[00:00:00] Speaker A: Last year I did my first Alaskan cruise aboard the Disney Wonder and that was hands down a life changing. I think maybe like my favorite vacation of all time, which is kind of crazy, but it's one of those trips was my husband and I, we talk about and think about all the time.
[00:00:29] Speaker B: Welcome back everybody to this week's episode of the DC L Duo podcast, brought to you by my Path Unwinding Travel and Sam, I guess we should also this is a bonus episode special show. I'm going to give a quick shout out to our friends over at DCL Magazine as well. Love everybody over there and if you haven't subscribed, you should Definitely head to dcl-magazine.com today and subscribe. And you can use use code DCLDUO ALL CAPS DCL Duo take 10 off everything in their store. But we have such a fabulous guest tonight. We don't want to waste a single second of of her time. We want to get right to it. And so we have a theme park journalist, a podcaster, a published author, book cookbook author now soon to be, I
[00:01:12] Speaker C: think it comes out in the coming weeks.
[00:01:13] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. Just all the things we love and adore her. And so I'm going to introduce you
[00:01:18] Speaker C: to fellow Tri State, Tri Stater from so she's, she's of course from my rival state, from New Jersey. I'm from New York. But we're so excited. And also my favorite twin hero, Minn from the Destiny christening. We are so excited to welcome to our show for the very first time. She's known as Adventures by Carly on Instagram and of course on all the socials as well as on her website. But we are so excited to welcome to the show Carly Caramana. Carly, welcome. Yay.
[00:01:51] Speaker A: Thank you guys so much. I truly have been looking forward to this for months. I adore you guys and I've had so much fun with you in the Disney world and what's better, to be able to talk about it with people that love it just as much as you.
[00:02:04] Speaker C: Yes, we feel the same way. We were so lucky. We feel like to get to meet you in person on the Destiny on that preview cruise and the christening. It's just like so wonderful to be able to meet people in real life who we've like interacted with online and who share in that love of Disney and share in that theme park love and Disney Cruise Line love and Disney food love especially.
[00:02:27] Speaker B: And I just want to say it was great to meet such a supportive community of creators and fan media on that cruise, there were so many people we met, including Carly, who. It's just. It's so nice to be in that kind of a community of people. So just thank you for being so positive and amazing in this community.
[00:02:44] Speaker A: Thank you. You know, I live my life good vibes only. So I feel like Disney's a natural fit for me to be in the workspace with. And it's so great to meet everyone. And it's so funny you mentioned that. Cause there's so many people that you talk to online all the time, and then you meet them in real life. You don't realize that you haven't met them in real life before. It's always such an odd feeling. I'm like, wait, have we met before? Or do I just know everything about you? Your family, your dog, your husband?
[00:03:11] Speaker B: We've. We've had people. On our last cruise, we had a person come up to us. We're having brunch at Palo, and he stopped by the table and he said, yeah, my wife is such a huge fan of your podcast. She's like, we're having brunch back there, and I just wanted to stop and say hello. And there's always this, like, apprehension, like, are you. Are you really the people on the show?
[00:03:28] Speaker C: We're just real people, right?
[00:03:31] Speaker B: Or are you, like, different in per. And, like, what you see is what you get, man. Like, exactly.
[00:03:36] Speaker C: And that's what we love about meeting people like you, Carly. Because, you know, we, of course, follow you, and we know you because of the podcast. And, you know, we've been friendly and had Seth on our show. Who's your podcasting co host with the Attractions magazine podcast? Actually, let me back up, and let's let you introduce yourself, because you are. Are, like, your articles are featured all over the place.
You are co host of the Attractions magazine podcast. I mentioned about the book tell folks, like, where. Where you exist. And I want to talk about, like, how you became a theme park journalist, because that's just kind of fascinating. Like, I don't know how one becomes that. Like, I just. I don't. I want to know a little bit about that journey.
[00:04:19] Speaker A: It is definitely a very niche thing. I am very lucky. I was born into a Disney family. I know a lot of people discovered it later in life.
I was lucky to be born into it to parents that honeymooned at Walt Disney World. We started going in the 80s when I was very little. And it was, you know, I'm from New Jersey. That's where people go on vacation is they go to Walt Disney World. I love it. So we started going in the 80s, like two, three times a year. The second that annual passes became available, we have them. My mom has like kept on to a lot of really good stuff from our early 80s. So I have like a quite, quite the collection for my theme park museum one day. So I always loved the parks. I'm a parks person. You know, I know people are marvel or a movie person or animation person. I'm a theme park person. I love the vibes, I love the food, I love the attractions, everything about that. And so that's kind of where my journey was. I always loved the parks and I also always loved writing.
So about 10ish years ago, so my past life I worked in the music industry as a publicist for country artists. This very, very different, but also very similar. You know, you're dealing with a lot of entertainment personalities. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. So I was like, you know what? I love writing and writing is a huge part of PR and marketing. And I was like, I have the knowledge because I know this product so well.
I really have. You know, I'm not just covering it as, you know, a mouthpiece, which there's nothing wrong with that. If you're just posting a press release that's also serves a function. But I was like, I know this place backwards, forwards. I've stayed at every hotel, I've eaten everywhere and I love it. It's what I would be doing in my free time even if I wasn't doing this professionally. And so I was like, I have to, to do this and find a way to make it a career. And you know, there's no path. And it was the same in music, you know, you kind of like, it's about meeting people and pushing yourself out there and just really going in all the way. Because if you don't, you know, you'll just get lost in the crowd. As you guys know, it's very niche but also very competitive and there's just not a lot of space for everyone and it's hard to break in. But if you, if what you love and what you want to do, you kind of find a way to just push yourself out there. And that's kind of what I did.
[00:06:40] Speaker B: I also find it so important. Like that's why like, like meeting, meeting you and some of the others we did on the cruise, it's you, you very much are the person. Your voice and your personality come out through all the create. And so like, I think authenticity in this space is so important for creators who are kind of looking to get themselves out there. So yeah, you got to find your voice.
[00:07:01] Speaker A: I agree. That's, that's totally true. It's like you don't want to write about or make content about something just because you think it's going to do well. Like, you really need to have a niche. Like, you guys got the cruise. You know, I do a lot of food also with cruise. Disney Cruise Line as well. So it's, you kind of have to have your own little thing that what makes you unique. What's, you know, what is going to separate you from everyone else. And it's just, it's been so amazing. You meet so many awesome people and of course we get to go on these incredible cruises, which is one of my favorite things.
[00:07:33] Speaker C: Yeah, well, and of course, I mean, a ton of your writing is travel writing and a ton of your writing is food writing. But when I say food writing, food in conjunction with travel usually.
But I gotta mention your piece in Wine Enthusiast that was all about the pairing of wines with theme park snacks. And I wore the T shirt I'm wearing today in honor of you and in honor of that piece because I love the idea I, I remember you had. It was the like a Mickey Soft pretzel. I think it was paired with like a Riesling or something. And I was like, that's me. Like, that's my vibe. Like if you can pick like a food and a wine and put them together and like, that's all I'm saying.
[00:08:14] Speaker A: I'm so glad you mentioned that. That was like one of my favorite pieces I ever have done. And, you know, it's fun.
You go to some of these like highbrow publications, like a Wine Enthusiast or a, you know, Food and Wine, and you're not sure what they're gonna think because Disney sometimes is very polarizing of a topic. And I brought them this idea. I was like, I have a crazy idea, like, what if we take these like not low brow foods, but, you know, soft pretzel cheeseburger spring rolls from Magic Kingdom and we get sommeliers to pair them with like really great wines. And they loved it.
And I got. One of my favorite sommeliers is George Meliotis from Wine Bar George at Disney Springs. And he was on the team of people that were pairing them and it was just, it was so much fun and a lot of people really enjoyed it because, you know, what's better with a snack than wine? I mean.
[00:09:05] Speaker C: Exactly.
[00:09:06] Speaker A: Natural.
[00:09:07] Speaker C: Exactly. Well, and you've got a cookbook Coming out. You're a newly published author and you have a co author, I believe.
But tell us. I mean, I of course know what the topic of the book is, but you gotta like, you gotta tell our audience what, what the book is all about because it's got a lot of Disney history type stuff in it as well.
