[00:00:00] Speaker A: I'm like, life is short, man. We're here for a hot minute, and I'm like, I can always make more money. But, like, the time that I have with my family, with my kids, with my husband, the time that I have to make, like, to really experience the magic for myself, like, I don't get those that time back. And it's worth it every time. I'll pay it every time.
[00:00:29] Speaker B: Welcome back, everybody, to this week's episode of the D Cl Duo podcast, brought to you by WeDoTravel. Right? Remember, life is short. Take the trip. Let the folks over at WeDoTravel, right, handle the planning so you can focus on the relaxing.
[00:00:41] Speaker C: That's right, Sam.
[00:00:43] Speaker B: It's time for your jingle. It's time for listen.
[00:00:44] Speaker C: Review.
[00:00:45] Speaker B: Jingle.
[00:00:45] Speaker C: Simply the best.
Better than all the rest.
[00:00:50] Speaker B: All right, this week's listener review comes from. I think it's Sombra 0712. I think my eyes are not fully woken up and that text is really tiny. But Sombra0712, who writes well informed and prepared. I really appreciate the knowledge and preparation the hosts put into each episode. When they have guests on the show, they ask appropriate questions to help the guests navigate the conversation and convey their experience and knowledge. I didn't realize until recently they do tend to spotlight a more elevated concierge experience, which may not be for everybody. However, I enjoy that they feature guests with unique backgrounds and vacation experiences. Let me start by saying thank you for that review. Sombra.
This is two years old. If you listen to our more recent episodes, I think we've talked to concierge a little, but not nearly as much as we were back then.
So we try to. We try to feature a broad range of experiences here because we. We can't even afford to sell a concierge anymore. That a discount.
[00:01:43] Speaker C: I think we did get an. I think there was a little period of time where we got really kind of enamored with, like, the luxury experiences on board, and we wanted to cover them a lot cheaper. Yeah, well, it was cheap. It was more affordable than it is now. But we also just like. I think we were just like, really wanted to do a deep dive into what those experiences were. And so we actually did experience some of it ourselves. And so our coverage for a bit did skew to that experience. But I think. No, I think you're right, Brian. I think our. We try to cover kind of everything.
So concierge level experiences and then inside, you know, state room experiences, recorded an
[00:02:20] Speaker B: episode with someone who had a Family of four in the smallest inside category available.
[00:02:23] Speaker C: So with one of those magic porch portholes, actually. Yeah, Super.
[00:02:27] Speaker B: I also just, I want to say that I appreciate that we come across as prepared because, folks, we're just talking.
Maybe it's the analytical mind of a lawyer, I don't know. But anyway, I appreciate that we. I appreciate that we give that vibe. But anyway, thank you for that review. As always, one of the easiest ways to help support the show, head over to Apple Podcasts, hit those five stars, and if you leave us a written review along with your five stars, we will read it on the air at the top of one of our main episodes. Same goes for any platform where you happen to be listening to us. If that's YouTube, Spotify, I don't know. There's so many podcasting players out there. Stitcher. Yeah, Kastos. Not Kastos, not Castos. That's our hosting platform. But anyway, thank you for the review. Give us all the love. Sam. I want to get right to our guests, so I'm going to throw it over to you to introduce guests and topic for today.
[00:03:14] Speaker C: Yeah, we're joined by some old friends.
We've known these folks for quite a few years.
They actually co host their own podcast. So we are excited to welcome, actually to the first time on our show today, Derek and Maddie from the Disney Trip Report podcast. Welcome, Derek. Welcome, Maddie.
[00:03:33] Speaker D: Jeffrey R. Thank you. Oh, my gosh. Longtime listener, first time caller. Can't wait to talk everything with you guys.
[00:03:40] Speaker A: Big fans. We're so excited to sit down and chat with you guys today.
[00:03:43] Speaker D: I have listened to those concierge episodes while in a hot tub on a Disney cruise because I appreciate hearing from other people who maybe travel a little bit more elegantly than we do.
[00:03:54] Speaker A: So it's one of the premises of our show where we're like, we love hearing about other people' experiences because maybe we aren't going to do Disney the same way. You know, like, there's no, there's no wrong way to do Wrong way to do Disney. There's a million right ways.
[00:04:07] Speaker C: Absolutely. Except if you think that, like, Believe is your favorite show on Disney Cruise Line, then you're just wrong.
[00:04:16] Speaker A: You know, listen, we welcome a whole lot of opinions and sometimes people will say things and Derek and I are looking at each other and we're going, yeah, yeah. Okay.
[00:04:27] Speaker D: That's a choice.
[00:04:29] Speaker A: Can have their own Disney magic. That is fine. We think you're wrong, but that is fine. If you think it was magical, then it was magical.
[00:04:36] Speaker C: Absolutely. Absolutely. And to be clear, I'm not talking about the ship, the believe the new ship that's coming. I was talking about the stage show, the jukebox musical show on Disney Cruise Line. Well, you guys, we are super excited to have you on the show. You just came back from a trip on the beautiful Disney Wish, and so we're going to be talking about that, doing a little Disney trip report podcast.
And so we're excited to talk about that. But before we do, we gotta start out with your Disney background. We ask everybody on our show.
I mean, Derek's been podcasting in the Disney space for a very long time. But Derek, why don't you give us your Disney background? Where did your love for Disney come from? And when did you start cruising with Disney as well?
[00:05:22] Speaker D: Oh yeah. So I am a Disney kid through and through. Born in the 80s, raised in the 90s. Disney's one Saturday morning, Ducktales the Renaissance. So all the commercials that they aired were always targeted towards me. So we went as a kid, we went every five years.
And then I did my first cruise on a thing called Carnival, which I've never done again.
And so we actually got in the cruising about the same time you guys did at as well. I remember Brian and I talking about like, you guys started right after we did. Now you're way ahead of us. But yeah, we started on the Disney Dream on a three night to see if we liked it. And news flash, we loved it.
[00:06:00] Speaker A: We had two little kids at the time. And so now it's been interesting to like see all of the different iterations of our family on a cruise ship and to see how, you know, different cruise lines do different things and what fits our family really well. And you know, like being back on a Disney cruise, I was like, yeah, this is for me. I love it's just the best.
[00:06:23] Speaker C: Oh, that's awesome. Now Maddie, where did your like, love of Disney start? Like, were you a Disney kid also or was it Derek that like pulled you real hard into Disney? Because you guys are like hardcore parks people.
[00:06:35] Speaker A: We are hardcore parks people. So I was a absolute a Disney kid. I mean, I think if you grew up in the 90s, it's just kind of like it is hard for it not to be baked in, honestly, because they had so many IPs that came. Movies that came out that were, are just like, they hold up today and are as iconic today as they were when they came out. And but my, my family, my dad is a music teacher, so we always had music on and there are so many incredible, you know, music moments throughout the 90s. And so we. We watched tons of Disney movies. Some of my earliest memories are watching Little Mermaid with my grandpa, and he had to buy the VHS tape two times because I.
The one at his house. Right. There was one at our house, and then there was the one at his house, and he had to buy it two times because I would watch it and then we'd rewind it and watch it over and over and over again.
[00:07:31] Speaker C: Yeah, those VHS tapes would actually wear out. It's like cassette music tapes would as well. Right. Like, if you. The more you played them, eventually that tape would actually wear out. CDs. It's a lot. I mean, it would take a lot lot to, like, wear out, you know, a CD or dvd. So that's.
[00:07:46] Speaker B: Yes, but all you needed to do to fix a tape was, you know, the eraser end of the.
[00:07:53] Speaker C: But I don't know. I worked at Hollywood Video, so we had. We had those machines that would do that fast rewind of the VHS tapes. Yeah, yeah.
[00:08:01] Speaker A: No. So I watched it all the time growing up. I went to my. On my first. I went to the Disney parks. When I turned nine, my mom won a sweepstake stakes from Dairy Queen, which is so random. My very first Disney trip was because she won a sweepstakes. And it was like the most magical trip. It was incredible. I loved it.
I got the opportunity to go back to Magic Kingdom when I was a junior in high school because I was in a singing competition that was in Orlando. And I was like, well, we should do a day. My dad and I did that. And then when Derek and I started dating, like, within the first week, we were like, well, we have to watch Star wars together. Which is.
It literally was like our vetting process. I was like, can. Should we date? Like, other people are like, does this person want kids does this? And we're like, do they like Star Wars? Yeah.
[00:08:48] Speaker C: And this is before Lucasfilm was even part of Disney, probably, right? Yeah. Yeah.
[00:08:53] Speaker A: And so that we. So he's a big movie buff. I grew up loving Disney, and music is kind of my thing. And so there's just this beautiful. You know, then the Venn diagram is very overlap.
[00:09:06] Speaker C: And so we love that Venn diagram reference, by the way. Maddie, I don't know. Like, this is. This is like two of my. At work, we talk a lot about Venn diagrams at my work. I know it sounds weird, but I'm a lawyer, and we do. And I absolutely love that you just brought up a Venn Diagram. We're. We're obviously meant to be friends.
[00:09:24] Speaker A: Yes. I think about this all the time. I'm in strategic planning, and I'm a fractional cmo, so I think about this all the time. Like, where's the overlap?
But we decided to honeymoon at Disney. And, like, that was kind of. It's. From the beginning of our relationship, it has been something that has been really important to us as a couple and us as a family. And obviously, like, it led to Derek starting a podcast. We've done tons of family trips, and it's just.
It's just part of us.
It's part of us.
[00:09:55] Speaker D: Our annual pass is just, like, on repeat. We don't even question that credit card statement anymore.
[00:10:00] Speaker A: Just like, la, la, la, la, la, la.
[00:10:03] Speaker D: I'm paying for Disney to pay for the annual pass every year.
[00:10:06] Speaker A: So it's free, guys.
[00:10:07] Speaker C: Basically free.
That's.
[00:10:09] Speaker A: Yeah. So if you come on our podcast, we talk a lot about Disney math, and by Disney math, you should not talk to us about Disney math.
[00:10:17] Speaker D: You'll be going on a cruise ship and buying a DVC concert. We don't know how you got that.
[00:10:21] Speaker A: You just make more money, but you don't get time back, which is actually so true.
[00:10:24] Speaker C: So, you know, life's short, right?
[00:10:26] Speaker B: So I'd rather. I'd rather invest my money in the experience than.
[00:10:30] Speaker A: Absolutely. I'm like, life is short, man. We're here for a hot minute. And I'm like, I can always make more money, but, like, the time that I have with my family, with my kids, with my husband, the time that I have to make, like, to really experience magic for myself, like, I don't get those. That time back. And it's worth it every time. I'll pay it every time.
[00:10:48] Speaker C: Absolutely. I think it's. It's. It's funny because, you know, people sort of ask, like, oh, you know, do you, you know, do you buy expensive purses or expensive shoes or things like that? And it's like, no, baby, I'm thrift. Yeah, I'm.
[00:11:00] Speaker A: I'm.
[00:11:00] Speaker C: I'm happy to shop at Target and, you know, because I want, want. I want to spend my, My money in Mickey's pocket. So, yeah. Yeah.
[00:11:09] Speaker A: I'm like, we live in Nebraska in. And we drive modest cars. We. I, I like. I love getting a good thrift. I love a coupon where I splurge is going to Disney.
[00:11:21] Speaker D: That's Money doesn't make sense on a cruise ship either. As soon as you check in, like, we.
[00:11:25] Speaker C: It's all Free.
[00:11:26] Speaker D: It's all free. You're like, what?
[00:11:27] Speaker A: Yeah, I just.
[00:11:28] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:11:29] Speaker A: We treat the cruise ship like end of the day, truly and all inclusive, and that includes merch, so.
