DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

Brian & Sam
  • 4.9 (565)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

The DCLDuo Podcast is a Disney Cruise Line focused podcast. We're DCL super fans who love cruising. We love talking about our own Disney Cruise Line Adventures, comparing DCL to other cruise lines, and talking about other Disney adventures, like Adventures by Disney. We love talking to Disney Cruise Line fans, as well as experts, insiders, authors, bloggers, vloggers, travel agents and cruise lovers! Follow us and our guests on our journeys, and listen-in as we chat about cruising, Disney Cruise Line, and all of our other fabulous Disney adventures!!

  1. Ep. 657 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Destiny Spring Break Family Review | Was It Worth It?

    5D AGO ·  BONUS

    Ep. 657 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Destiny Spring Break Family Review | Was It Worth It?

    Sara, a Florida-based military family mom who got hooked on Disney Cruise Line after just one sailing, just returned from a five-night spring break trip on the Disney Destiny with her ten-year-old daughter and six-year-old son — and brought receipts: 75 photos of her kids dominating the Happy Haunt game, a Palo brunch with Bahamian rain falling outside the window, and a Hercules musical that left her speechless. She joins Sam and Brian live, but first — a full DCL news roundup, including a major mechanical crisis in Singapore and menus that are making fans reach for the smelling salts. In this episode: The Disney Adventure's mechanical failure in Singapore — what went wrong, why guests had to disembark, and the full compensation package Disney Cruise Line offered A new San Diego port agreement signals a bigger ship — possibly Dream-class — is coming to the West Coast by 2027 New menus rolling out across the older ships: the Chateaubriand is gone, the fried brie is gone, and Sam has opinions New Castaway Club gifts and chandelier ornaments — one per ship, only purchasable on that ship, yes, they're doing this to you Troubling crew-related news spanning multiple cruise lines, including the Disney Magic — Brian confirms nothing occurred on board involving passengers Sara's day-by-day Destiny breakdown: the Grand Hall reveal, the Happy Haunt obsession, Frozen the Musical during 13-foot swells, a Pride Lands dinner where the performers kept going through the rocking, the Hercules musical, Palo brunch, and a Lookout Key snorkeling excursion that may be one of the best in DCL history "It exceeded my expectations in a knockout way." — Sara, on the Hercules musical aboard the Disney Destiny 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: DCL Magazine 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 21m
  2. Ep. 656 - Bonus Show - Carly's Sailed 35 Cruises. Disney Cruise Line Is Still Her #1. Here's Why

    MAY 14 ·  BONUS

    Ep. 656 - Bonus Show - Carly's Sailed 35 Cruises. Disney Cruise Line Is Still Her #1. Here's Why

    A themepark journalist, and soon-to-be published cookbook author, who's done 35+ cruises across every major line — Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival — just weighed in on who does food best at sea. Her answer? Disney Cruise Line, and it isn't particularly close. This week we welcome Carly (Adventures by Carly), theme park journalist, Attractions Magazine Podcast co-host, and soon-to-be cookbook author, for an over-an-hour bonus episode covering DCL food favorites, ship rankings, fleet speculation, and the origin story of a cookbook built on a 1981 Walt Disney World menu document she found while going down a rabbit hole. In this episode: Her two must-order DCL cocktails — including the Palo balsamic grande martini she insists will change your life, and the Hook's Barbary Old Fashioned she calls the best she's ever had The sea bass and a Lion King chicken skewer on the Disney Destiny that she orders every single time without hesitation Why the Disney Magic and Disney Destiny tied as her all-time favorites — and what it tells us about how much DCL's theming and entertainment has evolved Her dream wishlist for the Disney Believe — including a Pixar Lamplight Lounge concept, Oga's Cantina at Sea, and a new musical dining experience Why Alaska on the Disney Wonder was "the greatest, greatest cruise ever" — and what made a 35-cruise veteran finally not want to get off the ship "If you don't go to Palo and get that at brunch, you are not living your last best life." — Carly You can follow along with Carly's amazing travel and adventures on Instagram, Threads, her website and her podcast. You can also pre-order Carly's forthcoming cookbook, The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook, on Amazon. Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with our sponsor, My Path Unwinding Travel. Subscribe to DCL Magazine — your ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store. 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 13m
  3. Ep. 655 - Disney Destiny with Kids: An Honest Family Review