[00:09:30] Speaker A: Absolutely. It's called the Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook. It is coming out October 13, 2026. So this year pre orders are now live, which I'm learning as a first time author is a big deal. And I'm. It went to the top of Amazon and a few lists the day that we launched, so.
[00:09:49] Speaker C: Oh my God.
[00:09:50] Speaker A: Yeah, like a mind blowing journey. But basically we are not only recreating dishes of the past from Walt Disney World and Disneyland, but sharing full history about it. So I'm calling it like a coffee table book almost because it's big, everything has pictures with it, everything comes with an entire story about the history of the restaurant or the food or the chef who created it. So it's a little bit different than the other Disney cookbooks that are out there. And that's kind of what I wanted to do. And basically a couple years ago I was going down the dark web, as I usually do, rabbit holes, and I found someone had posted the 1981 Walt Disney World Master Menu Directory. So this was every menu of every single restaurant and snack stand that was open at Walt Disney World in 1981.
And I was just like, this is so cool. This is so cool.
And a lot of those places I remember visiting in the 80s and then some before me, I didn't get to. And I was talking to my friend Julie Tremaine, who is an accomplished author already, and she's like. Cause I was thinking maybe this is a story. And she's like, this isn't a story, this is a whole book. So I was like, wow, you're right.
Let's do it. And we are going all the way back to opening of Disneyland in 1955 and then all the way up to new stuff. So we have, you know, Muppets courtyard restaurants, which we just lost.
So it's gonna kind of like serve everyone that likes the history of some of the older things, learn some new things, and then some, some wounds that are still very fresh.
[00:11:31] Speaker C: Yeah, it's got all that like Disney nostalgia for every generation. Right. For everybody who's been to Disney from its inception to basically present day is gonna have some nostalgia feeling from this cookbook, coffee table book, history book. It's All.
[00:11:48] Speaker A: Yeah, it's kind of all the things I don' to explain it, but it has a little bit of something, everything. Pleasure islands in there, which is my probably most missed place at Walt Disney World. If I can be there right now, I would be recording this there right now. I loved it so much. And then places like, I never got to go to the ABC soap opera Bistro at DCA when it opened, and that would be kind of like my place. If I could time travel, if that was invented, that is where I'm going, because it just sounds like an absolute fever dream.
[00:12:19] Speaker B: I'm curious. What were some of your favorites? And, you know, after writing the book, I'm sure you tried out many, many things.
[00:12:26] Speaker C: There are many different recipes.
[00:12:27] Speaker B: Was there anything that, like, stood out to you as being a favorite and. Or surprising? Something you didn't get a chance to experience when it was in the parks, but now you're. You're getting to taste it.
[00:12:35] Speaker A: Yeah, I think one of those is. Disneyland had the Tahitian Terrace, which was a Polynesian show that was actually in Disneyland park, and they made this punch. And we kind of. A lot of the recipes we have adapted for the modern palette if they were really old. And that one, like, the mating ingredient was Tang.
So I was like, I'm not making a drink with Tang, but I'm going to celebrate the spirit of it. And I know what the original one tastes like. I'm like, let me. Because I did the cocktail development, so any of the cocktails I did myself, I bartended for a long time in New York City, and so that was really fun. And that I loved that because I was like, this is a delicious punch, and it's not alcoholic because Disneyland park didn't serve alcohol back then.
[00:13:18] Speaker C: Right. You couldn't get alcohol. I mean, the only place you get alcohol at Disneyland was in Club 33, I think, right?
[00:13:25] Speaker A: Yep, yep. And even before that, we have Walt Hideout, which was his little, I guess, like, man cave secret bar that was attached to the Red Wagon in now the Plaza.
And we have that in there. And we have a version of Walt's Scotch Mist. So that was his. His favorite drink, you know, and. But we've, of course, updated that, too, because he was drinking, like, not great blended whiskey because times were different. They didn't have a million different beautiful bourbons and whiskeys and anything. And so we're just kind of giving things a fresh, modern spin. But it has been so much fun. It is a long process. You know, we. We signed our book deal Over a year ago. And it takes. I've learned it takes a long time. It's very fun, but you definitely have to have patience, which I'm not good at.
[00:14:15] Speaker C: Well, we like to tell people, when it comes to, for example, a new ship, pack your patients pants. Right. Because they're, you know, good things come to those who wait. So. Yeah.
But it's a good advice in. In any industry. I gotta ask you about cruise line food for a second. I gotta. I gotta pivot you, because you are. I feel like you're just the foodie of all things Disney. So I would love to know, like, your favorite. Let's. Let's stick with, like, main dining items, because, of course, we could, like, you could choose all kinds of amazing things from Paolo Remy. Enchante. But, like, I need to know, like, your favorite main dining items on Disney Cruise Line and maybe favorite cocktails on Disney Cruise Line.
[00:14:59] Speaker A: These are the easiest questions you will ever ask me. Yeah. Main dining. If there is the sea bass on there, that is what I'm ordering. And there's different preparations. I've had different versions. But at its core, the sea bass itself is always, like, the most beautiful piece of sea bass. And I never understand.
I've been on all of their ships multiple times.
I always get the sea bass. And every single time, it is absolutely amazing. I don't know what, like, how they do it. Like, there's magic, there's sorcery involved.
It is my favorite dish.
[00:15:33] Speaker C: Yeah, it's Disney magic. I say the one in Enchanted Garden that's got that, like, pea puree or whatever with it. That one. That one's my favorite. But I will agree with you that I've had several of them depending upon the ship, and. And they're all.
[00:15:48] Speaker A: Yeah, that one's absolutely amazing. That is my favorite. And then I will say for something a little bit more like not all over all, the Disney Cruise Line is on the Disney Destiny at Lion King. The chicken thigh appetizer, that is one of the best things I've ever eaten on a Disney cruise as well.
[00:16:05] Speaker C: Yeah, that's the. Is that the skewer one with the apricot?
[00:16:08] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:16:08] Speaker A: And there's this incredible red sa on it. I wish I could pronounce it. I don't even want to try. It's a. Has African influences because obviously the whole menu is inspired by Africa, and it is just incredible. And I went on the Destiny twice. I ordered it each time, and both times it was absolutely perfect seasoned. I will say it's like it's not too adventurous where someone would be like, oh, this is too spicy. You know, it's very approachable. But still, they did a really nice job at developing a recipe that would satisfy everyone and not be too crazy.
[00:16:41] Speaker B: We were talking off air before the show, Carly, but you've sailed a bunch of cruise lines.
[00:16:45] Speaker C: Like, wait, wait, wait. We got to ask the cocktail. She's got to answer the cocktail, and then you can ask your question, Brian. Sorry.
[00:16:50] Speaker B: Okay, okay.
[00:16:51] Speaker A: Two cocktails. It's going to be a hooks Barbary Old Fashioned. I will never forget when I went on the Wish. So that. That's obviously. You guys know, the speakeasy that started on the Wish and now it's on all the wish classes. And I got that Old Fashioned, and there was this incredible bartender from Ireland talking to me, so passionate about everything, and I'm, you know, just taking it all in. And then I tried it, and it was the best old Fashioned I've ever had. So I always have to have that at least once. They are very strong. So it's like, you know, maybe not every night I'm getting that, but I'm definitely ordering it at some point during my cruise. And then from Palo, it is the balsamic grande martini that is the most potent martini I've ever had. I think it's like something like 3 ounces of grey Goose vodka, which is crazy unhinged, Great value, but it's not. I don't get it because it's so strong. I get it because of how balanced it is with that aged balsamic in there. And the first couple times I went to Palo, I didn't get it. And I had a few friends that were like, why did you not get this? And I was like, I got it immediately the next time. And I was like, wow, I have been living my life wrong. If you don't go to Palo and get that at brunch, you are not living your best life. Oh, my God.
[00:18:07] Speaker C: I think I'm not living my best life. I don't think I've ever. So I love that balsamic that you're talking about. I always dip the bread in it. Right?
But I don't think I've ever ordered. I know I have never ordered that cocktail. And so, okay, now I have a to do list that Carly's given me. The next time I'm in Paulo, I am for brunch. I am ordering that cocktail. I may not last the rest of the day. I may end up going and napping, though.
