We’re talking multigenerational cruising, Disney vs. Royal Caribbean for older kids, the best Disney ships for families, and whether the complaints about the Disney Adventure are actually justified.

Plus:

• Why Royal Caribbean may have the edge for tweens and teens
• The Disney Cruise Line splurge Tammy says IS worth the money
• Her surprising advice for families cruising with grandparents
• Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay, favorite ships, ports and more

And after 78 Disney cruises, Tammy reveals which Disney ships are starting to show their age—and where she wants to cruise next.

Plus, Lizzy shares what she’s learned after 26 Disney cruises—and what she’d do differently next time for a group celebration.

From A5 Wagyu and a behind-the-scenes kitchen visit to 25 Disney cruises and some hilarious Disney parenting fails, Scott shares what he’s learned about making Disney memories with his kids.

In this episode:

🍽️ What it was REALLY like taking a 12-year-old to Victoria & Albert’

🚢 Why Scott now prefers Disney Cruise Line over Disney Worl

👨‍👦 His favorite father-son Disney memories—and biggest parenting fail

✨ Why Disney dads should stop being “passenger princesses” and help plan the trip

Plus, Scott shares Disney Cruise tips, his favorite Disney World lounge, his least-favorite Disney ship and the Disney Dad shoes he refuses to give up.

In this episode:
🎢 How they tackled four Disney World parks and 14 rides in one VIP Tour

💰 Whether their $4,500 VIP experience was actually worth it

🚪 The secret entrances, minimal waits and unexpected VIP perks

Plus, Disney travel expert Jamie McMahon breaks down Disney vs. Universal VIP Tours, pricing, ride strategy and what families should know before spending thousands on a VIP day.

Rough seas, motion sickness, a very sick kid and a closed Port Canaveral turned their four-night Disney Wish sailing into SIX nights—and left Kelsey wondering whether cruising is really for her.

In this episode:

🚢 What went wrong on Kelsey’s first Disney Cruise—and why her kids STILL loved it

🌴 Why an all-inclusive resort worked better for her family than cruising

🎄 Why Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party surprised her with tweens and teens

🎢 Disney World vs. Universal and Epic Universe as kids get older

Plus, Kelsey shares what she’s learned from 140+ TripTales episodes, including multigenerational Disney World travel, Beaches Turks & Caicos, family vacation planning and the destinations she thinks are overrated—and underrated.

What makes Dollywood such a special place for families? Tennessee local and Disney travel expert Haley Ragsdale of Academy Travel joins us to share why Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park has earned a place alongside Disney and Universal for her family.

From Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread and surprisingly great rides to the beauty of fall in the Smoky Mountains, Haley shares what makes this corner of Tennessee worth experiencing—and why fall and Christmas can be especially magical times to visit.

From Food & Wine to Flower & Garden, Festival of the Holidays and Festival of the Arts, we’re breaking down which EPCOT festival is actually worth planning a Disney vacation around—and when families might be better off skipping festival season altogether.

In this episode:

🍴 Which EPCOT festival Brittany would choose over ALL the others

😳 The hyped Disney food she says was a total disappointment

🎨 What makes Food & Wine, Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden and Festival of the Holidays different

👨‍👩‍👧 When families should visit EPCOT for smaller crowds and shorter ride waits

The former airline employee and founder of NapNest joins Kids Travel Tales to share what she’s learned about surviving long-haul flights with babies and toddlers, including the sleep struggles that inspired her to invent her own travel product.

In this episode:

• ✈️ What really happened during their nightmare toddler flight
• 😴 How Ceci got her child to sleep for NINE hours on an airplane
• 🧳 What parents overpack—and her must-have international flight essentials
• 🌎 Jet lag, direct vs. connecting flights, bedtime routines, and a former airline employee’s airport tips

If you’re planning international family travel with a baby or toddler, this episode is packed with realistic tips for making long flights a little less chaotic.

Disney travel planner Sammie Fay joins us to compare Disney World's two biggest holiday events, share her favorite Halloween and Christmas party traditions, and help families decide which special event is the best fit for their vacation. From exclusive characters and holiday treats to fireworks, entertainment, and budget-saving ticket strategies, we're covering everything parents need to know before visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays.

In this episode:

🎄 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party vs. Jollywood Nights—which is the better value?

🎃 What makes Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party so popular with families

🍪 The can't-miss holiday food, exclusive characters, and entertainment at Disney World

✨ Money-saving tips for Disney's separately ticketed holiday events and how to choose the right one for your family

Whether you're planning your first Disney Christmas vacation or deciding between Disney's Halloween and Christmas parties, this episode is packed with family travel tips to help you create magical holiday memories.

This time, we're exploring why Beaches Resorts has become one of the most recommended vacation destinations for families traveling with autistic children and those with sensory needs.

From autism-certified staff and sensory-friendly spaces to one-on-one buddy programs and Sesame Street's inclusive programming, this episode highlights how thoughtful accommodations can help make family vacations more relaxing—for kids and parents alike.

