The DCL Dude Podcast

In this week's episode, Alyssa and I recapped our recent 4-night Bahamian cruise aboard the Disney Wish (ok, it wasn't that recent)! Here all about our pre-cruise visit to WDW, our day spent at a water park in Nassau, our amazing visit to Castaway Cay, and our relaxing sea day. Hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

In this week's episode, we're taking you on an incredible 8-night Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy. Sisters Brittany and Lindsey join me to discuss all the details of their cruise, from pre-cruise hotel accommodations, to onboard activities, to their amazing experiences in port. If you're like me, you may find yourself researching your own Norwegian Fjords cruise after listening to this! Hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If...

In this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast, we discuss the recently-announced Disney Cruise itineraries, which extend the schedule (for most ships) into May 2027. We discuss some of our overall thoughts on the release and dive into some of the more unique itineraries that were announced. Bookings for these new cruises open the week of August 25, depending on your Castaway Club status.

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any...

In this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast, Alyssa and I revisit the rest of our recent trip to Hawaii, which covers:

If you have any questions about Aulani, please...

We're going off-topic in this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast to discuss our recent trip to Hawaii and our stay at Disney's Aulani! We packed A LOT in to our 9-day vacation, so the episode ran longer than expected. For that reason, I've split it into two parts, so I'm releasing two back-to-back bonus episodes that will give you all the details from our recent trip. In part one, you'll hear about:

If you have any...

More cruising is never a bad thing, but in this week's episode, we're discussing the advantages and disadvantages (can you even call them that?) of doing back-to-back Disney cruises. Joining me for this conversation is Tammy Whiting - author of the Unofficial Guides to Disney Cruise Line. Tammy and I talk a little about the logistics of doing back-to-back cruises before diving into some things to think about when planning for, or considering, your next multi-cruise adventure.

If you'd like to pre-order the 2026 version of the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line, here is an Amazon link...

Join us for a fun-filled episode as we dive into the magic of Disney Cruise Line with a panel of passionate cruisers from Mickey World Travel! We're handing out superlatives for the ultimate onboard experiences, from the Best Show in the Walt Disney Theater to the Best Dining Experience and the Best Character Experience. My guests share their top picks, some insider tips, and some other personal moments sailing with Disney. Tune in for a fun celebration of some of the best experiences at sea!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude...

In this week's episode, I go through some of the recent Disney Cruise announcements and also provide some feedback on a few questions I've received recently. I'm planning to do another Q&A sometime in the near future, so if you have questions you'd like me to answer on the show, feel free to submit those anytime! Otherwise, be on the lookout on my social media accounts for the next Q&A! Happy Independence Day, everyone!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can...

Join me this week as I dive into a head-to-head comparison of Disney Cruise Line’s two private island destinations: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point! In this episode, I'll break down the differences and similarities across five key categories—location and setting, theming, beaches and recreation, dining and amenities, and overall guest experience—to help you decide which tropical paradise suits your cruise vibe. From Castaway Cay’s shipwrecked charm and serene lagoon to Lookout Cay’s vibrant Bahamian culture and pink-sand shores, I'll explore what makes each island unique and hopefully help you figure out which one...

Krystyne joins me from Indiana this week to discuss her recent cruise to the Bahamas with her husband aboard the Disney Wish! We talk about her experiences upgrading to Concierge at the port, cruising without her kids, dining in Enchante, and more! I hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

Finally, if you're thinking about...

My son and I recently started re-watching the Marvel movies, so I wanted to check-in on the onboard Marvel Day at Sea cruise experience. Rachel joins me this week from the Orlando area and we discuss her family's recent cruise aboard the Disney Dream, complete with character interactions and magical moments. We also talk about cruising with young kids and how a Disney Cruise is the best for a vacation without an agenda. Hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can...

In this bonus episode, we're going through the new summer 2026 Disney Cruise itineraries that were released earlier this week. Disney Cruise Line will be visiting places like Alaska (with two ships!), the Mediterranean, Norway, the Caribbean, and the British Isles! Lots to unpack and I've invited my friend, CT, to help me sort it all out.

New bookings open next week based on your Castaway Club status:

Monday 2/10: Pearl

Tuesday 2/11: Platinum

Wednesday 2/12: Gold

Thursday 2/13: Silver and DVC

Monday 2/17: General booking

If you'd like to work...

In this week's episode, Landon and Bridget join me to discuss their family's experience on the December 2024 Maiden Voyage of the Disney Treasure. From all the new lounges and main dining restaurants, to the stateroom gifts, we cover all the exciting things about experiencing a new ship for the first time. Hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear...

