DCL Duo Podcast: A Disney Cruise Line Fan Podcast

Ep. 620 - From Nervous to All-In: A First Disney Cruise Experience with Nicola from the UK

Nicola joins us from the UK to share her family’s first-ever Disney Cruise Line vacation — and why it ended up being the perfect way to experience Disney for the first time. Originally planning a trip to Disneyland Paris, Nicola and her family pivoted to Disney Cruise Line and sailed from Southampton aboard the Disney Fantasy. In this episode, she walks us through what made the cruise work so well for their family, from onboard routines and activities to dining, shows, and character experiences. We discuss: Why Disney Cruise Line can be an ideal first cruise Embarkation and sailing from Southampton Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, character meets, and kids’ activities Broadway-style shows and onboard entertainment Food, dining, and kid-friendly options AquaDuck, Midship Detective Agency, and more Why they’re already booked for another Disney cruise Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store: https://dcl-magazine.com 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) Disclaimer: 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. #DisneyCruiseLine #DCLDuo #DisneyCruisePodcast #FirstDisneyCruise #DisneyFantasy #UKCruise #SouthamptonCruise #FirstTimeCruiser #DisneyCruiseReview #FamilyCruising #CruisingWithKids #DisneyCruising #CruiseLife #UKDisneyFans

Ep. 619 - Bonus Show - Living Aloha: Highlights from the Duo's 14-Day Stay at Aulani, Disney's Hawaiian Resort

We’re sharing a special bonus episode recapping our 14-day holiday stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa — including Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and everything in between This episode is a true long-stay deep dive. We cover what changes when Aulani isn’t just a few nights, but two full weeks— from crowd dynamics and pool chair strategy to dining, spa time, and off-property adventures across Oʻahu. You’ll hear about: Holiday crowds and how Christmas compares to New Year’s at Aulani Pool days, cabanas, and whether reserved seating is worth it Two luaus compared: Paradise Cove vs. Aulani’s Ka Waʻa Off-property highlights like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, Kualoa Ranch, and a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour Dining favorites, shave ice debates, malasadas, and where we’d eat again A behind-the-scenes tour with Aulani’s Ambassador and the cultural storytelling woven into the resort If you’ve ever wondered whether Aulani works as a long, slow-travel vacation — especially over the holidays — this episode is for you. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store: https://dcl-magazine.com 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) Disclaimer: 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. #Aulani #AulaniResort #DisneyAulani #DisneyHawaii #OahuVacation #HawaiiHoliday #DisneyVacation #SlowTravel #FamilyTravel #HolidayTravel #DisneyResort #KoOlina #DisneyPodcast #DCLDuo #TravelPodcast #AulaniReview #HawaiiWithKids #DisneyTravel

Ep. 618 - Live Bonus Show - Parent-Tested, Kid-Approved: A First Disney Cruise with Kids

What happens when lifelong Disney fans take their kids on a Disney Cruise Line vacation for the very first time? In this live episode of the DCL Duo Podcast, we’re joined by Robby and Jillian Abney to share their family’s first cruise aboard the Disney Magic—and how it completely exceeded expectations for both parents and kids. They break down everything from preparing young children for cruising, navigating kids clubs and nursery care, and finding family-friendly fun onboard, to unforgettable moments like watching their kids sit spellbound through Broadway-style shows, spending hours at the family pool, and experiencing truly personal character interactions unique to Disney Cruise Line. Robby and Jillian also share what it’s like cruising with a large multi-generational group, how Palo dining works when traveling with kids (and grandparents!), and what surprised them most about seeing Disney Cruise Line through their children’s eyes—especially as former Disney cast members themselves. If you’re wondering when is the “right” time to take your kids on their first Disney cruise, how Disney handles young cruisers, or whether the magic really lands for toddlers and preschoolers, this episode is for you. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for 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) Disclaimer: 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. #DisneyCruiseLine #DisneyCruiseWithKids #FirstDisneyCruise #FamilyCruise #DisneyMagic #CruisingWithKids #DisneyCruiseTips #DCLTips #DCLPodcast #FamilyTravel #CruiseLife #FirstTimeCruiser #DisneyCruisePlanning

Ep. 617- From Cruise-Curious to All-In: Brett’s First Disney Treasure Sailing

Brett joins the DCL Duo to share his first cruise ever, a 7-night sailing aboard the Disney Treasure — and it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with Disney Cruise Line. In this episode, Brett breaks down why the Treasure felt like the perfect choice for a first-time cruiser, from immersive ship design and standout adult spaces to exceptional dining and Broadway-caliber entertainment. We talk about sailing Disney as an adult-only couple, navigating planning as a first-timer, and why food, service, and atmosphere all exceeded expectations. You’ll hear detailed impressions of Coco, 1923, Worlds of Marvel, Enchante, and Palo Brunch, plus thoughts on the Treasure’s entertainment lineup including Beauty and the Beast, Moana, and Indiana Jones: Choose Wisely. Brett also shares smart port-day strategies, spa experiences, and why staying onboard can sometimes be the best move. If you’re cruise-curious or planning your first Disney Cruise Line sailing, this episode is packed with real-world insight and practical advice. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show: Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for 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). Disclaimer: 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. #DisneyTreasure #DisneyCruiseLine #DCLTreasure #FirstTimeCruiser #AdultDisneyCruise #DisneyCruising #DisneyCruisePodcast #DCLDuo #DisneyCruiseTips #CruiseLife #CruiseReview #DisneyAdults #DisneyFood #DisneyCruiseEntertainment

Ep. 616 - Live Bonus Show - Holiday Cruising Down Under: The Disney Wonder in New Zealand

We’re going LIVE with June to talk about her 5-night Very Merrytime sailing to New Zealand — one of the most unique holiday itineraries offered by Disney Cruise Line In this episode, we cover: What makes a Very Merrytime Cruise special on an international itinerary Holiday décor, entertainment, and seasonal surprises onboard The experience of cruising to New Zealand on Disney Cruise Line How this sailing compares to Caribbean Merrytime cruises Who this kind of itinerary is really perfect for ️ This is a LIVE episode, so expect real-time reactions, audience questions, and lots of cruise chatter. Listen now and join the conversation! Help Support the Show Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel Join the waitlist for 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) Disclaimer: 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. #DisneyCruiseLine #DCLDuo #VeryMerrytimeCruise #DisneyWonder #NewZealandCruise #HolidayCruising #DisneyCruising #CruisePodcast #CruiseLive #DisneyCruiseTips #DisneyCruiseExperience #CruiseCommunity #FestiveCruising