[00:18:33] Speaker A: Yeah. You might nap after it. I mean, they muddle like fresh strawberry. I mean, it's really simple. Just vodka, strawberries, balsamic. But there's something about the combo and the quality of ingredients. It is just amazing. I need to learn how to recreate that at home.
[00:18:46] Speaker B: Have you, have you had the, the Colette cocktail and Remy before?
[00:18:50] Speaker A: I have. That is also very good. I've only had that once, so I don't remember if I, like, loved it or not, but I have had that.
I try to get a few of the most popular specialty drinks from every venue on every single ship. Obviously. You know, it's so hard because there's so many specialty drinks, but I love when I'm able to go. I always do Disney Cruise Line with adults only parties. So it's either my husband, my sister, my mom, friends. So that's a good way that I can try a bunch of different things and we can all take little sips so that, you know, we can at least say we tried it.
[00:19:23] Speaker C: Yeah. Make everybody else order different drinks so that you can taste all of them.
[00:19:27] Speaker A: Yeah, that's the best part. I love doing that.
[00:19:29] Speaker B: I'm also curious since you. We were talking off air. I started this question a minute ago about you've sailed a bunch of different cruise lines, Carly, like, where does Disney stack up for you in terms of just the overall food offering as compared to some of the other lines that you've been on?
[00:19:41] Speaker A: Absolutely, yeah. I've been on about, I think like 35 ish cruises. All the majors, you know, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line is my preferred and my number one. And people are always like. But it's usually just you and your husband. You don't go with kids. Sometimes if it's a group friend trip, there might be one or two rogue kids. You don't see them, obviously, because they're in the kids club. They want nothing to do with us.
It is my favorite by far. And that's because Disney customer service that you expect anywhere, that's what you're getting. It's the best at sea. I will cry when I leave my waitstaff at the end. Because you get to know them. I mean, if you want it to be that, I'm always chatting with people and that's what I want.
I think the whole point of travel is to get to know these people that live different lives than you, from different places than you. And obviously on Disney Cruise Line, you're meeting people from all over the world, Philippines, Africa.
So it's that customer service and hospitality and the food. I think Disney personally has the best cruise line food.
Obviously there's rare cases where something will go awry and whatnot. They will always fix it for you. But generally the food is so good.
From main dining to Palo upcharge restaurants to the quick service. I mean, Donald's Cantina is like my favorite quick service food of all time.
[00:21:10] Speaker C: Chipotle at sea, as we always call it. Chipotle at sea.
[00:21:13] Speaker A: It is Chipotle at sea. I mean, they're making 20 different hot sauces fresh in house. Like, you don't have to be doing that. You know, you could just be putting hot sauce bottles. And on the older ships, the Pete's Boiler Bites, which they've changed the name. Duck and diner with the shawarma that is like, I have to, I eat that every single day when I'm on those ships because it's just, it's so good. So, you know, even the room service, I mean, I think it is by far the best. And I know Disney Cruise Line is maybe a little bit more expensive than some of the other price ranges, you know, like of a Holland America or of a carnival. But I mean, it's one of those cases where it's like you get what you pay for.
And again, people are always like shocked. It's like, oh, just you and your husband are going. I'm like, yes. And honestly, I don't even really see kids because, you know, they're in the kids club and we're eating and doing our own thing. In Devilles.
[00:22:03] Speaker C: That's right. I mean, it's only, it's, it's at, you know, some of those all ship events, right? Like the sail away party. Anything that's happening in the atrium. And of course, if you're going to the shows, then you see, of course you'll see kids and character meet and greets. But if you're spending time mostly in the adult only areas, you really, you don't have to be around kids the whole, you know, the whole cruise. Absolutely.
[00:22:28] Speaker A: I mean, and I'm used to theme parks, so it's like even less kids than you, you know, than that. So I don't mind it. I. I truly love it. I love every ship. Like they're my own children, you know, for different reasons. You know, I think I've now like formulated my favorites, which I will share with you if you're.
[00:22:46] Speaker C: Yes, we got. I want the rankings, Carly. I want the rankings.
[00:22:52] Speaker A: That might get hard. I think that's so hard. Because it's like within each class then there's different reasons. I like a certain ship and you know, sometimes it's just like, oh, I really loved this one bartender on this ship. And I can't tell if my mind is skewed because of that reasoning.
[00:23:07] Speaker C: We feel that way about the dream where we don't love the dream, but it has nothing to do with the ship. It's just because for so long it was doing those three and four night itineraries. Right. And so. And we didn't like that itinerary and that's kind of how we feel about the Wish also. It's just, just about the itinerary now. So like those are like our two bottom ranked ships. Not because there's anything wrong with those ships but just because we have this like bias in our minds about what the itinerary. But okay, well let's at least talk favorite.
[00:23:37] Speaker B: I wanted to start the favorites conversation here by asking you, since we were talking about food and drink, what's your favorite end to end restaurant on the cruise line and what's your favorite end to end bar space?
[00:23:48] Speaker C: Like theming drinks, rotational dining restaurant and then bar space?
[00:23:54] Speaker A: I think it's gonna be Tiana's Place on the Disney Wonder. And that is kind of for a few reasons. I love the food. I'm not necessarily like a creole Cajun food preference. I just have had great food there and it's so fun. Of all the, you know, musical dinner theater shows, that's my personal favorite with a close tie of being the Arendelle show on the Disney Wish. Cause I think I love the music of Frozen.
But it's probably going to be Tiana's Place or I mean I'm just such a sucker for animators palette because it's just that to me is like classic Disney. It feels 90s and it just makes me feel nostalgic. And obviously pasta purses are one of the best dishes in all of Disney Cruise Line. And I mean you can't go wrong with them.
[00:24:43] Speaker C: You cannot go wrong. Listen, I have to say eat your heart out, Josh. If you're listening, truffle purses, that's for the win. Okay, this is coming from the food expert Carly who judges Disney food, all kinds of other theme park food. She's actually at Universal right now. She just ate at the fancy restaurant in Helios. Like. Yeah, so I'm right. Pasta truffle pursets for the win. So good. They just have to be certain.
[00:25:13] Speaker A: I want that as my entree.
[00:25:14] Speaker C: Yes, Absolutely. Yeah. And animators, I agree with you. Animators is so classically themed, and it just makes you feel like you're really in, like, the heart of Disney. All right.
[00:25:25] Speaker A: I mean, when they do the Drawn to Magic, it's just so ridiculous because I'm a terrible artist. So it's just. There's something so funny about seeing that on the wall.
Sorcerer Mickey. I mean, it gives you that kind of. If you were like a nostalgic Disney fan, it gives you all those feels that it's just different from the other feelings you get on different restaurants.
[00:25:45] Speaker C: Love that. All right. The bar space Brian asked it was the next question, too.
[00:25:50] Speaker A: Okay. So it's going to be the French Quarter Lounge on the Disney Wonder, which kind of, I guess, ties to Tiana's place because they're nearby. It's like the perfect place to go for a drink before.
The vibes are perfect. Drinks are great. I will buy the beignets. They're so cheap and I have to get them. And then I think my favorite is going to be deville's on the Disney Destiny. I am such a sucker for piano bar. Like, I follow different Disney Cruise Line. Pianists shout out Matt Grinke. He is the best.
Love him.
Devilles is, you know, I feel like Disney Cruise Line has really hit their stride with Devilles. And it kind of encapsulates everything that that ship is about, which is, you know, immersion theming, storytelling. And it really is beautifully done at Deville's, especially with the show, of course.
[00:26:47] Speaker B: Well, and they up. They really up the drink presentations for I think, both Devilles and the Sanctum. But, like, it. It blew me away to see some of those drink presentations.
[00:26:57] Speaker A: Oh, absolutely. I definitely got the lipstick drink in Deville's. Got a bunch of the specialty cocktails in the Sanctum. I mean, even beyond the drinks itself, because I also like, you know, not everyone wants a sweet drink and not every night do I want a specialty cocktail. Sometimes I just want, like a vodka soda or a red wine. So to be able to have that amazing theming. But then it's also full bar to satisfy everyone. And it's just. It is such a great space. I will line up gladly an hour ahead to get a spa and I don't care.
