Where We Roam Podcast

The Best Disney World Moderate Resort: Coronado, Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans?

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 Trends: Cruises, Europe & Multi-Gen Trips

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.

Walt Disney World Pet Peeves: Entitlement, Line Cutters & Main Street Mayhem

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.

Disney Parks Update: Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Soarin’ Across America & Animation Courtyard

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

Location, Location, Location: Disney Resort Showdown + Disney Parks Update

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.

Would You Rather: The Ultimate Vacation Debate Episode

This week on Where We Roam, we’re playing Travel Would You Rather — the ultimate vacation debate episode.
John, Dayna, Jess, and Shawn are choosing between some seriously tough travel scenarios: a full week at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, a suite on an older cruise ship or an inside cabin on the newest ship, flying economy with an ultra-luxury resort stay or flying business class with more moderate accommodations, and whether swim-out suites beat butler service.
We also get into Disney fireworks vs. character meet-and-greets, iconic historic hotels vs. brand-new luxury resorts, traveling with extended family, peak season crowds, loud hotel neighbors, and plenty of vacation hot takes along the way.
It’s a fun, chaotic, and surprisingly revealing conversation about how we each travel, what we prioritize on vacation, and which “would you rather” choices are harder than they sound.
Perfect for fans of Disney vacations, Universal Orlando, cruises, luxury resorts, family travel, and travel planning debates.

Meet Jess: Our New Co-Host, Hawaii Expert, and Disney Resort Pro

Jess is official official!
This week on Where We Roam, we officially welcome Jess as a regular co-host and give listeners a chance to get to know her better. Jess shares how her love of travel started, what led her into the travel advisor world, and why Hawaii has become one of her deepest areas of expertise.
We talk Maui memories, favorite Hawaiian resorts, bucket-list trips, traveling with kids before they leave the house, and what it was like being a travel advisor before, during, and after the pandemic. Then we put Jess to the test with a Disney resort guessing game and rapid-fire favorites covering Disney parks, Disney snacks, favorite cruise lines, and the eternal travel debate: cruise or all-inclusive?
If you love Hawaii, Disney resorts, Royal Caribbean, travel advisor behind-the-scenes talk, or just want to meet the newest voice on the show, this is the perfect episode to jump into.
In this episode, we discuss:
Jess officially joining Where We Roam
Her background in travel and life in New England
Why Hawaii, especially Maui, is so special to her
Bucket-list trips including Asia, Tuscany, safari, and Norway
Disney resort trivia and favorite Disney parks
Royal Caribbean vs. Disney Cruise Line
Cruises vs. all-inclusive resorts
What makes a great travel experience for families with older kids
Listen now and help us welcome Jess to the show!

NCL Haven FAQ: Everything to Know Before You Upgrade

Thinking about upgrading to The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line? Before you spend the extra money, this episode breaks down what you really need to know.
After John’s recent stay in a Haven Penthouse with Balcony on Norwegian Luna, we’re answering the most common NCL Haven questions: what The Haven actually is, what perks are included, how the private restaurant compares to specialty dining, whether the service feels elevated, and who this luxury “ship-within-a-ship” experience is really for.
We talk through the food, the cocktails, the stateroom, butler service, concierge perks, priority boarding, private spaces, kids in The Haven, Vibe Beach Club access, line-skipping benefits, and whether the upgrade feels worth it compared to a regular Norwegian cruise experience.
If you’re considering The Haven on Norwegian Luna, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, or another NCL ship, this episode will help you decide whether it’s the right splurge for your next cruise.
In this episode, we cover:
What The Haven is on Norwegian Cruise LineWhat’s included with The HavenNorwegian Luna Haven Penthouse reviewHaven restaurant food and serviceHaven bar and elevated cocktailsFree at Sea Plus in The HavenButler service and concierge perksKids in The HavenVibe Beach Club and thermal spa accessPriority boarding, shows, tendering, and line-skippingWhether The Haven is worth the upgrade
Listen before you upgrade — this is your NCL Haven FAQ.

Universal’s Epic Universe vs. Disney’s $10B Plan — Who Comes Out on Top?

Universal’s Epic Universe is officially raising the stakes—and Disney is responding with a massive $10 billion investment across its parks. But is it enough?
In this episode of Where We Roam, we break down the growing battle between Disney and Universal, including what’s coming to Walt Disney World through 2030, how Epic Universe is already changing the game, and why this feels like a full-blown theme park arms race.
We also dive into the latest Disney news, including the release of 2027 bookings, what it means for pricing and availability, and key updates like potential changes to perks, dining plans, and bounceback offers.
From new lands like Encanto and Monsters Inc. to long-term projects like Villains Land, we’re analyzing what excites us, what concerns us, and whether Disney is moving fast enough to keep up.
If you’re planning a future Disney or Universal trip—or just love theme park strategy—this is a must-listen.

Norwegian Luna Review: Stunning Ship, But Does Royal Caribbean Still Win?

Norwegian Luna is one of the most stunning new ships at sea—but is it enough to take down Royal Caribbean?
Fresh off the first public sailing, we’re breaking down our full experience onboard NCL’s newest ship—from embarkation and ship design to dining, entertainment, and The Haven.
But the real question:👉 When you compare it head-to-head with Royal Caribbean… who actually comes out on top?
In this episode, we cover:
First impressions and embarkation (and where it falls short)
Solo cabins vs suite life in The Haven
Specialty dining vs main dining—and why it didn’t feel so “special”
Entertainment differences between NCL and Royal
Ship layout, flow, and overall design
Where Norwegian Luna shines—and where Royal still dominates
Plus, we share honest onboard reactions from Megan and Lisa to round out the conversation.
If you’re trying to decide between Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean for your next cruise, this is the real-world comparison you’ve been waiting for.