Chaos and Carry-ons Podcast

This week on Chaos & Carry-Ons , we're continuing our Summer of Chit Chat series with a deliciously controversial topic: Disney snacks! 🍿🏰 We're sharing our picks for one overrated and one underrated snack from each Walt Disney World park . From iconic favorites that may get a little too much hype to hidden gems we think deserve way more love, we're serving up some serious Disney food hot ta...

Jordan has officially entered his Super Bowl era. 🍗👑 After months of talking about his love for chicken on the podcast, we finally put the self-proclaimed “Chicken King” to the test. In this chaotic video episode, Jordan blind tastes and ranks chicken tenders from 10 different fast food restaurants while trying to guess where each one came from. Will he correctly identify them all… or has he jus...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to get married at Disney World? 💍🏰 In this episode of Chaos and Carry Ons , we sit down with our first Summer of Chit Chat guest to hear the real story behind her Disney wedding. From the planning process and magical details to unexpected moments and wedding-day chaos, she shares what made her say “I do” at Disney and what the experience was actually like. We...

Memorial Day weekend means one thing: summer chaos has officially arrived. In this laid-back kickoff to our Summer of Chit Chat series, Stephanie and Shel are talking all things summer nostalgia... from drinking out of the water hose and melting popsicles to late-night Sonic runs, beach trips, grilling season, and summer travel plans. We also share updates on upcoming vacations to Disney and 30A,...

Thinking about staying at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa? In this episode of Chaos and Carry Ons , Shelby and Stephanie break down the REAL cost of a Hawaii vacation at Disney’s famous resort on Oahu. From hotel pricing and flights to food, character breakfasts, luaus, rental cars, excursions, and Disney snacks, we’re sharing what a realistic week-long Aulani vacation could cost for a family of...

Stephanie and Shelby are breaking down everything you need to know about Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World! Even though it’s only May, Halloween party tickets are officially on sale and the first party nights begin August 7th — so now is the time to start planning. In this Disney Halloween Party Guide 101 episode, they cover ticket strategy, party...

Join Shelby and Stephanie for a laid-back Mother’s Day chit chat as they compare expectations vs. reality, share favorite (and chaotic) mom moments, and talk through the different seasons of motherhood—from pre-kid life to toddlers and beyond. Plus, advice from fellow moms and a little encouragement for those just starting their journey. 💕

We’re putting Turo to the test! In this quick episode, Shelby and Stephanie price out a full vacation for a family of four and compare it to booking through Enterprise Rent-A-Car. We’re also sharing our real-life experiences using Turo; what surprised us, what we loved, and what we’d do differently next time. If you’re planning a trip and debating your rental car options, this breakdown will help...

In this episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons , Stephanie shares her Spring Break trip from Washington DC to Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. From staying at the Eden Resort & Suites to visiting the famous Shady Maple Smorgasbord (the largest buffet in the U.S.), we’re breaking down what it’s really like to visit Amish Country with kids. We cover the best things to do in Lancaster PA, includ...

Planning a trip to Washington DC with kids? In this episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons , Stephanie breaks down her family’s spring break trip to DC—sharing a real, day-by-day itinerary, honest hotel review, and the travel tips she wishes she knew before going. From finally scoring a White House tour to navigating the Metro for the first time (and surviving those escalators 😅), we cover what it’s real...

Easter weekend is over… and we’re all probably recovering from church clothes, Easter baskets, and way too much candy. In this casual Easter Chit Chat episode , Shelby and Stephanie catch up on everything from Easter traditions and candy debates to funny parenting moments and what life has looked like lately. In this episode we talk about: • Easter basket chaos • Reese’s Eggs vs Cadbury Eggs • Fun...

Trying to decide between a Disney Cruise Line vacation and a Royal Caribbean cruise ? In this episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons , we break down a side-by-side family cruise comparison to help you decide which cruise line is right for your family. We created a sample 5-night Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral for a family of four and compared everything — from pricing and cabin types to entertainment,...

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World trip and wondering which character dining experiences are actually worth it, this episode is for you! Shelby and Stephanie sit down to share their top three favorite character dining spots at Walt Disney World , plus one honorable mention that almost made the list . From iconic character meet-and-greets inside the parks to unforgettable meals at Disney resort...

