Travel Blog

Learn more about travel with Wishful Wanderings Travel
Bounce Back Offer

Walt Disney World’s 2027 Bounce Back Offers

Walt Disney World’s 2027 Bounce Back Offers Are Here Save on Your Next Magical Vacation The best time to start planning your next Walt Disney World vacation might actually be before your current one ends! Disney has officially released its 2027 Bounce Back Offer—known by Disney as the “Future Stay Offer” or “Return to the Magic” promotion—giving eligible Disney Resort hotel guests the opportunity to save significantly on a future vacation. For Disney fans who

Read More »

Light Up Your Disney Vacation with Disney Starlight

Light Up Your Disney Vacation with Disney Starlight Dream the Night Away at Magic Kingdom For years, Disney fans have dreamed of the return of a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom—and now that dream has finally come true. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is the dazzling new nighttime parade lighting up Magic Kingdom, bringing beloved Disney stories, breathtaking floats, and unforgettable music together in a spectacular celebration of wishes, dreams, and magic. Inspired by

Read More »

Universal Kids Resort Is Officially Open

Universal Kids Resort Is Officially Open! A Brand-New Family Adventure Awaits in Texas Exciting news for families and theme park fans—Universal Kids Resort is officially open! Located in Frisco, Texas, this all-new theme park is designed specifically with young children and their families in mind, offering immersive lands, beloved characters, interactive attractions, and unforgettable experiences that make it easier than ever for little adventurers to enjoy the magic of a Universal vacation. If you’ve been

Read More »

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets

Let’s Plan Your Holiday Visit Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets Are Now on Sale! The holiday magic is calling! If you’ve been dreaming of celebrating Christmas at Walt Disney World, now is the time to start planning. Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are officially on sale, and some dates are expected to sell out quickly.  At Wishful Wanderings Travel, we’re here to help you secure your tickets and plan a magical holiday

Read More »

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 

Let’s Boo This! Everything You Need to Know about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party If you’re dreaming of pumpkins on Main Street, exclusive character meet-and-greets, trick-or-treat bags filled with candy, and a Halloween celebration that’s more magical than scary, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party should be at the top of your Walt Disney World vacation list. Held on select nights through October 31 at Magic Kingdom, this beloved after-hours event transforms the park into a festive Halloween

Read More »

Disney Jollywood Nights

Disney Jollywood Nights Tickets Are Now on Sale! Get ready to celebrate the holidays with a touch of old Hollywood glamour! Tickets for Disney Jollywood Nights are now on sale, making this the perfect time to plan a festive Walt Disney World vacation this holiday season. This limited-capacity event is one of the most sought-after holiday experiences at Walt Disney World, so booking early is the best way to secure your preferred date.At Wishful Wanderings

Read More »

What Is Book Club at Sea? Inside Our Latest Cruise with Sadie Kincaid & Luna Mason

What Is Book Club at Sea? Inside Our Latest Cruise with Sadie Kincaid & Luna Mason What happens when you combine a cruise vacation, your favorite authors, and a whole group of people who love books just as much as you do? You get Book Club at Sea. Our latest Book Club at Sea sailed aboard Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas with authors Sadie Kincaid and Luna Mason, and somehow, each one of these trips just keeps getting

Read More »

Why Travel Insurance Matters

Why I’ll Never Cruise Without Travel Insurance Again I haven’t always purchased travel insurance. Years ago, I was definitely one of those people who looked at it as an extra expense and wondered if I really needed it. But the more I traveled—and especially once I became a travel advisor and learned just how many different situations travel insurance can cover—the more my perspective changed. I’ve purchased it for my own trips for years now.

Read More »

Is Celebrity’s Retreat Worth It? My Honest Sky Suite Review

Is Celebrity’s Retreat Worth It? My Honest Sky Suite Review One of the biggest surprises on one of my recent Celebrity Cruise sailing on the Celebrity Ascent wasn’t a destination—it was my stateroom. For this cruise, I decided to upgrade our room to The Retreat and stay in a Sky Suite. Since it was only a three-night sailing, the price difference wasn’t nearly as significant as it would be on a longer cruise, making it

Read More »

Hawaii

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

Read More »

UO Express Now

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

Read More »

Volcano Bay Nights

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

Read More »

Butterbeer Season

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

Read More »

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

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

Read More »

Splash into Savings

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

Read More »

70 Years of Magic

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,

Read More »

35 Years of Fear

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

Read More »

Carnival Vista Recap

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

Read More »

Carnival’s Faster to the Fun

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

Read More »

Cruising Carnival with Kids

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

Read More »

Dominican Republic Excursion

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

Read More »

Grand Turk

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

Read More »

Celebration Key

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

Read More »

Child Swap and Rider Switch Universal

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

Read More »

Rider Switch and Single Rider at Disney

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

Read More »
All-Inclusive Resort

Dreams Sapphire: First Impressions from a Riviera Cancun Retreat

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

Read More »
Christmas at Disney

Experience the Magic of Jollywood Nights

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

Read More »

Exclusive Celebrity Cruises Offer

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

Read More »
Bahamas

Bimini

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

Read More »

Exclusive Royal Caribbean Offers Just For You! Dining & Family Savings!

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!

Read More »

Disney Magic in the Summer Heat

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

Read More »

Don’t Miss Out: Royal Caribbean’s All-In Sale is Here

-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

Read More »

Flying with an Infant and Traveling with Breastmilk: A Complete Guide

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

Read More »

Epic Universe: Our First Visit

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

Read More »

Traveling to Disney During Christmas

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

Read More »

Sail Away with Sadie Kincaid & Joe Arden

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

Read More »
Airport Tips

Traveling with Children Soon? You Need to Read This!

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

Read More »
Bucket List Travel

Wandering Through the Cotswolds

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

Read More »
Disney Resort Review

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

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.

Read More »
Disney Events

Experience the Magic at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

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

Read More »
Animal Kingdom

Lightning Lane MultiPass: Our First Thoughts and Experience

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

Read More »

Genie+ Has Been Cancelled!

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

Read More »

Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Itineraries

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

Read More »
Camping at Disney

Fort Wilderness: A Hidden Gem

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

Read More »

Happy Holidays

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

Read More »

Why Book So Early

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

Read More »
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 MAGIC of Disney is in the details. And those details start by booking as soon as possible.