Where We Roam Podcast

Disney finally put real details behind its biggest theme-park projects at D23 2026, but did it announce enough?
John is joined by Dayna and Jess to break down everything coming to Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the international Disney parks. Villains Land officially has a name and two attractions, Piston Peak is looking much more ambitious than expected, Carousel of Progress is getting a major refresh, and Dreamfinder is returning to EPCOT…somehow.
They also discuss the end of Disco Yeti, Indiana Jones and Encanto coming to Tropical Americas, the phased opening of Monstropolis, Disneyland’s Avengers expansion and Coco attraction, and the announcements coming to Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Is Disney Imagineering finally getting its mojo back? Will Villains Land open before we need scooters? And is Dreamfinder’s grand return really going to be nothing more than a meet-and-greet?

Is Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island worth the extra cost during a Nassau cruise stop? Dayna shares her firsthand review after visiting during a sailing on Wonder of the Seas, including transportation, pricing, what’s included, food and drink options, beaches, pools, cabanas and the overall atmosphere.
This isn’t just a quiet family beach day, but it isn’t an adults-only party club either. With turquoise water, white sand, the DJ-fueled Party Cove, a swim-up bar, laid-back beach space, giant games and Bahamian-inspired food, Royal Caribbean has created a surprisingly appealing balance. It feels tropical, polished and grown-up while still giving families plenty to enjoy.
We compare Royal Beach Club Paradise Island with Perfect Day at CocoCay and Hideaway Beach, explain who this Nassau beach club is best for and answer the big question: Would Dayna pay to visit again?

Hotel Xcaret México promises an elevated all-inclusive vacation with incredible dining, spectacular grounds and unlimited access to some of the Riviera Maya’s best parks. But is this luxury resort still worth its five-star price?
John joins Dayna and Jess to share an honest review of his family’s return to Hotel Xcaret México. We cover the resort’s massive expansion, exceptional meals at Las Cuevas, Xin-Gao and Arriba Baja, plus the included experiences at Xplor, Xcaret and Xel-Há. John also explains the service failures, billing problems and frustrating guest recovery that left a bad first and last impression.
You’ll also hear practical Hotel Xcaret tips, including which parks require reservations, when to make dining requests, why you may not want to charge park extras to your room and whether John would stay at Hotel Xcaret México again.
Is Hotel Xcaret México still one of the best family all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, or would you be better off staying elsewhere and purchasing a day pass to Xplor?

Is an Alaska cruise worth the hype? Dayna returns from a family sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s newly amplified Ovation of the Seas and shares everything you need to know before planning your own Alaska adventure.
We cover the stunning train ride from Anchorage to Seward, sailing past Hubbard Glacier, whale watching in Juneau, meeting sled dogs and puppies in Skagway, searching for bears in Icy Strait Point and exploring Alaska’s small port towns.
Dayna also shares her honest thoughts on Ovation of the Seas, the best activities for families, whether you really need a balcony cabin, which excursions she would book next time and why you should prepare to spend more than expected on excursions, souvenirs and king crab.
Whether you are considering a one-way Alaska cruise, comparing Royal Caribbean with Disney Cruise Line or wondering whether Alaska is a good destination for kids, this episode is packed with firsthand advice, practical planning tips and plenty of travel inspiration.

What was the trip that made you fall in love with travel?
This week, John, Dayna, and Jess look back at the journeys that shaped them as travelers. They share their favorite family vacations, the couples’ trips that helped them reconnect, and the destinations that surprised them most.
From a groundbreaking first cruise aboard Voyager of the Seas and a European family adventure on Symphony of the Seas to a Greek anniversary cruise, a Hawaiian honeymoon, a sunrise proposal at Machu Picchu, and an unexpectedly unforgettable family trip to London, these are the experiences that became core memories.
Along the way, they discuss why traveling together matters, how one trip can influence a lifetime of vacations, and why the journeys we never expect to love sometimes stay with us the longest.
What trip made you fall in love with travel?