    MAY 12

    Ep. 655 - Disney Destiny with Kids: An Honest Family Review

    The Disney Destiny has a Marvel theme, sophisticated bar spaces, and a reputation for skewing adult. So how does it hold up for a family of six with kids ages 6 through 13? Jillaye joined us to share everything from the Oceaneer Club roller coaster simulator to the Loki character experience that turned into a multi-day interactive adventure — including personalized signed cards delivered to their stateroom. In this episode: The Oceaneer Club on the Destiny — what ages 6–10 loved most, and which rooms they refused to leave A Loki character actor who recruited a 10-year-old as a spy, then picked the older kids as his "royal portraitists" on the final sea day Gluten-free dining that actually impressed — Pride Lands was the standout, and pre-ordering dinner is absolutely worth it Lookout Cay vs. Castaway Cay: a side-by-side comparison, plus what it looks like when Castaway cancels due to high winds Hercules, Frozen, and Worlds of Marvel dining — a family of show lovers weighs in on all of it "He told my son...he's like, 'Hey, the heroes don't let me get near them. So I need you to find out what Spider-Man's weakness is and report back to me.' And so my son was like, okay, he did. The next day we went and met Spider-Man. My son's like, what's your weakness? And he said it was pizza — because he's from Brooklyn." — Jillaye 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! 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 18m
  4. Ep. 654 - Is Sailing Concierge on the Disney Magic Worth It? An Honest First-Timer's Verdict

    MAY 10

    Ep. 654 - Is Sailing Concierge on the Disney Magic Worth It? An Honest First-Timer's Verdict

    Andy came on the Disney Magic out of Galveston with one goal: check another ship off the list. What she found was concierge for the first time — and it changed her entire cruise philosophy. From the moment she boarded (before 11 AM, one of the first four families on the ship) to a Palo dinner so abundant she had to lie down afterward, this was a sailing built around pure adult relaxation. And she's got the tips, the lessons, and the honest money talk to back it all up. In this episode: ️ What it's really like to embark from Galveston — and why Andy wishes she'd flown to Houston instead of driving from Dallas The one scheduling conflict that made Andy miss the Tangled show on the Magic — and how to avoid it with smart concierge pre-booking How a "relaxation cruise" turned into a full spa day (including a facial treatment Andy had never heard of until the spa team showed up at embarkation lunch) All three Palo experiences — Prima Notte, brunch, and dinner — ranked and reviewed with full honesty What happened when Andy told Iron Man that Spider-Man was her favorite superhero at the Marvel Day at Sea character meet The honest "is it worth it" conversation, including why Andy says concierge makes sense for two people but not necessarily for a big family group "There's just something about that — the presentation of the wine, the appetizers and the camaraderie around the table that says, we're off on an adventure." — Andy, on why she already has Prima Notte booked for her next cruise 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. 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 18m
  5. Ep. 653 - Is the Disney Adventure Worth It? 10 Nights, 3 Sailings, One Honest Verdict

    MAY 6

    Ep. 653 - Is the Disney Adventure Worth It? 10 Nights, 3 Sailings, One Honest Verdict

    It took a 14-hour flight, three back-to-back sailings, and a white-knuckle screaming session on the roller coaster — but Claire from England is here with everything you need to know before you book the Disney Adventure in Singapore. From the dining rotation trick that changes your whole trip to why she still ranks the Disney Wonder as her all-time favorite ship, this conversation is packed with the kind of practical, hard-won insight that only 10 nights on board can buy. In this episode: The two dining rotations on the Disney Adventure are not equal — one side is dramatically better, and we'll tell you which one to request (hint: Hollywood Spotlight) The roller coaster booking hack: it releases at noon during the captain's announcement, exactly like a virtual queue — be ready on the app Why character meet and greets felt limited, and what Disney is reportedly doing to address the staffing gap for character performers How Disney was actively adding adult-only programming sailing by sailing in response to real-time guest feedback The Imagination Garden, Wayfinder Bay, and the most urgent design upgrade this ship still needs Back-to-back golden ticket perks — and why reboarding early gives you the best photos you'll ever get of this ship "I'm going to put my big girl pants on and I'm going to go for it. I screamed the whole way around. There were little kids who had their hands up, loving life. And I was gripping on for determination." — Claire 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: 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 28m
  6. Ep. 652 - Live Bonus Show - Is Celebrity Ascent's The Retreat Worth It? Two DCL Fans' Honest Takes

    APR 30 ·  BONUS

    Ep. 652 - Live Bonus Show - Is Celebrity Ascent's The Retreat Worth It? Two DCL Fans' Honest Takes