[00:27:27] Speaker C: I'm with you. It's so funny, both of those. Actually, all of the things you picked as far as rotational dining and bars, you picked all of the same favorites that I would pick. Carly. Those are all. I mean, we've always loved all the French Quarter and Tiana's theming on the Wonder is incredible that it's just so well done and I love that it flows from the two venues together.
[00:27:51] Speaker A: Yeah. I mean, it's like the perfect way to start your night, then go to dinner and then I have to say special shout out to the Palo bar on the Magic and Wonder. Whenever I've had the opportunity to be among like Disney Cruise Line executives for interviews, I always mentioned I'm like, can you please do this in every Palo? Because I just want to go get a drink and order a pizza and no one has ever at them. I don't think I've ever seen anyone at the Palo bar on the Magic of Wonder. Maybe that's why they haven't added it to the other ones, but I think just people don't know about it, so.
[00:28:24] Speaker C: Exactly.
We did Prima Note on the Magic a couple years back. I think it was in 2024 for our podcast cruise. And we were pretty full that first night. That Prima Note eats a tasting menu, but we were pretty full. And our, our friends Tracy and Michael shout out to Tracy and Michael. They decided to just stay in Palo. They went to the bar, they ordered one of those pizzas and a glass of wine. We ended up going to main dining because we were meeting our son and we did the whole sit down thing neither. And we each ate like an appetizer. But it's just such a lovely option. But it only exists on the Magic and the Wonder because they don't have like a Meridian or a Rose Bar. And so they have a little bar space place that you can just, people know, you can walk up, have a drink, order a pizza without a reservation. It's, it's, it's incredible.
[00:29:13] Speaker A: And you know what? Meridian is great too. I mean, that view, it's awesome. But there's something about like being inside of Palo and being able to have that food. And I'm very much a, like continuously eat all day, not necessarily big meals. Another reason I love Disney Cruise Line is because you could really do that. You know, you can have little breakfast and then maybe in a bit have ice cream, then get a little bit from, you know, the lunch buffet, then maybe hit something poolside. Like, I'm a progressive eater throughout the day as opposed to big meals. So that is a reason I love Disney.
[00:29:48] Speaker C: We call that a nosher.
[00:29:50] Speaker A: Yeah, I'm a nosher.
[00:29:53] Speaker C: I love that. I love that. Carly, we have to, we have to hit on favorite ship. I mean, I know this is hard. It's like choosing one Child over the other.
We like to say, love the one you're with. Of course. Like, we love all of the ships. We'd be happy to be tomorrow. You could put us on any one of the fleet and we would be happy, especially if somebody else is paying for it. But, you know, if you could choose tomorrow, any ship to be on across the fleet, like, what's that ship that is the favorite to you?
[00:30:22] Speaker A: So it's going to be a tie, and it's going to be the first and the last. It's going to be the Disney Magic or the Disney Destiny. And it's like they could not be two any more different ships.
But for me, Disney Magic has that classic ocean liner feel with the Disney literal magic sprinkled throughout. I love the intimate nature of it. I love, you know, you really get to know people. You really get to know the cast member because it's just smaller. And then the Destiny, I think, could not be any more different than that. But you're immersed. And I was so excited for the Destiny, but I was hesitant because I, admittedly, I'm not a Marvel fan. I'm also not a character person, but the way that they've reimagined the character experience, it works for someone like me that not necessarily, like, I'm not going to Magic Kingdom and waiting in line for an hour for a quick picture, but to be in a room with Dr. Facilier and he's doing card tricks, like, this is crazy. I mean, it's so much detail and so much thought and. And I enjoyed the Marvel stuff, too, which, again, I really am not involved in the mcu. I follow along just for professional reasons, but I love that ship so much. I went on it again after. I was like, I can't believe how much I love this. And I think it's just Disney has brought their A game. It's like they've gotten into their stride, and there's different ships for different people. And I feel like the Disney Destiny is a great ship for theme park people because there's a lot going on. I felt alive. Like, there's always something going on, and I love that. I'm kind of like, I want to be dazzled and immersed at all times. I don't want to just go, like, sit, you know, on another cruise line. You just go sit in, like, a quiet bar and there's nothing going on. Crickets, maybe, if you're lucky, a pianist. But on Disney ships, there's always something going on and there's something to enjoy. And The Destiny, I felt really like nailed that theming immersion and just reimagining what that character experience looks like and could look like.
[00:32:27] Speaker C: Yeah, I think it's so interesting that you didn't pick the Disney Treasure because I always think of and when we talk to people and we are asked like, hey, which ship should I go on? I like to tell people the Disney Treasure is like the theme park lovers Disney theme park lovers ship because the theming really ties into park theming with Skipper society with Haunted Mansion Parlor, which of course Haunted Mansion parlors also on the Destiny, but and Periscope Pub. So I think of that as like the theme park person. But it's interesting like your, your perspective is about the immersive entertainment. Plus the theming I think is what like. And that's where we, we completely agree that the Destiny has just as good but different theming as the Treasure, but stepped up on the entertainment side of that theming and sort of the tie in between the two. I'm curious this, how do you think that Disney can top like what it's done between the Treasure and the Destiny? Right? You've got this great theme park stuff. You've got this great entertainment immersion with the theming. Like where like, can we see anything even better on the believe, do you think? Or are we going to see something more of the same?
[00:33:40] Speaker A: I like thought the same thing because you know, it's like that's like Disney Destiny. They have reached their stride. They're in their groove of what they're trying to do.
I think the next ship is going to be just as good because it's, they're seeing what's working. You know, the Wish was just such a departure that I know a lot of, you know, long term Disney Cruise Line cruisers were confused because it's different, but they were moving in like a new direction with the Wish. And then now it's like Treasure. Wow, they got it. Destiny. They definitely got it. So I think it's going to be has to be in that same line of just pushing the envelope, pushing boundaries and really, you know, doing these immersive things. I mean the bars on these newer ships are insane. Like Haunted Mansion Parlor. I think on the Destiny I probably spent the most time in there every night. I would skip shows sometimes just so I can go when it was least crowded. That's a perfect bar and a perfect representation of Disney Cruise Line now. I mean, it is unbelievable. I just want to live inside the Haunted Mansion Parlor. If I could, I would.
[00:34:43] Speaker C: We just want, I want them to do like I'm hoping for on the believe they'll do a different theme in that space. Not because I don't. I love the Haunted Mansion Parlor. I just want something new and like we had so much hope and promise for. It's funny we're recording this episode on May 4th, so may the 4th be with you. I'm hoping for. I I love we love Star wars theming. We did we went on the Galactic Star Cruiser right before it closed and I would love to see them do another Star wars themed space but but better than what they did in Hyperspace Lab.
[00:35:17] Speaker A: You know what? When hyperspace came out I loved it too. It' they were just building up. You know, they they hyperspace walked so Haunted Mansion Parlor could run. I mean the Haunted Mansion Parlor is next level. Still love hyperspace. I am hoping also for maybe like an Oga's Cantina at sea I think would be great. I would also love a Trader Sam's version at sea. I mean we are at sea and the tiki drinks are a natural fit for that. I think they could definitely do something but you know, they probably won't even do that. They're going to surprise us with something even better than we're not thinking of. You know, I just but I love both of those spaces and if they are on it, I would be happy because they're great spaces.
[00:35:58] Speaker B: Are you listening to our show because
[00:35:59] Speaker D: you want to make the most out of your next vacation. Great news. The fabulous team over at MyPath Unwinding Travel can help guide you so you don't miss a thing. Their team of professional travel advisors are caring, knowledgeable and experienced. It's why we use them to book our own travel. My Path Unwinding Travel is an authorized Disney Vacation vacation planner, which means they are recognized by Disney for their expertise and service. They have sailed on all the Disney ships, including in concierge, visited the theme parks, adventured with Disney, Relaxed at Aulani and so much more. Whether it's a Disney cruise, a theme park vacation or adventures by Disney or if you are looking to expand beyond the mouse, MyPath Unwinding Travel will elevate your next vacation planning experience. Even if you have already booked, reach out for a complimentary consultation to make your vacation even more match magical. Ready to talk to the experts? Head over to mypathunwinding.com forward/dclduo or email dclduoypathunwinding.com so they know we sent you their way. Thanks My Path Unwinding for sponsoring today's show. Now back to the episode.
