour-over iced tea, and why the café’s seating, service, people watching, and nearby live music made it easy to slow down. Stephanie and Ryan also discuss whether three-night cruises are worth taking. A short cruise may not replace a long vacation, but 72 intentional hours can provide time to rest, reconnect, and think clearly. A three-night sailing can also be paired with a beach stay, theme-park visit, or extra nights in the departure city. Other topics include: • Key West and Kermit’s Key Lime Pie • Royal Beach Club in Nassau • The family, party, and quieter areas of the beach club • Royal Beach Club food and package options • Celebrity Reflection’s main dining room • Specialty dining • Celebrity’s Classic and Premium drink packages • The Martini Bar • Bananas Foster martinis • Lawn Club Grill • Celebrity cruise-ship pizza This episode is a reminder that travel does not always have to be about seeing more places or filling every hour. Sometimes the most valuable part of a trip is having enough space to talk about the life waiting for you at home. For help planning a short Celebrity cruise, couples getaway, family vacation, or group sailing, visit OneSlicePod.com. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  5. Jul 27

    Episode 57: Is Animal Kingdom Really a Half-Day Park?

    Animal Kingdom may be Disney World’s most debated park. Some guests call it a half-day park. Others say leaving after the headline rides means missing much of what makes it special. In this episode, Stephanie Pakosta and Ryan Joy compare their very different Animal Kingdom touring styles. Stephanie often treats the park as a shorter day and focuses on favorites such as Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and a relaxing stop at Nomad Lounge. Ryan makes the case for staying longer and adding live shows, animal trails, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, wandering performers, character surprises, and a second safari ride. Together, they talk through a realistic order for the day, including when it may make sense to start at Expedition Everest, when Pandora should be the priority, and which attractions may be worth using Lightning Lane. They also explain why Kilimanjaro Safaris can feel different in the morning and later in the day, especially during hot weather. Food is part of the plan, too. The conversation includes Tusker House, Yak & Yeti, the quick-service restaurant in Pandora, Tiffins, Nomad Lounge, and dinner at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Stephanie recommends ending the day at Sanaa for its savanna views, bread service, and butter chicken. Ryan adds Jiko and several resort dinner ideas for guests who leave Animal Kingdom before the other parks close. The episode also covers heat, cooling breaks, what families with young children should consider, and why Animal Kingdom works best when you leave room for unexpected moments. And because this is One Slice at a Time, Pizzafari receives an honest crusty review. The final answer is not that every family needs a full day or that everyone should leave after lunch. The right plan depends on your travel party, energy, interests, and the rest of your Disney World schedule. Need help deciding how much time to give each Disney park? Stephanie and Ryan can help build a Disney World plan around your family, budget, energy, food preferences, and must-do attractions. Visit OneSlicePod.com to listen to more episodes, join the newsletter, and request help planning your vacation. Key Takeaways • Animal Kingdom can be a half-day or full-day park depending on your family’s interests and pace. • Expedition Everest can have shorter waits early in the morning. • Flight of Passage is a top priority for many guests, but motion-sensitive travelers may need to skip it. • Kilimanjaro Safaris may be worth riding in both the morning and late afternoon. • Shows, animal trails, live performers, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch can add several hours to the day. • Nomad Lounge is a useful place for a break, small plates, and drinks. • Animal Kingdom can feel hotter and more humid than the other Disney parks. • Dinner at Animal Kingdom Lodge can turn an early park close into a strong evening plan. • A personal Disney plan should fit your family rather than copy another family’s schedule. Subscribe to the newsletter to get you FREE PRINTABLE WDW PLANNING GUIDE! www.extracheese.fun Need help deciding whether Animal Kingdom should be a half day, full day, or part of a Park Hopper plan? Stephanie and Ryan can help you plan your Disney World vacation based on your family, budget, interests, dining preferences, and energy level. Visit OneSlicePod.com to request travel-planning help. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  6. Jul 20

