Where We Roam Podcast

The Roamer Rating Debuts: Disney Fantasy Pixar Day at Sea Review

We’re launching something brand new this week: The Roamer Rating.
Instead of casually recapping trips, we’re breaking them down category by category so you know exactly what’s worth your time (and your money).
In this episode, John reviews his recent 5-Night Pixar Day at Sea sailing on the Disney Fantasy — and nothing is off limits.
We rate:
🚢 The Ship
🍽️ Food & Palo Brunch
🛏️ Stateroom
🗺️ Itinerary (including Lighthouse Point vs Castaway Cay)
🎭 Entertainment
💰 Value
⭐ Service (you will NOT believe this score)
Was the embarkation chaos a deal breaker?Did Lighthouse Point live up to the hype?Is Disney still setting the gold standard for service at sea?
And most importantly… is it worth the bang for your buck?
Let’s Roam.

Wish to Europe & a Growing Fleet: Breaking Down Disney Cruise Line’s 2027 Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line’s 2027 itineraries are officially here—and they might be the clearest sign yet that the fleet is entering a new era.
The headline move? The Disney Wish is heading to Europe for the first time. After years of short sailings out of Port Canaveral, Disney is finally sending a Wish-class ship across the Atlantic, signaling a more mature fleet, longer itineraries, and a more global strategy.
In this episode, we break down what’s available to book for 2027 and what it all means.
We cover:
The Wish moving to Europe and why it matters
How the growing fleet is changing deployment strategy
Alaska expansion and Caribbean reshuffling
Where each ship is sailing in 2027
Which itineraries will go fast (and which might surprise you)
What this says about Disney Cruise Line’s future
With more ships, more regions, and more variety than ever, 2027 isn’t just another deployment drop—it’s a snapshot of a cruise line that’s growing up fast.

Is Disney Too Expensive Now? Real 2026 Price Breakdown

Is Disney too expensive for the average family now?Or is the internet exaggerating again?
This week, John, Dayna, and Shawn break down real vacation pricing for summer 2026 and compare:
Disney value, moderate, and deluxe resort costs
Universal Orlando pricing (including Epic Universe)
Dining plans and hidden expenses
Where you actually get the most value
Whether the “Disney is unaffordable” narrative is true
We priced out full family vacations with tickets, hotels, and promotions to see what a middle-class trip really costs — and the results may surprise you.
Plus:
The new Disney CEO announcement and what it could mean
Why promotions can be a “shell game”
When Universal might actually be the better deal
And the one resort category where Disney still dominates
If you’re planning a 2026 trip, this episode will save you money — and maybe some stress.

French Quarter vs Caribbean Beach: The Ultimate Moderate Resort Showdown

Which Disney moderate resort is better: Port Orleans French Quarter or Caribbean Beach Resort?
In this episode of Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Shawn bring back the fan-favorite Resort Showdown to compare two of Walt Disney World’s most popular moderate resorts. We score French Quarter and Caribbean Beach across the categories Disney travelers care about most—location and transportation, theming, room layout, food and beverage, pools, and on-site amenities—plus a bonus round that can completely change the outcome.
From Skyliner access and park convenience to beignets, bars, and resort vibes, we break down the real pros and cons of each resort and explain who each one is best for. Whether you’re planning a Disney vacation, choosing a moderate resort, or deciding between French Quarter vs Caribbean Beach, this episode will help you book with confidence.

Our Cruise Must-Pack List: From Magnetic Hooks to Baby Jesus

Season 3 is officially here! 🚢✨
We’re kicking off the new season of the Where We Roam Podcast with one of our most requested topics — cruise must-pack items.
In this episode, John, Dayna, and Shawn break down the things we never cruise without — the items that actually make a difference once you’re onboard and in port. From stateroom game-changers and pool-deck essentials to tech we swear by, money tips, and some of the fun cruise traditions you probably didn’t even know existed…this is the packing list we personally use before every sailing.
Whether you’re heading out on Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, or your first cruise ever, this episode will help you skip the rookie mistakes and cruise smarter from day one.
🎒 We cover:• The biggest cruise packing mistakes people make• Pool deck & beach day essentials• Stateroom organization hacks• Tech & charging must-haves• What to bring (and not bring) onboard• Cash, wine, and carry-on strategy• Fun cruise traditions like door decor, ducks, and more
Season 3 is packed with new destinations, new ships, and a lot of upcoming cruises — and this episode sets the tone for everything to come.
Welcome back, roamers. Let’s cruise. 🌊

🚨 Breaking: Disney Drops a Bombshell Summer Deal to Take on Universal

Disney just dropped one of the most aggressive summer promotions we’ve seen in years—and it’s a big one. In this special breaking-news episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Shawn unpack Disney’s brand-new summer offer that adds free nights and free park days to longer Walt Disney World stays, creating some of the strongest pricing families have seen since before COVID.
But this isn’t happening in a vacuum. With Universal’s Epic Universe looming large, this move feels like a clear shot across the bow. Disney is making it very clear: they want your entire vacation this summer. We break down what the promotion includes, who it’s best for, real pricing examples, how it stacks up against Universal right now, and why this deal could seriously shift where families choose to spend their theme park dollars in 2026.
If you’re considering Orlando this summer—or deciding between Disney and Universal—this is an episode you’ll want to hear before you book.

