DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

Brian & Sam
  • 4.8 (624)
  • Places & Travel
  • 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. 1d ago

    Ep. 724 - Disney Fantasy 5-Night Bahamas Cruise with a Toddler & 3 Generations

    Shelby grew up a Disney kid, worked Figment during her Disney College Program, and booked her first Disney cruise the week she brought her son home from the hospital. Six months after that first sailing, her parents gifted the whole family a 5-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Fantasy, and Shelby became the planner for eight people across three generations. Sam goes solo this week to hear how it all came together, from rope drop at Magic Kingdom to a duo dip at Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay. In this episode: Why Shelby’s family chose a classic ship over the Destiny for a mostly first-time group The embarkation day routine that works with a toddler: kids club open house, then a deck 4 stroller nap Lookout Cay vs. Castaway Cay, the character beach party, and an August Castaway Cay 5K A Broadway visiting artist, Aladdin, Believe, and a night out at Europa The Skyline bartender who tracked down a crew member to make one cocktail Trip or vacation? A psychologist weighs in on cruising with little ones “It’s the small moments that... still make you feel like, wow, I’m getting so much out of this.” — Shelby Support the Show Book your next Disney vacation with our show sponsor - We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Subscribe to the DCL Magazine today! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off everything in the WDW Magazine store. Support the show by becoming a Patron! Join us over at Patreon. Your support each month allows us to keep putting out great content each and every week. Thanks to our current patrons for their support. Join today! You can subscribe for one annual discounted payment today. 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 (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#3) 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.

    Ep. 724 - Disney Fantasy 5-Night Bahamas Cruise with a Toddler & 3 Generations

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    Ep. 723 - Live Bonus Show - Halloween on the High Seas TWICE: Disney Fantasy vs. Disney Wish

    Same holiday, two ships, one week apart. Vanessa and Andrew sailed Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Fantasy, then stepped onto the Disney Wish for the Disney Believe reveal sailing. On their third visit to the show, they compare everything from the pumpkin trees to trick-or-treating, and give us a guest’s-eye view of the Believe reveal. In this episode: Fantasy vs. Wish Halloween decor: classic and spooky vs. elegant and silver Two pumpkin tree ceremonies with two very different stories, and a turnout gap you won’t believe Real trick-or-treating stations on the Fantasy vs. a pre-filled candy bag on the Wish Aladdin, Pirate Night and the Pirates Rockin’ Parley Party: where the Wish pulls ahead Watching the Disney Believe reveal from the pool deck, and whether the media crowd affected regular guests An accessibility report card from 41 sailings, plus Disney Cruise Line news on Palo’s new dinner menu, accessibility features and pricing “My personal one is the fantasy. I thought it felt more Halloween with the darker colors... And it was just prettier, I thought.” - Vanessa Follow Andrew on Accessible Adventures with Andrew and Vanessa on Instagram. Support the Show: Book your next Disney vacation with our show sponsor - We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Subscribe to the DCL Magazine today! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off everything in the WDW Magazine store. Support the show by becoming a Patron! Join us over at Patreon. Your support each month allows us to keep putting out great content each and every week. Thanks to our current patrons for their support. Join today! You can subscribe for one annual discounted payment today. 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 (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#3) 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.

    Ep. 723 - Live Bonus Show - Halloween on the High Seas TWICE: Disney Fantasy vs. Disney Wish

  3. Oct 28

    Ep. 722 - Disney Fantasy 5-Night Bahamas: 3 Island Days, 2 Families, 5 Kids

    Rob and Amy are back, this time with their friends Ann and Matt and five kids between them, for a 5-night Disney Fantasy sailing with two stops at Castaway Cay and one at Lookout Cay. They talk through the planning trade-offs, a Palo Prima Notte that won over a non-drinker, cruising with celiac, and why comparing the two private islands misses the point. In this episode: How a surprise placeholder discount and the “fifth person tax” steered two families from the Treasure to the Fantasy Pairing the cruise with a DVC stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, plus a night at Shades of Green Palo’s Prima Notte with zero-proof pairings, and why the Palo team rose to the challenge Why Ann chose an all-Disney-island itinerary to manage celiac, and how the gluten-free dining held up Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay, three island days in a row, and passing on a cabana Edge, Vibe, and Oceaneer Club, the Aladdin show, and a late-night karaoke duet “Castaway Cay is kind of like Disneyland from the 50s, right? And then... Lighthouse Point is Epcot in the height of Epcot times.” — Rob Support the Show Book your next Disney vacation with our show sponsor - We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Subscribe to the DCL Magazine today! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off everything in the WDW Magazine store. Support the show by becoming a Patron! Join us over at Patreon. Your support each month allows us to keep putting out great content each and every week. Thanks to our current patrons for their support. Join today! You can subscribe for one annual discounted payment today. 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 (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#3) 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.

