We Visited All 4 Hawaiian Islands in 2 Weeks (Here’s What We’d Do Differently) When people dream about Hawaii, they usually picture choosing one island and spending a relaxing week on the beach. My family did the exact opposite. Over two weeks, we visited Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, and Oahu. We rented a car on every island, packed up our luggage every few days, and even traveled with my two-year-old son and his car
Skip the Lines, On Your Terms Universal Orlando Resort Launches New “Express Now” Option If you’ve ever stood in a 90-minute line at a theme park thinking, “there has to be a better way…” – Universal just answered you. Enter Express Now, a brand-new, app-based feature at Universal Orlando Resort that’s changing how – and when – you can skip the lines. And for travelers who love flexibility as much as thrill rides? This might
Volcano Bay Nights An After-Dark Escape at Universal Orlando Resort There’s something magical about a water park at night – the air feels softer, the crowds melt away, and everything seems to glow just a little brighter. That’s exactly the kind of enchantment you’ll find during Volcano Bay Nights at Universal Orlando Resort, an exclusive, limited-capacity evening event that transforms an already stunning tropical oasis into a laid-back island paradise after sunset. If you’ve ever
Butterbeer Season: A Sweet Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss There are certain travel moments that can make you feel like you’re stepping into another world… and Butterbeer™ Season is one of them! Now through May 31, 2026, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ comes alive with flavor, fun, and a touch of nostalgia as Butterbeer™ takes center stage across all three lands. And this year? There’s even more reason to celebrate! A Milestone Worth
Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Walt Disney World Fun, Magic, and Memories Await! At Wishful Wanderings Travel, we’re beyond excited to share all the details about the return of Walt Disney World’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER — a thrilling summer packed with magical experiences, special offers, and unforgettable family fun! If you’re dreaming of a Disney getaway filled with laughter, adventure, and extra perks, this is the perfect time to plan your trip! Cool KIDS’ SUMMER, which
Splash into Savings Free Waterpark Admission Returns to Walt Disney World! Beginning May 26 and running through September 8, 2026, Walt Disney World Resort is offering FREE water park admission for guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel! This exciting perk makes planning your next magical getaway even more irresistible. Why This is a Game-Changer Walt Disney World is already packed with unforgettable experiences, but now your resort stay includes access to either Disney’s Blizzard Beach
70 Years of Magic… and You Can Still Be Part of It! For seven decades, Disneyland Resort has been the place where dreams take shape, churros somehow taste better, and every corner holds a magical story waiting to be rediscovered. And now, the 70th Anniversary Celebration is turning that magic all the way up. The best part? There’s still time to go! A Celebration 70 Years in the MakingSince opening day on July 17, 1955,
35 Years of fear: halloween horror nights returns bigger than ever! If your idea of a perfect night includes eerie fog, heart-pounding thrills, and the kind of screams that echo long after you leave… then this is your moment. The legendary Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) is celebrating its 35th anniversary at Universal Orlando Resort — and it’s shaping up to be the most spine-tingling year yet. A Legacy of FearFor 35 years, HHN has
Our Carnival Vista Cruise: Day by Day Recap Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel, and each line offers a slightly different experience. On our most recent trip aboard the Carnival Vista, we tried Faster to the Fun, explored Carnival’s brand-new private island, and tested out what the ship had to offer for families. Here’s how our week unfolded—and if you’d like more details on any part of our trip, just click the
Carnival’s Faster to the Fun: Is It Worth It? Carnival offers a paid add-on called Faster to the Fun (FTTF) that promises priority perks normally reserved for Platinum and Diamond guests. On our recent Carnival Vista cruise, I purchased FTTF to test whether it was worth it for my family. Some of the benefits worked exactly as advertised, but others left me questioning the value. Here’s my honest take on whether Faster to the Fun
Cruising Carnival with Kids Camp Ocean: A Huge Win for Families Carnival’s Camp Ocean kids’ club is designed for ages 2–11 and is divided into age groups. Brooks was in the Penguins (ages 2–5) group, which turned out to be perfect for him. Embarkation day schedule: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.: Open house & registration (parents and kids can explore, meet staff, and get signed up). 5 p.m.: Explore Camp Ocean — a family event where you
