Chaos and Carry-ons Podcast

Chaos and Carry-ons Podcast

by Chaos and Carry-ons Podcast
Kids & FamilyPlaces & Travel
Season 2

She Said “I Do” at Disney World | A Real Disney Wedding Story

Ever wondered what it’s really like to get married at Disney World? 💍🏰 In this episode of Chaos and Carry Ons, we sit down with our first Summer of Chit Chat guest to hear the real story behind her Disney wedding. From the planning process and magical details to unexpected moments and wedding-day chaos, she shares what made her say “I do” at Disney and what the experience was actually like. We talk venue choices, Disney touches, favorite memories, surprises along the way, and advice for future Disney brides dreaming of their own fairy tale wedding. ✨ Whether you’re planning a Disney wedding, love destination weddings, or just enjoy hearing behind-the-scenes stories full of magic and real talk, this episode is for you. 🎧 Grab your coffee and join us for a magical conversation filled with planning, memories, and a little chaos in true Chaos and Carry Ons fashion.
S2 · E25
Jun 1, 2026
56:31

Summer of Chit Chat Begins: Summer Nostalgia & Big Life Updates

Memorial Day weekend means one thing: summer chaos has officially arrived. In this laid-back kickoff to our Summer of Chit Chat series, Stephanie and Shel are talking all things summer nostalgia... from drinking out of the water hose and melting popsicles to late-night Sonic runs, beach trips, grilling season, and summer travel plans. We also share updates on upcoming vacations to Disney and 30A, discuss raising teenagers in the era of TikTok slang and “brain rot,” and laugh about the generational differences between kids today and the summers we grew up with. This episode also includes a heartfelt life update from Shelby as she opens up about her cancer recurrence and why the podcast community has meant so much during this season of life. If you love casual conversations, funny friendship banter, motherhood chaos, travel talk, nostalgia, and real-life moments, this episode feels like sitting on the back porch with friends on a summer evening. Plus: details about this year’s Summer of Chit Chat guest episodes and how YOU can join the podcast.
S2 · E24
May 25, 2026
27:21

How Much Does an Aulani Hawaii Vacation REALLY Cost? | Disney Aulani Budget Breakdown 2026

Thinking about staying at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa? In this episode of Chaos and Carry Ons, Shelby and Stephanie break down the REAL cost of a Hawaii vacation at Disney’s famous resort on Oahu. From hotel pricing and flights to food, character breakfasts, luaus, rental cars, excursions, and Disney snacks, we’re sharing what a realistic week-long Aulani vacation could cost for a family of four in 2026. We also talk about our real-life May 2023 Hawaii trip experience, favorite excursions around Oahu, and whether Aulani is actually worth the price tag. Plus, we share tips for saving money with DVC rentals, booking strategies, and what activities we personally loved most during our trip. If you want to listen to our previous Aulani episodes, listen to them here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disneys-aulani-adventure-hawaii-series-part-1/id1782782672?i=1000680562504. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/final-aulani-trip-episode-for-now/id1782782672?i=1000682140251.
S2 · E23
May 18, 2026
19:37

Disney Halloween Party Guide 2026 | Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tips & Strategy

Stephanie and Shelby are breaking down everything you need to know about Disney’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World! Even though it’s only May, Halloween party tickets are officially on sale and the first party nights begin August 7th — so now is the time to start planning. In this Disney Halloween Party Guide 101 episode, they cover ticket strategy, party dates, costumes, candy trails, exclusive entertainment, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, ride overlays, rain tips, and how to make the most of your party night without wasting time or money. They also share personal stories from their own Halloween party experiences, including family costumes, navigating Florida rainstorms, favorite fireworks moments, and why this event has become one of their favorite Disney traditions. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a longtime Disney fan, this episode will help you decide if Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is worth it for your family and how to plan the perfect fall Disney vacation.
S2 · E22
May 11, 2026
18:01

Mom Life, Then & Now: A Mother’s Day Chit Chat

Join Shelby and Stephanie for a laid-back Mother’s Day chit chat as they compare expectations vs. reality, share favorite (and chaotic) mom moments, and talk through the different seasons of motherhood—from pre-kid life to toddlers and beyond. Plus, advice from fellow moms and a little encouragement for those just starting their journey. 💕
S2 · E21
May 4, 2026
26:15