Cruise content creator Sarah LeJeune joins us to share why her family keeps choosing Royal Caribbean for vacations with toddlers, what has made them loyal to the cruise line, but why they're seriously considering making the switch to MSC Cruises for future sailings.

Also in this episode:

👶 Toddler cruise hacks, nap schedules on vacations, packing tips, and managing toddler tantrums at sea

💰 Why older Royal Caribbean cruise ships can be one of the smartest values for young families

In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, Amber shares honest advice for families considering an Alaska cruise—from the best age for kids and the biggest packing mistakes to how to save money on excursions and why shoulder season may be the smartest time to sail.

From rides and character meet-and-greets to food, pricing, and splash pads, Samantha shares what surprised her most—and why she thinks parents should stop judging the park based on TikTok photos alone.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why one of the first paying guests gave Universal Kids Resort a 10 out of 10
• The best rides, themed food, and character experiences for kid
• Whether the ticket price is worth it for families with young children
• The truth about the shade, landscaping, and other viral complaints
• Why this may be the perfect first theme park before a trip to Universal Orlando

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why Washington, DC is one of the best family vacations in America
• Hot takes on the most overrated attractions (yes, even the Air & Space Museum!)
• Why you don't need a car—and how locals use the Metro
• Tips for July 4th fireworks, where to stay, and hidden gems tourists often miss

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why the Grand Floridian remains Disney's most iconic luxury resort
• Hidden ways to experience deluxe Disney resorts without staying there
• Why Minnie Vans may be Disney's most underrated luxury upgrade
• Other simple ways to add luxury touches to your vacation on almost any budget

And yes… she has some HOT TAKES. 👀

From why Carnival is her family’s favorite cruise line to why Royal Caribbean left her bored (and hungry), Sam breaks down the biggest cruise line rumors, mistakes first-time cruisers make, and what families should really consider before booking.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Which cruise line has the best food, entertainment & kids activities
• Why she STILL hasn’t booked a Disney Cruise
• Cruise tips every first-time family cruiser should know

Plus, Alli shares the viral bet she made with her husband to earn a Disney VIP Tour by growing her YouTube channel!

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• What a Disney VIP Tour actually includes (and costs)
• How families use VIP tours to ride more with less stress
• Smart ways to add “luxury Disney” touches without overspending

In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn chats with Disney travel advisor Brittany Adams about the most talked-about restaurants at Walt Disney World — including the ones families love, hate, and debate nonstop online.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why some Disney restaurants are massively overrated
• Best Disney World restaurants for kids vs. adults
• How to balance dining reservations with ride planning
• The most underrated Disney restaurant families are missing

From first flights to navigating Disney parks and cruises, this episode is filled with practical advice for parents planning trips with sensory needs in mind.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to prepare kids with autism or sensory needs for the airport and travel days
• What to know about Disability Access Service (DAS) at Walt Disney World Resort and queue re-entry options
• Why Disney Cruise Line may be a better fit for some families
• Small Disney planning details that can prevent big meltdowns

From placeholder bookings to fish extenders, specialty dining, and those pricey princess experiences, this episode is full of honest opinions and detailed strategies to help families cruise smarter with DCL.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The best time to book a Disney cruise for the lowest price
• What’s worth the splurge (and what to skip) onboard
• How a Disney cruise placeholder can save you money
• Tips for choosing the right ship at the right budget for your family

In this bonus episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn sits down with travel advisor Tracy from Trace of Magic Travel to break down how military families can access exclusive Disney discounts — and why working with a travel planner can make the process so much easier.

From military salute tickets to the ins and outs of staying at Shades of Green, this episode is packed with practical tips and insider insights.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How military families can access discounted Disney tickets
• The difference between base tickets vs. Shades of Green tickets
• Who qualifies for Disney’s military discounts
• What it’s like staying at Shades of Green (and its perks)
• Why using a travel advisor can simplify booking

From wave pool obsessions to Magic Quest marathons (and one minor dad injury 😅), they share what worked, what didn’t, and whether Great Wolf Lodge is actually worth it for families. Plus, Jenn breaks down why ComicCon might be one of the most unexpectedly fun outings for kids.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Honest pros and cons of Great Wolf Lodge vs. Disney World
• What kids actually loved (and skipped!) at the water park
• Smart tips for staying warm and saving money at Great Wolf Lodge
• What to expect at a GalaxyCon event (costumes, crowds & costs)
• How to budget at a comic-con for souvenirs, food, and meet-and-greets

Kayla walks us through her viral “100% Free Disney Adventure Day” — a creative way families can enjoy Disney magic by exploring resorts, riding Disney transportation, and discovering hidden playgrounds without stepping inside the parks.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to plan a completely free Disney day at Walt Disney World
• The best resorts for kids to explore (including Art of Animation and Animal Kingdom Lodge)
• Fun Disney resort activities like playgrounds and hidden character scavenger hunts
• Free family travel ideas around Tampa and Central Florida
• Best family-friendly restaurants in Tampa Bay

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Great Wolf Lodge vs. Kalahari — which works better for younger kids
• What to pack for an indoor water park weekend
• Why one night is usually enough
• Tips for managing kids with different thrill levels
  

A helpful listen for parents planning spring break trips, weekend getaways, or first-time indoor water park vacations.