[00:11:33] Speaker C: Yeah.
All right, well, let's div to this cruise. Now. What number cruise was this for you all?
[00:11:40] Speaker D: Derek, this is our fifth Disney cruise. So we've gone on the dream, the magic. I know. We're gold. Finally. We've been on the Wish twice in the fantasy. So like I said, we started at the same time and you guys just. We go to the parks like three or four times a year where you guys go to cruises more. So we're trying to catch up, but you guys keep moving the goalpost on us.
[00:12:01] Speaker B: Well, we, I mean, we, we dumped our annual pass. I mean, we just, we just don't go. I mean, despite owning an ungodly amount of dvc, we really don't go to the parks.
[00:12:11] Speaker C: We, I mean, yeah, we, we just will spend like a night right. At a resort the night before the cruise or even a night after the cruise and not actually going to parks at all.
[00:12:21] Speaker A: Here's the deal is there's so much to do.
[00:12:23] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:12:23] Speaker A: On Disney property outside of the parks. That, that is absolutely some a way for you to experience the magic. There are people who are. Have tons of DVC points and they plan their whole DVC vacation and they never set foot in the parks. And there's still so much to do.
[00:12:38] Speaker C: Yeah. All right, well, why did you choose this cruise, this itinerary?
Did you pair it with a park trip? That's. I'm guessing that that's how this all fit in.
[00:12:46] Speaker D: Yeah. This is crazy because we have three kids. One in high school, one in eighth grade, middle school, and then in elementary school. So our kids have 9,000 activities. So really in a year, we have about 13 days. Maybe we can take a vacation. And so this is a last minute booking. We were looking at our summer schedule and we're like, oh, they move football back a couple days and we get this theater thing. We have a week off in this summer. What do we do? Oh, my gosh. And we could. No, that's not what we do. We wanted to book a cruise. We wanted to do a three night and we had the credit card points to help pay for it. And we decided to the wish because it lined up exactly. Because Brian said we have DVC points. We're like, well, I guess we'll go for a couple days before. And then like a crazy person. Because football got moved back, we decided to do Universal afterwards. And so, so I don't recommend park cruise parks, but that's what we did.
[00:13:39] Speaker A: It was very much, it was a very Derek kind of trip.
If you guys know Derek, while he is like, he's like fast and like fast paced and he wants to do all the things go, go, go.
So this was kind of like three mini trips in one week.
I am not quite that fast paced. I can keep up, but I am much more like, I'm like, we got onto the, onto the wish and I was like, three nights, this is ridiculous. We should never do this again. We. Three nights is stupid. Why are we doing this? Like, I was like, I was like, we can't, we can't. This is our last three night. Which it's probably not like I, a three night would be just fine for just Derek and I maybe, I don't know.
[00:14:19] Speaker C: It's hard. It's hard. Yeah.
[00:14:21] Speaker A: I'm always like, I'm like, you barely. Like, even though we had been on that ship before and I was really familiar, I was still like, oh, there's so many things that I'm missing out on.
[00:14:31] Speaker B: I mean you have the same issue we do. I mean you're going all the way from Nebraska, right. And so like, you know, for us to fly all the way to Florida for a three night sailing, it's just, it is, it's a lot. And I, I, I do agree. Like maybe Sam and I could do it.
San Diego's not bad. I mean we've done that and it's not terrible for us. But that's a long trip to go for three nights. So I'm always like seven nights or more is like what I'm aiming for.
[00:14:54] Speaker A: What's funny is that when we took our first cruise, so by the time we took our first cruise, when our oldest, our oldest are almost 15, 13 and at the time they, it was like 10 years ago. So we, I, I had already implemented like because Derek likes a quick trip. I had already implemented, hey, we have to have double the amount of days that it takes to travel to and from. So I was like, if it is less than four days, I'm not into it. Because especially with traveling, traveling with little kids, it's a lot. Right? And so this, this did fit the parameters. Right?
[00:15:30] Speaker C: Because we, we did because you added the park days.
Even if you had just had the front of them on the front end, you would have been over your four day limit. Yeah, yeah.
[00:15:40] Speaker A: But so that's normally what we do is that we, we even if we Have a shorter cruise. We're. We're doing a full.
Usually close to closer to a seven day.
[00:15:50] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. Well, let's talk about the planning side of things. You mentioned that this was kind of last minute.
Like, when you say last minute, how last minute are we talking? Because you. You just got off like a week ago. So this was early, early August that you sailed or late July that you sailed. Like, how far in advance were you planning and were there things that you were like, looking to book or were you just like, okay, well, it's only three days. We don't need to pre book anything. I'll throw that one to Derek.
[00:16:18] Speaker D: Yeah. So we started booking this April. May is when we were. Finally got the cruise set.
And it really was, oh, my gosh, we have a week. Our kids are getting older and they're not as into Disney as they once were. So, like, we want to be able to have those moments with them before they get to. I mean, they're two of them are teenagers, so we knew. Hey, we. We don't know how many more cruises we have as a full family. So let's definitely make this magic.
Do the three night. And then the kids really want to do epic. So it's like, okay, we'll add that for them because it's their vacation too.
But yeah, we planned it very last minute. Our TA was wonderful to work with.
And just literally it was like, here's the week. Like, what can fit in this week? We want to fly out of Porker. We fly to mco. So it's like there is only two options. And so we chose the wish. It was either the wish or the fantasy. And the wish just worked better timing wise because we also didn't know our football schedule until about two weeks before the cruise. So we didn't even add. We didn't even add. I don't even think I booked flights for this cruise until about two weeks before. And then we added epic at the very, very last minute.
[00:17:25] Speaker A: We added epic last minute, and we added a park day last minute. Because we honestly, we were like, well, maybe we'll just go to a water park. Like, until we were literally in the airport on Wednesday night. They were like, okay, do we want to go to a water park and just have a chill day or are we going to go and do the
[00:17:41] Speaker D: park tickets at the airport at MCO for the following day?
[00:17:46] Speaker C: Oh, my God.
[00:17:46] Speaker D: So it was very one day.
[00:17:50] Speaker A: And it was. It was booked in. In May.
Okay, we booked this in May. I had a. I am president of a nonprofit. We had a huge amount of stuff to do. And so truly like, I was like, I truly told Derek. I was like, I can't even think about this. You have to plan everything. I will just be along for the ride.
[00:18:09] Speaker D: The best part of that is when the night before the cruise, she looks at me and goes, what did you sign us up for? Fish extender wise?
Don't worry, honey, I'm on time.
[00:18:19] Speaker A: I was like, I had a panic moment because I was like, oh my God, if he signed us up for a bunch of stuff, I haven't gotten anything. I. And truly like, I hadn't. I mean, I like last minute packing like all the things because I. It's a theater show. I literally did strike until 6 in the morning on Sunday.
Okay. And then on Wednesday we left.
So.
[00:18:38] Speaker C: Yeah, this is a very quick like planning turnaround for, for Maddie at least then.
[00:18:43] Speaker A: Well, and it was also we.
We weren't even sure we were gonna do a cruise. We were like, well, let's just see.
The reason it was so last minute is we were like, okay, we have this time. We reached out to our TA and we were like, hey, what even could we do? And she's like, well, you could do this or this. And we were like, cool, let's go.
[00:18:59] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:18:59] Speaker D: In that Disney Visa credit card, I checked how many points I had and offset the cruise and that makes it a free cruise in my mind.
[00:19:07] Speaker A: Called in. She was like, they were like, you have how many points? Like, they were like, like, oh my God.
[00:19:14] Speaker C: Listen, it's all Disney math. Now. Did you guys plan any onboard activities? Did you book any of the onboard activities? Like I don't know, like Apollo or an Enchante or a drink tasting or I don't know, an excursion? Like I'm thinking, because this is kind of last minute. You may. There may not have been very much available, but were there any, was there
[00:19:34] Speaker A: anything you want free night? We were like, there's so much to do for free that is already baked into the prize.
[00:19:39] Speaker D: Daughter. Got something. Madison, what did you book our 15 year old daughter that neither of us got.
[00:19:48] Speaker E: Yeah.
[00:19:48] Speaker A: So we had even talked about. We had. We have been on the Wish before. So this is the sec. This is the first time we've ever repeated on a ship. And I love the Rainforest Room on the Wish. It's so lovely. And so I was like, oh, on the, on, we'll, we'll get on. We'll get on the ship and we'll, you know, walk around the ship and I was like, oh, Olivia can go to the open house, right? Like she can't go in the Rainforest Room anymore. But you know, yeah, she's not old enough. But I was like, you can go and look at it.
And then, you know, we were like talking and then people were like, oh, I'd love to schedule you a facial. And then I couldn't say no. And so Olivia got a facial.
[00:20:23] Speaker C: Awesome. I love that. Yeah. So for those, we don't talk about
[00:20:26] Speaker A: how much it was.
[00:20:27] Speaker C: We don't know.
Teens can do certain treatments. There's sort of a. There, there are certain treatments they're allowed to do and then there are other treatments that are not allowed until you're 18. And rainforest room is one of those areas that you can't access until you're 18. And you know, there's a past for that. But there are some things like mani pedis are available for teens.
[00:20:47] Speaker A: Facial, some massages.
[00:20:49] Speaker B: Yeah, well, and on the wish class they have their own rooms. Actually, didn't they build those into the fantasy and dry dock when they built the kitchen for concierge? So yeah, I think they.
[00:20:58] Speaker A: Or they took over as her souvenir.
[00:21:00] Speaker C: Yeah, well, experiences over things, right?
[00:21:02] Speaker D: Expensive souvenir.
[00:21:04] Speaker C: Yeah, expensive souvenir, yeah.
[00:21:07] Speaker A: Disney man.
[00:21:08] Speaker B: Well, no, but it's, it's the theme, I was just saying a few minutes ago of like pay for the experience, not the thing. Right. Like. Yeah. And so you got the experience of, you know. Yeah, that spa treatment, which. Or the Rainforest Room. So. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[00:21:19] Speaker A: So Derek and I have never done that. We did Brain. We've done Rainforest Room before. We decided not to do it this time because truly I was just like there's too many things I want to do on the ship and it's so short.
[00:21:28] Speaker C: Yeah, I, I generally don't recommend. Unless you're like sailing adults only.
And, and, and like relaxation is that priority for you. I don't generally recommend somebody booking the Rainforest Room on that shorter length cruise because there's so many other things to do. And if you have kids with you there, the kids are going to want to do things with you and well, if they want to do things with you, obviously that's a whole other topic. But if they're going to want to do things with you, you're not going to end up using that Rainforest Room pass and you're going to have paid for the pass that never, that never gets used. Well, let's talk embarcation day. Now how did you guys get down to the port? You were up in or. I know, obviously, it's about an hour, hour and 15 minutes to get to Port Canaveral, which is where you were sailing out of. What was your transportation situation?
[00:22:15] Speaker D: We took the bus. We are now officially. We love the bus. It helps move the onboard time up. So we got boarding group five because of it. And I've just really grown to appreciate it. And I think I realized why on this trip, because it is what the magical express used to be when I was younger. That feeling when you're going from the airport to the parks or playing shows and you get excitement. That is what the Disney transfer bus does. Like, we've done private car service. We've rented cars. I hate both those. The bus is where it's at. And they give you a cool magnet that went on our door.
[00:22:49] Speaker C: Ooh, I love that. And they take your. They take your luggage from you at the resort, and then you see it back, you know, at your room, like, later that evening.
[00:22:58] Speaker A: So nice.
[00:22:59] Speaker D: And price wise, I feel like it's very reasonable to, like, renting your own or. Or doing a limo service.
