Where We Roam Podcast

What's in Your Park Bag? Team Minimalist vs. Team Pack Mule.

How heavy is too heavy when it comes to your Disney or Universal park bag?This week, John, Dayna, and Shawn go head-to-head in the ultimate packing debate: the over-prepared pack mule 🐴 vs. the minimalist traveler 🩳.
They reveal what’s worth carrying (spoiler: not your MagSafe charger in Florida), what’s a total waste of space, and the weirdest things people actually pack for a day in the parks. Expect laughs, eye-rolls, and maybe a few personal confessions about sunscreen, snacks, and “strategic chafing prevention.”
🎢 Whether you’re a park pro or a first-timer, this episode will help you pack smarter—and save your back (and sanity) in the Florida heat.

4 Months In: What Universal Got Right (and Totally Missed) at Epic Universe

Four months after its grand opening, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is already changing the theme-park game — and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, John, Dayna, and Shawn share honest reactions, hilarious moments, and insider travel tips from the newest and most immersive park in Orlando.
We kick things off with a “This or That” ride showdown — from Battle at the Ministry to Stardust Racers, Curse of the Werewolf, Hiccups Wing Gliders, and beyond — to find out which attraction truly reigns supreme. Then we dive into resort impressions (hello, Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Helios Grand), express-pass updates, hidden details you might miss, and how Epic Universe compares to Disney’s parks.
You’ll hear firsthand ride reviews, meet-and-greet highlights (Toothless fans, this one’s for you 🐉), nighttime show recommendations, and even a few spicy takes about butterbeer and mac-and-cheese cones.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your next one, this episode is packed with real-world insights from top travel advisors who’ve been there, done that, and still can’t stop talking about it.

Early 2026 Travel Guide: Where to Go + Can’t-Miss Promotions

School is back in session and it’s time to dream big for 2026. In this week’s Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Shawn share the ultimate inspiration for planning February getaways, spring break escapes, and early summer adventures. From Disney Cruises that hit private islands to Mediterranean voyages, luxury river cruises, and family-friendly all-inclusives, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas for where to roam next year. Plus, we’ve got the inside scoop on can’t-miss promotions — including amazing savings at Hotel Xcaret that make 2026 the perfect time to start planning. Don’t wait too long… these ideas and deals won’t last!

Sleeper Train to Scotland: Family Tales from the Caledonian Sleeper

In this week’s episode of Where We Roam, John is joined by Shawn and a very special guest—his son Jack—for a lively family recap of their London and Scotland adventure. From the Tower of London to Ted Lasso’s Richmond, and from black cabs to black pudding, they cover the highlights (and a few surprises) of traveling with kids in the UK.
The spotlight, though, is on their overnight ride aboard the Caledonian Sleeper—a bucket list train journey from London to Edinburgh. Hear their honest take on cramped cabins, splitting train cars, Wi-Fi on board, scenic Scottish arrivals, and whether the experience is truly worth it for families. Along the way, Jack gives his candid 12-year-old reviews (spoiler: he has strong feelings about bunk beds, pigeons, and the London Eye).
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to trade a hotel night for a rolling train cabin through the British countryside, this episode has you covered—plus a few laughs, some sibling misadventures, and maybe even a little haggis.

Star of the Seas is So Good, It ALMOST Made Us Forget About Icon

Bigger, bolder, and bursting with entertainment — Star of the Seas is here! 🚢✨John, Dayna, and fan-favorite Corinne Trigg break down Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship: from Back to the Future: The Musical and next-level ice shows to hidden bar gems and the best staterooms for families. They dish on what makes Star outshine Icon and Utopia, swap favorite cocktails, and even play a cruise-themed “This or That.” If you’re wondering if this ship is worth the hype, don’t miss this insider-packed episode!

Bad, Terrible, and Just Plain Wrong Travel Advice

From “skip Rome because it’s too touristy” to “just wing it at Disney” — today we’re tackling some of the worst travel advice floating around the internet (and even coming from well-meaning friends).
Join John, Dayna, and Shawn as we share the advice that makes us cringe, why it doesn’t actually work in real life, and what travelers should do instead. We dive into:✨ The myth of “10 minutes from Disney” Airbnbs✨ Why “guarantee cabins” on cruises aren’t always a deal✨ Over-planning (or under-planning) your dream vacation✨ The truth about upgrades, ticket hacks, and travel insurance✨ Taking kids to Disney “too young”
Whether you’re planning a Disney trip, a European adventure, or a big cruise, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your travel.