Season 2 Finale: 2026 Travel Trends, Cruise Predictions & Where Everyone Is Traveling Next

It’s the Season 2 finale of the Where We Roam Podcast 🎉 In this episode, John, Dayna, and Shawn break down the biggest 2026 travel trends, including cruising demand, Disney travel shifts, luxury and long-haul bookings, and where travelers are heading next.
We share real booking data, firsthand experiences, and expert predictions covering Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Europe, Japan, Alaska, river cruising, and all-inclusive resorts — plus what’s changing in how travelers plan and spend.

Middle-Aged, Not Boring: The Best Adult-Only Getaways We Actually Love

What are the best adult-only vacations for couples and friends in their 40s and beyond?
In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John, Dayna, and Shawn share their favorite middle-aged, adult-only getaways — trips that balance relaxation, great food, adventure, and nightlife without feeling like a spring break rerun.
From adult-only cruises to luxury all-inclusive resorts, domestic escapes, and bucket-list international trips, this episode breaks down where to go — and why certain destinations work better at this stage of life.
Destinations & Travel Styles We Cover:
Virgin Voyages & Celebrity Cruises for adults-only and no-kids cruising
All-inclusive resorts for couples (Atelier Playa Mujeres, Sandals South Coast, Xcaret Arte)
Napa Valley, Sedona, Yellowstone & Sage Lodge for elevated U.S. getaways
Hawaii as the ultimate anniversary or milestone trip
European river cruises as a surprisingly perfect option for travelers in their 40s
We also talk about:
Party vibe vs. peace and quiet (and how to choose the right fit)
Why some luxury resorts feel too quiet — and others are just right
How budget, time off, and energy level should shape your trip planning
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, friends trip, anniversary vacation, or your first adults-only escape in years, this episode will help you choose a destination that actually matches your lifestyle.
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review the Where We Roam Podcast wherever you listen — and let us help you plan what’s next.

Wish Class Guide: How the Wish, Treasure & Destiny Evolved Disney Cruising

Disney Cruise Line’s Wish Class has sparked more debate than any fleet Disney has ever launched — and today, we’re breaking down the good, the bad, and the downright controversial. From elevator layouts and the infamous “bathtub pools” to the new rotational dining shows, immersive storytelling, elevated theming, and the real-world fixes Disney implemented between Wish → Treasure → Destiny… we cover it all.
We’re joined by friend of the pod Jess, fresh off the Disney Destiny preview sailing, to talk through what’s working, what still needs love, and whether this new era of Disney cruising truly delivers that old-school magic.
We dig into:
How the Wish Class layout really affects families with kids of different ages
The upgraded theming, art direction, and character moments — including why Destiny feels more “Disneyland” than “Disney World”
What changed (and what didn’t) on the pool decks, and why parents feel so strongly about it
World of Marvel, 1923, and the evolution of rotational dining
The stunning new Pride Lands dinner show — and where the menu still misses the mark
Hidden gems like Hero Zone, lounges, nightlife, and which ship currently balances it all best
Whether you’re booked on Wish, eyeing Treasure, or dying to experience Destiny after its big debut, this is your essential Wish Class Guide to help you plan smarter, set expectations, and maximize the magic.

Hagrid’s vs. Tron, Monsters vs. Rise—We Pick Winners (Prepare Yourself)

Ever wonder which Universal Orlando rides truly stack up against Disney World’s biggest attractions?This week, John, Dayna, and Shawn dive deep into the most honest, most chaotic, and most opinion-packed comparison episode we’ve ever done. Buckle up — feelings were hurt, friendships were tested, and some sacred cows were absolutely roasted.
We break down attraction matchups like:
Tron Lightcycle Run vs. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (Muppets Mayhem version!) vs. VelociCoaster
Tower of Terror vs… literally anything Universal has
Slinky Dog Dash vs. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Monsters Unchained vs. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Peter Pan’s Flight vs. E.T. Adventure (John and Dayna vs. Shawn… chaos)
Toy Story Midway Mania vs. Universal’s shooters
Plus:🎃 Everyone accidentally wore Universal-themed Halloween costumes⚾ John is riding high after the Dodgers World Series win😂 Shawn enters the “Cone of Silence” for a theme park lightning round showdown🔥 And the crew debates whether Epic Universe has officially changed the Orlando theme park landscape forever
Whether you're planning your next Orlando trip or just love ride debates, this episode delivers deep insight, unfiltered opinions, and tons of theme park laughs.