Parkside Breaks

Sarah Graves - Disney Travel Tips & Reviews
  • 4.8 (21)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join Sarah & friends while they talk about the latest Disney travel news & share their adventures at Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and more. When it comes to a Disney destination, they know how to have a magical time without all the stress. You'll get insider tips, tricks and reviews. Get the scoop on the latest ways to travel and enjoy all things Disney.

  1. FEB 4

    Why A Disney Cruise Might Beat The Parks For Your Next Family Vacation

    Send us a text Ready for a vacation that actually feels like a vacation? We dive into Disney Cruise Line’s sweet spot: low-stress planning, high-quality service, and itineraries that fit every season of family life, from stroller days to teen independence and even a much-needed girls’ weekend. With three new ships in three years, the options are bigger and better—think Marvel energy on the Destiny, seasonal magic for Halloween and Very Merry sailings, and shows that make dinner an event, not a chore. Join Sarah and guest Emily, Travel Advisor from Glass Slipper Concierge as they break down when to sail and why: January and February bring lower crowds and sharper pricing, while spring break, summer, and holidays pack on themed fun. We compare staterooms in plain English, including motion-friendly midship picks and why concierge can be a family game-changer. Then we get tactical with a little-known embarkation-day upgrade strategy and the bounceback offer that can shave 10% off your next cruise, now including concierge. If you’re eyeing a bigger adventure, that combo can unlock real savings. The best memories are often the unexpected ones, and a Disney cruise raises your floor so you can savor the moments that matter. If you’re weighing parks vs. cruise, curious about upgrades, or dreaming of Alaska and Europe, this one’s your blueprint. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a break, and tell us where you’d sail first. Thank you for listening to this week's episode! Please follow us on instagram @parksidebreaks and leave us a rating and review.

    44 min

  2. 11/10/2025

    Wine And Dine Half Marathon 2025 And Holiday Parties: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights

    Send us a text We celebrate the Wine and Dine Half-Marathon with real talk on costumes, pace, and pre-dawn buses, then pivot to Disney’s holiday season to weigh Very Merry Christmas Party against Jollywood Nights. Costs, crowds, transport, and value drive the choices we make and the plans we recommend. • Wine and Dine Half overview, course vibe, costumes • How pace groups and balloon ladies really work • Registration timing, sellouts, and charity bib options • Resort picks and race-day transportation realities • Price pressure at Disney and why overseas parks tempt • Magic Kingdom’s fast flip to Christmas decor • Very Merry features, exclusive snacks, and kid stamina • Jollywood Nights for adults, short waits, cocktails, live shows We’ll do a post on Instagram and ask everyone to give us their best Jollywood Nights. If you think we should go, maybe we do a poll: Should we go to Jollywood? Thank you for listening to this week's episode! Please follow us on instagram @parksidebreaks and leave us a rating and review.

    34 min

  3. 10/23/2025

    Soarin’ Across America & What We Learned Taking 20 People To Walt Disney World

    Send us a text Ever wondered how to group travel to Disney and still have fun? We break down the real-world playbook from a weekend with a large group- 9 adults twelve kids, and zero meltdowns we couldn’t fix with snacks, shade, and smart timing. We start with park news—our take on Soarin’ Across America and what we hope Disney highlights for the 250th anniversary—then jump into Banana Ball’s 2026 stop at ESPN Wide World of Sports and how to tackle the ticket lottery. The core of the episode is our group strategy: morning anchors at Magic Kingdom (PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress, and a Tron Lightning Lane), a smart lunch staging spot near Cheshire Café and Cosmic Ray’s, and a split model that lets big kids chase thrills while littles stack short wins.  Logistics can make or break a trip, so we get specific about transportation and timing. If you’re exiting Epcot’s back gate, be ready for Skyliner crunch and plan alternatives—front bus loop, your own car, or rideshare. We also share why party nights can mean lighter Magic Kingdom mornings, how to pick meetups that actually work, and the stroller truth no one wants to hear: bring one, even for bigger kids, to carry water, snacks, and tired legs.  If you’re the planner in your circle or joining friends who know Disney well, you’ll leave with a clear template for expectations, safety, meals, and rides that keeps the magic high and the stress low. Love what you heard? Subscribe, share with your Disney crew, and leave a review telling us your best group-trip tip. Thank you for listening to this week's episode! Please follow us on instagram @parksidebreaks and leave us a rating and review.