[00:23:05] Speaker C: Yeah. I think the bigger your group, the less sort of. It makes sense. Right. But it. It. But you can do the math and kind of price out. And if it comes close, but it's more convenient, then I say, you know,
[00:23:16] Speaker A: I was gonna say you have to. Have to. You have to factor in that convenience because, yes, it is more expensive for five of us. Right. But also, I'm like, then we're not having to drag all of that stuff to the port.
[00:23:28] Speaker D: No car seats.
[00:23:29] Speaker A: Yeah, we don't have car seats anymore. Right. But, like, we're just able to walk on with our backpacks that have our swimsuits, and that's it. It's so nice.
[00:23:39] Speaker C: Yeah. Now let's talk embarkation day traditions. Do you guys have, you know, something that you like to do when you first, of course, you. You board the beautiful Disney wish, they announce your family name.
What's, like, the first thing that you guys are up to when you get on a Disney cruise?
[00:23:55] Speaker A: Food. Immediately.
[00:23:57] Speaker D: Absolutely.
[00:23:57] Speaker A: Marceline Market. It hit me up.
[00:23:59] Speaker D: Oh, no, it's the wish. So I'm getting barbecue and Donald's Cantina.
[00:24:03] Speaker C: Yeah, that's right. That's right.
[00:24:06] Speaker D: Before, like, we even got to Marceline Market. Like, we were one of the first round. I got a burrito made. The kids all went to Marceline Market. I had that thing eating the bowl.
[00:24:14] Speaker A: Yeah. I got the bowl from Donald's Cantina that. It's so good. They're first class food.
[00:24:19] Speaker D: That is it.
[00:24:19] Speaker C: Yes, yes.
[00:24:20] Speaker A: I mean like, truly the way you make the three night like really shine is you just lean in on the food and oh my gosh, I.
I love the food on like everything is a hit. Every single thing. All of the little onboard pool. Like I will go to any of those and I enjoy it.
[00:24:39] Speaker C: I end up skipping Marceline Market almost completely on the wish class because I eat pool deck food for lunch always. Like, I never end up going into Marceline for food for lunch. So if I grab anything, I'm like, Marceline is breakfast.
[00:24:54] Speaker A: That's it.
[00:24:54] Speaker C: Right? If I grab anything, it's. I might grab something small for breakfast. I'm. I'm a big coffee drinker in the morning, but as. As people who listen to this show know that I do not mean the stuff that they put in those big canisters and call it coffee. Cause it's sad brown Joffrey's water. It's gross. I'm talking Cove Cafe or one of the other cafes on board.
[00:25:16] Speaker B: You're still waiting for the Joffrey team Joffrey's to come after you.
[00:25:19] Speaker C: Yeah, I know, right?
[00:25:21] Speaker D: Level of those coffees on the very first day. And then the next day I went to Cove Cafe. So I was like, there. That was for you, Sam.
[00:25:27] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. I mean you.
[00:25:28] Speaker D: I drank that one in your honor.
[00:25:31] Speaker A: You know, they have the enchanted. I think it's enchanted sword.
That's. That's where I got my coffees because we were. That was close to where our, like.
[00:25:39] Speaker C: Well, yeah, yeah. I just find which. Yeah, whichever one is closer to my stateroom is the coffee bar I'm going to. I don't really have necessarily a preference. Like, doesn't have to be Cove Cafe. It doesn't have to be, you know, Merida's or Megaras on the newest, you know, ships. Like it just has to be whichever one is closest and has actual real specialty coffees.
I'm still drinking my iced Americano right now because it's. It's 10:30 in the. Or it's 10:00, clock in the morning here as we're recording on the west coast at least. Yeah, we.
[00:26:11] Speaker A: I do love Marceline Market for the breakfast because they have that omelette station, but that omelette station hides. I. I cannot even tell you. So first of all, I didn't even know that they had an omelette station shout out to our amazing dining room team because I. I just happened to run into Denny, who was our server and on that first morning and he was like, make sure you get an omelet. It's in the back. And I was thinking like an omelette station where like you see them make it for you and you take the order like right there across. No, no, no. It's a tiny table. Okay. It looks like a server's table. And I walk by it three times. It's embarrassing. It's fine.
But it has a little sign where you can do made for order. I did eventually find it and they made my, you know, my omelette with all of the veggies and things in it and it was delightful and I had it every other morning.
[00:27:02] Speaker C: Yeah. The other pro tip is if you want a real scrambled egg instead of that stuff that comes in the vat that looks kind of like scrambled eggs but runny and gross is you go there and you ask them and they'll, they'll actually make you fresh scrambled eggs with real eggs, not with Egg beaters. Yeah. So that's, that's the other, the other tip for, for Marceline Breakfast. Well, let's dive into some of the activities. Now. This would, this was a three night cruise. So you've just got Nassau and Castaway. No Sea day. Of course, on three night cruise. Typically on the Wish, occasionally you'll see an itinerary that has a sea day and Castaway that doesn't go to Nassau, but it's pretty rare. Were you guys planning on doing anything at Nassau or did you use that as another sea day?
[00:27:47] Speaker A: Yeah, we used it as a sea day. Yeah. Yeah. We're like on a cruise this short. There's no, there's nothing that we need to get off for, you know, so we were just on the ship.
[00:27:56] Speaker C: Yeah. Now on Nassau Day, there is Palo brunch on board the Disney Wish. And I know that that becomes obviously a sought after thing. Did you guys consider doing brunch? Obviously you booked late, so it probably would have been fully booked by that time. But did you, did you even try, I mean, didn't try on this one.
[00:28:15] Speaker D: By the time we thought about it, it's like, oh, we're getting on the ship.
[00:28:18] Speaker A: Well, but that, but also, even, even when we did have quick little conversations about like, oh, do we want to do this? Do we want to do this? Almost every time. I was like, no, there's going to be so much to do and so many options that we, we don't need to add on any extra things because we're, we're just going to be there.
[00:28:37] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:28:38] Speaker D: Like there's Palo before. But yeah, three night. It's like we're just trying to get.
[00:28:41] Speaker A: And we loved it. I would totally go back. Yeah, we absolutely loved.
But on this trip we were like, no, because we're also with our family. It's a three day trip. It just wasn't a good fit.
[00:28:51] Speaker C: Yeah, well, and Maddie, I think that makes complete sense because it's, it's, it's an added expense but it's also a big chunk of time that it's going to take. So it's going to take, you know, two to three hours of your adult time and then that means you're not doing stuff with the kids and maybe, you know, that means you miss other things you guys wanted to do. I'd love to talk about Castaway. You know, Castaway is of course the premier private island destination, the first in the Disney Cruise Line. Now of course they have Lighthouse. But tell us what you guys get up to at Castaway.
[00:29:26] Speaker D: Oh, I love Castaway. We've been to Lighthouse too. But I do love Castaway. We have said it's our favorite place on the planet. So it is just pure magical and it's just great because it's a time where all of our family can enjoy the water together.
And so, and now that our kids are a little bit older, we actually split up a little bit more as well. So we had time with each one of the kids individually. Our youngest went to Scuttles at one point so Maddie and I can go to the adult area, which was my
[00:29:54] Speaker A: first time at Serenity Bay.
[00:29:56] Speaker D: Yes, our mine as well.
[00:29:57] Speaker C: Oh, nice.
[00:29:58] Speaker A: We had never made it over there because our kids were always like, they wanted to be in the ocean, they didn't want to be at Scuttles, which we loved. Right. Like we, we have always just done that. We've done snorkeling. Our oldest did snorkeling this time but then Callum was like, yeah, I want to go in the kids area and I.
[00:30:15] Speaker D: He actually won the prize in the kids area.
A Donald Duck cap. And he's like still wears it to this day. So like he did the treasure hunt and won. So shout out to Scuttles for like going above and beyond with him.
[00:30:28] Speaker C: Oh, they're honestly the kids activities in the kids club. Both, both on the ship but also on the private islands. So, so, so good. I'm actually sad that Nathan has aged out because he used to have so much fun in Scuttles and then he also had fun.
I think the first time we went To Lookout. He was still within the age bracket for Oceaneers and he loved the one on Lookout as well. They had tons of water play stuff going on. It was.
[00:30:56] Speaker A: Yeah, it was so much to do and it was nice because we got to go over and do Serenity Bay, which was beautiful. Derek, like I said, he's a go, go, go. He's not a sit on the beach and enjoy the whole day. I can do that. Derek is not Derek. Not so much. So I went a little earlier, laid out a little bit, and he, you know, walked around and then met me. And it was nice. It was really nice.
[00:31:18] Speaker D: I checked him into Scuttles. You got extra time in. So there you go.
[00:31:21] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah. Mostly because I'm like, if both of us go at the same time, he's gonna be there for like 20 minutes
[00:31:27] Speaker C: and be like, I'm ready to go. Yeah, I'm gonna go do something. Yeah, yeah. Derek is. Derek is the me in this relationship because I. I can't sit still for very long. Like, I can sit for like 20, 30 minutes. And then I'm like, okay, I need to get up and like, do something. Like, I just. I'm not.
[00:31:42] Speaker D: The last time we went to Castaway, I went parasailing. I'm like, all right, you guys are boring me. I'm gonna go parasailing. And then I came back and met up with them. So also, Brian, I know you have bad luck parasailing. So I was like, I thought about you when I did it. But anyway, it's just like, that's my. I like to go, go, go. But yeah, we didn't get any excursions on Castaway this time. We also have my son who is now super redheaded, light skinned. So there is a moment and I' he is at a point where he can go back to the ship on his own because he's just like, my body is done. And we're like, sweet. We love you. Have fun. We'll see you back on board. And he's able to.
[00:32:16] Speaker A: Our teens. Both of our teens, like, went back to the ship earlier than the rest of us, which is completely fine. And they had a great time. Like, they. That meant that they went and they got to do, you know, the aquamouse, you know, got to have a little bit more time in our. Our middle is in the edge and our oldest was old enough for the vibe and they loved that. That was great.
[00:32:37] Speaker C: It's a choose your own adventure. I love that.
[00:32:39] Speaker A: Yeah, it was choose your own, which is very, you know, like it's been interesting because, you know, we've been doing trips for a long time, right?
Everyone moves kind of as a unit, right? And then they get a little older, and you're kind of like, okay, we can split the party. So we would split the party, but it'd be mom and dad are still, you know, and now that they're are quite a bit older, we're like, oh, it is truly each vacation, it's choose your own adventure. And we say, hey, these are the things that we're doing as a family. But they're like, you know, like dinner, right? Like, we're gonna do this thing. And then the rest of the time we're like, go have a great time.
[00:33:17] Speaker C: I think that's such an amazing part of, you know, sort of growing with your family through Disney is because the trip changes over the years. The way that you vacation with Disney, whether it's a Parks trip or a cruise, kind of changes as your. As your kids age and change themselves. And that's. That's always like a kind of a fun transition to see happen.
We love that Nathan can go back onto the ship if he's done for the day, especially, you know, especially if it's like a port day where we've done an excursion, we finished excursion, but Brian and I want to do some walking around and shopping or we want to go get a cup of coffee someplace.
Like, we love that Nathan can just go back on the ship because he's. When we've done an excursion, he's done. He's done for the day, and he wants to get.
[00:34:02] Speaker A: That's our middle is very much like that. He's like, I will do one thing, and then I would like to not be around people and do my own thing. Like, that's just his personality. And, like, you know, it's bit. It's so interesting to watch your kids, you know, because, like, we didn't know that when we were first doing trips, right? And he would get so cranky and angry, and we're like, what is a demon has taken over our child? And we're like, oh, nope. He just has a different capacity. And so you. You build your. Your vacations around how everyone can enjoy them, and. And you still make the magic as a family. It's. There's all sorts of ways to do it.
