The DCL Dude Podcast is a show dedicated to all things Disney Cruise Line! We will talk recent DCL news, share travel tips, interview guests, go over the best and worst (ok, mostly best) that DCL has to offer, share trip reports, and hopefully interact with you, the listener! Follow us on Twitter (@theDCLdude) or like us on Facebook (facebook.com/dcldudepodcast)!
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Bonus Episode: DCL Announcements from D23
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In case you missed all the exciting Disney Cruise announcements from last week's D23 Expo, I recapped it for you in this week's bonus episode, including some of the audio clips from Disney Experiences Chairman, Josh D'Amaro's presentation. I love hearing the audience reactions to the announcements because it reflected how I was feeling watching fro…
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Episode 161: Attending the Disney Treasure Float Out In Person
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The Disney Treasure was floated out of Hall 6 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on Saturday, August 3 marking a major milestone in the ship's construction. My guest on this week's show, Lisa (@seayarealsoon) was there in-person for the ceremonial event and was kind enough to come on and give us all the details of her experience. We …
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In this week's epiosde, I'm (finally) getting you caught up on all the exciting Disney Cruise news we've heard about over the last couple weeks, from the Disney Destiny to the Disney Dream! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my new blog at…
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Episode 159: Lookout Cay Preview Cruise Trip Recap
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Alyssa and I were extremely fortunate to be invited by Disney Cruise Line on the 3-Night Preview Cruise to Lookout Cay aboard the Disney Magic. In this week's episode, we are recapping our entire cruise - start to finish! Tune in to hear about our embarkation day anxieties, Alyssa's experience on Lookout Cay, and a DCL bucket list item I was able t…
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Bonus Episode: Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Itineraries
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For the first time, Disney Cruise Line has released TWO seasons of new itineraries at one time - fall 2025 and spring 2026! My guest on the show, Chris, and I will summarize the new schedules for you and highlight some of my favorite itineraries. We'll also mix in a few predictions. Bookings begin next week (Monday, June 24) and are tiered based on…
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My wife and I had the chance to be among the first to visit Disney Cruise Line's new private destination in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay! We had a fun (but exhausting) day and in this week's episode, I am bringing you my initial thoughts now that I've had some time to digest. It's just me on the show this week, but I'll bring Alyssa on later to get her…
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In this week's episode, my wife, Alyssa, joins me to discuss the top-5 onboard activities on a Disney cruse. We each had 5 unique activities, so you get a bonus 5 out of this episode! Keep in mind that there are LOTS of things to do onboard, most of which do not require reservations in advance. Keep an eye on your Daily Navigator for a list of upco…
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Episode 156: Talking DCL with a Longtime Disney Cruiser
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I'm joined in this week's episode by Tammy, who has sailed more than 50 times with Disney Cruise Line! We discuss her cruising backround, some of her recent travels, and get her thoughts on the future of Disney Cruise Line. This was a really fun discussion and I hope you enjoy it, as well! Tammy on Instagram: @cruisingwithtammy Don't forget to conn…
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Episode 155: A Month on a Disney Cruise
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I'm joined this week by my friend, Lisa, who recently sailed back-to-back 15- and 10-night cruises aboard the Disney Wonder! Her journey began in Sydney, Australia and brought her to various ports in the South Pacific on her way to Hawaii. On that cruise, she got to experience a 30-day February and cross the Equator! Once back in Hawaii, she and he…
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Bonus Episode: DCL Summer 2025 Itineraries
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In this bonus episode, we're going through the new summer 2025 Disney Cruise itineraries that were released earlier this week. Disney Cruise Line will be visiting places like Alaska, the Mediterranean, Norway, the Caribbean, and the British Isles! There are tons of exiting destinations and I've invited my friend, Chris, to talk about them. New book…
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As we get ready for the summer cruise season and say goodbye to the themed cruises at the beginning part of the year, I wanted to get an update on the the Marvel Day at Sea cruise experience in 2024. Erin joins me me in this episode from Virginia to discuss her recent cruse aboard the Disney Dream from Port Everglades. I hope you enjoy! Don't forge…
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Episode 153: DCL 101 - You Booked a Disney Cruise! Now What?