    1 hr

  4. 10/06/2025

    From Skeptic to Superfan: How One Trip to Disneyland Changed Emily's Mind

    Send us a text We're so back. Thanks for listening to our first episode back with a new name, Parkside Breaks. For our first episode we introduce our guest, Emily Dostie from Glass Slipper Concierge. We follow along with her as she reviews her trip to Disneyland. We break down why the West Coast parks feel calmer, kinder, and more walkable—and how that shift turns a packed itinerary into a truly luxurious experience. Think: direct hotel-to-park access at the Grand Californian, characters actually roaming, lighter Lightning Lane pressure, and mornings that don’t start in a sprint. We compare the energy of Disney California Adventure to Hollywood Studios, gush over the length and thrill of the Incredicoaster, and get honest about Guardians of the Galaxy vs Tower of Terror. Cars Land glows like a memory you get to step into, and seasonal overlays—like Haunted Mansion’s Nightmare Before Christmas—show how Disneyland layers charm without adding chaos. Oogie Boogie Bash wins points for balance: sold-out party, but breezy lines, organic character moments, and candy trails that keep things moving. Pulling back, we map smarter ways to travel across the Disney universe. VIP Tours that prioritize presence, Disney Cruise Line’s expanding ports for easier access beyond Florida, and curated Adventures by Disney that erase planning friction across Europe, Africa, and the American West. For the explorers at heart, National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions offer small-ship journeys to the Galápagos, Antarctica, and Iceland, guided by conservation and storytelling. Our takeaway is simple: luxury at Disney isn’t just a price point—it’s less stress and more time together. If you loved this, tap follow, share it with a Disney friend, and leave a quick review. Tell us: what’s your one guaranteed ride and one guaranteed treat on your perfect Disney day? Thank you for listening to this week's episode! Please follow us on instagram @parksidebreaks and leave us a rating and review.

    54 min

  5. 06/12/2024

    Unveiling Disney Resort Secrets: Yacht Club and Beach Club Insights

    Send us a text Ready to turn your Disney family vacation into the ultimate magical experience? We've got you covered! Join us as we return from a six-month hiatus, bursting with tales of our unforgettable trip to Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. You’ll learn how we strategically balanced deluxe resort amenities with our annual passes to maximize our Disney adventures, ensuring every moment was filled with magic and fun. Curious about the subtle differences between the Yacht Club and Beach Club? We spill all the details on what makes each resort unique—from amenities and room locations to the logistics of managing the exclusive Stormalong Bay pool. Whether you're planning to stay at one of these deluxe resorts or just dreaming of your next Disney trip, our conversation is packed with valuable insights to help you make the most of your stay. But that's not all! We also chat about the perfect summer activities, including a memorable evening at Epcot, tips for avoiding the midday heat, and the thrill of riding Tron at night. Our spontaneous adventures and practical tips offer a blueprint for a magical Disney family vacation.  So grab your Mickey ears and get ready for a lively, laughter-filled journey through the happiest place on Earth! Thank you for listening to this week's episode! Please follow us on instagram @parksidebreaks and leave us a rating and review.