[00:34:39] Speaker C: And sometimes I think as parents, we don't realize when we've pushed our kid beyond their capacity until it's too late to do anything about it. And then we're dealing with a meltdown and so I think, you know, over time, of course, like, what. What each one's limit is like for us. We only have one, so it's. It's a little easier. We only have to pay attention to one person's signals beyond our own.
But, yeah, it is interesting to see. All right, well, I want to talk some of the onboard experiences, and I noticed that Derek has something very special around his neck.
Oh, this little thing.
[00:35:12] Speaker D: This little thing right here.
[00:35:13] Speaker A: Oh, I. I didn't wear mine. Where's mine?
[00:35:15] Speaker D: I wear it all the time. No, it's a. So our first three cruises, I did not win trivia, and I took it personally.
[00:35:23] Speaker A: That's very true. He was always like, I can't believe I didn't win. I'm like, I would get 19 and
[00:35:28] Speaker D: someone would get 20, and I'd be livid. Like, it ruined the crunch for me.
[00:35:34] Speaker A: Never the bride.
[00:35:35] Speaker D: And so, like, the. The one behind me is one from a Disney Star wars trivia that I won on the Fantasy. But then this one I won doing Pixar trivia. And it's just. It's just really fun. I do love trivia. I'm very competitive, and I take it way too seriously at times, especially Star wars trivia trivia, which I did lose on this.
[00:35:55] Speaker A: Oh, my gosh.
[00:35:56] Speaker D: It was so hard.
[00:35:57] Speaker A: This Star Wars. That trivia was crazy, dude.
[00:36:00] Speaker C: Really?
[00:36:01] Speaker A: Oh, my gosh. Like, I'm like, I.
The questions were like, I'm like, I don't. I didn't even know that that was a character. I was truly. And I'm like, I know Star Wars. Like, I love Star Wars. I'm not like, oh, my husband loves Star Wars. I mean, he does more than me. But, like, we're there, right?
[00:36:18] Speaker D: Star Cruiser questions, Brian? There was none. And I was offended by it because I would have won it if it was all Star Cruiser.
[00:36:24] Speaker C: All Star Cruiser, All Halcyon.
[00:36:27] Speaker D: I know.
[00:36:29] Speaker C: Well, it is funny. We. We try and tell people because I think people don't believe us when we tell them. Like, we don't win Disney trivia, Brian. And I Like, we. If we win trivia, it's brain teasers, general knowledge. Or I will say, we can win Disney Cruise Line trivia. We have won that before. Not every time, and we don't go to it every time, but we have won that a couple of times. But we can't win like. Like Star wars trivia. Mar. Marvel trivia is like, even I was one away.
[00:36:57] Speaker D: I lost by one. I got 19 out of 20. I was so mad.
[00:37:00] Speaker C: That's crazy, Derek. Because the Marvel trivia, I feel like it's not just like Marvel movies and TV shows. It's like, it goes like, deep into like, the comic book stuff that, like, there's no way that Brian. Brian and I don't know any of
[00:37:11] Speaker A: mine is like music trivia. So Disney music trivia. And there are deep cuts in there. Yeah, I find so fun for me.
[00:37:18] Speaker C: Yeah. I find all of those to be, like, incredibly hard. And there are people who literally get. Get 20 out of 20 on every. Every trivia you go to it almost. I mean, I feel like the only one where we see people regularly not get 20 out of 20 is general knowledge or brain teasers versus, like, at any of the Disney category trivias. Like, there is always at least one group, sometimes two groups.
[00:37:44] Speaker A: Right? You found their special interest.
[00:37:46] Speaker C: Exact.
Exactly. I. I'm not trying to diagnose anyone, but.
[00:37:52] Speaker A: No, no, but I mean, I'm like, signs are all there. I had.
I have this whole thought process of, like, where people in my regular life are like, oh, well, if you do Disney trivia, you guys are for sure going to win. Right? And that's just like, in my regular life, I'm like, yeah, I would beat all you noobs. Right?
Totally.
Around all these other Disney people. And I'm like, oh, no, no, no, no, no.
[00:38:23] Speaker C: Exactly.
[00:38:24] Speaker A: No, I am middle of the pack. I am average. Okay?
It's a different population.
[00:38:29] Speaker C: Exactly. When I tell non Disney people that we don't win Disney trivia, they're like, what? And I'm like, yeah. And I'm like, no, no, you. You don't understand. Like, compared to some people, we're not Disney people.
[00:38:41] Speaker A: Like, yeah, there are. There are tears. And I am in a. Oh, you
[00:38:45] Speaker D: have a Disney podcast. That's adorable. Way to intro to Disney life.
Just wait till you have 50,000 DVC points and you basically live there.
[00:38:54] Speaker C: And yeah, you moved Josh tomorrow's phone number.
I mean, we do know people who have moved to Orlando because of. Yeah, so too funny. Too funny. All right, so trivia is obviously a big thing for you guys. What were some of the other activities and are. Do the kids actually come to trivia or to the activities with you guys or are they kind of off?
[00:39:15] Speaker A: It depends on what we do.
[00:39:17] Speaker D: Make them go to one. And that's the DVC show, which is kind of where all the DVC members get together. That is one of my requirements. I know my kids. Like, one of my kids, like, why are we here? But it's like, this is. This is your family. These are your DVC members. So I always make a point to do that every cruise. And yeah, you get some weird blue drink, you play a game together, but it's just really a fun time to connect. And that's one where we always go to. And then Madison, our other favorite is
[00:39:43] Speaker A: karaoke is Whole Family. Yep, whole family.
[00:39:48] Speaker C: So what does everybody sing? Well, one. Do you all sing? And to what do you each sing? Maddie, you have to tell me. I got it.
[00:39:55] Speaker A: Yeah, we all sing.
So it kind of depends on. So on this. On this cruise, we were so. Everyone was so disappointed because there was only one family karaoke. We were like, one. What are you talking about? That's why we go on these cruises.
So it was like a general one. So we've done ones where it's like only Disney. Only Disney before usually like Liv and I are doing like show yourself from Frozen or into the unknown part of your world.
It's know like classic Disney. Classic Disney.
Yep. So those are our go tos. Declan almost never did like a Disney one. He would wait for the general and he. He pulls out like he Rick rolls everyone, which is hilarious. Which is iconic. I was like, yes. I love this Callum. Usually he will change what he wants depending on what he's super into. So like the last time that he did it, he was super into Sonic.
And the Warrior was. Is on the Knuckles movie. And so him and I sang the Warrior, which I cannot believe that the Disney Cruise Line has the song the Warrior. Okay. But they don't have poor unfortunate souls. Somebody fix this. Yeah, somebody fix this. I am so disappointed and angry that you don't have poor unfortunate souls. Like, come on. A classic Disney villain song.
[00:41:19] Speaker C: I mean, they didn't have For Good from Wicked when I was looking for at one time.
[00:41:24] Speaker A: So yeah, we did Defying Gravity. So this time I did. I. I did Defying Gravity and Olivia was my Glinda because technically it's a. It's a duet. And then Derek. If Derek does it, Derek doesn't always sing, but if Derek does it, he's going to pick a Disney decom. He's gonna pick a Disney Channel original movie every time. This is where he shines.
[00:41:47] Speaker D: Yep.
[00:41:48] Speaker A: So him and Olivia did.
[00:41:51] Speaker D: This is me.
[00:41:51] Speaker A: This is me from.
[00:41:52] Speaker D: I was Joe Jonas from Camp Rock, obviously.
[00:41:55] Speaker C: Obviously.
[00:41:56] Speaker A: So that was there. That was their song.
[00:41:59] Speaker C: Oh, my God, I love that. Now Camp Rock 3 is. Is about to come out.
[00:42:05] Speaker A: It came out yesterday. And don't worry, Derek and Olivia literally watched It.
[00:42:09] Speaker C: Okay, Okay.
I saw.
[00:42:13] Speaker A: He was like, I have Friday night plans.
[00:42:16] Speaker C: I have seen the first one. So I. I do know the song that you're talking about, but I will say we're not. We don't. We're not.
[00:42:22] Speaker A: In everything that I know about Disney Channel original movies, I learned from Derek. Yeah. The only. The last time I truly cared about a dcom was Cadet Kelly, because I. That is. You know, Hillary Duff and I are about the same age. And so when that came out, I was like, oh, I was really into that. But I mean, I love a lot of the songs. We really like Descendants, you know, when that came out, because our kids were really into it. But Derek, he is your. He's your dcom man all the. All the way.
[00:42:47] Speaker D: Watch them all.
[00:42:47] Speaker C: I love it.
[00:42:48] Speaker D: It's his favorite inner child work and therapy, something.
[00:42:51] Speaker C: I don't know.
[00:42:54] Speaker A: I'm just like, no, I'd like to watch Toy Story again.
[00:42:57] Speaker B: Wait, I gotta.
[00:42:58] Speaker A: Hercules.
[00:42:58] Speaker B: I gotta go back to karaoke for a second. Derek, what's your song? At karaoke?
[00:43:02] Speaker C: He sings a Disney Channel original movie.
[00:43:04] Speaker D: Yeah, I'll sing something. So this is real. This is me. I'm exact. Leave where. Yeah, so I'll do it.
[00:43:11] Speaker B: I would.
[00:43:12] Speaker A: Then I would say, he does. I want it that way. By.
[00:43:14] Speaker D: Actually, that's my go to.
[00:43:15] Speaker A: That's his go to?
[00:43:16] Speaker D: Yes.
[00:43:16] Speaker B: I wanted to hear your welcome. I wanted to hear that your song was your welcome.
[00:43:20] Speaker D: Yeah, yeah. Dwayne the Rock Johnson's my idol.
[00:43:23] Speaker C: So I was gonna say I could see. I could see Derek trying to, you know, rock that out. I love that.
[00:43:28] Speaker A: I'm not sure how the rappy part would go.
[00:43:30] Speaker C: Yeah. So
[00:43:33] Speaker B: we'd have to be on the same cruise, Derek.
[00:43:35] Speaker C: Yeah. Maybe we have to cruise together.
[00:43:38] Speaker B: I can knock out the rap stuff pretty.
[00:43:39] Speaker D: I got it. Yeah.
[00:43:41] Speaker A: With their powers.
Yeah.
[00:43:43] Speaker C: Yeah. Brian is not. So. Brian is not much of a singer, but he is actually a really good rapper. Like, not. He doesn't write his own rhymes. Let me just put this out there. He can. He can rap other people's rap lyrics and is very good at hitting all the beats and all of that, even though he's not a singer. Yeah, that's.
[00:44:03] Speaker A: Yeah, listen. That's a whole other skill.
[00:44:06] Speaker B: I was singing some Nicki Minaj super bass the car on the way home. So there you go. Nice.
[00:44:11] Speaker C: Yeah.
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[00:45:23] Speaker C: Anyway. All right, well, I want to transition over to shows. Speaking of performing and singing and obviously, Maddie, you're a theater person like me. Me. Tell me, you know, do you guys see all of the shows whenever you're on board a cruise? Yes. You're not.
[00:45:36] Speaker A: Shows are honestly one of our biggest priorities. Yeah, like, we won't miss. We won't miss shows.
It is, it is the. It is one of the things that I'm like, Disney does such a beautiful job of putting together shows, and these cast members are so insanely talented that like, we're always, we are always like, okay, it's dinner and then we're going to the, the show.
[00:45:58] Speaker C: Are you rope dropping for the show? I mean, is this like, we line up, you know, 45 minutes before.
[00:46:04] Speaker D: Usually Derek lines up for.
[00:46:06] Speaker A: Derek does.
[00:46:07] Speaker C: Eric lines up. I mean, you are the rope dropper, Derek. You know?
