Where We Roam Podcast

This week, it’s just John and Dayna holding down the fort while Shawn’s away — and there’s plenty to cover! They start with heartfelt updates on Hurricane Melissa’s impact across Jamaica and the Bahamas, sharing what travelers need to know as airports reopen and relief efforts ramp up. Then, it’s over to the Greek Isles, where Royal Caribbean just announced its new Royal Beach Club in Santorini —...

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 delivers its scariest lineup yet — Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and more! Dayna, Addison, John, and Shawn break down every house, rank the scares, and reveal what it’s really like to bring a teen to this over-the-top event. If you’re planning your own trip, don’t miss their insider tips, scare zone favorites, and Express Pass strategy to make...

How heavy is too heavy when it comes to your Disney or Universal park bag? This week, John, Dayna, and Shawn go head-to-head in the ultimate packing debate: the over-prepared pack mule 🐴 vs. the minimalist traveler 🩳. They reveal what’s worth carrying (spoiler: not your MagSafe charger in Florida), what’s a total waste of space, and the weirdest things people actually pack for a day in the parks...

Four months after its grand opening, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is already changing the theme-park game — and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, John, Dayna, and Shawn share honest reactions, hilarious moments, and insider travel tips from the newest and most immersive park in Orlando. We kick things off with a “This or That” ride showdown — from Battle at the Ministry to Stardust...

School is back in session and it’s time to dream big for 2026. In this week’s Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Shawn share the ultimate inspiration for planning February getaways, spring break escapes, and early summer adventures. From Disney Cruises that hit private islands to Mediterranean voyages, luxury river cruises, and family-friendly all-inclusives, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas for whe...

In this week’s episode of Where We Roam, John is joined by Shawn and a very special guest—his son Jack—for a lively family recap of their London and Scotland adventure. From the Tower of London to Ted Lasso’s Richmond, and from black cabs to black pudding, they cover the highlights (and a few surprises) of traveling with kids in the UK. The spotlight, though, is on their overnight ride aboard the...

Bigger, bolder, and bursting with entertainment — Star of the Seas is here! 🚢✨ John, Dayna, and fan-favorite Corinne Trigg break down Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon Class ship: from Back to the Future: The Musical and next-level ice shows to hidden bar gems and the best staterooms for families. They dish on what makes Star outshine Icon and Utopia, swap favorite cocktails, and even play a cruise-...

From “skip Rome because it’s too touristy” to “just wing it at Disney” — today we’re tackling some of the worst travel advice floating around the internet (and even coming from well-meaning friends). Join John, Dayna, and Shawn as we share the advice that makes us cringe, why it doesn’t actually work in real life, and what travelers should do instead. We dive into: ✨ The myth of “10 minutes from...

This week on ROAM, John, Dayna, and Shawn unpack John’s whirlwind three-day trip to London with his family before heading to Scotland. From scoring an incredible upgrade at the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel to seeing Hamilton live on the West End, John shares how they made the most of just 72 hours in the city. Highlights include: Surviving the red-eye and jumping straight into a hop-on, hop-...

We go head-to-head on Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Universal’s Express Pass to uncover which skip-the-line service truly delivers the best value. From the complex, tech-heavy world of Lightning Lane to the no-planning-needed freedom of Express Pass, we break down how each system works, what they cost, and the pros and cons you need to know before your next trip. We’ll dive into real-worl...

In this episode of the Where We Roam podcast, hosts John and Dayna welcome back original co-host Megan to dive into their recent stay at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, a luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort in Mexico. As part of their travel agency’s Top 10 Agent Retreat, the trio breaks down every detail of this lush, tropical getaway—from first impressions and check-in to pools, rooms, food, dr...

In this episode of Where We Roam, hosts John and Dayna are joined by Royal Caribbean insider Corinne Trigg to break down the exciting details about Perfect Day Mexico, the highly anticipated new private destination opening in Costa Maya in 2027. From record-breaking water slides at Jaguar Tower to the massive adults-only pool at El Hideaway and the all-new Fiesta Plaza, we cover everything you can...

Get ready to drool! In this deliciously fun episode of Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and Shawn dive fork-first into Royal Caribbean’s top specialty dining, must-try included eats, and favorite bars—with all the insider tips only seasoned cruise pros can offer. From the Southern charm of Mason Jar to the ultra-exclusive Empire Supper Club and even the hilariously named “Fart 'n Dart Beans” at Royal R...