[00:36:56] Speaker B: But speaking of Disney surprising us, we could not let a conversation with you go without talking about kind of. So we've had the Destiny and the Adventure, the Adventure launch this year. Now we're all eyes are on the Believe and we've got an OLC ship coming after that and then two more ships, two Meridian class ships coming to a port near you.
What are you most hoping? Like, let's start with the Believe. What are you most hoping Disney does with the Believe?
[00:37:25] Speaker A: I'm hoping for. So, like, I love the Lion King on the Destiny. I am most looking forward to whatever they make as their musical rotational dining. Those are so special and it's so different. Different than any cruise line does. Like, the first time I ever went on a Disney ship, my first night was musical dining and my mind was blown. I love musical theater. I just did not anticipate that because, as you know, Disney Cruise Line culture is its own thing. When people go on a Disney cruise and they maybe they came from, you know, whatever. Royal Caribbean, it is its own thing, its own language. You know, what's Pirate's Night? Like, what are all these things? And so the musical dining is one of those little pieces that I think makes Disney Cruise Line so special. Like, you're not just eating, you're getting a show, you're dancing around the room. Sometimes you're in a parade, you know, with Tiana going around the room, you're with the characters of Frozen going around the room. And I can't wait to see. Like, that's what I'm most excited for because we know it's going to be something different, you know, so what are they going to choose for this? And I literally can't wait. And then the other token would probably be what, what bars they are going to design for this because we know they have been just level upping so hardcore that it has to be something that's really spectacular.
[00:38:43] Speaker B: Yeah, we, we've heard from so many people who told us, like, if you love the Treasure, just wait for the Destiny. And I'm like, I don't know what you're going to build on the Destiny. And then they did. I mean, the Destiny was, was a big step from the Treasure. And now they're sort of hearing this. If you love the Destiny, just wait. I'm like, what possibly can you do here? So, like, right.
[00:39:00] Speaker A: I know. I'm like, haunted Mansion Parlor is perfect. I have zero notes. Well, actually maybe my one note is I don'. The cocktails even Though the pro program is new on the Destiny, but they could still make you with the old fashioned from hooks Barbie. So I just. I order off menu. Yeah, that's my drink once and then I'm getting whatever I want, you know.
[00:39:18] Speaker C: Yeah, I do think that's the key with, with the Haunted Mansion Parlor is to order off menu or to grab a cocktail from another bar and bring it with you and then just sit in the immersive space of the Haunted Mansion parlor. Absolutely.
[00:39:32] Speaker A: I'm. I'm not a sweet drinks person, you know, so it. That will just ruin my whole day. So. So I wish that the drinks maybe weren't as sweet, maybe a little bit more boozy for it. But again there's so many different venues on each ship and you're going to find a drink that you like and you can bring it with you wherever you want. And they can make anything. I mean these are experienced bartenders. So order whatever you want. They have it.
[00:39:54] Speaker B: If Disney Cruise Line came to you, Carly and said you are an imagineer for a day, we want you to pick the theme of the musical dining restaurant on board the believe. Like what, what. What do you.
[00:40:04] Speaker C: Yeah, what's Carly?
[00:40:05] Speaker B: What are you hoping to see?
[00:40:06] Speaker A: Yeah, it would probably be classic as opposed to newer ip but I think the realistic person in me is going to say they're probably going to go newer ip.
I would rather see like a Mary Poppins, you know, like. But I know that's not probably going to happen. Even though that would be my wish. I think it's going to probably be something another version of Marvel, you know, like the world of Marvel is not my favorite restaurant. It's probably my least favorite rotational dining. But I think if they did like a musical thing, I mean that could be really cool. We had that Marvel musical at Disneyland, so they could do anything.
[00:40:46] Speaker C: I would love a Rogers the Musical.
Oh my God.
[00:40:50] Speaker A: Exactly. Yes. I mean and Marvel Fever shows no sign of slowing down, you know, so I think there's a lot that they could do there. But I personally, I would want something classic. I mean they're not going to want to hear what I want to do.
[00:41:04] Speaker C: I also watch the penguins dance on stage.
[00:41:06] Speaker A: It would be adorable. Yeah.
[00:41:08] Speaker B: I had high hopes that they would convert Enchanted Garden during the dry docks into something more Mary Poppins themed because they had extra space and it just seems like it didn't seem like it overhaul completely fit.
[00:41:20] Speaker C: They could absolutely do little touches to theme it Mary Poppins rather than a complete redo. It would great.
[00:41:27] Speaker A: Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And then that restaurant, I have great food, but you know, it's like a little, little boring. Not boring, but it's still not boring in the context of cruising. But when you're talking about Disney Cruise Line where everything is just, there's so much going on, there's so much theming and then sometimes you're just like, okay, this is simple. But I think they're just moving there naturally because this is what's happening. And they're getting more and more immersion, more theming. And so I think all the venues, the older ones mates, we might start to see them change as well, which I'm fine with.
[00:41:59] Speaker C: What about Carly's reimagined bar space? What would that look like? Like what theming would you love to see on one of the bar spaces? And it could be like whichever of the spaces you like, like take like the sanctum space, take the piano bar, you know, space, whichever one you, you would want to redesign. But what's your sort of ideal IP that they would put.
[00:42:21] Speaker A: Yeah, so I did a Pixar Day at Sea cruise two years ago aboard the Disney Fantasy and I thought that was spectacular. You know, it's like if you're used to all the activities that a Disney cruise has, then you go on these themed and you're like, how could they add even more? They can. There's. I had the best, like truly the best time. It was my mother and I, we built Forky, we went to all the shows. It was so much fun.
I would love to like a lamplight lounge, kind of like an elevated celebration of Pixar animation at sea. I think that would be wonderful. They could have the sketches and whatnot. And then if I couldn't do that, I would want to trade our Sam's Etsy because that is one of my Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland is one of my favorite bars and any Disney property, probably my favorite bar. So I think I would want something like that at sea. And I can just imagine all the Easter eggs that would be be sprinkled in there. They would fit it all and it would just be, it would be perfect. I mean that's the kind of drink that I want when I'm cruising.
[00:43:24] Speaker B: As you were talking, I was where my mind went was like, wouldn't it be interesting if they did in the Haunted Mansion parlor or some sort of inside out bar and like the drinks name themselves. You've got the joy, the sadness, you know, like all that sort of the, the ennui.
Yeah, I Love Pixar.
[00:43:39] Speaker A: Like of like, you know, I'm not a Marvel person but I, I am a really big, big Pixar person. I love Onward Up. I mean there's just so many good like heartwarming movies. So I would love to see something like that.
[00:43:51] Speaker B: What's your go to itinerary? Like what's your favorite? The one that like for us, the Eastern Caribbean, like we just love to go to the Eastern Caribbean. So you know, if we've got to pick stock in Santa Cruz, that's where we're headed.
[00:44:02] Speaker A: Right.
[00:44:02] Speaker B: What's, what's been like your kind of go to itinerary and then maybe what's your favorite? What was the one you did that one time and you're like, that was just so much fun.
[00:44:11] Speaker A: Yes. Last year I did my first Alaskan cruise aboard the Disney Wonder and that was hands down a life changing, I think maybe like my favorite vacation of all time. Which is kind of crazy, but it's one of those trips was my husband and I, we talk about and think about all the time and I didn't know what to expect going in. I kind of fell into that world of I never really thought about an Alaska cruise.
I made assumptions that it was for older people, you know, that I would be sleepy and whatnot. And I couldn't have been any more wrong. I mean it's a week long cruise too, which is, I've done so many short Disney cruises, three, four nights. Also done week long ones. I was a little nervous, you know, sometimes in the longer ones I'm like going somewhere I've never been. I'm not sure it was the first time. I was not ready to get off. I wanted to stay. I mean the Disney Wonder is a wonderful show ship but going to Alaska and the way and just again like with Disney Cruise Line and that care, I mean having the naturalist on board giving out hot chocolate, Mickey and Minnie and their exclusive outfits and being in ports for like nine hours as opposed to the shorter ones of the Caribbean. It was just so special and truly the greatest, greatest cruise ever. Greatest itinerary ever. I, I literally cannot wait to go on another Alaska cruise. And if it's not that I like shorter ones to the Caribbean, I, A lot of times I think I've been to probably every island, at least the major ones in my cruise journeys everywhere.