[00:46:11] Speaker D: Well, and I learned on one cruise we went on, like, we decided to show up like five minutes before and we had a terrible seat. We didn't sit with each other. And I'm like, never again. And so now I know to get there early.
[00:46:21] Speaker C: Yeah. How, how far in advance would you, if, if you were going to give advice to somebody out there in the community who hasn't been on a Disney cruise before and, and it's important for them to get a good seat in the theater altogether, let's say a family of five.
What time would you tell them? Or, sorry, how many minutes in advance of the show, would you tell them.
[00:46:39] Speaker A: I would say at least 30.
[00:46:40] Speaker D: I've been going 30. Like, I am right there in line in the very first. Especially.
[00:46:44] Speaker A: The bigger your party.
[00:46:45] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah.
[00:46:46] Speaker A: The bigger your party.
[00:46:47] Speaker C: Yeah, the bigger your party. Absolutely, Maddie. The earlier you should be there.
I would agree with you. I think 30 minutes is perfect with maybe one or two exceptions. If you are going to see Hercules on the Dest, or are you going to see Moana on the Treasure? Because are newer and they're on the ship. Yeah, well, and they're only. Especially the matinee. But if they're all. They're also only on one ship each of those. So for those, I would tell people, like, 45 minutes to an hour. If you're. If you're real. This is. If you're really. If it's really important to you to get a good seat. If you just want to get in the theater, then 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time is probably fine for any of the shows. But. But you know, that's. That's if you don't care where you sit, kind of.
[00:47:32] Speaker A: Right.
And I'll tell you, like, when we get on those ships, like, those will be the top priority. Like, we. I will sit in. I'd sit in line for way an hour plus to make sure that I can get good viewing on that. Because it is like. I'm like, you can't. Also, I'm like, listen, I've seen. We saw Aladdin. So on this ship, there was Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and then the. The Seize the Day.
[00:47:56] Speaker C: Sees the Adventure.
[00:47:57] Speaker A: Sees the Day Adventure, yeah. And obviously, like, I love those original ones. Like, Seize the Day is so cute. It's so lovely. It doesn't have the same.
This is like.
[00:48:06] Speaker C: I think Sees the Adventure is the best of all the jukebox ones.
[00:48:10] Speaker A: I do really love it.
Especially I love how they intertwine. Some of the songs that, like, you don't think would work together. And then they do. And. Oh, that's lovely. Like, they have Merida and. And Moana and Elsa in one scene. And I'm like, okay, like, drop this track somewhere. Where can I listen to this in my house? This is so good.
But I would say, you know, like, Little Mermaid. There's the Little Mermaid show at Hollywood Studios. It's not the same, but you know what I'm saying? You can get that. That content. Same thing with Aladdin. Like, I'm like, we saw Aladdin at Hyperion. Right? Like back in the day in Disneyland. So those weren't things that I would like. I'm like, we went, we made sure we were at the shows, but they weren't like, oh my God, we have to see them. Right.
[00:48:52] Speaker C: It wasn't as I have priority when
[00:48:54] Speaker A: we get on a ship where they have Hercules, which is one of my favorite Disney films of all time. I'm going to be a neurotic person.
I'm going to be like, how many times can I see it? And I need the best seats every time.
[00:49:06] Speaker C: Yeah, no, totally get that. Totally get that.
[00:49:09] Speaker A: The fact that it's not on Broadway yet. I mean there is something in the West End, but I'm like crime.
[00:49:14] Speaker C: I know Criminal. And they've done a couple of like pop up performances here and there, like in LA and a few other places. But the fact that we don't have have a, a staged show in the States for Hercules, I agree with you. It total crime. It's that one. And Hunchback. Now Hunchback I can understand because the themes are very adult and so it's got a little bit of a different spin on.
[00:49:37] Speaker A: It does have a, A show because we have, we like community theaters have done it. We had had a local production of it. That was incredible.
[00:49:45] Speaker C: Yes. I just mean we should have like a Broadway and national tour production.
[00:49:50] Speaker A: Yeah, I agree.
[00:49:51] Speaker C: Yeah.
[00:49:52] Speaker A: Especially when you think like Frozen's on a, on a Frozen over Beauty and the Beast. Like there are other things that are. Have gone everywhere. I am very Team Hercules. Hercules came out right before my very first Disney trip. And so I got to see the Hercules Parade for on my first trip. And so it is very. It is like stuck in my brain. I know I can like close my eyes and know exactly where I was. I was in Frontierland and it was coming through. Right. And like from 9 years old I can remember.
And so it's so special to me. And I'm like, man, I want to see. And it's got such great music.
[00:50:26] Speaker C: You're gonna love it. It's fabulous. And I personally love how they did Pegasus. It's very different than what I expected. But I absolutely love what the spin they decided to take. The really cool artistic way of doing it.
[00:50:41] Speaker A: If they do. Yeah. If they were ever. And I don't know, maybe this is something that they do do and I just don't know about it. If they were ever to do something that you could buy to be able to go like backstage and kind of talk to those performers and those sorts of things, like the technical side, I would do that every Trip. Because, like, I. So the nonprofit I work for is a theater. We do a big production every summer. It is like something that we really love. Olivia is pursuing musical theater. Like, it's. It's a big deal for us. And I'm like, I would do that in a heartbeat.
[00:51:14] Speaker D: One of my favorite cruise memories ever was our friend, mutual friend Ed text me. He was on the Wish with us. And he goes, hey, don't go to bed. I need you at 12:30pm to come meet me on deck. And so I brought Olivia. And because this we were on one of the inaugural sailings of the Wish, so they didn't have the pirate show done yet. So me, Ed and Olivia are watching them with Mickey and Minnie and they're like choreographing the show and rehearsing and like, it was so funny because they're like, no, Donald, step two turn. No Donald. You're doing it wrong.
And I'm like, oh my God, this is just pure.
[00:51:49] Speaker A: And that was on the Wish. And then we got to see the production of it this trip.
[00:51:53] Speaker D: Yes. And so, like, I would pay to watch any because I love the behind the scenes stuff. So if they did that, and especially my daughter now in theater, it's like, that would be a win.
[00:52:03] Speaker C: Now, I will give the tip out there that if you are on when the cast is transitioning from one main stage cast to the next main stage cast, you might catch sort of a rehearsal again late at night. They'll do it on the pool deck and they won't have, you know, they won't have the music blasting. They'll have sort of a very low track for them to be able to practice dancing and whatnot. But I have caught rehearsals for the Pirate deck party as well on that pool deck. And it's usually in that sort of two week time where one cast is finishing up their contract and the next cast has just come onto the ship. But unfortunately, Disney Cruise Line does not do those behind the scenes tours like other cruise lines will sometimes do. The only way you get some of that is if you are invited onto a preview as media or sometimes travel advisors. And you might get to do a little behind the scenes. We got to do it with Hercules. We got to see the puppets and talk to some of the actors and producers.
[00:53:04] Speaker A: You got to meet Susan Egan. And I died. I passed away. Like, I saw that picture and I was like, I'm so happy for you and not at all jealous.
[00:53:12] Speaker C: But there are some opportunities, but they're really limited. I wish that Disney Would do, like. Cause I would love to do one of those, like, full tour ship tours.
Brian did one on Royal Caribbean with Nathan, and I wasn't on that sailing with them. And then we did get to do a bridge tour on a different Royal Caribbean ship. Ship.
But I would love to do the full ship tour on Disney. They just don't offer that, unfortunately. Yeah, well, maybe someday.
[00:53:39] Speaker A: Maybe we'll speak it into the ether.
[00:53:40] Speaker C: Yes, they would.
[00:53:43] Speaker A: They could make it super limited and make that.
They would make.
[00:53:47] Speaker B: Here's what I want.
[00:53:48] Speaker A: Make a lot of money. They really would.
[00:53:49] Speaker B: Here's what I want. I don't need a plaque on castaway when we hit 50. It's still a while off. When we hit 50, I want to be invited on the bridge to honk the horn and get a video of that.
[00:53:57] Speaker D: Oh, my God.
[00:53:58] Speaker B: That's what I want. That's what I want.
[00:53:59] Speaker C: We do know of people who've gotten to do that for like, 100 cruises or 150 cruises. Oh, my gosh.
[00:54:06] Speaker A: Listen, we're gonna manifest it for you. It's gonna happen. Absolutely.
[00:54:09] Speaker D: We believe when you get to 100, Brian, I'm there.
[00:54:13] Speaker A: We're gonna do 50.
We'll start at 50. Yeah. At 100, he'll get to, like, steer the boat.
Honestly, that's how it works.
[00:54:22] Speaker B: Based on my performance in the kids club on the fantasy class, you want me nowhere near the steering wheel of those boats.
[00:54:28] Speaker C: Well, I want to ask about service, because I think that's always something we love to talk about with Disney Cruise Line. We think that's where Disney really beats out most of the other cruise lines. I say most of, because there are some luxury cruise lines that are doing service as good as Disney and sometimes in certain places might beat even Disney service. Not, of course, with characters, because nobody can do that, but in terms of sort of dining and guest services and cast members that you just sort of randomly interact with. I'm of kind curious how you guys felt about this sailing. Did it sort of meet your expectations in terms of that Disney level of service? Maddie, I'll. I'll throw this one to you always.
[00:55:08] Speaker A: Truly. They never miss.
I loved our serving team was so phenomenal. I mean, just.
[00:55:14] Speaker D: It may have been our best serving team.
[00:55:15] Speaker A: I think that they were the best serving team, which is hard to say because I'm like every other one. I've been like, oh, my God, they're incredible. Right? But yeah, Kevin. We had Kevin do our drink service. He came and did. Had like, a different match. Magic. Something for the kids to do every night to figure out, like, a riddle, which was so much fun. Our Denny, our server, was just like, he was so on top of things. It was so fun to do, like, Arendelle. And he was singing the songs with us and, like, you know, passing the. The microphone back and forth. I mean, just phenomenal. The. The room service. Always great. The room service was. I. I wonder if they were a little understaffed. That was one thing. Because it was a little later than what we were used to. Used to. But amazing job. And they were so. He was so nice. I don't remember his name is. Is escaping me right now, but so good. And then everyone that we interacted with in the kids clubs, just great.
[00:56:10] Speaker D: Oh, man. We went on Royal Caribbean over Christmas last year. And while they did great service, can't say enough good things.
[00:56:17] Speaker B: You.
[00:56:17] Speaker D: And you're like, okay, maybe that is the bar. And then you get back on the Disney Shop and you're like, oh, yep, they. Disney does it better every which way. Like, everyone is extroverted, outgoing, having fun. The amount cast members, like, every time I went into my room, they're like, you have the best door. And I'm like, thank you so much. Like, I had four or five different cast members tell me I have the best door. And I'm like, you have made my day. Now. I did have a DCL Duo magnet on there, so I'm sure that's why
[00:56:43] Speaker C: they obviously know those guys.
[00:56:49] Speaker D: But it's just like, it's those little things that little. They didn't have to say that to me, but it meant the world, like, things like that. So. No. Disney goes above and beyond every which way they can to make sure you and the kids, the kids club staff, the vibe, the edge, just everyone is making sure that you are having an amazing vacation. And that's kind of why they're addicting, I think, because you kind of feel like you're being treated like royalty and you kind of want to go back and feel that service.
[00:57:14] Speaker A: And you're so right, Derek. On, like, we went on the Royal. We went on Royal Caribbean, and I was like, oh, this is great. I really like this.
I'm like, yeah, it's like, comparable. And then I went back on a Disney ship and I was like, no, it's not. And hit. No, I'm mean, like, we had a wonderful. I've had wonderful cruises. Ice cruised twice on. On Royal Caribbean now and really liked it. And like, for different reasons. Right? But I'm like, no one does it like Disney? I'm sorry, I was like, I'm a Disney girly.
