DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

Brian & Sam
  • 4.8 (576)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Semiweekly

DCL Duo is the #1 Disney Cruise Line podcast — your go-to resource for Disney Cruise Line tips, trip planning advice, honest ship reviews, and insider secrets from two of the most experienced DCL fans in the community. Hosted by Brian Flock and Samantha Kanner (Pearl Castaways with 35+ sailings), DCL Duo covers everything you need to know about sailing with Disney Cruise Line — from choosing the right ship and itinerary, to navigating concierge service, dining reservations, port adventures, onboard activities, and the newest ships like the Disney Treasure and Disney Adventure. Whether you're a first-time Disney cruiser or a seasoned DCL veteran, we help you make the most of every sailing. With 650+ episodes and over 1.1 million downloads, DCL Duo is the most trusted voice in the Disney Cruise Line community. We go beyond the glossy brochure with in-depth reviews, candid guest interviews, real listener questions, and the kind of detail that actually helps you plan — from what to pack to which dining experiences are worth every penny. And, we are *not* travel agents! What you'll find on DCL Duo: - Disney Cruise Line ship reviews (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, Disney Adventure, Disney Believe, and beyond.) - Disney Cruise Line itinerary planning — Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Bahamas, and more - Concierge and Castaway Club tips for every level - Adventures by Disney travel, Disney Vacation Club, and onboard dining deep dives - Port of call guides and private excursion recommendations - New ship news, DCL announcements, and Walt Disney World sailings Ranked by Feedspot as the #1 Disney Cruise Line Podcast, #2 Cruise Podcast, #4 Disney Podcast, and a Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencer — DCL Duo is where the Disney cruise community comes to plan smarter and sail better. New episodes drop 2-3x a week. Subscribe now and never miss a sailing. The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

  1. Ep. 673 - Live Bonus Show - Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise: Everything You Need to Know!

    11h ago ·  Bonus

    Ep. 673 - Live Bonus Show - Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise: Everything You Need to Know!

    CT — aka Tin Foil Mouse Ears — came back from an Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam and joined Sam and Brian live to break it all down. Castles, chocolate, a music cabinet museum, a perfume house that became the trip's surprise highlight, and a brutally honest answer to the question every DCL fan eventually asks: is Adventures by Disney worth the price? In this episode: A day-by-day breakdown of the Rhine River Cruise — Riquewihr, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, and Amsterdam How the AmaWaterways Ama Siena compares to Disney Cruise Line in room size, food, community atmosphere, and onboard vibe Food on the ship: CT says it ranks a step below Palo for regular dining — and a step above it for the Chef's Table Practical tips for European river cruising: church dress codes, packing layers, translate apps, and the gear that made the trip Who Adventures by Disney is really built for, and when the all-inclusive, guided experience is worth every penny Sam's predictions: DCL returning to New York City and late-2027 itinerary releases ahead of D23 You can find and follow along with CT (aka Tin Foil Mouse Ears) on all of his Disney adventures and prrognostications at his website, on Instagram and  on Threads. Subscribe to DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off: DCL Magazine Stay Connected with the DCL Duo: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

    1h 31m
  2. Ep. 672 - What a 7-Night Disney Treasure Concierge Cruise Is Really Like

    2d ago

    Ep. 672 - What a 7-Night Disney Treasure Concierge Cruise Is Really Like

    Jason returns to the show — this time with his sister Paris joining for the first time — to break down the family's first seven-night cruise: Concierge on the Disney Treasure through the Eastern Caribbean. Six travelers, three generations, two birthdays on board, and a long-awaited jump from short sailings to a full week. After a four-night Wish cruise that left everyone wanting more, the longer itinerary changed the whole experience, especially for Jason's son Casper. In this episode: The honest verdict on the Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabana on Castaway Cay, plus what "no more waitlists" means for booking one How Jason arranged an Impossible Burger at every dinner through Disney's special request services team, including the 30-day photo requirement Why Tale of Moana drew the biggest reaction of the week from twelve-year-old Casper The Worlds of Marvel night-two dinner that genuinely missed the mark, and how the dining team recovered in seconds The Facebook group strategy that set up a ready-made friend for Jason's daughter before the cruise began The churro Mickey waffle rescue before an early port-adventure call time "This for me felt like coming home... I'm back, and this is exactly how I want to feel... instantly relaxed, walking to the Treasure." — Jason Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with our sponsor, My Path Unwinding Travel. Subscribe to DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store. Stay Connected with the DCL Duo: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

