

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!
Follow us on Twitter (@theDCLdude) or like us on Facebook (facebook.com/dcldudepodcast)!
Follow us on Twitter (@theDCLdude) or like us on Facebook (facebook.com/dcldudepodcast)!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 29, 2025 • 59min
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!

Dec 22, 2025 • 55min
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!

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 6min
Episode 182: Disney Destiny Review!
Join Wes and Alyssa as they dive into their unforgettable week aboard Disney Destiny! They share first impressions, compare it to other ships, and highlight the unique villains theme that turned into a favorite. Discover the breathtaking Grand Hall and enjoy a detailed review of standout performances, like the energetic storytellers and the dazzling Hercules show. Plus, get the scoop on character interactions and hidden Easter eggs throughout the ship. Their final verdict? A highly recommended adventure!

7 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 24min
Episode 181: 5 Reasons to be Excited for the Disney Destiny
The Disney Destiny is set to make a splash, with its christening ceremony and first public photos on the horizon! This new addition to the Wish-class fleet promises exciting design changes and unique onboard spaces, like a Lion King dining experience. Wes shares personal favorites, from fresh horn melodies to a stunning Hercules stage show. With a variety of itineraries on offer, including 4-5 night Bahamas cruises, the anticipation is palpable. Join Wes on his journey aboard the ship and stay tuned for firsthand insights and updates!

Oct 30, 2025 • 53min
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!

Oct 13, 2025 • 57min
Episode 179: Trip Recap! Our Recent 4-Night Cruise on the Wish
Join the adventure as hosts recap their 4-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Wish! From thrilling park experiences at Walt Disney World to the luxury of their veranda stateroom and the fun of the Hero Zone, every moment is packed with excitement. Discover their impressions of the themed dining experiences, like a lively Arendelle dinner, and share in the drama of a man overboard scare. Relaxation at Castaway Cay and fun deck days round out the journey, making it a memorable cruise for all! Dive into their experiences and tips!

14 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 28min
Episode 178: Sailing the Norwegian Fjords
Join the adventure as two sisters share their magical 8-night cruise through the stunning Norwegian Fjords aboard the Disney Fantasy. Discover their insights on pre-cruise planning, onboard activities, and the scenic ports they explored. From family-friendly hikes at breathtaking glaciers to culinary delights in Haugesund, every moment is packed with fun. Plus, get tips for navigating excursions and making the most of the cruise experience. It's a captivating journey that might just inspire your own travel plans!

11 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 41min
Bonus Episode: DCL Late 2026/Early 2027 Itineraries
Discover the latest Disney Cruise itineraries extending into May 2027, with insights on unique routes and exciting new ports of call, including Porta Plata in the Dominican Republic. Delve into the shifting Southern Caribbean options and the nostalgia of Panama Canal cruises. Learn fascinating stats about DCL, like the surprise of no themed days at sea. The hosts highlight new sailings from Galveston and speculate on future adventures, making planning your next Disney cruise a thrilling endeavor.

Aug 19, 2025 • 59min
Bonus Episode: Aulani Trip Recap (Part 2)
In this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast, Alyssa and I revisit the rest of our recent trip to Hawaii, which covers: Our private tour with Escape Waikiki Tours; Our visit to the Pearl Harbor Memorial; Our afternoon trip to Oahu's north shore; Our trip to Maui and private tour with Local Maui Tours; Our surf lessons with North Shore Oahu Surf School; Our visit to Kualoa Ranch; Our trip to the Big Island and private tour with Big Island Backroad Adventures; Our final rest day at Aulani If you have any questions about Aulani, please feel free to reach out. I hope you enjoy our recap! 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!

Aug 19, 2025 • 55min
Bonus Episode: Aulani Trip Recap (Part 1)
We're going off-topic in this bonus episode of the DCL Dude Podcast to discuss our recent trip to Hawaii and our stay at Disney's Aulani! We packed A LOT in to our 9-day vacation, so the episode ran longer than expected. For that reason, I've split it into two parts, so I'm releasing two back-to-back bonus episodes that will give you all the details from our recent trip. In part one, you'll hear about: Our planning process; Our stopover at Disneyland on the way to Hawaii; Our first full day at the resort If you have any questions about Aulani, please feel free to reach out. I hope you enjoy our recap! 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!


