Send us Fan MailEpisode #6: Celebrity Takes to the Rivers: Plus EPCOT, Wonderland’s Gold Pass & Travel Tips Release Date: August 25, 2026 | Duration: 1:06 minutesEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The Travel Agent, Disney & Beyond, Stephen Payne takes you on a wide-ranging journey through food, theme parks, cruising, and practical travel tips.First, discover Niagara’s Brunch by the Lake, a unique event pairing chefs and Niagara wineries in a delicious brunch battle. Stephen shares his favourite dishes and wine pairings—and reveals which one earned his vote.Then it’s off to Disney World for a preview of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, including its 30th-anniversary highlights, international flavours, cheese offerings, and some of the more unusual dishes on this year’s menu.Stephen also explores the perks of a Canada’s Wonderland Gold Pass, including how it can unlock visits to other amusement parks in the U.S.—and shares his plans for a first-ever trip to Cedar Point.The episode’s featured interview is with Michele Croft of Celebrity Cruises, who provides an inside look at Celebrity’s exciting new entry into river cruising. Find out how Celebrity plans to bring its premium ocean-cruise experience to brand-new river ships, what’s included, where the inaugural itineraries will sail, and why river cruising may appeal to a much broader audience than you might expect.Michelle also talks about the Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity’s newest Edge Series ship, and the exciting Eastern Caribbean Journey With Us March Break 2027 sailing.Plus, Stephen tackles the eternal travel question: What’s the best way to pack your clothes? From folding and packing cubes to the Ranger Roll, he shares the methods he’s tried and the approach he recommends.Finally, get the latest details on Expedia’s Ultimate Getaway Sale, including cruise onboard credits and resort offers that can be combined with supplier promotions.Packed with travel inspiration, practical advice, cruise news, Disney ideas, and money-saving opportunities, this episode has something for every traveller.Keep dreaming, keep planning, and keep exploring!Timestamps[00:00] Intro[01:24] Niagara Grape and Wine Festival's Brunch by the Lake[08:24] Mouse Minutes: Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival[14:30] Park Pulse: Canada’s Wonderland’s Gold Pass[19:05] Cruise Contemplations: Interview with Michele Croft[54:20] Canadian Compass Travel Tip of the Week: Packing[1:00:33] Deals Dish: Expedia Ultimate Getaway Sale[1:04:34] OutroKey Takeaways🚢 Celebrity River Cruises are coming in 2027 — Celebrity is entering the river-cruise market with brand-new ships sailing the Danube and Rhine, bringing its premium ocean-cruise experience to Europe’s rivers.🍽️ Celebrity is emphasizing culinary experiences — The new river ships will feature two dining venues, Café al Bacio, suite dining options, and a full classic beverage package included for guests.🗺️ Authentic destination experiences are a major focus — Celebrity’s included Discovery Models are designed to connect travellers with local people, culture, food, and experiences rather than conventional cookie-cutter tours.🏞️ River cruising is about the destination — With smaller ships carrying about 172 passengers and frequent port calls, guests can step directly from the ship into the heart of many destinations.🌷 2028 brings new Celebrity River itineraries — Along with Danube and Rhine sailings, Celebrity plans a Tulip Time itinerary and an eight-night itinerary featuring an overnight stay in Bucharest.🚢 Celebrity Xcel is bringing even more entertainment to the Edge Series — Stephen and Michelle discuss The Bazaar, a dynamic venue designed to bring local culture, food, festivals, and shopping experiences onboard.🏝️ March Break 2027 is calling — The Journey With Us group will sail the Celebrity Xcel on a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, with hosted support and additional perks for participating agency clients.🍷 Niagara’s Brunch by the Lake combines food and wine — Stephen shares highlights from an event featuring chef-and-winery pairings, live music, photo opportunities, and a friendly brunch battle.🌎 EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival offers flavours from around the world — Stephen previews the 30th-anniversary celebration and some of the many dishes and drinks available throughout the festival.🎢 A Canada’s Wonderland Gold Pass can open doors beyond Wonderland — Passholders can access participating amusement parks in the U.S., including Cedar Point, creating opportunities for affordable theme-park getaways.🧳 There’s more than one way to pack a suitcase — Stephen compares stacking, the KonMari folding method, packing cubes, traditional rolling, and the Ranger Roll, while sharing his personal preference for rolling clothes.💰 Expedia’s Ultimate Getaway Sale offers additional value — The sale features cruise onboard ...
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