    1h 26m
  3. Ep. 671 - Live Bonus Show - Is DCL's Alaska Worth the Cost? One Family's Complete Wonder Review

    3d ago ·  Bonus

    Ep. 671 - Live Bonus Show - Is DCL's Alaska Worth the Cost? One Family's Complete Wonder Review

    Rich just got back from a seven-night Disney Wonder Alaska sailing — and he came prepared, with a full slide deck, a family of four platinum-status DCL sailors, and a fresh frame of reference from a previous Antarctica expedition cruise. The result is one of the most practical and specific Alaska trip reports we've had on the show.  In this episode: The honest cost breakdown for Alaska excursions — Rich estimates they ran 30–35% on top of the cruise fare Why Deck 4 (not Deck 10) might be your best friend on Glacier Day — no lines, hot chocolate carts, and easy port-to-starboard access The private fishing charter in Ketchikan through Exclusive Alaska — rockfish, bald eagles, a campfire meal, and fresh-caught halibut shipped home frozen Packing reality check: Rich's family over-packed hard and wishes they'd brought half as much The Broadway Star Series adult-only show: go early — all seats were full 30 minutes before showtime Would Rich do Disney for Alaska again vs. a small ship expedition? His answer might surprise you "I don't know of any other cruise line that does that [Glacier Day] well... kind of bringing out the magic of the day and the wonder of the setting that you're in. They really, really did a great job." — Rich Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Subscribe to DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store Rich's Travel Agency — Family Passport Adventures Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familypassportadventures/ Website: https://www.familypassportadventures.com/ Stay Connected with the DCL Duo: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

    1h 19m
  4. Ep. 670 - Disney Treasure Babymoon: Sailing Pregnant on the Eastern Caribbean

    Jun 24

    Ep. 670 - Disney Treasure Babymoon: Sailing Pregnant on the Eastern Caribbean

    Lyndsey had one rule for this trip: book the Disney Treasure, Eastern Caribbean, before 24 weeks pregnant — or the babymoon doesn't happen. Between a stage four endometriosis diagnosis and a surgery-to-conception timeline she had to map backward from her sailing cutoff, this cruise required more planning than most. It all came together perfectly, right down to a Enchantè lunch her dad is still talking about. In this episode: - Why Lyndsey reverse-engineered her entire cruise booking around a 24-week pregnancy sailing cutoff — and pulled it off perfectly - The Disney Treasure pool deck food gets an enthusiastic endorsement: every station, including a solid 12-slice pizza run across the sailing - A nearly four-hour Enchantè lunch that made Palo feel like rotational dining by comparison — plus a zero-proof pairing that impressed even the wine-savvy in-laws - A front-row view of a brand new Treasure cast finding its footing: the stage shows absolutely delivered, the Sage & Coriander dynamic was still working itself out - The grandparent verdict: longtime Viking cruisers who sail 15-to-20-night itineraries loved the Treasure — and are already talking about coming back when the baby arrives - The boarding group tip Lyndsey only discovered unpacking at home: flip your Disney transport character card over — there's an earlier boarding group on the back "Enchantè, though, was on another level. Like to be honest, our experience at Enchantè made Palo kind of feel like a rotational dining dinner." — Lyndsey Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with our show sponsor, My Path Unwinding Travel! Subscribe to DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store — your ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks! Stay Connected with the DCL Duo: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts Book Your Trip with Today's Guest: Lyndsey is an agency manager and travel advisor specializing in Disney and cruising at Wanderlust Journeys. Email: lyndsey@wanderlustjourneys.net Website: https://www.wanderlustjourneys.net nstagram handle unconfirmed — https://www.instagram.com/thewanderlustlynds/ We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

    1h 20m
  5. Ep. 669 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Destiny Through a 9-Year-Old's Eyes: Is the Destiny Fun for Kids?

    Jun 21 ·  Bonus

    Ep. 669 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Destiny Through a 9-Year-Old's Eyes: Is the Destiny Fun for Kids?