I, A lot of times I don't get off the ship anymore just because I love the ship so much. So it's going to take a lot for me to get off the ship. I'm getting off a castaway. I'm getting off at Lighthouse Point. But other than that, I'm probably going to stay on the show.
I just love enjoying it. And it's like time goes by so fast. I'm like, wait, I need to have another Cove Cafe coffee. You know, like I need to do this. I need. Banana soft serve is my favorite.
[00:46:14] Speaker C: Yes.
[00:46:14] Speaker A: Banana soft serve.
[00:46:16] Speaker C: Oh, ours too. Banana soft serve is the best.
[00:46:19] Speaker A: So good. And it's like I have my little routines and things I look forward to and I just love being on the ship because they are the best ships.
[00:46:28] Speaker C: Yeah. I mean I think the, the one of the best itineraries for you then Carly is that duo dip where you hit castaway and, and lookout and that way and then you have like a sea day or two. Right. So like a, a four night itinerary with the two private islands is like the perfect.
[00:46:45] Speaker B: I was gonna say if you loved Alaska, Carly, and you haven't been to Norway yet. I don't know if you've done Norwegian fjords cruise.
[00:46:51] Speaker A: I need to do that. Yes.
[00:46:52] Speaker B: So good.
[00:46:53] Speaker A: I would absolutely love to. I mean, I want to go everywhere. And it's like, I think the thing is with like Alaska, for me it wasn't that I was nervous about going. It was just when things are outside of your comfort zone, like I'm a creature of habit. Like I will gladly go to Walt Disney World every month and have a great time. So when it's something new, I think I liked it because you feel comfortable with the Disney brand to go to new places and it just adds this kind of like, I don't know, just a safety blanket of like, oh, I'm going to be okay. I'm going with Mickey Mouse, it's fine. And I went and, and loved it and yeah, it was just the greatest. I will encourage anyone to do an Alaskan cruise if they can. It was just life changing.
[00:47:33] Speaker C: Yeah, absolutely. Well, you know, you mentioned of course you're always comfortable when Mickey is taking care of you. But I've got the question of what else is out there that you think is worth trying in, in the cruise space.
You know, obviously we love Disney Cruise Line line. We ourselves have been on a couple of other cruise lines. You've been on quite a few cruise lines.
We talked to you pre show you haven't been on Virgin yet, which we think you got to get on. But I'm curious what you would say is like, what's like number two and maybe number three for you Know if you have to choose a cruise line to go on tomorrow, but let's say Disney sold out or, you know, something's happened, the Maoist has gone bankrupt, God forbid.
[00:48:16] Speaker A: But also very easy. For me, it's going to be Royal Caribbean.
Also excellent customer service. The staff members are awesome. Great venues on board. I mean, especially the newer ships. I've done all the newer ones. Amazing. Star of the Seas. And their entertainment is also so good. Like, I'm a theater person. Disney Cruise Line is amazing entertainment. So does Royal Caribbean. They did a full Back to the Future in the musical. Not like a cruise version. It was the Broadway version. Just adapted, like, had to cut a few songs because. Because a cruise musical can't be two hours. That's just not industry standard. And it was. The cast was just as phenomenal as when I saw it on Broadway. I mean, they're really doing great in entertainment, great in dining, specialty dining, and then their adult nightlife. You know, they introduce the dueling piano bars on the newer ships. They introduce a tiki bar on their newer ships. They're really the other one that I personally love. I'm always going to choose Disney or Royal. I mean, it's just.
I mean, they're the leaders, so, I mean, I think everything speaks for themselves. They're both churning out the ships and they're drawing the crowds because they're doing it right. You know, I've been on some cruise lines where I've been, like, bored to tears because I'm like, God, I'm so used to Disney and Royal with so many activities, so much going on and just an energy. And then you go on some of these other lines and you're like, what do I do now? I don't. I like. I guess I'll have a beer and sit here. I don't know.
I like something going on. I like the actual.
[00:49:46] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. Even if it's just. Even if it's just listening to music or doing a trivia or something like that. It's nice when there is an activity going on. Even if you just, like, are passively watching. Right. And you're.
[00:49:58] Speaker A: Exactly, yeah. Like, with Disney, I'm playing trivia. I am playing Disney parks, food trivia. I'm going to the animation classes because it's so fun. Like, I think of it, both Disney and Royal are like being at summer camp. But I'm an adult now. I have this whole schedule I can look at. I, you know, I heart what I'm going to. And I just love that because it's like, what else in your life could you do or go somewhere unless you go to one of those literal, like adult summer camps that exist.
Where else could you have this kind of experience where there's so much going on and you could really just craft your own vacation and do as much or as little as you want? Which is so nice because I know
[00:50:36] Speaker C: you're better than summer camp.
[00:50:37] Speaker A: Right? I know.
[00:50:38] Speaker C: Because they don't make me go swimming if I don't want to go swimming. Right. I don't have to. I can skip arts and crafts and go to music if I don't want to go to arts and crafts.
[00:50:47] Speaker B: There's also, there's also no top shelf bar at summer camp. So, you know.
[00:50:51] Speaker C: Yeah, that's true.
Yeah. I mean, there are some of those, there are some adult camps that do have that, but I, I have never heard that comparison, Carly. But I love it. Like, I am a kid who went to summer camp my whole life and you know, I know that that's like a thing in the northeast. So for those who grew up in like New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, probably Massachusetts, you go to summer camp. Whether that's day camp or sleep away camp doesn't matter. You're still at summer camp. All summ.
That is such an apt description. I absolutely love that. And you get to, you know, you might not get to be in the show, but you get to at least watch the show. Right? The camp show is what you know.
[00:51:29] Speaker A: Exactly. Yeah. No, no, same. Yeah. I went to, I went to day summer camp, sailing camp my entire childhood. And I love the structure and activities. And I think that is truly why I love Royal and Disney is because they are two of the best at it. And for a third option, which is kind of like very different. And, and it's kind of like a. You get what you pay for, but you go into it with the mindset is Margaritaville at Sea. I have had great experiences on there.
It's definitely different.
You definitely have to go in with a relaxed attitude, but you're around all these other people that are like, hey, I'm here to have a good time. Like, we're going to have drinks, we're going to listen to this band, we're going to dance, we're going to go to the piano bar. And the food, like, not that great, but it's very affordable and just a good time. I mean, these are, that's totally different than Disney and Royal. I mean, those are like, you know, the Cadillacs of, of cruises.
But for my third it would, it would be Margaritaville at sea.
Yeah. And it's like $99 per person for a two day cruise. I mean, that's why I tell people, just try it. If you hate it, you're not stuck.
[00:52:34] Speaker C: That will cover. That's like cheaper than going to eat at a restaurant, like.
[00:52:38] Speaker A: Right? Exactly. I mean, it's way cheaper than my like alcohol bill on a Disney cruise. Even though the drinks I feel like are very priced affordably and reasonably, they're not like price gouging you, you know.
[00:52:48] Speaker C: Right, right. They're not, they're not like, let's say they're not cheap, but they are reasonable. They're not like astronomical or anything like that. Yeah.
[00:52:56] Speaker B: I'm curious. So as Disney marches its way toward 13 ships in the fleet, I think
[00:53:02] Speaker D: a lot of people are talking about
[00:53:03] Speaker B: where are they going to go next. Right. Because they're going to have enough of a fleet that they, they're not as limited in sort of having to only be in Port Canaveral, you know, only sending a ship over for part of
[00:53:13] Speaker D: the year to Europe.
[00:53:13] Speaker B: You know, those sorts of things. Like where would you most like to see the cruise line go next that they sort of haven't been to before?
[00:53:21] Speaker A: I think that's really interesting.
I think what I am seeing now, you know, it's like two ships are going to Alaska this summer. The San Diego port is popping off Galveston. I did Galveston for my first time last year and that was the most seamless experience ever. The terminal, I mean, it's growing because they announced that big expansion, but it was like five minutes, no other ship in the port.
Amazing. So wherever they go to, I would like it to be somewhere that's also a similar port experience to that.
