WanderLyn: Get Your 10K Steps and Skiing In … Tahoe!

 

Hello there, my wander friends! And ohhh, this trip already felt different in the best way.

If you read about our last Tahoe adventure, you know we showed up to a green mountain. Beautiful? Yes. Ski-ready? Not exactly. So this time, as we made the drive up into the mountains, we were practically glued to the windows like excited children.

And then… it happened. 🌨️

Patches of snow started appearing along the roadside. Then full blankets of white across the trees. The higher we climbed, the more the world turned into a winter postcard. Every turn in the road felt more magical than the last — snow-dusted pines, rooftops frosted in white, and that soft alpine glow that only happens when winter really shows up.

By the time we rolled into South Lake Tahoe, it was official: winter had arrived, and so had our ski smiles. There is just something about seeing sparkling snow that instantly lifts your mood. Suddenly, the cold feels cozy, the mountains feel alive, and you just know you’re in for a very good time.

So grab your ski boots and your beanies; we are on an adventure!

WanderLyn: Get Your 10k Steps In… Orlando Part 4

 Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure 

(No Express Pass, Still Magical)

Hello there, my wander friends 👋
Today’s adventure proved something very important: you don’t need an Express Pass to have a magical day at Universal—you just need a good plan, comfy shoes, and a wand at the ready 🪄

This day was all about enjoying the magic by leaning into immersive worlds (hello, Harry Potter), catching shows, and riding a few rides with smart timing and single-rider lines. Let’s wander…

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WanderLyn: Get Your 10k Steps In… Orlando Part 3: Universal EPIC Universe

Hello there, my wander friends 👋

Stretch those legs, tighten those laces, and do not forget your wand—because today we’re stepping straight into the future of theme parks. This adventure takes us to Universal EPIC Universe, where immersive storytelling, next-level tech, and a whole lot of walking collided in the very best way.

Theme of the day: fully immersive worlds, jaw-dropping attractions, and eating very well (because balance 😉).
Wander tip: Rope drop is your secret weapon. We arrived around 8:30-ish AM, and while it takes a bit to journey from the parking lot to the queue, the park was already welcoming guests by 8:45 AM. A little patience early on pays off in magical ways.

EPIC Universe is built around five massive lands, each accessed through its own portal—and once you step through, the outside world completely disappears. You first arrive in Celestial Park, which is absolutely stunning (don’t worry, we’ll come back to it). But this morning? We had a mission. Wands ready. Step tracker on. Magic to be made.

Let’s go ✨

WanderLyn: Get Your 10K Steps In…. Orlando Part 2: Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure 🎢✨

 

December 27 | Park-to-Park with Express Pass

Hello there, my wander friends 👋
Day two in Orlando was all about strategy, speed, and spells. With Park-to-Park tickets and Express Passes in hand, our mission was clear: ride the best attractions, live our best Harry Potter lives, eat well, and avoid getting soaked. Spoiler alert—we crushed our step count and our itinerary. To let you know, most rides had 2-3 hour lines, and we spent less than half that time [more like a quarter] on any ride. The Express passes are pricey, but so worth it if you really want to ride the rides. And you'll notice, even with the pass, we left a lot of rides behind as there are just so many. Not to worry, we knew we had 3 more days in the parks to get to most of it.

WanderLyn: Get your 10k Steps in …. Orlando Part 1 – pre-travel, travel day, arrival day

 Hello there, my wander friends 👋

If you’ve ever tackled Orlando during the holidays, you already know—it’s not for the faint of heart. But with a little planning, a lot of patience, and very comfortable shoes, it can be absolute magic. This trip clocked in at New Year’s week (Dec 26–Jan 2), and today I’m sharing Part 1: pre‑travel planning, travel day, and arrival day. Spoiler alert: we earned those steps before even stepping into a park.

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