In this episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons, Shelby and Stephanie share everything you need to know about the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT. This springtime festival at Walt Disney World Resort transforms EPCOT into a colorful celebration filled with Disney character topiaries, beautiful gardens, seasonal food booths, live music, and interactive exhibits. In this episode we...

Planning a spring break trip or weekend getaway to Atlanta? In this episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons, Shelby and Stephanie share their guide to visiting the Georgia Aquarium — one of the largest aquariums in the world. They talk about what to expect when you visit, the must-see exhibits like the Ocean Voyager tank with whale sharks and manta rays, and tips for making the most of your day. From dolph...

In this laid-back March chitchat episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons , Stephanie and Shelby catch up on everything happening in their real lives — from travel adventures to big family milestones. Shelby shares stories from a spontaneous Colorado trip , including a nerve-wracking flight landing, visiting the beautiful Colorado Springs Zoo , and celebrating a birthday weekend in the mountains. Stephanie...

Stephanie and Shelby are back with Part 2 of Mateo’s birth and adoption story , and this chapter is full of waiting, uncertainty, and the emotional moment they finally brought him home. After a chaotic start in Houston during a historic ice storm and deep in the pandemic, Stephanie and Derek find themselves stuck in a hospital system with no clear answers, navigating adoption logistics, medical un...

In this deeply emotional episode of Chaos and Carry Ons , Stephanie shares the unforgettable story of the phone call that changed everything — Mateo’s birth and adoption journey. From a surprise adoption match during COVID to a frantic trip to Houston, a NICU meeting, and navigating a historic ice storm with a newborn on the way, this is a story filled with faith, chaos, and unexpected joy. Part o...

In this Valentine’s Day episode of Chaos & Carry-Ons , we’re talking about real love —the kind that survives long travel days, airport stress, kids, and vacation chaos. From early marriage expectations to what love looks like after 10+ years, we break down how travel reveals the most honest side of marriage . We share hilarious stories about packing styles, forgotten passports, travel stress,...

Looking for the perfect Arizona anniversary trip or a romantic getaway with a little adventure ? This episode of Chaos & Carry-Ons takes you inside Shelby and Jordan’s unforgettable trip to Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona . The girls talk hiking Devil’s Bridge , exploring Sedona’s red rock scenery, finding incredible local food and coffee shops, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross , and deciding...

Planning a Disney vacation in 2026 and wondering if the Disney Dining Plan is actually worth it? In this episode of Chaos & Carry Ons , we break down everything you need to know about the Disney Dining Plan 2026 , including what’s included, how credits work, and which families benefit the most. We cover the differences between Quick-Service vs. Table-Service dining plans , explain one-credit v...

Is taking a baby to Disney World magical… or completely unhinged? 🍼🏰 In this honest and heartwarming chit-chat episode of Chaos & Carry Ons , Shelby and Stephanie break down what it’s really like to travel to Walt Disney World with babies and toddlers; diapers, strollers, bottles, nap schedules, and all. From newborns to walking toddlers, they share firsthand experiences taking their babies...

Welcome to our official 2026 Housekeeping Episode ! In this quick bonus episode of Chaos & Carry Ons , Shelby and Stephanie share everything you need to know about what’s coming this year, including how to become a podcast sponsor , how to apply to be a monthly guest , and what our Summer of Chit-Chat series will look like later in 2026. We’re officially opening up sponsorship opportunities fo...

Welcome to one of the first Mondays of 2026, and the perfect time to reintroduce ourselves. ✨ In this episode of Chaos & Carry Ons , Shelby and Stephanie sit down for a relaxed, conversational “get to know us” chat. We’re sharing fun facts, behind-the-scenes stories, travel preferences, and how this podcast came to be; without the formal, scripted introductions. Whether you’re brand new to th...

What’s it really like to run a race through Disney parks before the sun comes up? 🏃‍♀️✨ This week on Chaos & Carry Ons , Shelby and Stephanie are joined by their friend Jenny, a seasoned runDisney runner, to break down the magic, the chaos, and the early morning wake-up calls that come with Disney race weekends. Jenny shares her firsthand experience running multiple runDisney races, from cou...