    Danny and Stephanie have been on the Disney Destiny since before it launched — from the shipyard in Germany to the christening cruise — but this sailing was different. They brought Jacob, their nine-year-old nephew, for his very first Disney cruise, and what followed was part Marvel pilgrimage, part parenting crash course, and entirely unforgettable.  Jacob had the deck layout memorized from Danny and Stephanie's YouTube channel before they even boarded. He rated everything "20 out of 10." And the thing he wanted to do most? Ride Aquamouse six times in a row on Cozumel port day while most of the ship was off on excursions. In this episode: Why a single glimpse of Spider-Man on the stern — spotted from a shipyard in Germany — made Danny and Stephanie declare the Destiny as Jacob's first cruise ship before they'd even booked Their first-ever inside cabin experience on a Wish-class ship (including the one with an unexpected foyer) and whether the savings were worth it The Broadway Star Series featuring Susan Egan and James Monroe Iglehart — and why Jacob ranked it his #2 show of the cruise despite having no idea who they were Feast of the Lion King Night 2 menu, a server who broke out a full dance number tableside, and a nine-year-old adventurous enough to order lobster and venison on his first cruise What a first-timer who spent years in Hawaii said when she stepped onto Castaway Cay beach for the first time Why Danny and Stephanie believe DCL needs to expand its Royal Gathering-style reservation model beyond princesses — and their ship-specific character group idea "We went on the ship for all these Marvel characters and honestly he met more princesses and like Goofy and Mickey and stuff... he told me about the roller coaster he built for 10 minutes and it was the greatest game he ever played." Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with our show sponsor, My Path Unwinding Travel Subscribe to DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off — your ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks! Stay Connected with the DCL Duo: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Watch on YouTube We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

    1h 13m
  6. Ep. 668 - Bonus Show - Is Virgin Voyages Built for Alaska? One DCL Fan Found Out

    Jun 18 ·  Bonus

    Ep. 668 - Bonus Show - Is Virgin Voyages Built for Alaska? One DCL Fan Found Out

    Cathy sailed the Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady on its Mermaiden Voyage — the maiden sailing out of Seattle to Alaska — and she's here to give us the full, unfiltered report. From Richard Branson stopping by her dinner table on night one to a Scarlet Night line that stretched the length of the ship, this episode is packed with the kind of firsthand intel you can only get from someone who was actually there.  In this episode: The luggage tag mistake that cost Cathy 30 minutes at embarkation — and how to avoid it How upgrading one cabin to premium fare unlocked dining reservations for her entire group of nine at 60 days out Mermaiden-exclusive gifts, keel coins, and what it was like to have Sir Richard Branson on board for the whole sailing Why Virgin's ship design — all small indoor spaces and outdoor pool decks — becomes a real liability in Alaska Pink Agave versus Test Kitchen: the food hits, the misses, and the brunch that underwhelmed The best excursions she found — including the Turo car hack in Sitka and a wildlife boat tour in Ketchikan that delivered bald eagles, seals, and a whale tail "That was the start of what became an entire cruise of long lines." — Cathy Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with our show sponsor, My Path Unwinding Travel! DCL Magazine — your ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks! Join the waitlist and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store. Stay Connected with the DCL Duo: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Listen on Apple Podcasts | Watch on YouTube We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

    1h 16m
  7. Ep. 667 - Is the Disney Destiny Worth It If Your Family Isn't Into Marvel?

    Jun 16

    Ep. 667 - Is the Disney Destiny Worth It If Your Family Isn't Into Marvel?