Is Turo Actually Cheaper? Real Trip Pricing + Our Honest Experience

We’re putting Turo to the test! In this quick episode, Shelby and Stephanie price out a full vacation for a family of four and compare it to booking through Enterprise Rent-A-Car. We’re also sharing our real-life experiences using Turo; what surprised us, what we loved, and what we’d do differently next time. If you’re planning a trip and debating your rental car options, this breakdown will help you decide what’s actually worth your money.
S2 · E20
Apr 27, 2026
13:00

Amish Country Lancaster PA Travel Guide: Hotels, Food, & What to Expect

In this episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons, Stephanie shares her Spring Break trip from Washington DC to Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. From staying at the Eden Resort & Suites to visiting the famous Shady Maple Smorgasbord (the largest buffet in the U.S.), we’re breaking down what it’s really like to visit Amish Country with kids. We cover the best things to do in Lancaster PA, including local shops, Amish markets, fudge stops, and unique experiences like buggy sightings and reuse-it thrift stores. Plus, honest thoughts on the food, what surprised us most, and what we would do differently next time. If you’ve ever wondered if Amish Country is worth visiting—or how to add it to a DC or Hershey trip—this episode is for you.
S2 · E19
Apr 21, 2026
25:32

Washington DC with Kids: Family-Friendly Tips, Hotel Review, Zoo, Museums & More

Planning a trip to Washington DC with kids? In this episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons, Stephanie breaks down her family’s spring break trip to DC—sharing a real, day-by-day itinerary, honest hotel review, and the travel tips she wishes she knew before going. From finally scoring a White House tour to navigating the Metro for the first time (and surviving those escalators 😅), we cover what it’s really like visiting DC as a family of five. We’re talking: Staying at the Hyatt Place Washington DC / White House (pros, cons, and room size for families) Visiting the White House and what to expect on the tour Walking the monuments (and why we’d do it differently next time) Tips for the Smithsonian National Zoo — including how to get free tickets Riding the Washington Metro with kids Exploring the Museum of the Bible Where we ate, including the historic Old Ebbitt Grill We also share what we’d do differently, how weather impacted our plans, and whether Washington DC is actually worth the trip for families. If you’re planning a DC vacation—or just dreaming about one—this episode will help you set realistic expectations and feel more prepared.
S2 · E18
Apr 13, 2026
33:36

Post-Easter Chit Chat: Mom Life, Easter Candy Debates & Spring Break Travel

Easter weekend is over… and we’re all probably recovering from church clothes, Easter baskets, and way too much candy. In this casual Easter Chit Chat episode, Shelby and Stephanie catch up on everything from Easter traditions and candy debates to funny parenting moments and what life has looked like lately. In this episode we talk about: • Easter basket chaos • Reese’s Eggs vs Cadbury Eggs • Funny kid stories and parenting moments • Behind the scenes of Stephanie’s church Easter play • Spring break travel updates (DC, Disney, and more) • What we’re loving right now Plus we share a preview of the upcoming episodes, including Stephanie’s Washington DC trip and our upcoming Mother’s Day episode. Grab some leftover Easter candy and come hang out with us.
S2 · E17
Apr 6, 2026
34:04

Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean: Full Family Cruise Comparison (Price, Kids Clubs, Private Islands)

Trying to decide between a Disney Cruise Line vacation and a Royal Caribbean cruise? In this episode of Chaos and Carry-Ons, we break down a side-by-side family cruise comparison to help you decide which cruise line is right for your family. We created a sample 5-night Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral for a family of four and compared everything — from pricing and cabin types to entertainment, kids clubs, and private islands. We talk about: • Disney Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean pricing • What’s included in Disney cruise fares vs Royal Caribbean • Castaway Cay vs Perfect Day at CocoCay • Kids clubs and activities for different age groups • Entertainment and onboard experiences • Which cruise line is better for families with younger kids vs teens • Whether Disney Cruise Line is worth the higher price If you’re planning a family cruise to the Bahamas, this episode will help you decide which cruise line fits your budget and travel style. Disney offers immersive storytelling, character experiences, and incredible service, while Royal Caribbean brings larger ships, thrill activities, and a lower price point. So which cruise wins for families? Tune in to find out. If you enjoy travel planning, Disney tips, and real talk about family vacations, make sure to follow Chaos and Carry-Ons wherever you listen to podcasts.
S2 · E16
Mar 30, 2026
13:24
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