[00:57:41] Speaker B: I always get nervous about like I. Because we've had problems on Disney a handful of times. Every time Disney has stepped up and done the absolute level best to make things right. And in most cases I'd say they've gone above and beyond.
And I always get worried going on Royal if something happens like what can I expect here? I don't think it's going to be the same, you know. So I, there are travel providers that I consistently give my money to because they, they value customer loyalty. I mean even down to the point I think Disney calls it customer recovery. It's like they recognize like it is. It is better for me to keep this person happy who is already experiencing the product and paying for the product than to try and convert into new person to come on board.
[00:58:23] Speaker D: Well, that's what I love. On that first night they're like, hey, how many first time cruisers? How many returning cruisers? And there's always so many. And that's because they've done a good job selling that product.
[00:58:33] Speaker B: Yeah, for sure. It used to be my favorite part of the, you know when they'd have people stand up and, and see how many cruises they had been on and there's always someone there that you're like man, 100 cruises or whatever it is like good, good for you. Or the same thing happens with that
[00:58:47] Speaker A: deep or you said, can you please adopt me? I'm available for adoption.
[00:58:50] Speaker D: I don't understand. I have so many follow up question.
Sure. How do you do 100 actually Brian, you'll love this. I did meet someone who's been like, it was like 30 some cruises and I'm like, oh, have you gone on all the ships? And they're like, no, I only do the dream. And I'm just like, oh, okay. They're like, we love the dream. We just keep going on it over and over. They're out of Florida and it's just like that's just what they do. They did the dream and then the wish a couple times. But it's just like they're locals of Florida and they just jump on the three and four nights and.
Oh yeah, we're weird. They still do that and we're like happy to be here because the people
[00:59:33] Speaker A: sitting behind us points anymore. They didn't do points. They did do how many years?
[00:59:37] Speaker C: Well, how many years?
[00:59:38] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, how many years? And there was a guy. The people behind us were like OGs.
[00:59:42] Speaker C: Oh yeah. So original. Yeah. Key Old Key west best.
[00:59:46] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:59:46] Speaker C: Wow.
He stopped out. Yeah.
Well, you've mentioned kids clubs a few times, and I feel like I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you guys about the experience because you have three different kids. I mean, one soon to be adult, but obviously you. The kids span the Oceaneers Club Edge and Vibe, because you have a high schooler, a middle schooler, and an elementary schooler. Like, do each of them like to participate in the activities in their various clubs? I know with Edge and Vibe, it's a little bit different. They're not necessarily in the club, but that's where they sort of meet and make friends and then they end up roaming around the ship and going to the club some of the time. But how do your kids fare with those kids clubs?
[01:00:36] Speaker D: Well, I definitely love telling people when they ask, hey, why do you go on a Disney cruise? Why do you go back? And I just say, because I get to have dates with my wife. Like, we have so much alone time because even when our kids were little, they lived in the ocean.
Like, we had a trip where I didn't see one of my children because he was first one in, last one. He did not want to be picked up.
[01:00:56] Speaker A: And they just go pick him up. And he was like, no, I'm staying.
[01:00:59] Speaker D: And I'm like, well, we got.
But.
But yes, even as they've grown up, like, even our oldest, who is an extrovert teenager, almost adult, she said she is adult, loves the Vibe and she loves meeting kids and doing karaoke with them. Our middle son is now kind of in this weird edge in between thing where he is still participating, but his favorite activity is to unlimited ice cream 19 times a day. And trying to bulk up because football season is now and he's trying to put on some masks before season starts, so he's there to eat. But our youngest is still obsessed with the kids clubs like it was. He wanted to get pulled out for the dance party because he loves Donald right now. So I pulled him out for the Donald party. We danced with Donald for a few minutes and goes, I want to go back to the kids club because they're having another dance party for kids only. And so, yeah, great, let's go back in there. And so he is. It's just wonderful because, you know, all of your kids, no matter what the age, being taken care of, they're all having a good time. What does that mean? I got to go with my wife to Nightingales. I got to go with my wife. Hyperspace Lounge, we got to have walking around on the ship in the adults only area, Serenity Bay. And that is where you're able to reconnect with your significant other. And that's what I tell everyone. I'm just like, go on a cruise. Don't be ashamed to drop your kids off. They'll love it and go have a date.
[01:02:17] Speaker A: And I think that, you know, as a parent, you know your kid best best, right? And their personality really is going to play a big part. Right? So our, what we call our bookend kids, right? So our oldest and our youngest, they are more extroverted. They're more like, hey, we want to go and do all the things. Declan isn't as much inclined to that. So sometimes he'll be a little bit more picky about the things that he'll do. Like, he'll look at the schedule and be like, okay, well, I, I could go do that and try it. But sometimes he's like, actually, I'm just gonna go and like, be on side the other aquamouse by myself. He's like, I'm. I'm just gonna chill doing that. And we're like, cool. Or he'll go up and like, play basketball, you know, like so. And spend time in the room. Because he. That's just more his personality, right? He's more introverted. So it's nice because you have, you have lots of different options to be able to fit every personality.
[01:03:09] Speaker C: I love the, the pro tip, though, of the going to the ice cream in order to bulk up. I'm gonna use that excuse.
You know, Nathan does not really. Does not play any sports. He swims, but he. But not on a team or anything.
[01:03:25] Speaker B: We should get video of you with an ice cream cone walking into the gym, Sam. It's like, yeah, you get on a treadmill walking with.
[01:03:32] Speaker D: I'm preparing for a cruise, guys.
[01:03:35] Speaker B: Protein powder on top of the ice cream cone.
[01:03:39] Speaker C: Yeah, but I, I think, you know, I'm going to tell Nathan next time and anybody questions him about how much ice cream he's eating is, I should say, I'm trying to bulk up for the season. For the season.
[01:03:50] Speaker A: Yeah.
[01:03:50] Speaker C: Yeah. It's just, we should just. I mean, the season. Well, when if somebody asks like, oh, what, what season? And he's just say Roblox season, because that's actually the accurate answer for him.
[01:04:02] Speaker A: So what I also. Oh, my gosh, that's hilarious.
[01:04:05] Speaker B: What I also love about the. The Cruising with Kids is we have been able to give Nathan degrees of freedom on the ship. As he's gotten older and it's like, you know, he's, he's safe, like, you know, the, the.
And he can't go too far.
[01:04:20] Speaker C: We hope, we hope.
[01:04:21] Speaker B: Yeah. But it's, it's taught him a lot about how to be independent and responsible on his own. Right. So. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[01:04:29] Speaker A: You can't necessarily do that. Like when you go to a destination, I'm like, hey, if we go to an inclusive in Mexico, I'm like, listen, I'm not just gonna let you guys go over somewhere in Europe. I'm not gonna. Okay, bye. Like, I can't do that. It's not as safe.
[01:04:42] Speaker B: I would say Alani is the only.
[01:04:44] Speaker E: We let him.
[01:04:45] Speaker D: We've done that. We've gone to a long and we've done that.
[01:04:47] Speaker B: Yes.
[01:04:48] Speaker A: I would say our older kids are. Because we do the park so much. We are a little bit more like if we're, let's say we're staying at Riviera and they're like, hey, we're going to hop over to Hollywood Studios or we're park hopping between something like that. I. As long as they're going together, I don't know how I would feel at this stage by themselves. But even maybe that because they're so familiar with it.
[01:05:12] Speaker B: But it's funny because growing up we used to. When I was 10, maybe 10, 11, 12, we went to Disney World several times at the holidays and my mom loved to stay at the Grand Floridian. I loved the. And my dad was like, always stay on the monorail. And I think this was like pre even there being a Hollywood Studios or an mgm, you know, studios. So really it was Magic Kingdom and Epcot were the only two things you could go see. But I always wanted to stay at the Contemporary because I thought it looked so cool. But they would just let me get on the monorail and go over to the Contemporary and I could walk around.
[01:05:42] Speaker A: It was a different time.
[01:05:43] Speaker B: It was a different, Totally different.
[01:05:44] Speaker A: We're literally like, hey, it's 10 o'. Clock.
[01:05:45] Speaker B: Where are your kids?
[01:05:46] Speaker C: Yeah, exactly.
[01:05:47] Speaker B: Yeah, exactly.
[01:05:48] Speaker C: Just I don't know how you just
[01:05:49] Speaker A: yell out in the year of our 2026. I'm like, I just pull up my thigh 360 and I know where every time is at every moment of the day.
[01:05:56] Speaker B: I use Find my with Nathan all the time.
[01:06:00] Speaker C: We. We track each other on Find my all the time.
[01:06:03] Speaker A: Like, I'm like, these kids can't get away with, but they love the, the
[01:06:08] Speaker D: freedom that it gives them and the Empowerment. It gives them. And even when we stay at the river, the air, and we're like, all right, we'll meet you at the park. Get on the Skyliner. We'll see you there. That just gives them. I'm not going to go too far.
But even at the parks, like, they've gone so many times.
Like, for one time, I took my youngest to the Indiana Jones show. Madison went to Frozen with Olivia. So Declan's like, hey, I'm going to go do all the Star wars things. And he did Star Tours Rise and Millennium Falcon, both those single riders, and met me back at Indiana Jones. I was like, I'm not mad at all. I'm impressed, buddy. That was impressed. Crazy.
[01:06:41] Speaker A: I would also say, like, so this trip, we did. We did that day at Disney before embarcation day, and Declan did take a. He was. He. We were like, okay, we're going to go back to the resort. We were staying at Uli west for a little bit of a rest, just because it's super hot, you know, in July in Florida.
And he. But in his brain, because we are. We are normally Skyliner snobs, right? He jumped on. We were leaving Hollywood Studios, he jumped on the. The Skyliner and went to Caribbean Beach. And he was like, wait a second.
And I'm like. I'm like, yep, okay, turn her back around.
Y.
But, like, even that, like, I'm like, okay, that is. Is a learning opportunity. Like, oh, I made a mistake. And I'll just. But it's in the safety of kind of the Disney bubble. At no point were Derek and I panicking about, like, oh, my gosh, he's not going to make it. Like, we were like, he's fine. He's going to be fine.
[01:07:33] Speaker B: Well, it. It also. I mean, look, it's. I can tell it's taught Nathan problem solving skills. Like, we've been on cruises before where something has happened, and he's like, oh, this happened happen.
And then, you know, in a few seconds, he's like, but I went to the front desk and I had them take care of it for me. And I was like, oh, okay, great. I don't have to get out of my.
[01:07:48] Speaker C: He's like, left something somewhere and gone to guest services to go to Lost and found and being able to retrieve whatever he left somewhere. Yeah, he's like, multiple times. This is. Which is pretty. I mean, that sounds like a minor thing, but it's actually, like, I think for some. For a kid like Nathan, who can strike struggle with some, you know, executive Planning, skill, type things. I think it's pretty awesome.
[01:08:13] Speaker D: Well, and Disney goes above and beyond. So one of my favorite stories is Declan and I were at the parks together and he's red headed and it's 117 degrees out, it's the middle of July, and a redheaded cast member literally grabbed him and said, hey, I can see he's struggling. Got him a bottle of water and got him in the shade and was like, I, he looks like me. I was feeling his pain. I could see him walking and I'm like, I gave him a cast compliment right away. And in fact, I still follow him on social media and he'll check in. It's like, hey, how's my redheaded friend doing? And so I'm just like, that's a redheaded cast member seeing my son and going above and beyond for him. And I was just like, that's the Disney difference. They do it at the parks, they do it on the cruise. Aulani. That's where they know they're going to take care of your kid. And that's where they know they're going to get my money forever. Because they go above and beyond like that.
