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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 strategy to dining plans, Lightning Lanes, and insurance, this episode reframes budgeting around one core metric: Joy-per-Dollar.

You’ll learn:

• How current Disney promotions can reshape your overall strategy
• Where to splurge vs. where to save without sacrificing experience
• Why transportation and resort logistics may matter more than room size
• How to identify your family’s one true non-negotiable experience
• Why a “cheap” vacation can sometimes be the most expensive mistake

Paired with the Production Budget Companion Worksheet, this episode helps you align your spending with what actually matters to your family—so you can stop chasing the lowest number and start investing in the right experience.

Download the worksheet in the show notes and run your own 2026 Joy-per-Dollar review.

🎟️ Bonus: Download The Production Budget Companion Worksheet from the link and and complete your Value Audit.

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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 on defining the emotional goal of your trip before choosing dates, resorts, or park plans.

You’ll learn how to identify the biggest planning roadblocks, clarify the experience you want to walk away with, and set a realistic pace that prevents burnout. Whether you’re planning Walt Disney World, a Disney Cruise, or your first Disney vacation in years, this episode gives you a clear foundation for planning with confidence in 2026.

🎟️ Bonus: Download the Scripting Your 2026 Masterpiece Companion Worksheet from the link and start building your trip with intention—not stress.

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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 about what comes next, this episode covers all the major changes and announcements that will shape your next Universal Orlando vacation. Whether you’re planning a spring break trip, a family getaway, or just dreaming of your first visit, Kristy and Lacie give you the inside scoop and expert insights so you can plan ahead with confidence.

✨ Get ready to discover what’s new, what’s coming, and why 2026 might be your best year yet to experience Universal Orlando!

Guest Host:
Lacie Flake
Instagram: @mickeyguru_lacie
Email: lacie@mickeyguru.com

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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 enhancements, seasonal offerings, and some amazing deals you won’t want to miss, Kristy and Lacie walk through everything that’s new, noteworthy, and worth planning your next vacation around. Whether you’re already planning a 2026 trip or just dreaming of magic in the future, this episode gives you the insider information you need to stay ahead of the crowd.

Get ready for new thrills, fresh experiences, and updates that will make your next Disney World visit even more magical!

Guest Host:
Lacie Flake
Instagram: @mickeyguru_lacie
Email: lacie@mickeyguru.com

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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 realistic look at what travelers can expect onboard. Kristy walks through the onboard atmosphere, dining experiences, service levels, and overall vibe—without hype and without sugarcoating.

If you’re considering a Princess Cruise, curious how Star Princess compares to other ships or cruise lines, or simply value real-world travel insight over glossy brochures, this episode will help you decide whether this ship is the right fit for your travel style.

Because great travel planning starts with honest conversations.

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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 experience through the eyes of a Disney adult and a teenager who many would assume had "outgrown" the parks. We’re talking about the shifts in the parks since 2018 and why certain "splurges" were the absolute highlight of their trip.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The Contemporary Verdict: They loved the Incredibles room refurbishment (hello, Jack-Jack in the closet!), but why did they decide they likely won't stay at this flagship resort again?
• The "Must-Do" Splurges: Why the family found the extra cost of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and a not 1 but 3 private Capture Your Moment photo sessions to be the most meaningful parts of their itinerary.
• The Vegan Milestone: How navigating complex allergies and dietary restrictions has changed since 2018 and an interesting tip about which restaurants handle individual needs best. We reveal where to find that legendary vegan Gingerbread milkshake on Main Street.
• The "Teenage Magic" Reality: Joey shares a powerful perspective on why he chose to put his phone away. From building lightsabers at Savi's Workshop to the simple act of looking out for his mom, he proves that Disney magic matures right along with you.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in 2026, managing food allergies, or worried your kids are becoming "too cool" for Mickey, Jodi and Joey’s story is a heartwarming testament to why we keep going back to the place where it all started.

Bios

Joey Beights is a high school senior who stays busy both on the stage and on the court. He is active in numerous choirs, including the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, and brings the same dedication and teamwork to his school’s varsity basketball team. An avid sports fan, Joey loves cheering on his favorite teams, attending games whenever he can, and making memories with friends and family. When he is not rehearsing or playing, you can often find him planning his next adventure, especially trips to Disney.

Instagram: @jmoneyy_44

Jodi Pickens is a podcaster, writer, and digital storyteller best known as one of the hosts and the social media manager for the CloneStar Podcast, where she helps shape the show’s voice and community across platforms. A lifelong sci-fi fan with a deep love for Star Trek, Jodi brings curiosity, humor, and thoughtful commentary to every episode, whether she’s interviewing guests, exploring Trek lore, or spotlighting the people and moments that keep the fandom thriving.

Beyond the podcast, Jodi is the creator of the blog Jibber Jabber with Jodi, a space where she shares personal reflections, pop-culture delights, and everyday inspiration with her signature “we’re in this together” energy. Her content blends warmth and authenticity with a knack for engaging conversation, inviting readers and listeners to connect, laugh, and find a little more kindness in the day.

Outside of her creative work, Jodi is a lifelong Disney

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✨ 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 us with their most meaningful travel moments this year.

🎧 In this episode:

• Saying goodbye to an unforgettable year in travel
• Thanking the dedicated travel agents behind the scenes
• Celebrating the families who made 2025 so special
• Looking ahead to what 2026 has in store

Here’s to new adventures, meaningful journeys, and another year of talking travel together. 🌍✈️

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Christmas can be magical—but it can also be loud, busy, emotionally heavy, and exhausting. In this Christmas Day mini episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette invites you to pause, breathe, and imagine something different… without guilt.

This isn’t about rejecting traditions or skipping family—it’s about giving yourself permission to dream. Where would you actually love to be next Christmas if expectations, obligations, and chaos were taken off the table? A quiet beach? A cozy mountain lodge? A Disney cruise where someone else cooks, cleans, and handles the schedule?

Kristy reflects on the pressure that often surrounds the holidays and explores the idea that choosing peace, rest, and joy is not selfish—it’s healthy. Whether you’re listening with wrapping paper still on the floor or stealing a quiet moment for yourself, this short episode is your gentle reminder that your version of Christmas is allowed to evolve.

Because sometimes the most meaningful gift is the freedom to choose how you spend your time.

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🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette
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