Kids Travel Tales | A Family Travel Podcast

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 familiesA 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 resortThe real differences between Value, Moderate, and Deluxe resortsBest Disney resorts for toddlers, elementary kids, preteens, and grandparentsWhen 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 itineraryWhich Disney ships are best for toddlers, elementary kids, preteens, and grandparentsPort 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 conclaveHow 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 cabinA 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. ❤️