The DCL Dude Podcast

Wes Dauer

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!

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23 episodes
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Avg 53 min
English

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#198
October 13 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 198: Recapping the Disney Believe Reveal
Last week, I got an exclusive first look at Disney Cruise Line's next ship, and there's a LOT to talk about! I'm joined in this episode by Drew the Disney Dude to share our firsthand experience at the Disney Believe reveal media event aboard the Disney Wish. From a scavenger hunt around the ship and Castaway Cay to the big announcements that unveiled Disney's newest ship, we're giving you a behind the scenes look, breaking down our favorite moments, biggest surprises, and the new experiences we're most excited about. Connect with Drew: On Instagram @drewthedisneydude On YouTube youtube.com/drewthedisneydude Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#197
September 29 · 53 min
Episode 197: DCL Report Card
In this episode, we're taking Disney Cruise Line back to school and grading everything from the ships, dining, entertainment, and kids clubs to Cast Member service, private destinations, pricing, and that all-important Disney magic. My wife, Alyssa, joins me to add her expertise as a teacher, so tune in to find out what grades we're giving the Disney Cruise Line experience! Let me know if you agree or disagree! Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#196
September 7 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 196: Disney Treasure Cruise Recap!
We had an amazing(!!) week on the Disney Treasure and in this week's episode, we're bringing you all the highlights! My wife, Alyssa, joins me to discuss our family's 7-night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Treasure, with stops at Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Castaway Cay. We can't wait to go back! I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#195
August 17 · 30 min
Episode 195: DCL at D23 2026!
In this week's episode, I'm recapping all the Disney Cruise Line news from this year's D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, including audio clips from the Horizons Disney Experiences Showcase. Get all the news and hear my reactions to what was revealed. Hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#194
August 3 · 48 min
Episode 194: Ranking Disney Cruise Line Splurges from Best to Worst
All the essentials are included in the cost of your Disney cruise - food, soft drinks, coffee, and entertainment to name a few. But because Disney Cruise Line is so generous, they give you plenty of extra opportunities to spend your money. In this week's episode, I'm ranking 25 ways you can spend your money on a Disney cruise. Hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#193
June 29 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 193: DCL Overrated/Underrated
In this week's episode, I've invited my friend, Doug, (@RopeDropRadio and Rope Drop on Deck) to play a game of overrated/under rated - Disney Cruise Line style. I picked some topics that I thought might be a bit controversial and we debated whether they are worth they hype or if they are not quite getting the hype that they deserve (or somewhere in between). You may agree or disagree, but I hope you'll play along as you listen! Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#192
June 2 · 38 min
Episode 192: Answering your Questions!
In this week's episode, I'm answering your questions! Thank you to all who submitted questions over on Instagram. I had a lot of fun going through these and I'm looking forward to doing again soon! If you have a question, please feel free to send it my way and I'll work it into a future episode. Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#191
May 18 · 42 min
Episode 191: A Concierge Baja Cruise from San Diego
In this week's episode, I'm joined by my good friend, Chris, to talk about his recent Baja cruise from San Diego with his wife aboard the Disney Magic. The cruise called on Catalina Island and Ensenada, which we discuss, and we also talk about Chris's experiences sailing Concierge. Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#190
April 27 · 46 min
Episode 190: Disney Cruise Things We Miss
In this episode, my friend Tammy (@cruisingwithTammy and author of the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line) and I are taking a trip down memory lane and discussing some of the things that Disney Cruise Line used to offer that we hope they will bring back someday. It was very nostalgic to talk about some of these things and we think some of them would be easy to bring back! Hope you enjoy! Follow Tammy on Instagram: @cruisingwithtammy Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#189
April 13 · 58 min
Episode 189: Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabanas at Castaway Cay!
In this week's episode, we're talking with Chris who runs the website dclcruisingdad.com. Chris and his family recently cruised on the Disney Wish to the Bahamas and had the chance to experience one of the new Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabanas at Castaway Cay! We'll get all the details about those and discuss the other fun parts of his cruise. Hope you enjoy! Follow Chris on X: @dclcruisingdad Follow Chris on Instagram: @dclcruisingdad Don't forget to connect with the show on X and on Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#188
March 23 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 188: Talking Disney Adventure with Scott Gustin
In this week's episode, I'm talking with Scott Gustin about his experience on the christening cruise of the Disney Adventure. I was very curious to learn about the onboard experience and Scott shared a lot of the details from his cruise with me. We also talked about new leadership at the Walt Disney Company and about the future of Disney Cruise Line. Hope you enjoy! Be sure to follow Scott on X: @scottgustin Also check out Scott's Substack. Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#187