    Karen and Kaley from My Path Unwinding Travel didn't book Celebrity Ascent's The Retreat just for fun — they went as Disney Cruise Line travel advisors on a deliberate mission: evaluate The Retreat so they could give their DCL concierge clients an honest, informed recommendation. They came back with some real surprises, and this episode covers all of it. In this episode: How The Retreat's all-in value — premium Wi-Fi, beverages from 7:30am to midnight, and a private suite restaurant — compares to what DCL concierge guests get and pay for Inside Kaley's Edge Villa: a two-story suite with a plunge pool, butler reachable via WhatsApp, and a shoreside concierge call asking how she'd like her complimentary pajamas embroidered Luminae vs. Palo: how Celebrity Ascent's suite-class dining stacks up for DCL fine dining fans — including where it hit, and where it slightly missed Royal Beach Club pool cabana at Nassau — and how the all-day experience compares to a Castaway Cay cabana day Entertainment on board: the ABBA sing-along that had Karen declaring her cruise complete, a three-floor atrium silent disco, martini bar shows, and more DCL news: kids sail 50% off promotion, a new internet pre-purchase pilot on the Dream and Wish, and Lorcana cards on the Disney Magic "And the one that I got the kick out of was how would we like our pajamas to be embroidered?" — Kaley 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 Stay Connected with 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 17m
  7. Ep. 651 - Is the Disney Destiny Good for Little Kids? A Mom of Three Just Found Out

    APR 26

    Ep. 651 - Is the Disney Destiny Good for Little Kids? A Mom of Three Just Found Out

    Is the Disney Destiny worth sailing with truly young kids? Jessica — a listener from Southern California — answered our call for families who sailed the Destiny with younger ages, and her experience covering a nine-year-old, a seven-year-old, and an almost-three-year-old hits just about every scenario parents wonder about. From a toddler with deeply held opinions about the nursery to a seven-year-old who had to be physically extracted from the Oceaneers Club, this is the on-the-ground Destiny family intel you've been looking for. In this episode: Why the villain characters on the Destiny are genuinely exceptional — including what happened when Jessica asked Dr. Facilier to turn her son into a frog The Oceaneers Club age sweet spot: why seven-year-olds are obsessed and nine-year-olds are already aging out What happens when your toddler flatly refuses the nursery — and which onboard activities actually worked for an almost-three-year-old What to expect from Dr. Facilier's Parlor, Troublemaking with Cruella, and Maleficent Under Her Spell before you add them to your schedule The Hercules seat-saving showdown that earned Jessica a high five from a total stranger ✈️ A pre-cruise stop in Atlanta covering the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Puppetry Arts — Sam is very jealous about the Muppets exhibit "My seven-year-old loved the kids club. We could hardly get her out of it. And there were a couple of times when I tried to take her to different things in the atrium and she would just run off and go down the slide." — Jessica 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. 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 11m
  8. Ep. 650 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Treasure Concierge Trip Report: Hot Takes, Surprises & Our Verdict

    APR 23 ·  BONUS

    Ep. 650 - Live Bonus Show - Disney Treasure Concierge Trip Report: Hot Takes, Surprises & Our Verdict

    We just got off the Disney Treasure after a 7-night Eastern Caribbean concierge sailing — and we're coming in hot with opinions. From a live check-in system meltdown to an unexpected medical diversion, a straitjacket-escape magician suspended from the ceiling of the Walt Disney Theater, and the real verdict on Disney's brand-new Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabanas at Castaway Cay, this is our most honest Treasure review yet. We're also joined in the pre-show by Danny from DCL Magazine, who shares news about the magazine's inaugural print issue landing in mailboxes now and the launch of the Parks and Pages podcast. In this episode: Disney's new Wave check-in system is causing real chaos at ports — what you need to know before your next sailing The ship diverted mid-cruise for a medical emergency, including a call for crew blood donations — and the captain docked in rough seas The new Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabanas at Castaway Cay: our honest (and strong) hot take Concierge food on the Treasure has leveled up significantly — including full Palo lasagna served as a kids' meal in the lounge Broadway performers Nasha and Elissa brought down the house in Sarabi — and Brian became an unwilling participant in the show Magician Jessica Jane (who fooled Penn & Teller) did things on the Walt Disney Theater main stage we've never seen done at sea Third-party excursions in Tortola and St. Thomas: why we use them and what to look for in a reputable provider "Friends tell each other the truth. And it is not in my estimation, those Mickey and Minnie cabanas are not worth the price, especially if you're on an eastern sailing, getting in late." — Brian Listen now and join the conversation! 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! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store. 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 18m
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The DCLDuo Podcast is a Disney Cruise Line focused podcast. We're DCL super fans who love cruising. We love talking about our own Disney Cruise Line Adventures, comparing DCL to other cruise lines, and talking about other Disney adventures, like Adventures by Disney. We love talking to Disney Cruise Line fans, as well as experts, insiders, authors, bloggers, vloggers, travel agents and cruise lovers! Follow us and our guests on our journeys, and listen-in as we chat about cruising, Disney Cruise Line, and all of our other fabulous Disney adventures!!

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