The Family Vacationer

Episode 207 Show Notes — The Family Vacationer

Title: Caribe Royale Orlando: Holiday Chocolate, Suites, Slides & Our First “Family Vacationer Approved” Resort

Hosts: Rob & Traci

Location: Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando, FL

Guests: Luciano Sperduto (General Manager) + Chef David Hackett (Executive Chef)

Rob and Traci record on location from Caribe Royale in Orlando for a full family-focused resort report: the suites and villas, pool time, holiday happenings, and the food scene—plus a big milestone for the show. Caribe Royale becomes the first-ever “Family Vacationer Approved” property based on the show’s criteria.

What We Cover

First impressions: A grand lobby, festive décor, and a massive holiday chocolate display that sets the tone right away. Caribe Royale is also a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, close to the parks without feeling swallowed up by the chaos.

Rooms: Every accommodation is either a suite or a villa—a major win for families. Rob and Traci break down why the layout works (especially with a teenager), and why the two-bedroom villas (full kitchen + separate bedrooms) are great for longer stays and extra space.

Pool + holiday magic: Resort-style pool with a big waterslide, waterfalls, splash area, lounge chairs, and optional cabanas. During the holidays, Caribe Royale turns into a chocolate wonderland, including:

North Pole Express: 32-ft chocolate train (1,600 lbs of chocolate)
Santa’s Magical Flight: sleigh + reindeer (2,000 lbs of chocolate)
Jingle Bell Junction: chocolate village
Plus letters to Santa with an elf reply, cookie decorating, holiday movies, cocoa at check-in, and Santa/Mrs. Claus visits (Dec 20–Christmas Eve).

Guest Interviews

Luciano Sperduto (GM): How the resort stays ahead of changing family expectations, why culture and staff friendliness matter most, and what’s coming next—including villa remodeling (planned through 2026 into early 2027), restaurant updates, and a Stadium Club expansion with a bigger indoor/outdoor “tailgate” area.

Chef David Hackett: Caribe Royale’s culinary philosophy—starting with great ingredients, balancing upscale dining with family-friendly menus, and why they aim to be trendsetters. Chef also shares the story behind the chocolate displays and how much work goes into building and storing them.

Food Report (What We Ate)

Breakfast at Tropicale:

Rob: omelet + breakfast potatoes + cheese grits
Traci: French toast + bacon + strawberries
Kids: chocolate chip pancakes + eggs + bacon (and hot chocolate)

Calypso’s (poolside): Rob goes deep on the red snapper sandwich (he ordered it twice), shrimp quesadilla, crab tostadas, and loaded tater kegs. Chase loved the smash burger; Nash loved the cheese quesadilla. Traci’s highlights include the tater tots and a huge slice of orange creamsicle cake (plus chocolate dessert). Virgin pina coladas by the pool were a kid favorite.

Stadium Club: More than a “sports bar”—massive LED screens + simulator bays the boys loved. Standouts: candied bacon with orange/rosemary, coconut shrimp with key lime aioli, giant pretzel with beer cheese and mustard, elote chips and dip, and flatbread pizza. Rob admits he now needs a return trip for the chicken and waffles.

The Market: A late-night lifesaver—grab-and-go options plus house-made desserts, confections, truffles, and ice cream. Open until midnight. Starbucks on-site near the entrance with mobile ordering.

Family Vacationer Approved (A Big First)

Rob and Traci explain their scoring checklist—Space, Experience, Location, Dining, and Overall Family-Friendliness—and announce Caribe Royale is the first property to earn the Family Vacationer Approved designation (80+ score).

More on Property

Pickleball + padel courts (with coaching available), basketball, bike rentals, and a catch-and-release fishing lake.

Thanks: Suzanne Stephan (Caribe Royale) + Rebecca Austin (Quinn PR).

Follow: Check Instagram @thefamilyvacationer for photos and food highlights.

Episode 205: The 10-Minute Memory Check-In – A Simple Tool for Meaningful Travel

What if the most important part of your next family trip isn’t where you go, where you stay, or even what you do? In this episode of The Family Vacationer, Rob shares one of the most powerful — and practical — strategies from his new book: the 10-Minute Memory Check-In.

This isn’t just a tip — it’s a mindset shift. A 10-minute conversation before your next trip could be the difference between another blur of busy days and a memory your family talks about for years. Whether you're heading to the beach, the mountains, or the in-laws’ house for the holidays, this mini-episode will help you reset your focus and connect before you pack a single bag.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why memories — not destinations — should shape your travel plans
3 powerful prompts to ask before your next trip
How to align expectations and reduce family travel stress
Why choosing one intentional moment can shift the tone of the entire trip
A personal story that proves sometimes the best moments are the ones you didn’t plan for

Rob also shares the story behind this practice — including a moment of perspective on a Disney trip, and how the passing of his father helped him see what really matters in those imperfect, magical snapshots of family travel.

The 10-Minute Memory Check-In Questions:

What memory do we want to make on this trip?
What pace do we want — rest, adventure, or a mix?
What’s one intentional connection moment we can build in?