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Planning a vacation can be stressful and Disney Cruise Line has made the pre-cruise preparation increasingly harder over the years. In this week's episode where I continue the DCL 101 series, I cover all the things you should think about in the weeks and months leading up to your cruise. I hope this is helpful! Don't forget to connect with the show…
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Episode 152: 5 Things to Look Forward to in 2024
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In this week's episode, I'll get you all caught up on recent news from Disney Cruise Line and also give you my top-5 things to be excited about in 2024. If there's something you're excited about that didn't make my list, please reach out to me to let me know! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook…
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In this episode, we're recapping part 2 of our recent 5-night Bahamian cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay aboard the Disney Dream, which departed from Port Everglades. Tune in to hear about our two amazing days spent at Castaway Cay and our thoughts on Disney Cruise Line's New Year's Eve celebration at sea! Don't forget to connect with the show …
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Happy New Year, everyone! We recently returned from a 5-night Bahamian cruise with two stops at Castaway Cay aboard the Disney Dream, which departed from Port Everglades. The cruise departed on December 28 and returned on January 2, so we got to be onboard for New Year's Eve, which was an amazing way to ring in the new year! We're bringing you Part…
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Episode 149: 10 Things Not to Worry About
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I'm joined in this week's episode by Rebecca (@disneycruiselinecommunity on Instagram), who created the Disney Cruise Line Community Facebook group. Rebecca has a lot of DCL experience and we are talking this week about ten things not to worry about as it relates to your Disney cruise! My hope is that this will help take some of the stress and anxi…
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Episode 148: Can't-Miss Experiences on a Very Merrytime Cruise
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Cast member, Mallory, joins me in this episode to discuss her experiences as a cast member with Disney Cruise Line, and also to give us a summary of the can't-miss experiences on a Very Merrytime cruise. I hope this episode helps bring some holiday cheer to your day! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on …
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Episode 147: A South Pacific Disney Cruise
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In this week's episode, we're taking another long cruise with Disney Cruise Line - this time to the South Pacific! Listener Tim shares his experience on the inaugural 13-night South Pacific cruise from Honolulu ending in Sydney Australia! Tim gives us the details of the fun activities that were offered onboard and the things that he and his wife, S…
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Episode 146: Sailing to Hawaii with Disney Cruise Line
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In this week's episode, we're going to Hawaii! Unfortunately, not literally, but my friend, Lisa, who runs the @seayarealsoon account on Instagram, recently sailed on a 10-night cruise from Vancouver that ended in Honolulu and we discuss all the fun she had while onboard and in the various ports. She also fills us in on all the drydock enhancements…
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Bonus Episode: DCL Early 2025 Itinerary Release
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Disney Cruise Line has released its full slate of new itineraries for early 2025 and there were some exciting cruises that were announced! I'll summarize the new schedules for you and highlight some of my favorite itineraries. Bookings begin next week (Monday, October 30) and are tiered based on Castaway Club status. If you'd like to book one of th…
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Episode 145: Love It or Leave It with the DCL Duo
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In this week's episode, we're playing "Love it or Leave It" - Disney Treasury style - with Brian and Sam from the DCL Duo. We talk about all the recent announcements (except for last week's big announcement about the new Moana stage show) and let you know how we feel about them. This was a really fun episode and I hope you enjoy it, too! You can fi…
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Episode 144: Taking a European Cruise with Younger Kids
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If you've ever thought about taking a European cruise, but thought maybe your kids are too young, this is the show for you! Samantha recently cruised on a 7-night Northern Europe cruise with her husband, 8-year-old daughter, and 2-year-old son. We go through all the details of her family's travels and answer the big question - would you do it again…
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A little late on this one, but in this epiosde, I will share all the details with you related to Disney Cruise Line that were announced at this year's Destination D23 event held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. I hope you enjoy! If you'd like to book a cruise with me and receive some onboard credit to spend, send me an email at wes@m…
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Episode 143: Cruising from San Diego with Serena from @livingbydisney