OUR Perfect 3-Day London Itinerary With Kids – Tried and Tested 🇬🇧

This week on ROAM, John, Dayna, and Shawn unpack John’s whirlwind three-day trip to London with his family before heading to Scotland. From scoring an incredible upgrade at the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel to seeing Hamilton live on the West End, John shares how they made the most of just 72 hours in the city.
Highlights include:
Surviving the red-eye and jumping straight into a hop-on, hop-off bus tour
Exploring Covent Garden’s hidden gems and foodie favorites like Dishoom
A fancy dinner at Sky Garden with panoramic city views
Touring the Tower of London with a Blue Badge guide
A relaxing detour to Richmond—yes, the town from Ted Lasso
Whether you’re planning a short stopover or just love hearing about family travel done right, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and insider stories.

Lightning Lane or Express Pass? The One We’d Buy Every Time!

We go head-to-head on Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Universal’s Express Pass to uncover which skip-the-line service truly delivers the best value.
From the complex, tech-heavy world of Lightning Lane to the no-planning-needed freedom of Express Pass, we break down how each system works, what they cost, and the pros and cons you need to know before your next trip. We’ll dive into real-world park experiences, insider strategies, and a bit of theme park history—from the nostalgic paper FastPass days to today’s premium upcharge systems.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Disney or Universal offers the better line-skipping deal, or how to get the most out of your park days without wasting time (or money), this is your must-listen episode.

Would We Go Back to Secrets Akumal? Our Unfiltered Review

In this episode of the Where We Roam podcast, hosts John and Dayna welcome back original co-host Megan to dive into their recent stay at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, a luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort in Mexico. As part of their travel agency’s Top 10 Agent Retreat, the trio breaks down every detail of this lush, tropical getaway—from first impressions and check-in to pools, rooms, food, drinks, beach access, activities, and the often-overlooked pros and cons.
They share:
Why Secrets Akumal surprised them with attentive service and thoughtful touches 🍹
Their favorite meals (spoiler: the mango martinis and fried ice cream are 🔥)
Honest feedback on room design, cocktails, poolside vibe, and navigating the maze-like layout 🗺️
Whether they’d recommend it for couples, friend groups, or active travelers 👫👯‍♀️
What sets this resort apart from other all-inclusives in the Riviera Maya
If you're considering a stay at a Secrets resort—or just curious about how it stacks up to popular spots like Atelier or Sandals—this is the deep dive you need before booking your next beach escape.
📍 Location: Secrets Akumal, Riviera Maya, Mexico🌴 Resort Type: Adults-Only, All-Inclusive🎯 Perfect for: Couples, Girlfriend Getaways, Relaxation Seekers

🌴 Perfect Day Mexico Revealed + Star of the Seas Preview with Royal Caribbean Insider Corinne Trigg

In this episode of Where We Roam, hosts John and Dayna are joined by Royal Caribbean insider Corinne Trigg to break down the exciting details about Perfect Day Mexico, the highly anticipated new private destination opening in Costa Maya in 2027. From record-breaking water slides at Jaguar Tower to the massive adults-only pool at El Hideaway and the all-new Fiesta Plaza, we cover everything you can expect from this next-level private island experience.
We also dive into the Royal Beach Club opening in Nassau this December, compare it to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and discuss how these new developments will transform Western Caribbean itineraries out of Galveston, Texas. Plus, Corinne gives us an inside look at what’s coming aboard Star of the Seas, the newest Icon Class ship set to wow cruisers in 2025.
Whether you're a Royal Caribbean fan, a cruise planner, or just love dreaming about your next getaway, this episode is packed with must-know updates and insider tips.
Key topics covered:
Perfect Day Mexico details (opening date, attractions, exclusive access for Royal Caribbean guests)
Royal Beach Club Nassau opening and pricing
What to expect on the new Star of the Seas
How Royal Caribbean is reshaping the cruise experience out of Galveston
Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Caribbean private island, Jaguar Tower, El Hidoe adults-only pool, Royal Beach Club Nassau, Star of the Seas, Icon Class ship, Galveston cruises, CocoCay comparison, Royal Caribbean news
#PerfectDayMexico #RoyalCaribbean #StarOfTheSeas #CocoCay #RoyalBeachClub #CruisePodcast #WhereWeRoam