Talk Travel To Me

 Is a Walt Disney World VIP tour worth the money? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette sits down with Mickey Guru Travel Company travel advisors Jen Bauer and Shalon Still to share first-hand insights from their recent group VIP tour. From hourly pricing tiers ($450–$950/hr), discretionary cash tips, and private backstage van operations to custom snack stops (like cream che...

What is the difference between TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR? And are you paying for the wrong one? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette breaks down the distinct rules, specific pricing structures, and enrollment workflows for major expedited airport screening lines. She also provides a detailed breakdown of the brand-new, completely free TSA PreCheck Touchless ID s...

Should you travel with a carry-on or check a bag? Is a hard-sided suitcase better than a soft-sided one or a duffel bag? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette breaks down FAA baggage regulations, weight limits, and why summer weather in Florida completely changed her luggage philosophy. Plus, she shares a special behind-the-scenes update on her recent guest appearance on Emi...

Are you trying to figure out if a Disney cruise is worth the premium price tag? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette from Mickey Guru Travel Company answers a major question: What is included with the cost of a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Kristy sets the stage by explaining where Disney sits in the market—it’s a premium experience way above a standard budget line (cue the...

In this week's episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette is joined by Mickey Guru travel advisors Jess Pezzello and Sammie Fay to tackle the ultimate summer vacation question: how do you survive a theme park in the sweltering heat without a complete meltdown? The trio shares their battle-tested tips for conquering Walt Disney World in the dog days of summer, from wardrobe non-negoti...

Can a theme park vacation actually be a romantic getaway? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , we are busting the myth that Disney is just for kids and uncovering the absolute best spots for couples to find romance at Walt Disney World. From luxury deluxe resorts to Michelin-starred dining and hidden date-night gems, we’re unpacking how to plan the perfect Disney couples' trip. 🎧 Inside Th...

In this episode Kristy continues the conversation about the drink package on Royal Caribbean and this time she brings the receipts. Breaking out her trusty calculator she does the math so you don't have to and explains the breakdown of the spirited beverage package and the soda beverage package. Send us Fan Mail 🔗 Explore More on Beacon 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @TalkTravelToMePod 🎙️ Hosted...

Is the Cruise Drink Package a Trap or a Total Steal? That pre-cruise email hits your inbox offering a beverage package, and suddenly you're picturing a week of endless, relaxing poolside drinks. It sounds like a no-brainer, but is the cruise drink package actually a good deal, or is it a carefully designed tourist trap? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette (Founder of...

Could the Right Travel Agent Have Rescued Your Last Family Vacation? What if the difference between a ruined trip and the vacation of a lifetime was one phone call - to the right person? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what a travel agent actually does for your family when things go sideways. And trust me, things go sideways more often than you think. From a honeymoon resort...

Episode Title: Is Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass Worth the Money? Disney’s newest skip-the-line option costs how much?! In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette gets brutally honest about Walt Disney World's Lightning Lane Premier Pass. If you are tired of spending your entire theme park day staring at your phone to book ride times, the Premier Pass offers the ultima...

Season 4, Episode 8: Can I Have Fun on a Cruise With a Baby? Hey, traveler! If you are a new parent desperately in need of a vacation, you have probably asked yourself this exact question: Can I actually have fun on a cruise with a baby in tow? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette (Owner and Founder of Mickey Guru Travel Company) tackles this common listener question with a...

Do you want to start your vacation completely stressed out? Probably not! In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette reveals the top three things travelers should never do at the airport. From major security line blunders to the boarding gate behaviors you need to avoid at all costs, Kristy shares her best insider tips for a seamless travel day. Tune in to find out what you shoul...

It is the classic theme park dilemma: you want to be prepared for every possible scenario, but you also don't want to feel like a pack mule carrying a 50-pound backpack in the blazing Florida sun. So, what is the perfect balance? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette (Owner and Founder of Mickey Guru Travel Company) empties out her own backpack to answer the ultimate pa...