Exploring the Dominican Republic with Kids: Our Excursion Experience When our Carnival Vista cruise stopped in the Dominican Republic, we knew we wanted something a little more adventurous than just a beach day. The only challenge? Carnival had very limited excursion options for our 4-year-old. That’s when I turned to Viator, an outside excursion provider that still offers cruise-friendly perks like a Back-to-Ship Guarantee and flexible cancellation policies. It gave us peace of mind while
Cruise Port Guide: Grand Turk Grand Turk is one of the most popular cruise stops in the Caribbean, and for good reason—it’s one of the easiest ports to enjoy without booking an excursion. On our recent Carnival Vista cruise, we spent the day soaking up the sun and exploring right off the pier. Here’s what you need to know before your visit. Beaches Right Off the Pier When you dock in Grand Turk, you’ll walk
Celebration Key: Carnival’s New Private Island Experience One of the highlights of our recent Carnival Vista cruise was a stop at Celebration Key, Carnival’s brand-new private island in the Bahamas. As someone who has also been to other cruise line private islands like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, I was excited to see how Carnival’s version compared. First Impressions Stepping off the ship, you walk down the pier (trams are available if needed). The
Child Swap + Single Rider: How to Ride More and Wait Less at Universal Visiting Universal with kids—or on your own? Whether you’re navigating height restrictions, traveling with a toddler, or just trying to ride as much as possible in one day, Universal has two fantastic tools to help: Child Swap and Single Rider. These time-saving options let you enjoy the thrill rides without missing out—or making others in your group wait around unnecessarily. In
Rider Switch + Single Rider: Smart Ride Tips for Disney Families Planning a Disney trip with kids? There are plenty of rides—especially at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park—that you can enjoy even with the littlest of adventurers. But for those rides your kids aren’t quite ready for, Rider Switch and Single Rider can be game-changers. These time-saving tools help your family experience more rides without long waits. In this guide, I’ll explain how Rider Switch
Dreams Sapphire: First Impressions from a Riviera Cancun Retreat At the end of June, one of amazing Wishful Wanderings Travel Consultant, Tess, had the opportunity to attend a supplier training in Riviera Cancun. For this trip, she was hosted for four nights at the Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa. While she was already familiar with both the brand and the destination, this was actually her first time experiencing this particular property in person. She’s so
Experience the Magic of Jollywood Nights 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Get ready for my FAVORITE specialty ticketed event of the year! An unforgettable holiday season is upon us as Jollywood Nights returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2025! This event transforms the park into a winter wonderland filled with elevated entertainment, delectable drinks & treats, and rare character encounters. Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is basically a grown-up Christmas party, and it’s a
Exclusive Celebrity Cruises Offer: Your Dream Vacation Awaits! As a valued partner of the Travel Leaders Network, we have access to incredible, exclusive promotions that you won’t find anywhere else. This means more savings and more perks for our incredible clients! This particular offer is a testament to the power of our partnership, bringing you an amazing opportunity to enhance your next Celebrity Cruise. Unlock $125 Speciality Dining Credit on Celebrity Cruises! Imagine indulging in
Exploring Bimini: A Perfect Port Day Guide Bimini is becoming an increasingly popular cruise port, offering visitors a variety of ways to spend their day beyond the standard cruise line excursions. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious beach club, a cultural adventure, or a laid-back day of exploration, Bimini has something for everyone. Resort World Beach Club If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, you’ll have complimentary access to Resort World Beach Club, a stunning beachfront
TWO Exclusive Royal Caribbean Offers Just For You! Dining & Family Savings! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! We’re thrilled to present not one, but two incredible offers from Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards. Whether you’re a foodie dreaming of gourmet experiences or planning a fun-filled family vacation, Royal Caribbean has a deal just for you!