From kids clubs and pool decks to main dining rooms and private islands, Danielle shares honest opinions after sailing all three cruise lines (including 10+ Carnival cruises!).

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Which cruise line actually has the best (and worst) food
• Carnival’s reputation — and whether it’s deserved
• Differences between older vs. newer ships
• Room layout tips for large families

A must-listen for parents planning their next family cruise vacation and trying to decide which cruise line is right for them. 🌊✨

In this episode, Jenn chats with Haley Ragsdale of Academy Travel — runDisney veteran, Dopey Challenge finisher, and mom — about how to plan a successful runDisney weekend when toddlers are coming along.

From 2 a.m. race wake-ups to stroller-packed finish lines, Haley shares practical tips for making race weekends work for families — including when to bring grandparents, where kids can cheer, and how to balance marathon training with mom life.

Plus, the conversation shifts to Dollywood vs. Disney — including why Dollywood’s coaster lineup rivals Universal-level thrills, how it compares to Disney’s family-friendly rides, and whether the cinnamon bread really beats Magic Kingdom’s cinnamon rolls.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How to plan a runDisney trip with toddlers
• Where families can cheer during race weekend
• Postpartum training tips for busy moms
• Water park differences: Disney vs. Dollywood
• Why Dollywood is an underrated family theme park

In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Hidden fees some brands charge — and how to avoid them
• The difference between Luxury, Club Level, and Butler suites
• Why room layout matters more than you think for families
• Best ages for an all-inclusive vacation

In this episode, Tracy (Trace of Magic Travel) breaks down how to actually choose the best Disney resort for your family — based on your kids’ ages, travel style, and budget.

From stroller-friendly transportation to club level perks and hot takes on which resorts to skip, Tracy shares the real advice Disney parents wish they had before booking.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What families should prioritize first when choosing a Disney resort
• The real differences between Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resorts
• Best Disney resorts for toddlers, elementary kids, preteens, and grandparents
• When staying off Disney property does make sense

‭

Ashleigh shares insider tips from her viral “Which ship should I choose?” series — plus practical advice Disney parents wish they knew before booking.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What matters more when booking: the ship vs. the itinerary
• Which Disney ships are best for toddlers, elementary kids, preteens, and grandparents
• Port Canaveral vs. Fort Lauderdale (and how it affects cost and logistics)
• Planning tips for flights and disembarkation day

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A wild missed-flight story involving Rome, AirTags, nuns, and the week of the conclave
• How cats, snacks, and prosciutto fat turned winery visits into Wyatt’s favorite part of the trip.
• Family-friendly wins across Rome, Tuscany, and Venice — including boats, gondolas, and kid-first meals

In this‬ episode, Jenn & Mia sit down with‬‭ Alyssa‬‭, creator of‬‭ @dishingondisney‬‭, a family vacation advisor with‬‭ We‬ Do Travel Right‬‭, and a Disney superfan who recently tried out RC’s‬‭ Utopia of the Seas‬‭.‬

We’ll talk about where her family’s Disney love story began, what she thought of her recent‬ Royal Caribbean cruise, and how her daughters’ travel preferences have evolved as they’ve‬ grown.‬

Alyssa will also share how working with a travel agent can save busy parents time AND money.‬

In this episode:
🧳 Europe family travel hacks — trains vs. cars, packing, and heat survival
🍫 Why Switzerland’s chocolate, boats, and trains are ideal for family travel
⛴️ The honest truth about a Carnival Cruise out of Baltimore
🚗 How an upstate New York road trip became an unexpected favorite

Now “Mama and Mia” want to hear from you!

✈️ What’s been your favorite family destination?
🧳 How did you manage that first flight?
💡 Got a go-to travel hack or money-saving tip?

🎧 Stay tuned — our new podcast Kids Travel Tales is coming soon!

We can’t wait to share our adventures and swap stories with families who love exploring together. ❤️

From slides and splash zones to cruises and an all-inclusive ranch in New York, we dive into what really makes a family vacation work when your kids are at different ages and stages.

Plus, Mia answers her very first Question of the Week: “What’s your favorite part of traveling?” 🌍

In this special Kids Travel Tales bonus episode, Mia interviews Paloma about the reasons she loves visiting Baltimore. (Hint: It has to do with the beautiful Baltimore Marriott Waterfront hotel. 🦀🌊)

And Mia asks the ultimate question: would Paloma rather take a trip to Baltimore or go on a Disney Cruise? 🏰🚢