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In this week's episode, I'm joined by Serena who runs the Instagram and TicTok accounts @livingbydisney. Serena recently cruise on the Disney Wonder from San Diego and we discuss her thoughts on the Disney Wonder, some of the things she likes to do onboard, and what it's like cruising in the Pacific ocean. We also brifely talk about her recent visi…
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Bonus Episode: Unlocking the Disney Treasure
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In this bonus episode, I'll take you through all the things that were announced during the "Unlocking the Disney Treasure" reveal event hosted by the Disney Parks Blog, and even the things that were not announced. Tune in to hear my thoughts and reactions and let me know if you agree or disagree! Also keep in mind that bookings for the new ship beg…
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I'm joined in this week's episode by Doug and Michelle from the Rope Drop: On Deck podcast. The three of us came up with five tips for you to use that you can hopefully bring with you on your next Disney cruise. We had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs, so I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, …
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Episode 141: Planning Around a Cruise from Southampton
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I'm joined in this episode by a longtime listener, Chris, who recently returned from a 10-Night Iceland, Norway, and France cruise, which departed from Southampton. Chris and his wife very much enjoyed the cruise, but they also planned some amazing experieces in London and around Europe before and after. In this episode, we're talking about Chris a…
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NEWS #3: Disney Treasure Reveal Date, New Onboard Internet Prices, and MORE!
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In this week's news episode, I'll get you all caught up on the latest Disney Cruise news stories since the last update. There's some big news related to the Disney Treasure, a couple new Castaway Club perks, an update to the pricing of the onboard internet packages, and a new way to book spa treatments. If you'd like to book a cruise with me to tak…
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Episode 140: DCL 101 - Booking Your Cruise
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In this week's episode, I'll take you through all the things to think about when booking your cruise, along with some tips for choosing a cruise and a stateroom! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them!…
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NEWS #2: Disney Treasure, Very Merrytime Cruises, and MORE!
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In this show, I'm getting you caught up on all the Disney Cruise Line news that has occurred since the last news release, including recent updates on the Disney Treasure and the DisneyBand+, an announcement about enhanced Very Merrytime celebrations, and new features for Castaway Club members! Also, if you'd like to book a cruise with me to take ad…
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Episode 138: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise Trip Recap (Part 2)
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In this week's episode, we are recapping the final couple days of our recent 7-night Alaskan cruise from Vancouver aboard the Disney Wonder. In this episode, we'll take you through our experiences in Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan, and our final day at sea. Thanks for listening and be sure to check out the written trip reports at my new blog, …
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Episode 138: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise Trip Recap (Part 1)
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In this week's episode, we are recapping the first couple days of our recent 7-night Alaskan cruise from Vancouver aboard the Disney Wonder. In this episode, we'll take you through our experiences on embarkation day, our first day at sea, and our day visiting the Sawyer glacier. Thanks for listening and stay tuned for part 2! Don't forget to connec…
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Episode 137: A 25th Anniversary Tribute to DCL Cast Members
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In this special episode of the DCL Dude Podcast, we're paying tribute to all the amazing cast and crew of Disney Cruise Line who work so hard to make our cruise experiences so magical. Thanks to all those who shared their stories with me! If you have a memorable story, I would love to hear it! Share it with me on social media and I'll share it publ…
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Episode 136: DCL 101 - Getting to Know the Fleet
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In this week's episode, we're running through all the things that each of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet has to offer - their similarities and their differences. But the nice thing about Disney Cruise Line is that it doesn't really matter which ship you sail on because you are going to have an amazing cruise regardless! Don't forget to c…
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NEWS #1: DisneyBand+, New Online Check-In Process, and MORE!
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Welcome to the first Disney Cruise news episode! In this show, I'm getting you caught up on all the Disney Cruise Line news that has occurred over the past couple weeks, including the DisneyBand+, the reveal of the Disney Treasure bow design, some updates on the new Silver Anniversary at Sea celebrations, and a new pre-cruise online check-in proces…
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Episode 135: What Makes a Disney Cruise Different from a WDW Vacation?
