Our theme parks reporter Jamie Biesiada was at Walt Disney World twice last month, and host Rebecca Tobin cruised on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish -- making it the perfect time to dig in on theme park changes, additions, Cool Kid Summer and our own personal recent experiences, from rides to resort restaurants, plus an update on Universal’s updates. 

This podcast was recorded June 4 and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Brendan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com

Related reports:

Disney aims to simplify trip planning with tech updates https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disney-simplifying-the-guest-experience-for-planning-trips

Dispatch, Disney World: Park offerings for preschoolers https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Disney-World-park-offerings-for-preschoolers

Behind the magic: Maintaining Disney World's iconic landscapes https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/The-team-behind-Disney-World-maintenance-and-makeovers

Something for all ages on the Disney Wish (September 2022) https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Something-for-kids-of-all-ages-on-the-Disney-Wish

 

Our theme parks reporter Jamie Biesiada was at Walt Disney World twice last month, and host Rebecca Tobin cruised on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish -- making it the perfect time to dig in on theme park changes, additions, Cool Kid Summer and our own personal recent experiences, from rides to resort restaurants, plus an update on Universal&rsquo;s updates.&nbsp;
This podcast was recorded June 4 and has been edited for length and clarity.
Episode sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Brendan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com
Related reports:
Disney aims to simplify trip planning with tech updates <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disney-simplifying-the-guest-experience-for-planning-trips">https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disney-simplifying-the-guest-experience-for-planning-trips</a>
Dispatch, Disney World: Park offerings for preschoolers <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Disney-World-park-offerings-for-preschoolers">https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Disney-World-park-offerings-for-preschoolers</a>
Behind the magic: Maintaining Disney World's iconic landscapes <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/The-team-behind-Disney-World-maintenance-and-makeovers">https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/The-team-behind-Disney-World-maintenance-and-makeovers</a>
Something for all ages on the Disney Wish (September 2022) <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Something-for-kids-of-all-ages-on-the-Disney-Wish">https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Something-for-kids-of-all-ages-on-the-Disney-Wish</a>
&nbsp;

Travel Weekly's team of reporters, editors and contributors explore ideas, share experiences and provide insight into what they’ve uncovered while reporting on some of the biggest trends in travel.

Travel Weekly's team of reporters, editors and contributors explore ideas, share experiences and provide insight into what they&rsquo;ve uncovered while reporting on some of the biggest trends in travel.

Hosted by Rebecca Tobin, managing editor of Travel Weekly

The Folo by Travel Weekly

Travel Weekly's team of reporters, editors and contributors take a deep dive into the biggest travel story of the week. 

In each episode, we invite invite our team of journalists and their trusted sources to delve into major travel trends that industry insiders, or just travelers, want to know about.  

You may be wondering: Why the Folo? Well, a folo -- f o l o -- is a journalism term, a kind of shorthand that basically means to follow a breaking news story with more in depth reporting and analysis. And at the Folo podcast, that's what we do. 

Hosted by Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin.

Travel Weekly's team of reporters, editors and contributors take a deep dive into the biggest travel story of the week.&nbsp;
In each episode, we invite invite our team of journalists and their trusted sources to delve into major travel trends that industry insiders, or just travelers, want to know about. &nbsp;
You may be wondering: Why the Folo? Well, a folo -- f o l o -- is a journalism term, a kind of shorthand that basically means to follow a breaking news story with more in depth reporting and analysis. And at the Folo podcast, that's what we do.&nbsp;
Hosted by Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin.

Theme park updates: Disney's cool kids, new rides, cruising and more

Travel Weekly cruise editor Teri West has been reporting on various developments in the industry, and many of them seem to have one thing in common: They’re taking place in the Bahamas. The country has invested in cruise port development and is courting ultra-luxury lines; meanwhile, the private island experience continues to expand and lines like Royal Caribbean International are putting its biggest cruise ships on short-cruise itineraries to the Bahamas from South Florida. 

This week West talks with Robert Sands, the director of cruise and maritime facilitation at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, about creative growth, priorities and some pretty big increases in visitor numbers. If you’re selling Caribbean cruises or are a fan of cruising, you'll want to listen in.

