Explore every episode of the podcast Kids Travel Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

TripTales podcast host Kelsey Graves boarded her first Disney Cruise expecting an easy, magical family vacation. Then Hurricane Milton arrived. 😱

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.

Disney food looks amazing on social media…but does it actually live up to the hype? 😳 Travel planner Brittany Adams joins us to rank EPCOT’s four major food festivals—and reveals “the worst thing” she’s ever eaten at Disney World.

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

Editor’s note: We recorded this episode before the passing of Dolly Parton. We’re sharing it today in celebration of the joy, generosity and unmistakable Tennessee spirit she brought to Dollywood. 💛

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.

After 20+ international flights with kids, Ceci thought she knew how to handle flying with toddlers—until one trip went so badly her husband asked, “Can we make an emergency landing?” 😳

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.

Planning a Disney World holiday vacation? 🎄 Before you book Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or Disney Jollywood Nights, listen to this episode!

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.

After the incredible response to our episode "Autism and Disney World: Tips from a Former Disney Princess," we're back with a special bonus conversation featuring travel fairy and former Disney princess, Dez, and autism advocate Dawn.

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.

Disney World or Royal Caribbean—which vacation is the better fit for a young family?

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

After sailing on 12 Caribbean cruises, travel advisor Amber McAleer or Travelmation never expected an Alaska cruise to become her favorite family vacation.

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.

Universal Kids Resort has been one of the most talked-about new theme parks of the year—but is the criticism deserved? In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn sits down with Samantha, one of the first paying guests to visit during the soft opening, to separate social media hype from the real experience.

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

Planning a family trip to Washington, DC? From Smithsonian museum favorites to July 4th survival tips, you'll get practical advice for exploring the nation's capital with babies, toddlers, and older kids—all without breaking the bank.

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

Dreaming of a more luxurious Disney vacation? In this bonus episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn is joined by Disney travel advisor Jamie McMahon of Travelmation and Alli from Happily Ever Taylor Fam on YouTube to share their favorite ways to elevate a Walt Disney World vacation—from iconic deluxe resorts to hidden splurges that make a trip feel extra magical.

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

Which cruise line is actually best for families? In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn chats with travel advisor and cruise expert Sam from Gabriel Getaways, who has sailed on FIVE major cruise lines — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, and Celebrity.

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

Is a Disney VIP Tour actually worth the price tag? In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn is joined by Disney creators Alli from Happily Ever Taylor Fam and travel advisor Jamie McMahon to break down the luxury side of Walt Disney World vacations — from private VIP guides to deluxe dining and bucket-list Disney experiences.

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

Is Cinderella’s Royal Table actually worth the price? Why does Space 220 get so much hate? And are Disney food influencers setting expectations too high?

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

Traveling with a child on the autism spectrum or sensory issues can feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to busy destinations like Walt Disney World. In this special Autism Awareness Month episode of Kids Travel Tales, two moms share real-life strategies for making family travel more accessible, predictable, and enjoyable.

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

What should you actually spend money on during a Disney Cruise Line vacation — and what’s totally not worth it? In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, we are joined by Disney travel expert Sammie Fay, a Mickey Guru Travel Advisor, to break down the ultimate Disney Cruise money-saving guide.

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

Planning a Disney World vacation as a military family? You might be missing out on some of the biggest savings available.

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

Could an indoor water park really compete with Disney World? In this special all-family episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn is joined by her husband Chris to recap their spring break adventures — from Great Wolf Lodge to a surprise day at GalaxyCon Richmond.

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

Can you really have a magical Disney day for FREE? We are chatting with Kayla from Adventurous Little Thinkers, a Tampa-based creator known for sharing low-cost family adventures.

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

Spring break is almost here, so we’re bringing back the very first episode of Kids Travel Tales — our deep dive into indoor water parks like Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari, and DreamWorks Water Park.

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.

Which cruise line really has the worst food? After a viral TikTok debate, Jenn brings in Danielle from Happy Travel Mama — mom of five and cruise expert — to compare Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC from a family perspective.

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. 🌊✨

Can you train for 48.6 miles and still plan a magical Disney World family vacation?

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

Snowed in and dreaming of sunshine? In this episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn and Mia dive into the world of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts with Melissa from M&J Luxury Getaways. From Beaches Turks & Caicos to Dreams and beyond, we’re breaking down what “all-inclusive” really means — and whether it’s a smart alternative to a Disney vacation.

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

Picking the right Walt Disney World resort can feel just as overwhelming as planning the parks themselves.

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

‭

In this episode, we chat with Ashleigh Rainey, a former Disney cast member turned family travel advisor, to break down how to actually choose the best Disney cruise for your family.

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 Part 2 of Lauren and Wyatt’s family travel story, Jenn dives into their unforgettable trip to Italy with kids — complete with missed flights, lost luggage, and a "purr-fect" way to make wineries kid-approved.

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

Is a Disney Cruise or Royal Caribbean sailing a better fit for your family vacation?

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 festive December episode, Jenn and Mia chat with Lauren about her family’s once-in-a-lifetime adventure to meet Santa in Finland. In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What it’s really like visiting Santa’s village in Finland with your own personal elf escort (named Sparkles!) 

• The moment Lauren realized that they would be driving their dog sled themselves through the Arctic snow

• Surprising foods they discovered at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

• Tips for planning a kid-friendly winter trip above the Arctic Circle, from packing layers to choosing the right igloo cabin

A cozy, magical episode for families dreaming of holiday travel, winter adventures, and meeting the real Santa.

Type-A moms, this one’s for you! What happens when you take two energetic boys across France, Italy, Switzerland and onto a Carnival cruise? Kristin, a multilingual mom of two, shares her best packing tips, how she balances wine tasting with Disneyland Paris, and why Switzerland might be the ultimate kid-approved destination.

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

Before you book your next Vrbo or Airbnb, listen to this episode of Kids Travel Tales! Natalia shares why her family now prefers Hilton after multiple rental disasters (including on their honeymoon!), her go-to carsick remedies for kids, favorite weekend getaways, and why her daughter chooses Hershey Park over Disney World. 🍫✨

In Episode 2, Jenn and Mia chat with Abigail — a San Diego mom with a 5-year-old son who loves travel and water play. We’ll talk about weekend getaways in Southern California, favorite resort destinations, the challenges of traveling with little ones, and what makes the San Diego area such a dream destination for families.

🌴 In this episode:

• Favorite SoCal weekend getaways for families 
• Best resorts for water-loving kids 
• Visiting San Diego vs L.A. with young ones 
• Must-see spots: San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Legoland, SeaWorld, and more

Why does Mia's little sister, Paloma, always want to go on vacation to Baltimore? 

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? 🏰🚢

In our first episode of Kids Travel Tales, Jenn and Mia chat with Heather — a mom of two (ages 5 and 9), who has explored some of the best (and splashiest!) indoor water parks and family resorts, including Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge. 💦

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?” 🌍

👋 We’re Jenn and Mia! From baseball spring training to Broadway musicals and Disney Cruises, we love those magical moments that only family travel can create.

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. ❤️