    40 min

  6. 12/29/2023

    Middle Schoolers Take On Disney: Top 5 Movies and Theme Park Showdown

    Send us a text Prepare to have your Disney movie rankings challenged as we welcome three spirited middle schoolers—Weslyn, Sam, and Josh—to the Tiki Room podcast. Their debate over the top five Disney movies heats up with no holds barred, and you won't believe some of the films that make their cut. From the unexpected championing of Frozen and Cars to a surprisingly heated discussion on Pocahontas, these kids are rewriting the Disney playbook, one animated film at a time. Sequels aren't left behind either, with Toy Story 2 possibly climbing higher than its predecessor in the esteem of these discerning young critics. The episode then careers down the thrilling slopes of theme park comparisons as we pit Universal Studios against Disney World in a clash of titans. Listen as we lay out the pros and cons, from Universal's electrifying rides like Hagrid's and the Velocicoaster to the enchanting and immersive world of Disney. Discover which park might suit your adventure style as we relay our own experiences, the laughter our memories invoke, and why the magic of Disney might just have a slight edge, whether you're munching on Mickey waffles or screaming your lungs out on a coaster. This playful yet poignant discussion serves up a hearty portion of theme park wisdom, with a side of personal nostalgia. Thank you for listening to this week's episode! Please follow us on instagram @parksidebreaks and leave us a rating and review.

    32 min

  7. 12/28/2023

    Captivating Disney World Experiences with Our Favorite Fourth Grade Girls

    Send us a text Every time I set foot into Disney World, it's like stepping into a myriad of childhood dreams all at once—each park brimming with its own brand of magic. This week's Tiki Room is no less enchanting as we're joined by three of the most endearing Disney enthusiasts you'll ever meet: Lora Ann, Sidney, and Molly. They take us through their most treasured park adventures, with Lora Ann championing the wild thrills of Animal Kingdom, while Sidney and Molly gush about Epcot's cultural marvels and futuristic rides. From the adrenaline-pumping heights of Everest to the immersive escapade in Avatar, we're covering all the bases, including a nostalgic nod to Soarin' Over California and why even the most fearless can't resist the allure of Hollywood Studios' Tower of Terror, Elizabeth's favorite. As if a day at Disney wasn't sweet enough, our conversation whisks you away to a world where the hardest choice you'll make is between a salty pretzel and the iconic Dole Whip. Our young guests' enthusiasm is as infectious as their laughter,  and we couldn't love them more. So, buckle up (or should I say, secure your mouse ears?), as these captivating tales promise a podcast episode that's nothing short of a fairy-tale ride. Thank you for listening to this week's episode! Please follow us on instagram @parksidebreaks and leave us a rating and review.

    21 min

  8. 12/27/2023

    Merriment and Memories with Disney's Tiniest Sailors

    Send us a text Prepare to set sail on a sea of laughter and heartwarming stories, as we're joined by the most charming crew of little buccaneers! Teddy, Chambers, and Tater Tot (Reed) drop anchor in the Tiki Room to share their swashbuckling tales from the decks of Disney cruises. These young adventurers open up about their favorite moments, from the thrill of an emergency drill to birthday celebrations at sea. You won't want to miss the humorous recollections and adorable insights that only the candid honesty of kids can provide. This episode is a treasure chest of childlike wonder, perfect for parents plotting their own Disney cruise or anyone who cherishes the magic of Disney through the eyes of its most important fans – the children. With personal anecdotes about room setups for larger families and the most beloved onboard activities, our tiny guests give us the scoop on what really makes a Disney cruise an unforgettable voyage. So, hoist the mainsail and join us for a journey filled with giggles, surprises, and the pure joy of childhood on the high seas. Ahoy, mateys—let the adventure begin! Thank you for listening to this week's episode! Please follow us on instagram @parksidebreaks and leave us a rating and review.

    18 min
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4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Join Sarah & friends while they talk about the latest Disney travel news & share their adventures at Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and more. When it comes to a Disney destination, they know how to have a magical time without all the stress. You'll get insider tips, tricks and reviews. Get the scoop on the latest ways to travel and enjoy all things Disney.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Graves - Disney Travel Tips & Reviews
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parkside Breaks
  • Show Website
    Parkside Breaks

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