Erica Shaffer at Wishes & Co. Travel Planning

06/18/2026

Thinking about buying a Walt Disney World Annual Pass but don't live in Florida? 🤔

In this week's episode of Once Upon a Park Podcast, we're breaking down whether an Annual Pass is really worth it for out-of-state guests, with help from our amazing listeners who shared their own experiences and reasons for saying "yes" (or "no") to becoming Annual Passholders. We’re talking savings, perks, runDisney weekends, spontaneous trips, and the factors that can make an Annual Pass a great investment, or an unnecessary expense.

If you've been on the fence, this episode is for you!

Podcast Episode · Once Upon A Park · June 18 · 1h 3m

06/16/2026

Your resort is more than just a place to sleep. It's your home base for the entire vacation.

When you're planning a Walt Disney World trip, location can make a huge difference in your overall experience. The right resort can mean shorter travel times, easier midday breaks, and a much more relaxed pace. The wrong one? You might spend more time on buses than you'd like.

That's why I always ask my clients how they want to vacation before I ever recommend a resort.

✨ Want to be close to Magic Kingdom?
🚠 Love the convenience of the Skyliner?
🎬 Planning multiple days at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios?
🦒 Prioritizing Animal Kingdom or looking for a quieter atmosphere?

There isn't one "best" resort, there's only the best resort for your vacation.

Swipe through this carousel to see how location can impact your trip and why choosing the right home base is one of the most important planning decisions you'll make.

If you'd rather skip the research, that's where I come in. I'll match you with a resort that fits your park plans, budget, and travel style so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time making memories.

06/15/2026

Everyone sees the castle photos and the snacks. They don't always see this.

Me, sitting on the concrete in Epcot, answering client emails between attractions because someone has a question, needs reassurance, or wants to make a change before tomorrow.

When you hire me to help plan your vacation, you're getting more than someone who books a trip. You're getting a travel planner who is invested in your experience from the moment you say "let's do this" until you're back home unpacking your suitcase.

Even when I'm visiting the parks myself, I'm paying attention. I'm checking out new offerings, noting construction, trying the latest snacks, and coming up with new tips that I can pass along to my people.

So yes, you'll occasionally find me sitting on the ground in the France Pavilion, answering an email.

Because making sure my clients have an amazing vacation is always worth pausing for.

06/14/2026

One of the most talked about dining experiences on Disney Cruise Line? Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure ❄️

It’s dinner, but calling it “just dinner” feels like an understatement.

You’re basically dropped straight into Arendelle for a royal celebration with Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff, complete with live performances inspired by the Frozen films and all the songs you already know by heart.

Characters don’t just stay on stage either. They’re weaving through the dining room, interacting with guests, and keeping the whole room buzzing the entire time. For Frozen-loving families, this one usually lands high on the “best part of the trip” list.

It’s one of my favorite reminders that Disney Cruise Line doesn’t just serve dinner, they build an entire experience around it!

06/13/2026

An empty Disney bus is basically the theme park equivalent of finding an extra chicken nugget in your order.

06/13/2026

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is one of those Disney events that people don’t just go to, they plan their whole vacation around it. 🎃

The trick-or-treating is fun (because candy always tastes better in costume at Disney), but the real stars of the night are the entertainment moments. The Boo-to-You Parade, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and the Halloween fireworks are the kind of things you end up talking about long after the trip is over.

This party moves fast, and having a game plan going in can make a huge difference in what you actually get to experience.

And extra fun note, I’ll be there on opening night, August 7th, and would love to meet you there!

If you’re thinking about going this year, I’d love to help you map out a plan so you don’t miss the things that matter most to you!

06/11/2026

If convenience had a five-star rating, Helios Grand Hotel would be pretty close.

The biggest perk? You're not just near Epic Universe... you're staying at the only hotel with its own dedicated entrance into the park. That means less time getting there and more time riding, exploring, and pretending you're definitely going to skip "just one more ride."

Beyond the location, Helios brings a more elevated feel with gorgeous spaces, upscale amenities, and the kind of resort you actually look forward to coming back to after a full park day.

Is it the right fit for every vacation? Maybe not.

But if you're looking to turn a Universal trip into something a little more special, Helios might just be worth the splurge.

And if you're trying to decide between Helios, Stella Nova, Terra Luna, or one of the other Universal resorts, that's exactly the kind of vacation puzzle I love helping families solve!

06/11/2026

🎧 New Episode Alert 🎧

Behind every runDisney runner is someone cheering them on, adjusting plans, setting an early alarm, or waiting with a hug at the finish line. In this episode, we’re talking about all the ways family and friends can make race weekend even more memorable, from supporting those early training runs to navigating expo day, race morning, and everything in between.

We’re sharing simple ways to show up for your runner, what they really appreciate most, and why the little things often have the biggest impact. Whether you’re running or you’re the designated cheer squad, this episode is full of tips to help make the entire runDisney experience a little more magical.

🎧 Give it a listen and let me know: What’s the best support you’ve ever received, or given, during a runDisney weekend?

Podcast Episode · Once Upon A Park · June 11 · 1h 23m