    Episode 56 Hollywood Studios: Our Rides, Food and Lightning Lane Strategy

    Should you wait to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios until all the park changes are complete? Stephanie and Ryan agree on this one: no. Disney parks are always changing, and waiting for every announced project to finish could mean putting off your trip for years. The better question is whether Hollywood Studios currently offers enough for your family—and how to plan the park around the attractions you care about most. In this episode of One Slice at a Time, we compare our personal Hollywood Studios itineraries. Ryan starts his morning on Sunset Boulevard with Tower of Terror, while Stephanie is much less excited about dropping into the Twilight Zone. From there, both plans depend heavily on available Lightning Lane times and whether the day’s biggest priorities are in Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or somewhere in between. We talk about why grouping nearby Lightning Lane reservations can save time, even though Hollywood Studios is one of the easier Disney World parks to cross. We also explain why Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance may be worth purchasing separately rather than risking a long standby wait. Hollywood Studios is also one of Disney World’s hottest parks, with limited shade in several areas. That makes its indoor shows more than entertainment—they can be a key part of a smart afternoon plan. We discuss the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Beauty and the Beast—Live on Stage and other shows that can give your family a much-needed break. Then it is time to eat. Ryan makes his case for Backlot Express, while Stephanie chooses Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant for lunch and shares a milkshake mistake she will not make twice. We also cover 50’s Prime Time Café, the Fantasmic! Dining Package, Roundup Rodeo BBQ and The Hollywood Brown Derby. Finally, we name our can’t-miss attractions, underrated picks, favorite snacks and overrated rides. Ryan shares why Star Tours remains part of nearly every visit, while Stephanie explains why Rise of the Resistance is more than a normal ride. And yes, we review the pizza. It would not be One Slice at a Time without checking the crust. Episode Notes Key Takeaways  Do not wait for Hollywood Studios to be “finished.” Disney parks continue to change, and there is already plenty to plan around.  Choose rope drop based on your family’s priorities—not a general ranking of the park’s rides.  Try to group Lightning Lane return times by area so you are not crossing the park more than needed.  Hollywood Studios is fairly compact, so changing areas is possible when the Lightning Lane schedule requires it.  Consider purchasing Lightning Lane access for Rise of the Resistance when saving time and reducing uncertainty are high priorities.  Use live shows as planned afternoon breaks, especially during hot or crowded days.  Arrive early for popular shows during high-attendance periods.  Sci-Fi Dine-In can work well for lunch because the lunch and dinner experience is similar.  A Fantasmic! Dining Package can reduce the time spent waiting for a good seat.  Star Tours is easy to overlook, but its changing scenes give it good repeat value.  A successful Hollywood Studios day does not require doing every attraction. Attractions Discussed  The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror  Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster  Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance  Star Tours  Toy Story Mania  Frozen Sing-Along Celebration  Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular  Beauty and the Beast—Live on Stage  Fantasmic! Dining and Snacks Discussed  Backlot Express  Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo  Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant  50’s Prime Time Café  Roundup Rodeo BBQ  The Hollywood Brown Derby  Catalina Eddie’s  Jack-Jack Num Num Cookie  Cream cheese pretzel  Toy Story Land lunch box tarts  Pizza options in and near Hollywood Studios Resources Podcast and travel planning: OneSlicePod.com Free Disney planning guide: ExtraCheese.fun Previous park episodes: Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Next park episode: Animal KingdomPlanning a Disney World trip involves much more than choosing a resort and buying park tickets. Your park order, dining plans, Lightning Lane choices and family priorities all affect how the trip feels. Stephanie and Ryan help families make those choices before arrival so they spend less time trying to fix the plan during the vacation. Visit OneSlicePod.com to start planning your Disney World trip. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  7. Jul 13

