This week on the Inside Travel Talk podcast, Patrick Wiscombe and Mark Faldmo dive into exciting travel news, insider savings, and incredible cruise opportunities. From Disneyland ending its early entry perk to free flights in Thailand and the ultimate Norway cruise, this episode is packed with useful insights for travelers. You’ll also hear about Hawaii’s first XR bus tour, Mexico’s charming Pueblos Mágicos, and a limited-time deal to save up to $550 on 2026 vacations.

The show closes with HX Expedition Cruise deals, featuring the Ultimate Norway Arctic Expedition Under the Northern Lights and the Nordic Navigator sailing from Norway to Scotland. Whether you love theme parks, cultural escapes, or Arctic adventures, this episode will spark your travel imagination.

On This Week’s Episode

• Disneyland ending early park entry for hotel guests
• Hawaii’s first cross-reality (XR) bus tour in Waikiki
• Free domestic flights within Thailand for international travelers
• Mexico’s expanding network of Pueblos Mágicos (magic towns)
• Travel deal of the week: Save up to $550 on 2026 vacations
• Smithsonian Journeys returns to the Mississippi River
• Understanding expedition cruises and what makes them unique
• Cruise deal of the week: HX’s Ultimate Norway Arctic Expedition
• Bonus cruise: The Nordic Navigator from Norway to Scotland

Segment 1: Travel News and Deals

Disneyland Ends Early Entry Perk

Starting January 5, 2025, Disneyland will end its 30-minute early park entry perk for hotel guests. Instead, guests receive a single Lightning Lane entry per resort stay. While this adds convenience, many travelers feel the value doesn’t compare to the previous daily early access. Families who plan to maximize their time in the parks may need to budget for upgraded Lightning Lane packages.

Hawaii’s XR Bus Tour

Hawaii is transforming sightseeing with its first cross-reality (XR) bus tour in Waikiki. Guests wear immersive goggles that blend real-world views with digital storytelling. Travelers can experience Hawaiian culture, volcanoes, and sea turtles in a whole new way. This innovative tour is designed for families and children, making learning interactive and fun.

Free Flights Within Thailand

Thailand’s tourism board is offering free domestic flights for international visitors arriving between September and November 2025. Travelers with proof of an international arrival ticket can explore destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chiang Rai at no additional cost. This program supports tourism during Thailand’s slower travel season and helps visitors see more of the country.

Mexico’s Growing Pueblos Mágicos

Mexico’s network of 177 magic towns, known as Pueblos Mágicos, continues to grow in accessibility and popularity. These towns showcase authentic Mexican culture through architecture, food, and traditions. Improved roads and the Mayan Train make reaching them easier than ever. San Sebastián near Puerto Vallarta, for example, is a favorite for travelers seeking charm and authenticity.

Travel Deal of the Week: Save up to $550 on 2026 Vacations

This week’s spotlight is on a limited-time offer: book your 2026 vacation by September 15, 2025, and save up to $550. Travelers must pay in full at the time of booking to qualify. The deal applies to packages in Hawaii, all-inclusive Mexico, and Europe, as long as they include airfare and hotel. The savings are tiered based on total trip cost, making this promotion a smart choice for families and couples planning ahead.

Segment 2: Cruises and Immersive Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys on the Mississippi

Smithsonian Journeys is bringing back its Mississippi River cruises between Memphis and New Orleans. These sailings will feature classic paddlewheel ships chartered from American Cruise Lines. Guests enjoy engaging lectures from historians, including presidential experts, while experiencing the rich culture of America’s heartland. Smithsonian Journeys also announced a 2027 Nile River charter designed to coincide with the solar eclipse—another fascinating opportunity for curious travelers.

What Is Expedition Cruising?

Expedition cruises are not about entertainment—they’re about exploration. These small-ship journeys visit remote areas like Antarctica, the Arctic, the Amazon, and the Galápagos. With fewer than 200 passengers, ships can reach ports larger vessels can’t access. Guests engage in lectures, guided excursions, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Instead of Broadway shows, evenings feature recaps, photography workshops, and expert presentations. Expedition cruising prioritizes education, discovery, and immersive travel over luxury and spectacle.

Cruise Deal of the Week: HX Ultimate Norway Arctic Expedition

HX Expedition Cruises is offering suite upgrades or up to 35% off cabins on select voyages. The featured Ultimate Norway Arctic Expedition Under the Northern Lights departs Tromsø on January 24, 2026. This eight-day journey sails entirely above the Arctic Circle. Prices start at $3,787 per person, with meals, Wi-Fi, drinks, gratuities, a polar expedition jacket, and excursions included. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in comfort while experiencing the best of Norway’s winter landscapes.

Bonus Cruise: The Nordic Navigator from Norway to Scotland

Another HX highlight is the Nordic Navigator repositioning cruise, departing March 28, 2026. This 11-day voyage sails from Tromsø to Glasgow, with stops in the Shetland Islands and Kirkwall, Scotland. Starting at $3,451 per person, it includes excursions, meals, and wellness amenities. With its combination of Arctic scenery and Scottish heritage, this journey delivers exceptional value and cultural variety.

Conclusion

This episode of Inside Travel Talk showcases the fast-changing world of travel. While Disneyland shifts its hotel perks, Hawaii introduces immersive XR sightseeing, and Thailand entices visitors with free flights. Mexico continues to spotlight its cultural treasures, and travelers worldwide can lock in major savings on 2026 vacations.

On the cruise front, Smithsonian Journeys returns to American rivers, while HX Expedition Cruises makes Arctic adventures more accessible. Whether it’s chasing the Northern Lights in Norway or exploring Mexico’s hidden gems, travelers have more options than ever before.

As Patrick and Mark emphasize, travel is about more than destinations—it’s about intention and discovery. Inside Travel Talk remains your trusted source for meaningful vacations, expert advice, and the best deals available.