This episode recorded May 29, 2026, and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Brandan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors

Related links

In the Bahamas, some big cruise projects are in the works https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Bahamas-cruise-projects-in-the-works

 

Travel Weekly cruise editor Teri West has been reporting on various developments in the industry, and many of them seem to have one thing in common: They&rsquo;re taking place in the Bahamas. The country has invested in cruise port development and is courting ultra-luxury lines; meanwhile, the private island experience continues to expand and lines like Royal Caribbean International are putting its biggest cruise ships on short-cruise itineraries to the Bahamas from South Florida.&nbsp;
This week West talks with Robert Sands, the director of cruise and maritime facilitation at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, about creative growth, priorities and some pretty big increases in visitor numbers. If you&rsquo;re selling Caribbean cruises or are a fan of cruising, you'll want to listen in.
This episode recorded May 29, 2026, and has been edited for length and clarity.
Episode sponsor
This episode is sponsored by Brandan Vacations <a href="https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors">https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors</a>
Related links
In the Bahamas, some big cruise projects are in the works <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Bahamas-cruise-projects-in-the-works">https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Bahamas-cruise-projects-in-the-works</a>
&nbsp;

How the Bahamas has upped the cruise itinerary game

We’ve been keeping a close eye on travel demand to Mexico. Tourism was rocked earlier this year after cartel-related upheaval in the state of Jalisco, particularly in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalejara. The U.S. embassy in Mexico issued shelter-in-place alerts, which were briefly expanded across Mexico to places like Cancun, Tulum, Baja California and Oaxaca. Disturbances were soon quieted, but not before some travelers were spooked.

Three months later, host Rebecca Tobin talks with Jacki Marks, the global head of trade brands for Mexico powerhouse ALG Vacations, and Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski about tourism sentiment today. Is travel on the rebound, and where did travelers go instead of Mexico? Is economic uncertainty and fuel costs having an impact on destination decisions? And, if you want a unique or special Mexico resort, where might you consider going? 

This episode was recorded Wednesday, May 20, and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares. Stay on at the end of the Mexico discussion for a sponsored interview with Tourism Cares’ CEO Greg Takehara and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing partnerships for Northstar Travel Group.

Related links

Sellers and hoteliers say that Mexico travel is on the rebound https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Mexico-travel-demand-on-the-mend?ct=mexico

ALG Vacations expects a short-term decline in Mexico (March 8) https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/ALG-Vacations-expects-short-term-tourism-decline-Mexico?ct=mexico

Newsletter sign-up page for our Mexico eNewsletter https://www.travelweekly.com/Newsletters

ALG Vacations https://alg.www.vaxvacationaccess.com/ (Part of Hyatt Hotels Corp https://www.hyatt.com/loyalty/en-US)

Christina Jelski's The Last Resort podcast: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Last-Resort/season-2-episode-1-Impression-Isla-Mujeres-by-Secrets

 