    Ep. 722 - Disney Fantasy 5-Night Bahamas: 3 Island Days, 2 Families, 5 Kids

  4. Oct 25

    Ep. 721 - Never Seen a Marvel Movie: Can You Still Love the Disney Destiny?

    What happens when you take a grandma who hasn’t cruised in 30 years, and has never seen a Marvel movie, onto the heroes and villains ship? Returning guest Rob joins Sam and Brian to share his family’s five-night Disney Destiny sailing to Cozumel and Castaway Cay, from a near-miss on embarkation morning to the moment his mom cried happy tears on the way home. In this episode: Why his daughter’s new Marvel obsession sold the family on the Destiny, and the short pre-cruise watch list Sam, Brian and Rob recommend (totally optional) Booking two side-by-side verandas and splitting the party two and two to save money A rented mobility scooter that couldn’t stay in a non-accessible stateroom, and what to confirm before you sail A forgotten prescription, an emergency CVS run, and making the Disney transportation bus with minutes to spare Villain meet-and-greets, Villains Game Night, a smaller-than-expected Royal Gathering, and skipping Cozumel on purpose Magical Moment certificates, a surprise gift from Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and where the Destiny lands in Rob’s ship rankings “She was all tears at the end with just how much of a nice time it was.” — Rob Support the Show Book your next Disney vacation with our show sponsor - We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Subscribe to the DCL Magazine today! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off everything in the WDW Magazine store. Support the show by becoming a Patron! Join us over at Patreon. Your support each month allows us to keep putting out great content each and every week. Thanks to our current patrons for their support. Join today! You can subscribe for one annual discounted payment today. 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 (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#3) 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.

    Ep. 721 - Never Seen a Marvel Movie: Can You Still Love the Disney Destiny?

  5. Oct 22 ·  Bonus

    Ep. 720 - Live Bonus Show - Trick or Treat: Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Fantasy

    Josh and his wife dressed as Flynn Rider and Mother Gothel for Halloween on the High Seas aboard the Disney Fantasy, then discovered they were the only guests booked for that night’s whiskey tasting. Josh joins Sam and Brian live with stories of a bartender who became the highlight of the trip, a Pirate Night dinner made just for him, and a 110-flight stair challenge at sea. Plus, the big news of the week: Palo drops its prix-fixe dinner menu and the Platinum and Pearl credit is now dinner-only. In this episode: Palo goes à la carte, the $55 Platinum and Pearl credit is no longer usable at brunch, and what it means for cruisers Disney Believe maiden voyage sells out, DVC’s Believe first wave sailing, and DJs returning as cast members Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Fantasy: Tangled family costumes, trick-or-treating, and the best costumes onboard Why booking a whiskey tasting on Halloween night may be a pro tip Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay tips, plus why crew connections make the cruise Josh asks Sam and Brian which ship they would retire, rename, reimagine and replicate “Just go on these cruises, be yourself, engage with the crew on a human level and magic will happen.” — Josh Support the Show Book your next Disney vacation with our show sponsor - We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Subscribe to the DCL Magazine today! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off everything in the WDW Magazine store. Support the show by becoming a Patron! Join us over at Patreon. Your support each month allows us to keep putting out great content each and every week. Thanks to our current patrons for their support. Join today! You can subscribe for one annual discounted payment today. 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 (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#3) 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.