I have never done a Mediterranean cruise, but I'm doing my first one this summer and I'm like very excited for that because that's going to be like a whole new ball game for me. So I think if they were to do something new, I want it to be somewhere outside of the U.S.
something totally different. And it's interesting about the growth because I think about Disney and Royal all the time that are both churning out these ships. I wonder if there will be a tap point, you know, because there has to. You know, things change, travel habits change. I mean, cruise right now is hot. I mean, the record number of people are, are cruising. So it's certainly like one of the hottest travel industries. So I am super curious to see how that's gonna go. But at the same time, Disney is running at least, like, 95% for every single sailing. So we know the demand is there. People want to stay in the rooms, they want to stay. And, you know, two ships going to Alaska, I understand why. Because all those sailings are sold out. And you have to think about the seasons. The Alaska cruising season is short, Short. You know, you can't go to. It's not like the Caribbean, where we can pretty much go whenever, and it's going to be at least decent. So it is very fascinating. And I'm, like, excited to follow the cruise industry in the next decade because, I don't know, I. I don't see it slowing down, to be honest with you, because I kind of had, like, a weird cruise journey myself as I grew up cruising.
Then in early adulthood, I didn't like it. My husband and didn't like it either. And we had, like, a Disney Cruise Line experience. And that snapped something in us where we're like, oh, we are back. And we've been like, if we don't go on a cruise, like, every other month, we feel like there's something missing in our lives, and we love it. And I think it's like, as I get older, I appreciate not running around Europe and changing a hotel every two days and just leaving my stuff. And it's just like, as my own travel tastes change, I understand why cruising is as successful as it is, because you. You meet people all the time. They're like, oh, I would never go on a cruise. And I'm like, okay, you know, like, I never said that. But, you know, I could definitely understand where you're coming from, but you just haven't done it right. You know, it's the same the people that, like, you haven't done Disney World, right. So that's why you don't like it. You know, same with cruising. You just haven't done it right. Otherwise, you will find and discover why. Why it's amazing.
[00:56:19] Speaker C: Absolutely. I think sometimes people go on the wrong cruise line or go for them, I mean, or go to the wrong destination for them. Right. Or just don't do the research to understand how to even just plan their day on whatever cruise that they've gone on. Right? So I think there are lots of mistakes you can make, especially if you go in with sort of a certain expectation and then that expectation is not met. So I think if you do the research and you figure out what's the right cruise line for me, what's the right itinerary for me, and what's the right style of cruising. Like, am I a person who wants to hit every activity or am I like me? Or am I like Brian who wants to sit by the pool doing puzzles most of the day? And we'll pop into a couple of activities because either of us, if we do, if we cruise the way the other cruises, neither of us will actually have a good time. If I'm sitting by the pool the entire day doing puzzles, I feel like I'm missing out and I'm actually not having a good time. And if I drag him with me going to everything, he's exhausted and he's cranky. So it's just like you. I know it sounds like I'm not trying to make him sound like a toddler.
[00:57:32] Speaker A: I think I spend like 15 minutes at the pool on each ship, no joke. Like, I will lay out for like a few minutes, go in the water just to say I did. And then I'm like, oh, I'm off and running. You know, I'm. I'm going to Cove Cafe and getting an espresso martini beanie. I'm going to this class. Like, I like to be go, go, go, go, go. And you know, that's not for everyone, but at least like, if you know how to do it, then you could plan accordingly. And you know, it's also who you travel with, you know, if you're with. Like, I like when people go on those, like, multi gen trips so that everyone kind of goes off, does their own thing and then, you know, you go to dinner each night together and then that's when you regroup. But you don't always have to be doing everything.
[00:58:12] Speaker B: My favorite quote from any guest we've ever had was from Emma, from Emma Cruises. And she said there is a cruise out there for everyone, but not every cruise is for everyone. And like, that just encapsulates it for me 100%.
[00:58:25] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean, I've definitely been on like one cruise line that's for older people a week long. And I was like, I'm going to jump off this balcony. I was bored and I was just like, you know, it just, it's just, just not for me, you know, like, and I love food again. So I'm picking a cruise line, like a Disney or Royal, that is known for exceptional food. And not everyone cares. Some people are like, just give me chicken fingers and I'm good to go. And unlimited pizza, whatever, which Disney also has. But, you know, it's like I want a little bit more of elevated experience and I can get that. And I know what to expect. And also, like, we know to book Paulo and whatnot. So it's. You got to know and do research, which I know a lot of people don't have time. Time for that. So that's unfortunate. But with any vacation, it's all about the research.
[00:59:15] Speaker C: Yeah, absolutely. I think even, like, when you think about your style of eating, right, like, whether you choose a specialty dining heavy, you know, ship, for example, like, if you choose an older royal ship, you're not going to have all the, you know, all the bells and whistles of activities that you might have on a newer ship. And same with specialty dining. And so if you're not a Windjammer buffet person, you're probably going to be disappointed.
But, you know, if you. So if you go on, like, let's say this, you know, star class or icon class, you go on the Star of the Seas or you go on an Oasis class ship, that's one of the newer ones, you're going to be a lot happier because they have all these, you know, specialty dining options that can really elevate that food experience. Yeah, I didn't ask you about that.
[01:00:03] Speaker A: Yeah, with. With Royal, like, I don't like their main dining personally, but I don't care because I love Windjammer, I love Sorrento's Pizza, and their specialty dining is just as good as Disney Chops Grill. I had the best filet of my life this past January. I've been there a few times. Amazing. But you got to know how to do it. Like, I haven't set foot in a main dining there in years because I'm eating quick, I'm eating the buffet, or I'm going to go all out and book a few specialty dining. And it's just, you got to. You got to know, you know, it's main dining there is totally different than, you know, your rotational dining on Disney. And it's very interesting. You know, it's like, people are always like, wait, Disney doesn't have, you know, a buffet, traditional buffet at night. And I'm like, no, but you're not going to want to go to it because it's so good.
[01:00:50] Speaker C: Exactly. That's how. I mean, I. I'll be honest. I don't love a buffet, period, including the Windjammer. But I love. I do love the specialty dining and I love some of the quick service options on Royal as well.
[01:01:01] Speaker A: Sorrento's Pizza, you will find me there every night.
[01:01:03] Speaker C: Yes, it's excellent. Um, okay. I didn't ask you about shows, so I gotta back up, because I know Brian's looking at me like, okay, Sam, we've reached an hour. We need to wrap this show up. But we. We could talk forever. But, you know, as someone who loves theater, a fellow theater lover, you mentioned Back to the Future on. On Royal Caribbean, which I've heard is incredible. We saw it on land, actually, in London, and loved that. That production in the West End. But I have to ask you, your favorite. I cannot leave this show without asking you, your favorite Disney Cruise Line main Stage show. It could be, you know, on any of the ships.
It could be on one of your favorite ships, but it doesn't have to be on one of your two favorite ships. Carly, which one is your favorite? Please tell me it's one of my favorites, because I love that we twin
[01:01:51] Speaker A: on almost everything Frozen, but I think I just love Frozen so much. So I think it's like, I can appreciate, like, Moana was incredible on the Disney treasure pioneering innovative technology.
I just love Frozen. The music is so good. The story's so good. The way they've adapted it for a Cruise production, I feel like the story keeps moving.
I didn't love Hercules. I'm sorry. It wasn't my favorite of the Disney Cruise Line productions.
I think it was just like, they just made some changes that I just wasn't my cup of tea.
But I love Frozen, and Moana is after.
But it's really hard because they're all really good. I mean, these are incredible actors, singers, whatnot.
[01:02:37] Speaker C: So I always tell people, if you choose Frozen, I can't be mad about it, because even though Frozen wouldn't be my favorite just because it's not my favorite story, that production is the best production of Frozen I've ever seen. And I've compare it to the Hyperion Theater production and Disney California Adventure, and I compare it to the Broadway and national tour, and I still think that the Disney Cruise Line production is better. And I think the use of the adaptation with puppetry is. Is just brilliant. So, yeah, so I completely understand why you'd pick that one, even though you didn't pick one of my favorites, Carly. But that's.
[01:03:14] Speaker A: That's okay. What's your favorite?
[01:03:16] Speaker C: I. I. It's like it changes day to day because I love both Moana and Hercules, but I also think that Beauty and the Beast is technically probably the most incredible, incredibly staged, you know, production that Disney Cruise Line has ever put on.