[01:09:02] Speaker C: I know. Where are our royalty checks, by the way? Like where? This is like, come on, Disney. Like we're giving, we're always like advertising anyone?
[01:09:11] Speaker A: People take a first time trip and I'm like, do you want to be an annual pass holder?
Like, this is unsponsored.
[01:09:17] Speaker C: Yeah, you should do it. Where's my commission? Disney?
Absolutely.
[01:09:23] Speaker D: Oh, it's funny, after we get off the ship every time, every time, all of a sudden I have like 19 friends. Like, hey, we booked a cruise while you were on board because we saw how much fun you're having. I'm like, what? I. But I would love. Commissioner, I'm not a travel agent. I'm like, I wish I could somehow get some of that funding. Like of our friends booked three cruises because they watched us on there and they shared all the dates with me. And I'm like, you guys should invite me at this point.
[01:09:47] Speaker C: Absolutely.
They should adopt you. Like Maddie, we don't want to do
[01:09:51] Speaker A: the work of a travel agent.
[01:09:52] Speaker C: Yeah, same work with a travel agent.
[01:09:55] Speaker A: They will just take care of it for you. It's so nice.
[01:09:58] Speaker B: I say all the questions that Sam answers for like people, you know, just out of the kindness of her heart about cruising and I'm like, oh, you should be getting commission on this.
[01:10:07] Speaker A: Listen, we're have talked about this endlessly.
[01:10:10] Speaker C: Yeah.
[01:10:11] Speaker A: And we were just always like, I don't want to do the work.
[01:10:13] Speaker C: Yeah, well, I mean, it's full time. Like, you know, Brian and I both work full time as attorneys. We have the podcast, we have our kid. We've got a lot on our plates. It's just not something that I don't
[01:10:27] Speaker D: want to wait on hold for five hours. I already hate being on hold when I have to call dvc.
[01:10:32] Speaker C: Exactly, exactly.
[01:10:33] Speaker A: It's the same thing for us. We're like, it just doesn't fit what we're doing. And we're very happy to pass along to other professionals. Where they do that is their focus.
[01:10:42] Speaker B: Well, Sam, I think we've reached that point in the show where you need to ask some arbitrary questions, apply some arbitrary rules, and more than a dash of judgment or the round we know as rapid fire. So, Sam, take it away.
[01:10:54] Speaker C: I love that I get to do this because Derek has done this to me before, so now I get to do this to him. This is. This is the first. First time I get to ask Derek my rapid fire.
All right, you guys, this is the point of the show where I ask you some questions about General Disney first, and then I'm going to ask you Disney Cruise Line specific questions. When I ask each of you the question, you do not have to match each other's answers. In fact, I very much encourage you not to, because I'm going to ask you each of your own personal favorites. And I don't care about what, you know, the kids favorites are or what your spouse's favorite favorite. I want each of your favorites. So we'll start with your favorite Disney movie. I'm sorry, Your favorite Disney character. And by Disney, I mean anything and everything that Disney owns. Which means you can pick from the Simpsons, you can pick from Star wars, you can pick from Marvel, you can pick classic Disney. I don't really care. But it just needs to be something that Disney owns or I guess technically licensed, because you could pick Bluey. All right, so, Derek, who is your favorite Disney character?
[01:11:52] Speaker D: It all started with the mouse. And even though I have so many, I have to go back to the ocean og Mickey.
[01:11:57] Speaker C: All right, Maddie, who's your favorite? Oh, Belle.
Bookworm. I love it.
[01:12:02] Speaker A: Yeah, I love her.
[01:12:02] Speaker C: She's.
[01:12:03] Speaker A: Yep, she's my favorite.
[01:12:04] Speaker C: She's the best. You give me Belle vibes. I totally.
[01:12:07] Speaker A: She is like, I'm. I just felt deeply. It's her quickly area foot followed by Ariel, because that was kind of like my first, you know. But no, it's Belle every time.
[01:12:17] Speaker C: Love it. All right. Favorite Disney movie. Same rule applies to the word Disney. Disney. Maddie, we'll go with you first.
[01:12:24] Speaker A: This is really hard for me. I'm.
I'm gonna go with Mary Poppins.
[01:12:29] Speaker C: Oh, interesting.
[01:12:30] Speaker A: Mary Poppins is really. I mean, I have so many. It just kind of depends on my mood. But, like, if I'm like, I want the nostalgia. I want the all. All kind of hitting all of the things that, like, make me.
I think Mary Poppins.
[01:12:46] Speaker C: Love it. Derek.
[01:12:47] Speaker D: I'm going with the Incredibles. I love the Incredibles. I have a poster on my wall. I have a lot of Disney posters on my wall, but that's the one I' to pick right now.
[01:12:54] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, I've seen you guys dress up as the Incredibles, so that's not that surprising
[01:13:00] Speaker D: I've ever died.
[01:13:02] Speaker A: Survivors.
[01:13:05] Speaker C: All right, favorite Disney song. Derek.
[01:13:07] Speaker D: I'm going to go eye to eye from a Goofy movie.
[01:13:11] Speaker C: Yes. Oh, my God. That's such a good answer. Such a good answer. All right, Maddie. Favorite Disney song.
[01:13:17] Speaker A: Yeah, so this. This rotates.
[01:13:19] Speaker D: Could be a whole podcast, by the way.
[01:13:20] Speaker A: This could be a whole podcast.
But I really love show yourself from Frozen 2. So Frozen 2 is one of my favorite films of all time, and I will tell people, like, I'll fight you on why frozen 2 is better than frozen 1 and is possibly the best animated film that Disney has ever made.
[01:13:39] Speaker C: Okay, so I'm gonna agree with you on Frozen 2 being better than Frozen 1 and having an amazing soundtrack. I can't agree on the better best animated ever. But it is a great.
[01:13:51] Speaker A: Literally, because I'm an eldest daughter and I so identify with so much. Many things.
There's so many things, and I'm like, oh, my God. I feel seen right now.
The first time I saw it, I was weeping openly and Olivia was sitting next to me going, mom.
[01:14:06] Speaker C: I mean, it's got some bangers, though, so. No, no, no judgment there. It is a great. It's a great movie with a even better soundtrack. All right, we're going to switch over to Disney Cruise Line, and we got to start in the theater.
What is your. Your favorite Disney Walt Disney Theater Stage show. So main stage show that you've seen, so you can't pick Hercules yet. Maddie. So, Maddie, what's your favorite?
[01:14:32] Speaker A: I don't know. I think I probably would say believe just because, like, I've seen it so many times.
Here's. No, no, no, no. Here's the thing is that I think that maybe what would beat it out is the. We watched the Disney villains One that was led to by Hades and it's gone now. That if that was still on, that's what I would say. I loved that.
[01:14:55] Speaker C: Let me be clear. I'm not limiting you to a jukebox show. You can choose like a Frozen or an Aladdin or Believe is my favorite.
[01:15:03] Speaker D: I saw it on the Dream, our very first cruise, and I was like. I cried. And then we went.
[01:15:07] Speaker A: We were real emo about it and
[01:15:09] Speaker D: I was like, I wonder if it lives up. And it still did to me. So I. I enjoyed that.
[01:15:13] Speaker C: The dad and the flower.
[01:15:15] Speaker D: Yes.
[01:15:15] Speaker A: I like the juke because I like the jukebox.
[01:15:18] Speaker C: Okay. All right, you guys. All right, you gu.
[01:15:20] Speaker A: I want. I. Because listen, Olden Mickey's.
[01:15:23] Speaker D: I still like. It's okay.
[01:15:24] Speaker A: It's kind of like this. Okay. Like, if you like the. The musical Mamma Mia. Okay, the. The actual storyline, you're there for ABBA music. Okay. This is what how I feel about. That's how kind of how I feel about Believe. The actual storyline, give or take. It's fine. But you're there for the jukebox because they're. You're there for the music.
[01:15:48] Speaker C: There are some wonderful musical numbers. I can't disagree with you there that.
[01:15:51] Speaker A: That's what I.
[01:15:52] Speaker D: And the G steals the show again. I do love Aladdin. Don't get me wrong. Aladdin's number two on my list.
[01:15:57] Speaker C: Aladdin's real funny, guys. Okay. All right. I mean, this is why judgment is a part of this show. Yes.
[01:16:03] Speaker A: No, no, that's fair.
[01:16:04] Speaker C: Yeah.
All right, we're going to switch over to favorite onboard activity. Derek.
[01:16:11] Speaker D: I'm going to go with karaoke. I think it's our family favorite, and it's definitely something I really enjoy doing and it's really brought family together.
[01:16:20] Speaker C: Awesome. I thought you for sure you were going to say trivia. So.
[01:16:23] Speaker D: I lose at trivia and I get angry at trivia.
It's a love hate thing and I can't. It balances into.
[01:16:30] Speaker C: I, I, I totally get that that makes perfect sense, but I, I really thought you were going to say trivia, but now that that makes perfect sense. Maddie, what about you?
[01:16:38] Speaker A: I would agree with that, but I also. This is maybe like the most. Like, I love being able to just sit in the pool and watch a Disney film on. On Funnel Vision. I'm like, so happ.
Look at this huge screen and I get to watch it in a swimming pool.
[01:16:54] Speaker C: I mean, that's so. That's a great. I love being in the.
[01:16:57] Speaker A: I love being in the water. I love being in the water and so.
[01:17:00] Speaker C: And maybe walking.
Yeah, no, I love that.
[01:17:04] Speaker A: I'm like. I'm like, man, they should do this at my pool.
[01:17:06] Speaker C: Yeah, absolutely.
[01:17:08] Speaker D: I'm.
[01:17:09] Speaker C: I'm with you there.
[01:17:09] Speaker A: Why aren't they doing it at our pool?
[01:17:11] Speaker C: Right. Okay, we gotta talk rotational dining. Which one is your favorite rotational dining restaurant? Again, limit only to the ones that you have been to. So, Maddie, we'll start with you there.
[01:17:22] Speaker A: It's gotta go to 1928.
[01:17:25] Speaker D: 23.
[01:17:26] Speaker C: 3 23.
[01:17:28] Speaker A: 1928 is when Mickey. 1923.
[01:17:30] Speaker C: Love it. All right.
[01:17:31] Speaker A: Just so pretty.
[01:17:32] Speaker C: It is pretty. It's very classic, and it has. Gives you all those, like, original.
[01:17:36] Speaker A: Secondary would be.
Would be the Rapunzel show. The one that were with Rapunzel. That was. I loved that.
[01:17:44] Speaker C: Yes. Rapunzel's royal table is a fantastic option as well.
[01:17:47] Speaker D: Derek, what about you animators on the magic?
[01:17:50] Speaker C: Yeah. Classic.
[01:17:51] Speaker D: It just. It really was amazing. And 1923 would be a runner up, but no animators. Just blew my mind. And I still think about whenever someone, like, posts about it, I get. I like it. Tears. I remember.
[01:18:04] Speaker C: Aw. Yeah. I mean, I think both of you stick with sort of classic Disney. I kind of love that. It's. It's. It makes sense. Your park's pretty. People like the parks. People love Walt. They love anything that is sort of themed to more original kind of Disney magic. All right.
[01:18:19] Speaker A: The Disney movies, like, knowing more things. It's why I love 1923, because I'm like, oh, I like. I just want to walk around like a weirdo by other people's dinners and be like, I'm just, like, reading. It's like a museum in there. I love it.
[01:18:32] Speaker C: Well, we had a great. A great pro tip that was given on our live show just the other day that one of the things you can do is when 1923 is not doing service. Right. When they're not doing dinner, lunch service, or breakfast service, you can go in there and peek around, and that way you're not oddly, like, leaning over people's dinners 100%.