March 9 · 50 min
Episode 187: "One Has to Go" with Dustin
In this week's episode, my friend Dustin joins me to play a Disney Cruise Line version of "One Has to Go". Before the show, I asked him for a list of his three favorites across a variety of topics. He was not aware that he would have to choose one to eliminate, so it made for some interesting discussion topics. Hope you enjoy! Be sure to follow Dustin on instagram: @dustinondeck4dcl Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
February 13 · 50 min
Bonus Episode: New Summer 2027 Itineraries!
In this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast, we discuss the recently-announced Disney Cruise itineraries, which extend the schedule into September 2027! The summer itinerary announcements are my favorite ones, and this particular announcement has some fun new itineraries and things to talk about. My friend, CT, and I break it all down for you. Hope you enjoy and happy booking! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#186
February 9 · 54 min
Episode 186: Ports of Call Draft with DCL Duo
In this week's episode, I did a fun collaboration with Brian and Sam from the DCL Duo. We discussed their thoughts on the Disney Destiny and then took turns choosing ports of call from a list of Disney Cruise destinations with the goal of drafting the best one! We're going to poll our social media followers to see who came out on top, but listen for yourself and decide who you think drafted the best Disney Cruise Line itinerary! Follow Brian and Sam: dclduo.com Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#185
January 12 · 1 hr
Episode 185: An Epic Itinerary Down Under
The Disney Wonder is wrapping up her final season in Australia (at least for now), but recently completed one of it's most amazing itineraries - a 10-night Magic at Sea cruise departing from Auckland and ending in Sydney, with lots of ports of call in between and a journey through Fjordland National Park. You'll want to listen to this episode as my guests, Landon and Bridget, recap their epic voyage! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#184
Dec 29, 2025 · 58 min
Episode 184: The First Avenger
In this week's episode, I'm joined by two former cast members for the Walt Disney Company. Robby and Jillian had several different roles throughout the years they spent with TWDC, and it was fun to discuss those with them. Robby had the unique priviledge of introducing Captain America to Disney Cruise Line, so we discuss that experience, as well. They also recently cruised with some extended family on the Magic from Galveston, so we had LOTS to talk about! I hope you enjoy. Happy New Year! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#183
Dec 22, 2025 · 54 min
Episode 183: Our DCL Christmas Wish List
It's the most magical time of the year—and we're making a Disney Cruise Line Christmas wish list! 🎄🚢 In this episode, my friend, Doug, and I are counting down 5 things we want from Disney Cruise Line for Christmas, sharing big dreams, practical requests, and plenty of holiday spirit along the way. Grab your hot cocoa and listen in to see if your wishes match ours! Merry Christmas, everyone! Doug's podcasts: Rope Drop Radio Rope Drop On Deck Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#182
Dec 1, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode 182: Disney Destiny Review!
Alyssa and I recently spent 7 nights onboard the Disney Destiny between a preview cruise and the Maiden Voyage! In this week's episode, we are bringing you our thoughts on our experience and our full review of Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Destiny. I hope you enjoy! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#181
Dec 1, 2025 · 23 min
Episode 181: 5 Reasons to be Excited for the Disney Destiny
The time has come! Destiny awaits! Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Destiny will make her official debut this week with the Christening ceremony scheduled for Monday evening (11/10) at 6:30PM ET, followed by a three-night christening cruise to the Bahamas. This will will be the first time that photos and videos from INSIDE the ship will be permitted to be shared, so we're about to learn a LOT about what Disney Cruise Line has been up to. To get you prepared, I've come up with my top-five reasons why you should be excited for the Disney Destiny! Be sure to follow my social media pages next week as I spend almost 7 consecutive nights onboard between a 3-night preview cruise and the 4-night Maiden Voyage. I can't wait to share my thoughts and experiences with you! Thanks so much for tuning in! Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!
#180
Oct 30, 2025 · 53 min
Episode 180: "Would You Rather" with Serena from Living By Disney
Serena from the Living By Disney Podcast joins me in this week's episode to play a fun game of "Would You Rather?" A guaranteed spot in shade on the pool deck or a reserved seat in your favorite lounge? Unlimited AquaMouse with no lines or a skip the line pass to meet your favorite characters? These are the hard hitters were taking on in this week's episode! Tune it to hear the choices we made. Also, check out Serena's content: Instagram: @livingbydisney Podcast: Living By Disney Podcast Don't forget to connect with the show on Twitter and Instagram @theDCLdude, or on Facebook at facebook.com/dcldudepodcast. You can also check out my blog at www.thedcldude.com. If you have any ideas for future episodes, I'd love to hear them! Finally, if you're thinking about booking a Disney Cruise, don't go it alone! Send me an email at wes@mickeyworldtravel.com for a FREE quote and find out how to get some onboard credit to spend on your cruise!

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