    Ep. 720 - Live Bonus Show - Trick or Treat: Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Fantasy

  6. Oct 19

    Ep. 719 - Disney Treasure Western Caribbean Review: 7 Nights With Young Kids

    Miranda admits she used to be “kind of snobby” about cruising. A few years and three Disney Cruise Line ships later, the New Yorker is back from a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing on the Disney Treasure with her family, and she has thoughts on everything from the Grand Hall to the security line that confiscated her homemade fish extender treats. In this episode: Why a true seven-night sailing feels different from a back-to-back that adds up to seven nights Splitting a family across staterooms to save money, and the photo package wrinkle that comes with it The prepackaged-food rule every fish extender participant should know before boarding Lunch at Enchanté with the wine pairing, and whether the splurge was worth it A 105-foot submarine dive in Cozumel and a Castaway Cay versus Lookout Cay hot take Coco, Worlds of Marvel, the Haunted Mansion Parlor, Moana and Beauty and the Beast “The YouTube videos do not do the Treasure justice. Everyone said it’s so beautiful, and I was like, I don’t know. I don’t like that chandelier. But in person, it is astonishing.” — Miranda Support the Show Book your next Disney vacation with our show sponsor - We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Subscribe to the DCL Magazine today! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off everything in the WDW Magazine store. Support the show by becoming a Patron! Join us over at Patreon. Your support each month allows us to keep putting out great content each and every week. Thanks to our current patrons for their support. Join today! You can subscribe for one annual discounted payment today. 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 (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#10) 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.

    Ep. 719 - Disney Treasure Western Caribbean Review: 7 Nights With Young Kids

  7. Oct 18

    Ep. 718 - Disney Destiny Back-to-Back: 9 Nights + Only Adults

    Lawrence and Lauren only started cruising in 2024. For their fifth wedding anniversary, they left the kids at home and booked nine nights on the Disney Destiny: a five-night Western Caribbean sailing followed immediately by a four-night Nassau and Castaway Cay sailing. Sam is solo-hosting this week and gets the full back-to-back story, from a Lucha Libre ring in Cozumel to a completely sold-out second sailing. In this episode: How a same-stateroom back-to-back works, and the stateroom host move that made reboarding effortless The Cozumel Lucha Libre excursion and its Disney-exclusive wrestler meet and greet Timing the Dr. Facilier and Cruella meet-and-play experiences, and which one they would wait for again Trivia tactics, skipped dinners, and a very worried main dining server Pride Lands, the Broadway Star Series, and two different Megaras in Hercules What changes when a Wish-class ship sails at full capacity “I think we were on board for like eight minutes and I turned to her and I was like… this is our personality now.” — Lawrence Support the Show Book your next Disney vacation with our show sponsor - We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Subscribe to the DCL Magazine today! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off everything in the WDW Magazine store. Support the show by becoming a Patron! Join us over at Patreon. Your support each month allows us to keep putting out great content each and every week. Thanks to our current patrons for their support. Join today! You can subscribe for one annual discounted payment today. 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 (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#3) 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.

    Ep. 718 - Disney Destiny Back-to-Back: 9 Nights + Only Adults

  8. Oct 14

    Ep. 717 - Disney Dream Eclipse Cruise: 4 Nights From Southampton to Bilbao

    Disney never billed it as an eclipse cruise. Still, Anna and her family sailed the Disney Dream out of Southampton with their own viewing glasses packed and a port-side veranda booked. They watched totality together from their balcony. Returning guest Anna joins Sam and Brian from Scotland to recap a 4-night sailing to Bilbao that doubled as a 20th anniversary celebration and a do-over of a rocky first embarkation. In this episode: Driving from Scotland to Southampton in four- to five-hour chunks, and what cruise parking cost The passport-validity issue that surfaced in her cruise group, and how a renewed passport was updated at the terminal Using a quiet port-day morning for back-to-back AquaDuck runs and an empty pool deck How the cruise director and captain handled the eclipse, including viewing glasses in every stateroom Palo brunch as a value play, plus a surprise favorite dish A serving team that turned an anniversary dinner into a moment worth remembering “It was lovely, the idea that we could be just the four of us on our veranda... experiencing that together.” — Anna Support the Show Book your next Disney vacation with our show sponsor - We Do Travel Right! Life is short, take the trip. Let the agents at We Do Travel Right handle the planning so you can focus on relaxing. Subscribe to the DCL Magazine today! Use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off everything in the WDW Magazine store. Love the show? Become a supporter on Patreon and help keep the DCL Duo sailing. Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group | Watch on YouTube We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot: Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#4) | Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#3) 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.

    Ep. 717 - Disney Dream Eclipse Cruise: 4 Nights From Southampton to Bilbao
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About

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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