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Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World both have amazing things to offer, but what makes them different? Serena from LivingbyDisney and the Living by Disney Podcast joins me in this week's episode to discuss! Be sure to check out Serena's new show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitte…
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Episode 133: "Would You Rather?" with Steve and Lisa
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I'm joined in this episode by Steve Kriese from the DCL Podcast and by Lisa who runs the Instagram account @SeaYaRealSoon. We had a lot of fun playing "would you rather?"! Play along while you listen! Hope you enjoy. Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. If you hav…
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Bonus Episode: DCL Summer 2024 Itinerary Release
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The Disney Cruise Line summer 2024 itineraries have arrived and there were some exciting cruises that were announced! My friends Joe (backtothemouse.com) and Chris (in the Concierge Lounge) join me in the bonus episode to discuss what was released. If you'd like to book one of these new cruises, send me an email: wes@mickeyworldtravel.com…
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We're (finally) kicking off our DCL 101 series in this week's episode! In this show, we're talking about what's included in the cost of your cruise (and also pointing out some things that aren't). Stay tuned for more topics and if you have any specific ones you'd like to hear about, send me a message! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitte…
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There are two non-holiday themed cruise options with Disney Cruise Line. We covered the first of the two options in last week's episode, so this week we're talking about Marvel Days at Sea. This is the first season of these themed cruises on the Disney Dream, so I wanted to hear about what the new experience is like. Steve and his family cruised re…
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Serena (@LivingbyDisney) joins me in this week's episode to discuss her recent cruise on the Disney Fantasy with a Pixar Day at Sea! Serena goes into a lot of detail about the different things that are offered on these cruises and also has some thoughts on why you might want to consider one of these crusies in the future. Don't forget to connect wi…
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Episode 129: Looking Back at 2022 and Ahead to 2023!
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In this week's episode, we look back on the top Disney Cruise stories of 2022 and I give you the top-5 things that I am looking forward to in 2023. What are you looking forward to? Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd…
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In this week's show, we're playing Love It or Leave It - DCL style - where we talk about Disney Cruise things that we love...or maybe don't love so much. Feel free to play along as you listen! Hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. If you have any id…
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Bonus Episode: Top Itineraries of the Early 2024 Release
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The early 2024 Disney Cruise itineraries were announced this week! I'll give you the summary of what was announced, along with my favorite schedules from this release. Bookings begin on Monday for Platinum Castaway Club members, followed by Gold on Tuesday, Silver and DVC members on Wednesday, and General booking on Thursday. I would very much appr…
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Episode 127 - "It was the best cruise ever!"
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Special guests, William and Emily, join me in this week episode to talk about their recent cruise. Hear about our recent cruise from a different perspective! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Fin…
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Episode 126 - A Very Merry Trip Report
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In this week's episode, Alyssa and I are recapping our recent 3-Night Very Merrytime Bahamian cruise from Port Canaveral. It was the first-ever Very Merrytime cruise for the Disney Wish and we had an amazing voyage. Tune in to hear all about it! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude…
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Episode 125: Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Wish
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My guest this week, Casey, recently cruised with her family on the Disney Wish with a Halloween on the High Seas theme. We get into all the details about the decorations, events, and activities! The Halloween season is over for the Disney Cruise Line fleet, but I wanted to get the scoop before we move into Very Merrytime season! Enjoy! Don't forget…
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Episode 124: The Disney Wish During Hurricane Ian
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The September 26 cruise on the Disney Wish got a bit of an itinerary change when it was announced that the ship wouldn't be able to return to Port Canaveral on its scheduled date. My friend, Chris, joins me in this episode to talk about the experience onboard. Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Faceboo…
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I had the opportunity to attend the D23 Expo in Anaheim a couple weeks ago and got to be there in person when all of the Disney Cruise annoucements were made! In this episode, I am providing a recap of my experiences at the Expo, along with my thoughts and reactions to the Disney Cruise annoucements that were made. I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to…
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Episode 122: Conversation with Former Imagineer, Theron Skees
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In this week's episode, I'm joined by former Disney Imagineer, Theron Skees. Theron was the Vice President, Portfolio Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering before leaving the company in 2020. He was involved with many Disney Cruise projects over the course of his career and has a lot of great insights about the design of the Disney Wish. P…
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