In this week's episode, I had a fascinating chat with a seasoned Port Everglades harbor pilot about the challenges and skills required to safely navigate massive vessels through one of the busiest ports in the U.S. From tight channels to unpredictable weather, hear about what it takes to guide ships in and out of port, ensuring smooth operations and safety on the water. This conversation offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the vital work of harbor pilots.

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast...

We recently had the opportunity to sail on a short preview cruise on the brand-new Disney Treasure. In this episode, we share our experiences, thoughts, and overall opinions of the ship and the new spaces onboard. There is lots to love about the Treasure and we can't wait to go back!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

...

In this week's episode, I am recapping our recent 4-night Bahamian cruise with stops at Lookout Cay and Nassau, which was the second of back-to-back cruises! The cruise was a bit different for us, but we still had an amazing time and I hope you enjoy this episode!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

Finally, if you're...

Our family returned last week from an amazing nine nights aboard the Disney Dream on back-to-back cruises to the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas! Alyssa joins me in this episode as we discuss the first of our B2B cruises, which was a 5-night itinerary calling on Cozumel and Castaway Cay, with to days at sea. I hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for...

In my previous episode, we made predictions about what we might see one day aboard the Disney Adventure. Now that the details have been announced, Doug from Rope Drop Radio and Rope Drop On Deck joins me to play "Love it or Leave it" with all the new things we learned about the Adventure. Do you "love" the Disney Adventure or are you in the "leave it" camp?

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www...

We learned on Tuesday last week about the Disney Adventure reveal event scheduled for October 16. Prior to hearing about that, my friend, Chris, and I discussed everything we currently know about the Disney Adventure and made a few predictions about what me might one day learn. Lucky for us, it seems we may not have to wait too long to find out how our predictions turn out!

Be sure to check out CT's new blog at www.tinfoilmouseears.com!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at...

I'm joined this week be Serena from Living By Disney to discuss her recent cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy. Serena talks about what makes a Disney Cruise so special and offers some thoughts about why a cruise should be appealing to parks enthusiasts. We also talk about the recent theme park announcements and the changes to the Lightning Lane system. I hope you enjoy!

Be sure to check out all of Serena's great Disney content! You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube @LivingByDisney.

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter...

In this week's episode, Alyssa and I discuss the top-three port adventures that we've experienced on our Disney cruises, along with some honorable mentions. We also discuss some of our not-so-favorite adventures and provide a little bit of basic information about booking port adventures.

Here are links to some of the port adventures we discuss in the epidode:

Dog Sled Adventure by Helicopter (JU30)

Dog Sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier (JU01)

St. John Champagne Catamaran Sail & Snorkel (ST21)

Knudson Cove Salmon Fishing (KE34)

Watercraft Ski Adventure (C91)<...

In this mini bonus episode, I'll take you through this week's Disney Destiny itinerary announcement and give you some of my thoughts on the inaugural season. I'll also go over the special booking policies for the Maiden Voyage, so if you're planning to book that, be sure to tune in!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

Finally...

My friend, Concierge Chris, is back for another episode after his family's recent two-week vacation around Europe. His family's vacation began with a stay at Disneyland Paris, followed by a 7-night Western Europe cruise, and capped off with an Adventures by Disney ABD Escape. We had lots to cover, so take a trip around Europe with us in this week's episode!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas...

In case you missed all the exciting Disney Cruise announcements from last week's D23 Expo, I recapped it for you in this week's bonus episode, including some of the audio clips from Disney Experiences Chairman, Josh D'Amaro's presentation. I love hearing the audience reactions to the announcements because it reflected how I was feeling watching from my computer!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes...

The Disney Treasure was floated out of Hall 6 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on Saturday, August 3 marking a major milestone in the ship's construction. My guest on this week's show, Lisa (@seayarealsoon) was there in-person for the ceremonial event and was kind enough to come on and give us all the details of her experience. We also recap all that was announced during the 3-day Disney Destiny reveal event. I hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can...

In this week's epiosde, I'm (finally) getting you caught up on all the exciting Disney Cruise news we've heard about over the last couple weeks, from the Disney Destiny to the Disney Dream!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at w...

Alyssa and I were extremely fortunate to be invited by Disney Cruise Line on the 3-Night Preview Cruise to Lookout Cay aboard the Disney Magic. In this week's episode, we are recapping our entire cruise - start to finish! Tune in to hear about our embarkation day anxieties, Alyssa's experience on Lookout Cay, and a DCL bucket list item I was able to check off. Hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www...