    You couldn't script a more magical first day on the Disney Destiny: Sarah's family bounded their way onto the ship in matching Minnie Mouse outfits, got pulled out of the boarding line as Family of the Day, and walked into a private meet-and-greet with Hero Minnie in the Grand Hall before anyone else boarded. And that was just Day One. Five DCL sailings deep and freshly minted as a Gold Castaway Club member, Sarah brings one of the most useful perspectives we've had on the show: a family that loves Disney, doesn't know much about Marvel, and just came off the most heavily Marvel-themed ship in the fleet. Her verdict? The Destiny is her favorite ship. By a lot. In this episode: How Sarah's family got chosen as Family of the Day — and exactly what they were wearing Whether the Disney Destiny's Marvel and villains theming actually matters for non-Marvel families (short answer: not as much as you'd think) The dining experience in Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King and why Sarah calls it her single favorite meal in five DCL sailings Why Hercules became the undisputed highlight of the cruise The pirate makeover — is the basic $70 package worth it? And the smart money move Sarah made with costumes A heartwarming moment from head server Raphael that helped calm a six-year-old's ocean anxiety mid-cruise "I would put it at number one... what I would say gives it the edge above the Wish for me are the Pride Lands, the restaurant and the Hercules show." — Sarah Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with our show sponsor, My Path Unwinding Travel Subscribe to DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store — your ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks! Stay Connected with DCL Duo: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

    1h 5m
  8. Ep. 666 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Wonder Alaska Trip Report: Glaciers, Sled Dogs & Lobster Night

    Jun 13 ·  Bonus

    Ep. 666 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Wonder Alaska Trip Report: Glaciers, Sled Dogs & Lobster Night

    When Oliver turned 12, his parents told him he could go anywhere in the United States. He picked Alaska. "He's not a dummy," his dad Wesley said. "He knows his parents." And going to Alaska ended up, very quickly, becoming a Disney Wonder sailing — making this one of the most intentional, joyful trip reports we've heard in a long time. In this episode: The family tradition of solo parent-kid trips that made this cruise extra special — and how Oliver's 12th birthday choice proved he was ready for it Coming back to the Wonder after sailing the Destiny: what still works beautifully on the classic ships, and one very funny quote about the atrium The Glacier Explorer excursion — what the guides taught them about glaciers, bergy bits, and cascades, and why watching the Wonder sail away in the Endicott Arm fog was the highlight of the week Port by port: White Pass train and Liarsville gold panning in Skagway, sled dog camp in Juneau, and the Ketchikan Lumberjack Show — which excursions are actually worth your time? Hot takes on the best restaurant, best show, and best pub in the entire fleet The salmon donut situation in Juneau. Don't do it. "The only person who's sorry is my bank account — but that's fine. They'll get over it. It's fantastic. The people that we've met, the experiences that we've had, the friends my children have made — 10 out of 10, man." — Wesley Find and follow along with Wesley at his website, on Instagram, and Threads. Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel DCL Magazine — your ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks! Join the waitlist and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store: DCL Magazine Stay Connected with DCL Duo: Website | Watch on YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Listen on Apple Podcasts We're Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12) The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

    1h 19m
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DCL Duo is the #1 Disney Cruise Line podcast — your go-to resource for Disney Cruise Line tips, trip planning advice, honest ship reviews, and insider secrets from two of the most experienced DCL fans in the community. Hosted by Brian Flock and Samantha Kanner (Pearl Castaways with 35+ sailings), DCL Duo covers everything you need to know about sailing with Disney Cruise Line — from choosing the right ship and itinerary, to navigating concierge service, dining reservations, port adventures, onboard activities, and the newest ships like the Disney Treasure and Disney Adventure. Whether you're a first-time Disney cruiser or a seasoned DCL veteran, we help you make the most of every sailing. With 650+ episodes and over 1.1 million downloads, DCL Duo is the most trusted voice in the Disney Cruise Line community. We go beyond the glossy brochure with in-depth reviews, candid guest interviews, real listener questions, and the kind of detail that actually helps you plan — from what to pack to which dining experiences are worth every penny. And, we are *not* travel agents! What you'll find on DCL Duo: - Disney Cruise Line ship reviews (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, Disney Adventure, Disney Believe, and beyond.) - Disney Cruise Line itinerary planning — Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Bahamas, and more - Concierge and Castaway Club tips for every level - Adventures by Disney travel, Disney Vacation Club, and onboard dining deep dives - Port of call guides and private excursion recommendations - New ship news, DCL announcements, and Walt Disney World sailings Ranked by Feedspot as the #1 Disney Cruise Line Podcast, #2 Cruise Podcast, #4 Disney Podcast, and a Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencer — DCL Duo is where the Disney cruise community comes to plan smarter and sail better. New episodes drop 2-3x a week. Subscribe now and never miss a sailing. The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line, or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.

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