Simple. Quick. Game-changing.

Mentioned in this episode:

➡️ Rob’s new book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, available now wherever books are sold.

If this episode gave you a new way to think about travel, consider leaving a rating or sharing it with a fellow parent. It helps more families discover the show and travel with purpose.

Thanks for listening — and remember:

Keep your passports and your hearts open.

Safe travels, everyone.

Episode 204: Universal’s Epic Universe – What Families Need to Know

Universal Orlando’s long-awaited Epic Universe park is finally here — but is it truly the future of theme park vacations, or just another stop on the map? In this episode, The Family Vacationer dives into everything families need to know before planning a visit.

Rob is joined by Ashley Dennis, luxury travel advisor with Tailor My Travels, who recently experienced Epic Universe firsthand with her family. Ashley has visited all 50 states and knows what makes a destination work for real families. She shares insider tips, honest opinions, and a few surprises from Universal’s bold new addition.

In this episode:

What to expect from Super Nintendo World, including the power-up bands, interactive play, and family fun factor
A closer look at How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, the park’s most cinematic and family-friendly land
Which areas might be better suited for older kids — and which ones to skip with little ones
Why Dark Universe isn’t your average monster zone
Early impressions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic
Honest talk about wait times, Express Passes, and whether they’re worth the cost
Where to find the best food, including Ashley’s favorite meal at the French restaurant inside the Ministry of Magic
Smart strategies for navigating crowds, shade (or lack of it), and planning your day

Ashley also shares what surprised her most about Epic Universe’s design and which rides truly lived up to the hype — and which didn’t. From dueling coasters and immersive theming to the park’s early growing pains, you’ll get a clear-eyed view of what to expect before booking your family’s next Orlando trip.

Key Takeaway:

Epic Universe is a stunning, highly themed park with plenty for thrill-seekers and families with older kids. While there’s room for improvement, it’s already shaping up to be a major contender in the theme park world — and a must-see for families ready for something new.

Connect with Guest:

Ashley Dennis – Tailor My Travels

Website: TailorMyTravels.com

Instagram & Facebook: @AshleyTailorMyTravels

Connect with The Family Vacationer:

Follow Rob and Traci for more episodes that help families create meaningful and memorable travel experiences together.

And don’t forget: Rob’s new book, The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel, is available now — the perfect read (or gift) for families ready to make their next trip more intentional and unforgettable. Buy it HERE

The Family Vacationer

Episode 203: Christmas in Rockford, Illinois

Guest: Kristen Paul, Executive Vice President, GoRockford

Host: Rob Jones

Episode Summary

If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, festive markets, and that perfect small-town holiday charm, you’ll love this stop in our Christmas in the U.S. series. In this episode, Rob heads to Rockford, Illinois, a city that knows how to celebrate Christmas in a big way — with dazzling light displays, heartwarming traditions, and a community that truly embraces the season.

Rob chats with Kristen Paul, Executive Vice President, GoRockford about what makes this Northern Illinois destination a must-see during the holidays. From the magical Stroll on State celebration to breathtaking attractions like Anderson Japanese Gardens: Illuminated, Festival of Lights, and All Aglow along the Rock River, Kristen shares how Rockford shines bright with festive fun for the whole family.

You’ll also discover where to shop for locally made gifts, can’t-miss holiday eats (yes, brunch lovers, this one’s for you!), and how Rockford celebrates its quirky and creative history with nods to Cheap Trick, the Rockford Peaches, and even the original sock monkey.

Whether you’re looking for a new holiday getaway or just a little Christmas inspiration, this episode captures the heart, community, and magic that make Rockford feel like a Hallmark movie come to life.

In This Episode

Why Rockford’s Stroll on State is one of the Midwest’s best free holiday events
The story behind the city’s beloved sock monkey and how it became a local icon
Family-friendly attractions including Festival of Lights, Anderson Gardens Illuminated, and All Aglow
Where to find the best holiday brunch (hint: try Abrio’s biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits!)
Tips for visiting with kids and grandparents — including easy walkability and hotel recommendations
How Rockford celebrates its musical and sports heritage through Cheap Trick and the Rockford Peaches

Featured Guest

Kristen Paul

Executive Vice President, GoRockford

Learn more and start planning your trip at GoRockford.com

Resources Mentioned

GoRockford.com – Official visitor information, events, and itineraries
Anderson Japanese Gardens – “Illuminated” holiday event details
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens – “All Aglow” light displays
Festival of Lights – Rockford’s iconic drive-thru holiday tradition

Connect with Rob

📘 The Family Vacationer: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Travel — Available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
🌐 thefamilyvacationer.live
📸 Instagram: @thefamilyvacationerpodcast

Closing Thought:

Rockford, Illinois, captures everything we love about the holidays — connection, creativity, and community. It’s proof that some of the best Christmas destinations aren’t the biggest cities, but the ones filled with heart.

“Remember, folks, keep your passports and your hearts open. Safe travels, everyone.”