For the first time, Disney Cruise Line has released TWO seasons of new itineraries at one time - fall 2025 and spring 2026! My guest on the show, Chris, and I will summarize the new schedules for you and highlight some of my favorite itineraries. We'll also mix in a few predictions.

Bookings begin next week (Monday, June 24) and are tiered based on Castaway Club status.

If you'd like to book one of these new cruises, send me an email: wes@mickeyworldtravel.com!

My wife and I had the chance to be among the first to visit Disney Cruise Line's new private destination in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay! We had a fun (but exhausting) day and in this week's episode, I am bringing you my initial thoughts now that I've had some time to digest. It's just me on the show this week, but I'll bring Alyssa on later to get her thoughts that will offer a different perspective. I hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook...

In this week's episode, my wife, Alyssa, joins me to discuss the top-5 onboard activities on a Disney cruse. We each had 5 unique activities, so you get a bonus 5 out of this episode! Keep in mind that there are LOTS of things to do onboard, most of which do not require reservations in advance. Keep an eye on your Daily Navigator for a list of upcoming activities and let us know what your favorites are!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also...

I'm joined in this week's episode by Tammy, who has sailed more than 50 times with Disney Cruise Line! We discuss her cruising backround, some of her recent travels, and get her thoughts on the future of Disney Cruise Line. This was a really fun discussion and I hope you enjoy it, as well!

Tammy on Instagram: @cruisingwithtammy

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future...

I'm joined this week by my friend, Lisa, who recently sailed back-to-back 15- and 10-night cruises aboard the Disney Wonder! Her journey began in Sydney, Australia and brought her to various ports in the South Pacific on her way to Hawaii. On that cruise, she got to experience a 30-day February and cross the Equator! Once back in Hawaii, she and her husband, Dave, boarded the ship again to sail around Hawaii before eventually ending back in Vancouver. Come along for this epic Disney Cruise journey!

Lisa on Instagram: @Seayarealsoon

Don't forget to connect with...

In this bonus episode, we're going through the new summer 2025 Disney Cruise itineraries that were released earlier this week. Disney Cruise Line will be visiting places like Alaska, the Mediterranean, Norway, the Caribbean, and the British Isles! There are tons of exiting destinations and I've invited my friend, Chris, to talk about them.

New bookings open next week based on your Castaway Club status:

Monday 3/18: Pearl

Tuesday 3/19: Platinum

Wednesday 3/20: Gold

Thursday 3/21: Silver

Friday 3/22: General booking

If you'd like to work with me, send me an...

As we get ready for the summer cruise season and say goodbye to the themed cruises at the beginning part of the year, I wanted to get an update on the the Marvel Day at Sea cruise experience in 2024. Erin joins me me in this episode from Virginia to discuss her recent cruse aboard the Disney Dream from Port Everglades. I hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you...

Planning a vacation can be stressful and Disney Cruise Line has made the pre-cruise preparation increasingly harder over the years. In this week's episode where I continue the DCL 101 series, I cover all the things you should think about in the weeks and months leading up to your cruise. I hope this is helpful!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear...

In this week's episode, I'll get you all caught up on recent news from Disney Cruise Line and also give you my top-5 things to be excited about in 2024. If there's something you're excited about that didn't make my list, please reach out to me to let me know!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

Finally, if...

In this episode, we're recapping part 2 of our recent 5-night Bahamian cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay aboard the Disney Dream, which departed from Port Everglades. Tune in to hear about our two amazing days spent at Castaway Cay and our thoughts on Disney Cruise Line's New Year's Eve celebration at sea!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

Happy New Year, everyone! We recently returned from a 5-night Bahamian cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay aboard the Disney Dream, which departed from Port Everglades. The cruise departed on December 28 and returned on January 2, so we got to be onboard for New Year's Eve, which was an amazing way to ring in the new year! We're bringing you Part 1 of our cruise recap today and Part II will follow very shortly. I hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You...

I'm joined in this week's episode by Rebecca (@disneycruiselinecommunity on Instagram), who created the Disney Cruise Line Community Facebook group. Rebecca has a lot of DCL experience and we are talking this week about ten things not to worry about as it relates to your Disney cruise! My hope is that this will help take some of the stress and anxiety out of the planning and preparation for your next Disney cruise!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook...

Cast member, Mallory, joins me in this episode to discuss her experiences as a cast member with Disney Cruise Line, and also to give us a summary of the can't-miss experiences on a Very Merrytime cruise. I hope this episode helps bring some holiday cheer to your day!

Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!

Finally, if you're...