Disney Magic in the Summer Heat A Summer Disney World Trip Can Be Pure Magic! Dreaming of Disney World but worried about the summer heat? Think again! While the Florida sun certainly shines brightly, visiting Walt Disney World during the summer months offers a unique set of advantages that can lead to an incredibly magical and surprisingly manageable vacation. Forget everything you thought you knew about summer crowds – with a little planning, you might
-Don’t Miss Out- Royal Caribbean’s All-In Sale is Here Here’s what you need to know about these amazing offers: 3rd & 4th Guests Sail FREE! Booking Window: June 26 — July 14, 2025 Sailing Window: Any cruise departing September 1, 2025 — April 30, 2026 Up to $850 Instant Savings! Booking Window: June 26 — June 30, 2025 Sailing Window: Any cruise departing on or after June 27, 2025 And the best part? These deals can be stacked
Flying with an Infant and Traveling with Breastmilk: A Complete Guide Flying with an infant can feel overwhelming—so many things to pack, TSA to navigate, and the fear of being that mom with the crying baby on the plane. And if you’re a breastfeeding mom traveling without your baby, pumping and storing milk can add another layer of stress. But after experiencing it all firsthand, I can confidently say it’s not as bad as you
What an EPIC Day! I recently previewed the groundbreaking Epic Universe theme park prior to its official park opening on May 22nd. This new park offers immersive entertainment. While I was hosted by Universal to be a preview guest, I paid full price for preview tickets for my husband and kids (ages 8 and 13) to join me for the day. Here are our initial impressions, unforgettable moments, and essential tips for first-time visitors. Epic
Trip Report: Traveling to Disney World during The Most Magical Time of the Year Traveling to Walt Disney World during the holidays is one of our favorite times to visit! There is so much extra magic to see, from special events to holiday overlays on attractions to “snoap”. There is SOOO much to smell, see, hear, and taste. Before we get to the details, let me introduce myself. I am Danielle, a travel consult with
Sail Away with Sadie Kincaid and Joe Arden Calling all romance readers! Prepare for an unforgettable weekend on the Utopia of the Seas, sailing from May 9th to May 12th, 2025, for our exclusive Book Club at Sea. This exciting group cruise is perfect for fans of Amazon’s #1 bestselling “spicy romance” author Sadie Kincaid and renowned audiobook narrator Joe Arden. Sadie Kincaid, a master of contemporary romance, is known for creating captivating stories that
Traveling With Children One of the best decisions I made as a parent was choosing to travel with my kids—and not just to Disney’s World Showcase! I often get asked if I’m crazy for traveling with children, but honestly, it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences for our family. My youngest two were flying before they turned one, and my oldest has been a travel pro since he was three. Over the years, I’ve
Wondering Through the Cotswolds When I first heard about the Cotswolds, I was instantly captivated by the images of rolling hills, honey-colored stone cottages, and charming little villages. It felt like a scene from a storybook, and I knew I had to experience it for myself. My journey took me to three stunning spots: Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, each with its unique charm and character. Exploring Bibury My adventure began in Bibury, often hailed as
Coronado Springs Resort offers an excellent mix of dining, amenities, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great choice for those looking for a moderate Disney resort with some luxury touches. However, the size of the resort and the reliance on bus transportation might be something to weigh when deciding if this is the right resort for your Walt Disney World vacation.
Wishful Wanderings Travel experienced Disney’s brand-new island paradise: Lighthouse Point and Lookout Cay!
Experience the Magic of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Get ready to dive into a spellbinding evening at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! This annual event at Walt Disney World transforms the Magic Kingdom into a whimsical Halloween wonderland, perfect for guests of all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a candy connoisseur, or a Disney character enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. Here are three enchanting ways to make the most of your night
Lightning Lane MultiPass: What we know and What we Recommend Disney World’s new Lightning Lane MultiPass has generated quite a buzz among park-goers. Wishful Wanderings Travel sent out one of our local agents, Cristen, to test out this new system so we can prepare our clients for making their Lightning Lane MultiPass reservations. The much-anticipated Lightning Lane MultiPass and Single Pass went live today, July 24th, at 7 AM. This new system allows resort guests
Genie+ Has Been Cancelled Disney has revamped the Lightning Lane reservation system to offer MORE! MORE pre-planning, MORE sleep, and MORE time to focus magical experiences with your loved ones! Changes have been made to the Lightening Lane reservation system. We wanted less time on your phones in the park and more time focused on our family in the moment. We wanted to get more sleep. We wanted preplanning abilities similar to the old
Disney Cruise Line’s New Itineraries: Booking Opens as early asJune 24th, 2024! If you’ve been dreaming of a magical cruise, now is the perfect time to start planning. Disney Cruise Line is releasing its new Fall 2025 and Early 2026 itineraries next week! ! Why Book Early? One of the best ways to save money on a Disney cruise is to book as soon as the itineraries are released. Here’s why: Lowest Prices: When bookings
Disney’s Fort Wilderness: A Hidden Gem, Not a Diamond in the Rough Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is an original resort (opening November 19th, 1971) to Walt Disney World. This resort sits on 750 acres of lush Florida foliage that gives it a pre-theme park Florida feel. There is something special about this resort as compared to others on Disney property. Guests don’t seem to be in as much of a hurry at Fort
Why Book So Early? We hope your are enjoying time with your loved ones during this joyous season. The travel consultants here at Wishful Wanderings Travel are grateful for each of you and your willingness to trust their expertise during the planning of your adventures this year. It is our expectation to bring even more exciting destinations, cruising, and magic in the year 2022. J.R.R Tolkien said it best: “Still round the corner, there may
Why Book So Early? Wishful Wanderings Travel and its family of travel planners are always shouting in ALL CAPS about the next year’s vacation releases-whether for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, or Adventures by Disney. Why? Why on earth would someone want to plan their vacation 12 months (up to 499 days!) in advance!? It’s because our travel planners at Wishful Wanderings Travel know a few secrets about traveling to any Disney Destination-the
