Planning a Disney World vacation during the holiday season? Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they dive deep into Julie's recent family trip to Walt Disney World in early December—a time she considers the absolute best for experiencing Disney's Christmas magic.

In this Christmas Eve episode, Julie shares insider tips from her week-long stay at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort with her husband, three young children (ages 2, 4, and 6), and in-laws. Discover why the first week of December offers the perfect sweet spot: full holiday decorations are up, but the Christmas week crowds haven't arrived yet.

What You'll Learn:

• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: Detailed strategies for maximizing your experience, including when to arrive (spoiler: earlier than you think!), how to navigate the crowds, and whether the party is worth the cost
• Holiday Dining Recommendations: Reviews of Ohana (breakfast AND dinner!), Tusker House character dining, Via Napoli, Skipper Canteen, and the new Wai Lulu Bar & Grill at Polynesian's Island Tower
• Park Touring with Young Kids: Real talk about managing three little ones through four park days, including which rides were first-time experiences and how to build in essential downtime
• Resort Day Strategies: Why planning full resort days alongside park days makes your vacation more enjoyable and creates lasting memories
• Money-Saving Tips: How an Amazon Fresh order to your resort can save hundreds while keeping snacks and breakfast readily available
• Transportation Insights: What to expect when using Disney buses, especially to Disney Springs from Magic Kingdom area resorts

Julie offers honest feedback about the challenges of traveling with young children—even for Disney pros—and shares which holiday experiences are must-dos versus those you can skip. She also discusses whether the Christmas party is worth doing every year (her answer might surprise you!) and why the holiday season might not be ideal for your first Disney visit.

Whether you're planning your first Disney Christmas or you're a seasoned visitor, this episode provides practical advice for making the most of Walt Disney World's most magical time of year.

Featured Locations: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney Springs

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Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

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Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie on All Things Travel as Ryan shares an in-depth review of his honeymoon at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. After Hurricane Melissa forced a last-minute change from Jamaica, Ryan and his wife Jasmine discovered this stunning adults-only all-inclusive resort turned out to be the perfect destination.

Planning & Arrival:

• Dominican Republic entry requirements including the e-ticket process
• Transfer experience with Amstar and 15-minute drive from Punta Cana airport
• First impressions of the modern, open-air resort with ocean views

Club Level Benefits:

• Exclusive breakfast and lunch restaurants with sit-down service
• Private club pool with enhanced amenities
• Personal concierge service (Larissa) for reservations and requests

Resort Experience:

• Swim-up room review and honeymoon amenities
• Daily cabana rental at the club pool - the ultimate pampering experience
• Beautiful beach conditions and water sports including sailing on a Hobie Cat
• Resort layout that "eats people up" so it never feels crowded

Dining:

• Traditional Dominican breakfast and diverse lunch options
• Restaurant reviews across both Zilara (adults-only) and Ziva (family) sides
• No reservations needed - first come, first served system

Activities & Entertainment:

• Daily schedule from breakfast through evening shows
• Fitness classes, aqua cycling, and water sports
• Afternoon tastings: cocktails, rum, coffee, and cigars
• Wine and painting, silent disco, and nightly theater performances
• Michael Jackson and Queen tribute shows, circus acts, and magic shows
• Why it felt like "adult all-inclusive camp" in the best way

Multi-Generational Travel:

• How the connected Zilara/Ziva properties work perfectly for families
• Easy access between adults-only and family sides
• Shared beach and pool spaces on the family side

Whether you're planning a honeymoon, romantic getaway, or multi-generational trip to the Dominican Republic, this episode provides honest insights into the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana experience, club level benefits, and tips for maximizing your all-inclusive vacation.

Keywords: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Dominican Republic honeymoon, all-inclusive resort review, Punta Cana resorts, adults-only vacation, club level benefits, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Caribbean travel, honeymoon planning

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Ready to escape the winter blues? Join travel advisors Ryan and Julie as they explore the best cozy winter getaways that will warm your heart—whether you prefer snow-covered mountains or sun-soaked beaches!

In this episode, we're diving into destinations perfect for slowing down, relaxing, and creating magical winter memories. Ryan and Julie share their top picks for travelers who want that perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and relaxation during the colder months.

Snowy Mountain Retreats: Discover the charm of alpine escapes in Utah, Colorado, and Vermont. Julie highlights luxurious lodges like the Stein Erickson Lodge in Deer Valley and the iconic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park (yes, the inspiration for "The Shining"!). Even if you're not a skier, these destinations offer snowshoeing, sleigh rides, ice skating, and cozy après-ski vibes with fire pits and warm drinks. Ryan shares his Vermont memories, including maple tastings and exploring quintessential New England towns like Woodstock.

Caribbean Sunshine: Not a cold weather person? No problem! Ryan and Julie also cover warm and cozy getaways to places like Aruba, the Bahamas, and St. Lucia. From the dependable sunshine of Aruba to the pink sand beaches of the Bahamas, these destinations offer the perfect vitamin D boost when February feels never-ending.

Special Highlights:

• Julie reveals she's planning an Alaska cruise for July 2027—book early for the best prices!
• "Where in the World is Wonder and Beyond Travel?" features multiple families heading to Beaches Turks and Caicos
• Expert tips on choosing boutique accommodations and planning downtime
• Why cozy is more about pace than place

Whether you're dreaming of crackling fireplaces and hot chocolate or tropical drinks and turquoise waters, this episode has the perfect winter escape for you. Pack your fuzzy socks or your swimsuit—either way, you're in for a treat!

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress!

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!