[01:18:53] Speaker A: You can absolutely do that.
[01:18:54] Speaker C: Yeah. And see all the.
[01:18:55] Speaker A: Which is great.
[01:18:56] Speaker C: Yeah. See all the different artwork. All right, staying in the category of food, I need to ask a favorite sweet item and then a favorite savory item. Because I love the savories. We always save the savories for last, so we start with the sweets. So, Derek, what's a favorite sweet item on a Disney cruise?
[01:19:11] Speaker D: Even though it's not my favorite, I love chocolate. Chip cookies. So if I'm eating a chocolate chip cookie on Castaway, I'm on Castaway eating a cookie, and I am happy. There is nothing better than that moment. I wouldn't even say it's the best dessert. It's not even the best cookie, but I'm eating it on Castaway.
[01:19:27] Speaker C: Yeah, it's a. It's a perfect.
[01:19:29] Speaker D: I do love cookies.
[01:19:30] Speaker A: Yeah, cookies and cookies, too.
[01:19:31] Speaker C: But it's a. It's a. Cookies and cookies, too. I love that. Very good, Maddie. But I. I do think that it's not so much about the cookie in that situation. I agree with you, Derek, but it's that. That where you are makes that moment even more special. All right, Maddie, what about you? Are you a cookies at cookies, too?
[01:19:48] Speaker A: No, I'm a.
I want, like, something at dinner service that is, like, going to blow me away.
So I. I can't remember all of the things I've ever had on a Disney cruise. This one, the standout was. And I don't even remember where we had it, but there was, like, this lemon. It had, like, a lemon and a raspberry sort of situ. It was like a moussey. Oh, my God, it was so good.
It, like, had, like, raspberry, like, little dots on it, and then, like, a. Like a drizzle. It was so freaking good. Oh, my gosh. I. I was real tempted to get a second one.
[01:20:24] Speaker C: Nice. Nice.
Yeah.
Yeah.
That was good. Always. You can always get as many desserts as you want.
[01:20:31] Speaker A: You absolutely can. Yeah. And I would say it's funny because I'm like. I said, My favorite's 1920, but the place I had the hardest time figuring out what I was going to eat was Marvel.
They had so many good options.
[01:20:43] Speaker D: I got a cupcake at Marvel, and that was delicious.
[01:20:47] Speaker A: Derek was like, can I have the kids Spider man cupcake?
[01:20:50] Speaker C: It's really cute. It is really. Like, I actually think that all of their cupcakes and things like that are just too sweet, but they're really cutely decorated, so I love, like, seeing them and photographing them, and then I don't eat them. So you just pass it to me.
[01:21:05] Speaker D: I got you.
[01:21:05] Speaker C: All right.
[01:21:06] Speaker B: All right.
[01:21:06] Speaker C: I love. Love it. All right. Favorite savory item. Maddie.
[01:21:10] Speaker A: I'm gonna go with. Speaking of Marvel, I had the noki, and it was freaking awesome. I loved that. That was, like. That was kind of a. A peak, which is so random. Right? Right. Like, I'm like the noi.
But I. I really love that pro tip pair.
[01:21:29] Speaker C: The Schnitzel with the gnocchi. Dip the schnitzel into the gnocchi st.
[01:21:33] Speaker B: Sauce.
[01:21:33] Speaker A: Heck yes. That gnocchi sauce was like, oh, it was so. I mean, I. I almost licked it off the plate. I was like scraping, scooping, scraping. I was like, nom, nom, nom, yum.
[01:21:44] Speaker C: Yeah, Delicious. Derek, what about you favorite savory?
[01:21:47] Speaker D: We were on one of the inaugural sailings of the Wish, And I said 1923 was the best meal I've ever had. The filet mignon.
And it's funny because it did not live up to it this cruise because it knows, I think the cut of meat that I got. I'm from Nebraska, so I know beef and so. But I'm still going to go back to it because that inaug 1923 filet that they have was incredible.
[01:22:08] Speaker A: The kids loved it.
[01:22:09] Speaker D: Yeah.
[01:22:11] Speaker A: If you get a beans, we're like, oh, my gosh.
[01:22:13] Speaker C: If you get a good piece, it's perfect.
I will say another pro tip is order it a little bit under what you like it cooked as. And that's kind of across the cruise line. Other, because they do tend to cook
[01:22:25] Speaker D: it a little medium rare, always. We're from Nebraska. I don't think we have.
We went to the Hard Rock Cafe or Hard Rock Resort one time and my son ordered his steak medium rare. And. And they, the.
And they go, sir, we can't give underage kids medium. They have to be well done. And I looked at my waiter and I go, I'm from Nebraska. I'm from cattle country.
[01:22:45] Speaker A: And he goes, literally, our kid won't eat it.
[01:22:48] Speaker C: Yeah, he's not going to eat. Yeah. Next, just order. Order two for yourself and then just slip it over to the kids.
[01:22:55] Speaker A: I was like. I was like, well done steak. You mean cardboard.
[01:22:58] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Korean craziness. All right, most important question of rapid fire. What is your favorite ship? And again, you choose from the ships that you have been on, Derek.
[01:23:11] Speaker D: Oh, this is tough because I said the Magic for so long and now I think I really like the Wish class ships. I like the layout. I like the Aquamouse. And so I'm right on the Wish now. I mean, my favorite ship, for the record, is the one I'm on.
[01:23:25] Speaker C: Right? Yeah, of course.
[01:23:27] Speaker D: Like, there's no doubt about that. But yeah, I'd said the Magic forever. And I think the second time on the Wish, I think the pool deck food really got me.
And it's just. Yeah. So I'm going to go. But I know for a fact if we ever get on the Treasure or the Destiny. I've listened to your guys's reviews. I know that's changing.
[01:23:44] Speaker C: Yeah. Maddie, what about you?
[01:23:46] Speaker A: The Wish. The Wish. And from the first time we went on it, like, I was like. I was like, oh, they're all beautiful, right? And then I want to. The Wish. And I'm like, this is the most beautiful freaking ship I've ever been on. It is so stunning. Like, I'm like. I'm the weirdo who's, like, walking around the different carpets and, like, taking pictures. Because I'm like, look at detail in this carpet. I'm like, how do I get this as a wallpaper in my house? Like, I'm a crazy. I. I love the level of detail. I love how the lights are like, hey, they're pumpkins here. And then over here, you can see the shadow of the carriage. Like, I just. Every little detail is like, I. It feels like it's made for me. Like, I'm like. You know what I mean? Like, I'm like, oh, my gosh. I like. It's just, like. Because you have to pay attention to catch it, and it would be easy to not catch it. It. And it's just like.
So I. I love the Wish.
[01:24:40] Speaker D: And the Hyperspace Lounge is the closest thing I can get to the Star Cruiser. Brian. That's. I know. The Haunted Mansion bar is better. The Hyperspace Lounge, like, no one was in there. But, yes, I. It's my one little Star wars thing.
[01:24:52] Speaker A: And I love. I love the Tiana.
[01:24:54] Speaker C: The Bayou.
[01:24:55] Speaker A: Yeah, the Bayou. Yeah, I love the Bayou. Like, the vibe is so beautiful in there. I like the theater. I like that it's a little bit bigger. It's so funny because we went on a royal. The last ship I had been on was Oasis class. Right. And I remember being like, oh, my God, this is so huge. And I remember when we were on the Wish the first time, I was like, oh, my gosh, the ship is so big. And then we went on at this. I was like, oh, my God. Cute.
It's so adorable and quaint, comparatively, you know?
So I just really love it.
[01:25:28] Speaker B: On your Hyperspace Lounge comment, Derek, I don't know if you saw, but there was reporting yesterday that so Disney had finished construction on the. You know, gutting the Star Cruiser space and turning it into offices.
[01:25:39] Speaker D: Yeah.
[01:25:39] Speaker B: But apparently they kept most of the atrium, so they kept, like, the bar, the. I think the bridge that they had built, like, all that sort of stuff. So if you're working in that Office building. You can still see that stuff.
[01:25:53] Speaker D: Invite me to the bar, tell me how much I have to pay to get to the sublight lounge and I will go.
[01:25:57] Speaker B: Yes.
[01:25:58] Speaker A: So the day we are recording, this is the, the day 23 is going to have their big announcements tonight. That is our Saturday night date. Plan is we're like, we're going to be hunched over our computers like weirdos, like being like, give us the announcements. We were joking about making a drinking game. Derek doesn't drink anymore. But I think I would get, I think I would not be well if I did this. But we were like we should make a game where you have to take a shot every time they announce something new that they've already announced.
[01:26:28] Speaker C: Yes. I mean if you did that yesterday with the movies, it would.
[01:26:32] Speaker A: Yeah, we would be like I would still be drunk. Yeah. So we won't be doing that because I care about my liver and my life.
But we will see like because there are rumors that there could be. They had, they had originally announced that Galaxy's Edge would have a sit down restaurant and so maybe we'll see some of that.
That was in the Star Cruiser. Maybe.
[01:26:55] Speaker B: Well, we will, we will keep our fingers crossed. We're doing a Discord watch party tonight with listeners. So yeah, feel free to come over and join us there.
But anyway, Derek and Mattie tell people how they can find and connect with you and your show.
[01:27:13] Speaker D: Yeah, well, shows. So I'll do the main one Disney Trip Report podcasts. If you've taken a trip we'd love to have you on and share all about your trip on our show. You can find it wherever you find podcasts. And that's reason why we do it is because we like to go live vicariously through your Disney, whether it be cruise Aulani, whether it be to the parks, Disneyland, Disney World, Paris, whatever. We love having people on talking about their vacation so we can live room as well. But then Madison launched another Disney podcast.
[01:27:40] Speaker A: Yes. So we all. I also do unfiltered on Main street which is where I say all of the off color things that I hold back on.
So Disney Trip Report podcast, you can listen to that with your kids. And it's, you know, one of the reasons that we wanted to do it was because not only does it do we get to live vicariously, but also we love to listen to other people's trip reports so that we can know like, oh, this worked for them, this didn't work for them. And to see all the different ways that you can do Disney right So we would love to follow. You can find us also on social Media, Facebook, Instagram, DisneyTrip Report Pod.
But then my other podcast is unfiltered on Main street, and I do it with my friend Colton, and we talk about a wide range of Disney things. And it's for mature audiences, I would say. Or if your audience is, you know, like, there's some swears, there's some really strong opinions about things. Like, if you want to know how I feel about the new Mickey's not so scary Halloween costumes, it's not great.
So I, you know, we deep dive into a lot of different things. Yeah, yeah, that's the. That's the Disney. The safe one. So if that's something that interests you, that we think. I mean, I think we're hilarious. So, you know.
[01:29:01] Speaker B: Well, I will just say be sure to head over and follow along with Derek and Maddie and all of their great content. And I'll just say thank you to Derek and Maddie for joining us today. We really appreciate it. Thanks so much. Thank you.
[01:29:14] Speaker D: This is so fun since the very beginning, and it's just been a pleasure and an honor to be on your show finally. Your Star Cruiser episode is still your best episode ever, but I like, like, all the other ones, too.
[01:29:24] Speaker A: And to see, like, and, like, it's so much fun to, like, have seen how your podcast has grown and like, all the things that you guys have been able to do, like, we're always rooting for you, like, the stuff that you like. We'll. We're following along. Right. When you guys got to do, you know, the Destiny and meet Susan Egan, I was truly just like, I'm so freaking proud. Look at them look. Look at them. Like, look at them go. Look at them go. And like, before you guys, like, we knew you before the podcast even started. It's just, like, so fun to see you guys win. And we're always rooting for you.
[01:29:53] Speaker B: A thank you.
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