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Dayna break down her recent sailing aboard Carnival Celebration, one of Carnival’s newest Excel-class ships. From a stay in the ultra-luxe Presidential Excel Suite to visiting the stunning ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), Dayna shares firsthand insights on what sets this cruise apart. They compare Carnival Celebration to Royal Caribb...

In this episode of Where We Roam, we’re headed to the City of Light! Join John, Dayna, and Shawn as they recap Shawn’s unforgettable Paris vacation—an expertly planned 40th birthday getaway filled with artisanal street fare, private food tours through Montmartre, and late-night Eiffel Tower escapades (complete with a flaming tuba performance!). From the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe Hotel to Versail...

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Dayna spill the (salt-rimmed) tea on the newly renovated Margaritaville at Sea Islander. After a $150 million refresh and a wave of influencer hype, does this tropical-themed cruise deliver paradise—or disappointment? Dayna breaks down her 5-night cruise from Tampa to Key West and Cozumel, covering everything from refurbished rooms and Jimmy B...

In this sun-soaked installment of The Roamer Island Guide series on the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Shawn are joined by returning guest host Jess Correia to explore Oʻahu—Hawaii’s most visited island and one packed with diverse experiences. From the iconic beaches of Waikiki to the surf culture of the North Shore and the tranquil vibes of Ko'olina, Oʻahu offers something for every type of trav...

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, hosts John, Shawn, and Dayna take you on a magical journey through Europe’s most enchanting Disney destination—Disneyland Paris! Fresh from a celebratory birthday trip, Shawn shares first-hand insights on the parks, resorts, Premier Access, and why staying at the charming Disneyland Hotel is a game-changer. 🎠 Discover what makes this park unique, from...

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John recaps his unforgettable spring break family vacation to Maui — from epic resort stays to island adventures! Tune in as John, Dayna, and Shawn chat about split stays between the Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott) and the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lani, where every room is a one-bedroom suite. Hear about fast water slides, kid-approved amenities, oceanfro...

In this episode of the Where We Roam podcast, hosts John, Dayna, and Shawn dive into the biggest theme park rivalry of the decade: Disney vs. Universal. With Universal's Epic Universe set to redefine the Orlando park experience, the trio explores how Disney is responding—including new 2026 promotions like the kids-eat-free dining plan. They break down travel trends post-COVID, why Disney’s attenda...

Get ready to warp into another dimension of theme park magic! In this episode of Where We Roam, John, Shawn, and Dayna dive wand-first into Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe after Dayna’s exclusive Passholder Sneak Peek! From stepping through jaw-dropping portals to racing through galaxies on Stardust Racers, Dayna spills all the spellbinding details. You’ll hear her unfiltered first impressions o...

John, Dayna, and Shawn face off in the ultimate Disney resort battle—Wilderness Lodge vs. Animal Kingdom Lodge! 🐾 From epic theming and mouthwatering dining 🍽️ to room views, pricing 💰, and location 🗺️, they cover everything you need to know to choose your perfect Disney stay. Plus, some pre-Hawaii trip excitement to set the vibe! 🌺✈️

Exploring the Disney Treasure: Aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship In this episode of Where We Roam Podcast, hosts John, Dayna, and Shawn dive into Dayna’s recent voyage aboard the Disney Treasure, the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet. They share first impressions from embarkation day, explore the stunning atrium design, and discuss crowd management throughout the ship. Listener...

In this fun-filled episode of Where We Roam, John, Dayna, and special guest Shawn go head-to-head in the ultimate Disney resort showdown! 🏆 Will the tropical paradise of the Polynesian Resort win their hearts, or will the rustic charm of Wilderness Lodge take the crown? 🌺🌲 From room layouts to dining must-tries, transportation hacks, and hidden gems, they break it all down—plus, there’s a surpr...

Ready to set sail? In this episode of Where We Roam, John and Dayna dive into Dayna’s latest adventure aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady! From unexpected itinerary changes to the luxurious suite perks, they break down everything you need to know about cruising with Virgin Voyages. 🌊 What’s Inside This Episode? ✨ Inside scoop on Grand Turk & Bimini 🛳️ How Virgin Voyages is changing the crui...