This week, we’re crowning the best moderate resort at Walt Disney World. Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside/French Quarter, and Coronado Springs/Gran Destino Tower go head-to-head across the categories that matter most: transportation, theming, rooms, dining, pools, amenities, value, and a few highly subjective bonus points.
Is the Skyliner enough to push Caribbean Beach to the top? Does Port Orleans win on charm, peaceful vibes, and beignets? Or does Coronado Springs, with Gran Destino Tower, standout lounges, and that “moderate-plus” feel, take the crown?
From fifth sleeper rooms to bus loops, resort size, food options, and overall value, we break down which Disney moderate resort gives families the best stay.

Summer travel is in full swing, and this week we’re breaking down the biggest trends we’re seeing in 2026: cruises, Europe, and multi-generational family trips.
John, Dayna, and Jess talk through their own summer travel plans, from Alaska cruises and Hotel Xcaret to Universal Orlando, Epic Universe, Disney weekends, river cruising, and sports travel. But the bigger story is what clients are booking right now — and this summer, cruising is everywhere.
Families are sailing to Alaska, Greece, Japan, the Caribbean, and beyond, with European cruises and bucket-list itineraries becoming major standouts. We also dig into the rise of multi-gen travel, as more families are choosing to bring grandparents, siblings, cousins, and extended family together for big memory-making vacations instead of traditional reunions at home.
From Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean to Celebrity, river cruises, Adventures by Disney, Beaches Turks & Caicos, national parks, Universal, and Europe, this episode is packed with summer travel inspiration and the trends shaping family vacations right now.

This week on Where We Roam, we are getting a few things off our chest with a full episode dedicated to our biggest Walt Disney World pet peeves.
John, Dayna, and Jess talk through the guest behaviors that can turn a magical park day into a test of patience, from people standing way too close in line, to massive groups cutting the queue, to guests stopping dead in the middle of Main Street USA like no one else exists.
We also get into Disney adults wearing cringe-worthy complaint shirts, guests who think spending money entitles them to special treatment, people asking to be “pixie dusted,” bad information from old TikToks, MagicMobile chaos at the front gate, public family meltdowns, and why Disney guest etiquette still matters.
It is a little ranty, a lot relatable, and hopefully just self-aware enough to make all of us better Disney Parks guests.
Whether you are planning your first Walt Disney World vacation or you visit the parks all the time, this episode is a funny reminder that the magic works best when everyone remembers they are not the only family in the park.

Dayna is back from Walt Disney World with firsthand updates from some of the newest experiences in the parks!
In this episode of Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Jess dive into Dayna’s recent visit for passholder previews, including the new Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the limited-time Soarin’ Across America overlay at EPCOT, and the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard.
Dayna shares what changed, what stayed the same, and whether the Muppets overlay works on one of Hollywood Studios’ most iconic thrill rides. Jess also gives her very honest thoughts on the Muppets, Aerosmith, and why this retheme may not be winning her over just yet.
Plus, the crew talks EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival, nostalgic Disney smells, new park green spaces, snacky snacks, and another round of John’s 15-word Disney attraction guessing game.
Whether you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip, curious about the latest Disney Parks updates, or just want honest reactions from travel advisors who love the parks, this episode has you covered.
In this episode:
Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster first impressions
Soarin’ Across America review
Animation Courtyard reopening updates
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse early opening
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival thoughts
Disney snack reviews
Why scent is such a powerful part of the Disney experience
A chaotic Disney ride guessing game

This week on Where We Roam, we’re talking location, location, location with a Disney Resort Showdown featuring three of our favorite Walt Disney World resorts close to the parks: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
But first, Dayna joins us live from Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a Disney Parks update, including her experience riding Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT and the anticipation around Muppets Electric Mayhem taking over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
Then we go head-to-head-to-head with three very different Disney deluxe resorts. Animal Kingdom Lodge brings the savanna views, incredible theming, and some of the best resort dining at Disney World. The Polynesian delivers Monorail access, tropical vibes, Magic Kingdom convenience, and classic Disney nostalgia. Yacht Club brings the EPCOT resort area, walkability, Stormalong Bay, and easy access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
We rank each resort across the categories that matter most: location and transportation, theme and atmosphere, room size and layout, food and beverage, pools and amenities, and overall value.
Which Disney resort wins when location is the name of the game? Listen in as we debate three Walt Disney World favorites and crown our winner.