So it's. I. And, you know, I got to give a special, you know, honorable mention to Tangled and an honorable mention to Frozen. But I always pick one of the full length musicals. I do not pick a Brian's Favorite Golden Mickeys or, or, or my favorite of the variety shows, Sees the Adventure or. Yeah, Sees the Adventure. Like all of the. Those are. They're very good. But I can't. I need a full storyline. I need a real.
[01:03:58] Speaker A: So do I. Beauty and the Beast also fantastic. I mean, you're seeing a full Broadway production. Like it's always so hard to explain to people. I'm like, this is not a cruise show. You know what a cruise show is? It's a hokey thing. No, these are full Broadway shows and it's so hard to pick because they all are really talented. And it's. Those people work so hard. It's like you'll see someone that night in Beauty and the Beast and the next morning he's like the photo guy at Royal Gathering. I'm like, how do you guys watch. Work so hard and you do everything. And it's like these cast members are so incredible. And you know, they make the Disney Cruise Line experience with talent and how much they care about what they do.
[01:04:37] Speaker C: Yeah. You know, speaking of Frozen, I gotta ask if you think that we could ever see Frozen 2 on stage on Disney Cruise Line? Cause I think that's a fabulous movie. And of course I love the music in that. I actually like the music in Frozen 2 better than original.
[01:04:55] Speaker A: I just had this conversation with someone. I think the music conversion to is even better. Into the Unknown is even better than Let It Go and I will die on that hill. I'm like, this is such a great song. I mean, obviously they were going for that same emotional draw as Let It Go, but I think it's even better. I definitely think we could see that. That would be wonderful. Sign me up, please.
[01:05:16] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, I, I think it's, you know, we. We talk about what could be on the believe and, and that's. I mean, I. Predictions about Encanto, predictions that they might put Tangled on that ship as you home for it because it's only on the magic. But I think at some point I do think Frozen 2 would be a great addition to Disney Cruise Line. And they've frozen me out on the other ships because now it's on three different ships. But I wouldn't be mad if they brought Frozen two. So it's.
[01:05:47] Speaker A: I don't think anyone else would be mad. I also say I. I love Tangled too. It's incredible. Mother Knows Best is such a great song. I mean, all the shows are so good. It's. It's really. It's really difficult, you know, and it's again, like, if you go to a Broadway show these days, it's three to $500, you know, per person. So getting to have that, a chance to see a stage production, get your little popcorn out there, I mean, it's just. It's so amazing.
[01:06:13] Speaker C: Yeah. And it could be $1,000 a ticket if somebody like Leslie Odom is back in Hamilton.
[01:06:20] Speaker A: Right. I know. It's like Hamilton's expensive as it is without even having him in it.
[01:06:24] Speaker C: Absolutely.
Well, Carly, we have taken more than an hour of your time.
[01:06:30] Speaker A: Okay. I love it. This is my favorite subject.
[01:06:33] Speaker C: Yeah, we absolutely love talking to you about all things Disney Cruise Line, about all things Disney parks, about all things Disney food.
If people want to follow along with you and your journeys, why don't you tell folks where they can follow you on the socials, how they can find out importantly about the book and all of the places where they can purchase it. You mentioned Amazon, but tell us all of the things.
[01:06:57] Speaker A: Yes, of course. Yes. I am most active on Instagram venturesbycarlie. I'm always sharing my travels and whatnot. Today I actually spent the afternoon in Galaxy's Edge doing May 4th shenanigans. And I bought the new popcorn bucket for a friend. So I did that and I had a ronto wrap to celebrate this high holiday.
I am.
[01:07:19] Speaker C: Yeah, that's a way to celebrate. You absolutely need to eat a ronto wrap. Not the breakfast one, the lunch and dinner version.
[01:07:26] Speaker A: I did the lunch one and I will say it was such a vibe. I have never been like gutsy enough to go on the 4th because it is crazy. What an energy.
99% of people were in either costume or at least Star wars shirts. And it was such a vibe. So highly recommend doing it, but yes, you can find me @adventuresbycarli on Instagram.
And then my book, the Unofficial Disney Parks Retro cookbook, comes out October 13 this year, which sounds far away, but pre order is now available. We're on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, pretty much wherever you purchase your books, small bookstore. So I'm really excited and appreciate all the support.
[01:08:07] Speaker C: Well, we're so excited for you.
[01:08:09] Speaker B: I just went on while we were recording and pre ordered a copy. So it will be on its way. Yes. So all the other list, we put our money where our mouth is when it comes to supporting people. So yes, go buy Carly's book, please.
[01:08:21] Speaker C: Thank you. Yes, yes. And I also want to know you got any fun articles coming out soon?
[01:08:28] Speaker A: Ooh yes. Actually. So non Disney related. I also do Universal and all the theme parks Dollywood. I don't discriminate. I love.
[01:08:36] Speaker C: That's right. You just ran in Dollywood.
[01:08:38] Speaker A: Yes, I did just run the inaugural race Dollywood. I said I was retired from theme park races after like so many early mornings with Rundisney and it's just too early for my cup of tea. I missed the night races. Please bring back nighttime food and wine. That was awesome. I did the inaugural Dolly run. It was so much fun. A lot of people were in dolly wigs and everything. So I'm actually right now at Epic Universe working on a best snacks story. So I spent all of yesterday with my family and we ate like everything I got a lot of. I've already tried most. I've tried like almost all the food and restaurants there but I wanted to get of things again some new menu items that came out. So I will be working on a best eats at Epic Universe which everyone should visit because it is absolutely incredible and that will be coming out soon.
[01:09:29] Speaker C: Awesome. Well, I remember when Epic Universe first opened and you were sharing about all of the foods that you were eating in, well, everywhere. But especially I remember seeing pictures of stuff in the Super Mario Land and just.
Yeah.
[01:09:46] Speaker A: So good. Yeah, they have a little meat and cheese calzone that's shaped like a super mushroom and that is one of my favorite eats. Definitely on my list of best snacks but they really up their culinary game and it's very exciting to follow.
[01:10:00] Speaker C: Awesome. I just love talking food with you and love, love talking theme parks with you. Love talking cruise line with you. But thank you so much for joining us, Carly. We hope that you will come back. Enjoy. Join us again in the future. Yeah. And we hope that we get to of course see you on board the Disney Believe.
[01:10:19] Speaker A: Yes. Oh yes. It's on. Let's do it.
[01:10:26] Speaker D: Well, thanks to everyone out there for listening this week. We really, really appreciate it. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast. You can keep getting great content from us every week. In fact, twice a week we publish shows. So be sure to hit the subscribe subscribe button to get all of those great episodes. And if you want to watch us alive, we have a live show now every week, Monday nights, 5:30pm Pacific, 8:30pm Eastern over on YouTube.com DCLDUO so be sure to head over and check that out. If you want to help support the show, be sure to hit those five stars on Apple podcasts. And if you leave us a written review, a five star written review. We will read it at the top of one of our main episodes. So please head over there and hit those five stars. Of course you can also help support the show by by supporting our fabulous show sponsor, My Path Unwinding Travel. You want to book your next Disney vacation? Head over to mypathunwinding.com DCLDUO or email them at DCLDUO mypathunwinding.com so they know we sent you their way. If you've got questions or you'd like to connect with us, the best way to do that is to head over to DCLDuo.com it's got links to all of our things, full catalog of the podcast episodes including a searchable catalog for the podcast links off to our vlog a link to our Etsy store. We sell some fun fan inspired magnets Link to our Patreon if you'd like to help directly support the show each and every month, just head over to the website or patreon.com DCLDUO also has a way for you to sign up for our substack newsletter that we're hoping to start really pumping out monthly here at least, and a few blog articles that we've written, so DCLDuo.com is the best way to connect with us. You can also of course email
[email protected] or reach out to us on our voicemail line at 402-413-5590. That's 402-413-5590. The DCL Dual Podcast is not affiliated with Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Company or the Disney family of theme parks. The views expressed on the show are solely those of the individuals on the podcast and in no way reflective. Use the Disney Company or Disney Cruise Line. If you have questions about a Disney Cruise or Disney Vacation, please contact the great folks over at My Path Unwind, Winding Travel or Disney directly or your own travel agent. Thanks again for listening and we'll see you next time for another fabulous adventure with the DCL Duo.
[01:12:28] Speaker B: Good night.
