Adventure 373: This Or That: How To Do Your Vacation

·1 hr·5 clips

Chris packed for a nine-day Disney trip in a carry-on so heavy she needed help lifting it into the overhead bin.

The episode begins with an ad from Realtor Victor Narocki, who specializes in helping people buy homes near Disney World. Hosts Francine, Chris, and Stan Solo then share personal updates, including Chris joining a local art gallery in Morristown, Tennessee, and Francine dealing with a Canadian airline strike that left her stranded at Orlando Airport for 12 hours. They discuss listener feedback, with one critic calling their chit-chat 'rubbish' and another praising their Hayley Mills episode. The main segment features a series of 'this or that' questions about Disney vacation planning. For a five-day trip, all hosts prefer checked bags, with Chris revealing she once did a nine-day trip with a carry-on but now uses two suitcases for hair, makeup, and outfit changes. Stan packs a carry-on inside his checked bag to save space for souvenirs. Outfit planning varies: Chris lays out daily outfits in advance, Stan focuses on Disney-themed shirts, and Francine wings it with black shorts and multiple t-shirts. Booking timelines differ: Stan and Chris plan months ahead, while Francine prefers last-minute trips. Lightning Lane usage is minimal; Stan only buys it for Rise of the Resistance, and Chris depends on trip length. Dining preferences split: Chris does about five table service meals on a seven-day trip, Stan uses the dining plan when available, and Francine often dines solo without issue. Flexibility varies: Chris sticks to an 80% written itinerary, while Stan and Francine wing it. Travel companions are debated: Chris and Francine enjoy solo trips for freedom, Stan likes showing his wife new experiences. Transportation includes Disney buses and Uber/Lyft for resort hops, with Stan using Mears Express to the airport. Most stay in the Disney bubble, but Stan visits the Character Warehouse and Target for shopping, and Chris has ventured out for meetups. The episode concludes with tips on grocery delivery services and souvenir shipping.

As heard by us

A grounded planning chat where surprise, spending, and the travel companion shape the decision.

Vacation planning is framed as a chain of tradeoffs, from a surprise trip kept carefully under wraps to the more practical question of whether Lightning Lanes are worth the cost and patience.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want Disney park choices that change sensibly with the person beside you.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Grand Circle Tour Podcast