    Episode 55: The Best Day at EPCOT

    Is EPCOT good for kids? Stephanie and Ryan hear versions of that question all the time, and their answer is pretty clear: families are seriously underestimating this park. In this episode of One Slice at a Time, we're continuing our Walt Disney World park series with EPCOT. We break down what a real EPCOT day looks like for two very different Disney travelers. Ryan's perfect day may involve Soarin', festival snacks, a World Showcase scavenger hunt, and a Via Napoli reservation. Stephanie is trying to ride Guardians as many times as humanly possible. Balance. We talk through rope drop strategy, including how we choose between Remy and Frozen, when a Lightning Lane may make sense, and why EPCOT is one park where Stephanie sometimes skips Multi Pass. Then we get into the parts of EPCOT that families often walk right past. Kidcot stops. The huge aquarium after Nemo. Figment. The Gran Fiesta Tour. Voices of Liberty. Indoor shows that give you a break from Florida heat and rain. Scavenger hunts that actually get you walking through the countries instead of rushing from ride to ride. Stephanie also shares one of her biggest EPCOT tips for families: do not underestimate the walking. She learned that lesson during her first Disney trip at age 14 when her much younger brother finally announced he was not taking another step. We also talk about why EPCOT is a strong park for princess fans, where we like to watch the nighttime show, adult EPCOT weekends, avocado margaritas, maple popcorn, caramel popcorn, and attractions we think are completely overrated. Finally, Ryan gives Via Napoli an eight out of eight on the official One Slice pizza scale. Obviously. Planning Walt Disney World? Visit OneSlicePod.com to learn more about working with Stephanie and Ryan. Get our free Disney planning worksheet at ExtraCheese.fun. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

  8. Jul 6

    Episode 54 Magic Kingdom Tips: What to Ride, Skip, Eat & Book

    What is the best way to spend a day at Magic Kingdom? That depends on who you ask. In this episode of One Slice at a Time, Stephanie Pakosta and Ryan Joy compare two very different Magic Kingdom strategies. Ryan is a Florida annual passholder who can afford to slow down, skip a ride, and come back another day. Stephanie flies in for her Disney trips, often visits with a child, plans ahead, and is very willing to pay for time-saving options when they make sense. The result? A practical conversation about what really matters at Magic Kingdom—and plenty of disagreement. We talk about whether rope drop is worth the stress, how to go opposite the crowds, what to do while waiting for your next Lightning Lane, which attractions deserve priority, and why the “perfect” plan looks different for every family. You will hear our takes on: • Magic Kingdom for adults • Magic Kingdom with children • One-day versus two-day park plans • Rope drop strategy • Lightning Lane priorities • Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Tomorrowland Speedway, and more • Mobile ordering • Columbia Harbour House • Casey’s Corner corn dog nuggets • Adventureland spring rolls • Dole Whip • Sleepy Hollow waffles • Skipper Canteen • Liberty Tree Tavern • Cinderella’s Royal Table • Be Our Guest • Fireworks dessert parties • Parade viewing • Post-fireworks park time • Hidden gems and overlooked attractions We also share two attractions we regularly skip, our picks for underrated Magic Kingdom experiences, and a few small details that can make a Disney day easier. Then it is time for the Crusty Review. Is the pizza at Pinocchio Village Haus worth your park time—or should you get the spring rolls instead? Let’s just say we have opinions. The biggest lesson from this episode is simple: stop building your Disney vacation around what Facebook says you “have” to do. A good Magic Kingdom plan should fit your family, your budget, your children, your energy level, and your priorities. Need help planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Visit OneSlicePod.com. Want our free printable Walt Disney World park planning guide? Join the newsletter at ExtraCheese.fun. Keep traveling the world, one slice at a time. bookings@oneslicepod.com https://linktr.ee/onesliceatatime oneslicepod.com ExtraCheese.Fun

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About

Pizza is the passport. Travel advisors Stephanie Pakosta and Ryan Joy travel the world one slice at a time - chasing great pies, great cities, and the unexpected stories you find along the way. Plus the kind of trip-planning-know-how you only get from agents who book it for a living. 

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Joy and Stephanie Pakosta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 One Slice at a Time
  • Show Website
    One Slice at a Time