Should I Go On a Cruise For My Next Vacation? Thinking about trading land for sea on your next getaway? Cruising is more popular than ever, but how do you know if it is the right fit for your family or travel group? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette is breaking down the ultimate cruising dilemma. She covers the Top 3 things you must think about before booking a cruise—fr...

Is a Mom-cation a Luxury or a Necessity? Have you ever desperately needed a vacation from your family vacation? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette is joined by guest Sammie Fay to talk all about the glorious, uninterrupted bliss of the "Mom-cation." Together, they are answering the ultimate question: is traveling without your kids an over-the-top luxury, or a ba...

It is the number one question every vacation planner asks: When is the absolute best time to visit Walt Disney World? In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette, Owner and Founder of Mickey Guru Travel Company, brings her years of Disney expertise to the mic to help you finally answer that question. Choosing the perfect dates doesn't have to be overwhelming. Kristy breaks do...

Is the Disney Dining Plan worth the money?  Our Expert Disney Travel Advisors Weigh In In today’s episode, we are tackling one of the most frequently asked questions we receive as specialized Disney travel advisors: Is the Disney Dining Plan actually worth the cost in 2026? To help answer this massive question, I’m joined by fellow Disney vacation expert, Sammie Fay. Together, we break down the ma...

 We’re answering the big question: Is it actually a good idea to vacation with your mother-in-law? Our Disney, Universal, and Cruise Line experts share firsthand accounts to help you decide if a multi-generational trip is a "go go go" or a "no no no". It’s the question that can make or break a family vacation. In our first episode of this brand-new format, Kristy Ouellette is j...

With shifting travel patterns and aggressive promotions on the table, this episode of Scripting the Magic breaks down what it really means to treat your trip like a production budget—not just a price tag. In Episode 2, host Kristy Ouellette walks you through a full 2026 Disney Value Audit , helping you evaluate where your money actually creates peace of mind. From resort logistics and ticket strat...

Planning a Disney vacation in 2026 feels more complicated than ever. Between budget concerns, crowded calendars, changing technology, and endless choices, many trips get stuck before they ever begin. In Episode 1 of the Scripting the Magic series, host Kristy Ouellette helps you cut through the noise and start with what actually matters: why you’re going in the first place . This episode focuses o...

What’s Happening in 2026: Universal Orlando Universal Orlando is gearing up for another big year of exciting updates and fresh experiences—and in this episode of Talk Travel to Me , your host Kristy Ouellette and travel advisor Lacie Flake break down everything you need to know for 2026. From new attractions and immersive lands to entertainment additions, seasonal events, and even a few rumors abo...

What’s New in Walt Disney World in 2026 Walt Disney World is always evolving—and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet! In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette is joined by Mickey Guru travel advisor Lacie Flake to break down all the big updates, attractions, and experiences coming to Walt Disney World in 2026 . From new rides to updated shows, resort enh...

Not every cruise experience is perfect—and that’s exactly why honest trip reports matter. In this episode of Talk Travel to Me , host Kristy Ouellette shares her firsthand takeaways from sailing aboard Star Princess , breaking down what truly stood out… both the highlights and the disappointments. From standout moments and smooth sailing to areas that missed the mark, this episode offers a realist...

After seven years away, my long-time friend and former Mickey Guru colleague Jodi Pickens made a triumphant return to Walt Disney World this past November with her family. This wasn't just a vacation. It was a milestone celebration for her nephew Joey, who is navigating his senior year of high school and preparing for graduation. In this episode, we sit down to talk about their magical experi...

✨ Episode Notes: Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026 In this special year-end episode of Talk Travel To Me , host Kristy Ouellette reflects on the journey through 2025 and looks ahead to the exciting possibilities of 2026. Kristy shares heartfelt gratitude for the incredible Mickey Guru travel agents who make dream vacations possible every day, and a sincere thank-you to the families and clients who trusted...