The Podcast is BACK!

When planning your trip to Universal Orlando Resort, most families immediately think of thrilling rides, immersive lands, and meeting favorite characters. But did you know one of the best family days of your entire vacation might actually be at the water park? Welcome to Universal’s Volcano Bay!! A tropical paradise right in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort.

Nestled along the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the island of Oahu, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is Disney's Hawaiian resort designed to celebrate the culture, history, and beauty of the islands. It's the perfect blend of a relaxing beach vacation and the thoughtful storytelling Disney is known for. Guests can spend their days enjoying stunning pools, a private lagoon, waterslides, a lazy river, and an interactive water play area filled with sprayers, slides, and bridges, while also meeting Disney characters and discovering Hawaiian culture through stories, activities, and traditions woven throughout the resort. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with Aulani. Like any destination, though, there are a handful of little tips and insider details that can make your vacation even smoother. After experiencing the resort for myself, these are the things I'd tell every client before they go.

One of the questions I’m asked all the time is, “Should we book now, or should we wait?” My honest answer is always the same: it depends. But in most cases, planning ahead is one of the best things you can do for your vacation, your budget, and your peace of mind. As someone who plans trips every day, I’ve seen both sides of travel. I’ve helped families pull off incredible last-minute getaways, and I’ve helped clients spend a year or more planning the trip they’ve dreamed about for years. Both can be amazing experiences — just in very different ways. I’ve even experienced that difference myself. I once planned a very detailed Walt Disney World trip a full year in advance, and that vacation felt like an experience from beginning to end. Every part of it had been thoughtfully planned, from the resort to dining reservations to the little details that made it feel extra special. It was exciting to plan and even more rewarding to enjoy. On the other hand, I booked a cruise on the Disney Wish just two weeks before sailing, and that trip felt much more like a true vacation. It was spontaneous, easy, and so much fun in a completely different way. Both trips were wonderful, but they gave me two very different feelings — one felt like an experience, and the other felt like a getaway.

There’s something truly magical about experiencing Disney during the holiday season. Twinkling lights, festive entertainment, special treats, seasonal décor, and unique holiday traditions transform every Disney destination into something extra special. But if a Disney Christmas vacation is on your wish list, one big question remains: Which Disney destination is right for you? The answer depends on what kind of holiday experience you're looking for. Do you want days packed with attractions and entertainment? A cozy, festive cruise? Or perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime European holiday filled with Christmas markets? Let's explore what makes each destination special during the most wonderful time of the year.