We&rsquo;ve been keeping a close eye on travel demand to Mexico. Tourism was rocked earlier this year after cartel-related upheaval in the state of Jalisco, particularly in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalejara. The U.S. embassy in Mexico issued shelter-in-place alerts, which were briefly expanded across Mexico to places like Cancun, Tulum, Baja California and Oaxaca. Disturbances were soon quieted, but not before some travelers were spooked.
Three months later, host Rebecca Tobin talks with Jacki Marks, the global head of trade brands for Mexico powerhouse ALG Vacations, and Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski about tourism sentiment today. Is travel on the rebound, and where did travelers go instead of Mexico? Is economic uncertainty and fuel costs having an impact on destination decisions? And, if you want a unique or special Mexico resort, where might you consider going?&nbsp;
This episode was recorded Wednesday, May 20, and has been edited for length and clarity.
Episode sponsor
This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares. Stay on at the end of the Mexico discussion for a sponsored interview with Tourism Cares&rsquo; CEO Greg Takehara and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing partnerships for Northstar Travel Group.
Related links
Sellers and hoteliers say that Mexico travel is on the rebound <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Mexico-travel-demand-on-the-mend?ct=mexico">https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Mexico-travel-demand-on-the-mend?ct=mexico</a>
ALG Vacations expects a short-term decline in Mexico (March 8) <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/ALG-Vacations-expects-short-term-tourism-decline-Mexico?ct=mexico">https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/ALG-Vacations-expects-short-term-tourism-decline-Mexico?ct=mexico</a>
Newsletter sign-up page for our Mexico eNewsletter <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Newsletters">https://www.travelweekly.com/Newsletters</a>
ALG Vacations <a href="https://alg.www.vaxvacationaccess.com/">https://alg.www.vaxvacationaccess.com/ </a>(Part of Hyatt Hotels Corp <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/loyalty/en-US">https://www.hyatt.com/loyalty/en-US</a>)
Christina Jelski's The Last Resort podcast: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Last-Resort/season-2-episode-1-Impression-Isla-Mujeres-by-Secrets">https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Last-Resort/season-2-episode-1-Impression-Isla-Mujeres-by-Secrets</a>
&nbsp;

Mexico travel: How demand is faring after February's cartel upheaval

One big question for North America travel is: how strong travel demand will be for the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in just a few weeks. This year the matches are being played in cities throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and at the beginning of the year expectations among destination marketing organizations and hotels was very high -- and then it seemed to taper off a bit. 

In this episode we’re talking with editor in chief Johanna Jainchill and Erik Hanson, the senior vice president and head of government relations at U.S.’ prime travel advocacy organization, the U.S. Travel Association, about some of the issues facing inbound U.S. travel. Among our subjects: The unique attributes of World Cup travel, the calls for travel boycotts, perception versus reality when it comes to U.S. travel and the importance of getting Brand USA back on its funding feet.

This episode was recorded May 11and has been edited for length and clarity.

Episode sponsor: 

This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares https://www.tourismcares.org.

Related reports:

Cover story: The U.S. is playing on a global stage https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Playing-on-a-global-stage-World-Cup

Hotel trade group says World Cup demand is below expectations https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-demand-is-below-expectations

U.S. Travel Association condemns travel advisory issued for World Cup https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/US-Travel-condemns-travel-advisory-issued-for-World-Cup

U.S. Travel Association: https://www.ustravel.org

Correction: An earlier version of these show notes misspelled the name of Erik Hanson.

One big question for North America travel is: how strong travel demand will be for the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in just a few weeks. This year the matches are being played in cities throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and at the beginning of the year expectations among destination marketing organizations and hotels was very high -- and then it seemed to taper off a bit.&nbsp;
In this episode we&rsquo;re talking with editor in chief Johanna Jainchill and Erik Hanson, the senior vice president and head of government relations at U.S.&rsquo; prime travel advocacy organization, the U.S. Travel Association, about some of the issues facing inbound U.S. travel. Among our subjects: The unique attributes of World Cup travel, the calls for travel boycotts, perception versus reality when it comes to U.S. travel and the importance of getting Brand USA back on its funding feet.
This episode was recorded May 11and has been edited for length and clarity.
Episode sponsor: 
This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tourismcares.org">https://www.tourismcares.org</a>.
Related reports:
Cover story: The U.S. is playing on a global stage <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Playing-on-a-global-stage-World-Cup">https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Playing-on-a-global-stage-World-Cup</a>
Hotel trade group says World Cup demand is below expectations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-demand-is-below-expectations">https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-demand-is-below-expectations</a>
U.S. Travel Association condemns travel advisory issued for World Cup <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/US-Travel-condemns-travel-advisory-issued-for-World-Cup">https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/US-Travel-condemns-travel-advisory-issued-for-World-Cup</a><a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Playing-on-a-global-stage-World-Cup"></a>
U.S. Travel Association: <a href="https://www.ustravel.org">https://www.ustravel.org</a>
Correction: An earlier version of these show notes misspelled the name of Erik Hanson.

Theme park updates: Disney's cool kids, new rides, cruising and more

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