613 - The Disney Dream Girls Podcast

Welcome back to another magical episode! On this week's show, Michelle is joined by the lovely Anthony Markham. Together they tackle the question of should you try another cruise line? 

If you wish to listen direct from the blog, click the link below.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just trying to figure out how to spend your hard-earned vacation dollars, we’ve got a packed show for you today.

Grab your coffee (or your tropical drink of choice) as we dive into cruise line culture, unpack the great "Pixie Dusting" debate and break down an apples-to-apples comparison of Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises.

Disney Pixie Dusting — Expectation or Entitlement?

Let’s start with a hot topic straight from the community boards: Pixie Dusting.

For the uninitiated, "pixie dusting" is the wonderful tradition where cast members spread a little magic.

• The Magic: When it’s organic, it’s a pure expression of community kindness. Finding a handmade Mickey magnet or a sweet treat coming your way puts an instant smile on your face.

• The Dark Side: Lately, online roll-call groups have seen a shift. Some guests treat pixie dusting less like an unexpected surprise and more like an entitlement—demanding lists and complaining about the quality or quantity of free gifts.

Our Take: Pixie dust is a bonus, never a guarantee. If you make it an expectation, you ruin the surprise—and the entire point of the gesture. Give because it brings you joy and receive with gratitude, never demands!

The Big Three Showdown — What Each Cruise Line Does Best

Every cruise line has a distinct personality. If you're trying to figure out where to sail next, here is what Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Princess masterfully bring to the table:

• Disney Cruise Line (The Master of Immersive Storytelling): Disney wins hands-down on character integration, Broadway-calibre original stage shows and meticulous family-focused stateroom design (hello, split bathrooms!). It’s a seamless blend of nostalgia and high-end hospitality.

• Royal Caribbean (The King of Action and Innovation): If you want endless thrills, mega-ships, surf simulators, rock walls and vibrant nightlife, Royal is unmatched. They do hardware and high-energy entertainment better than almost anyone at sea.

• Princess Cruises (The Champion of Classic Elegance and Relaxation): Princess leans into destination-heavy itineraries, top-tier enrichment lectures and a more sophisticated, laid-back atmosphere. It’s ideal for travellers who want romance, great food and a classic cruising feel without the chaotic theme-park energy.

We also compare Disney and Royal Caribbean's private islands and the offerings available. 

What is your view?

Special Thanks & Connect With Us

A massive thank you to our Patreon supporters! Your continued backing means the world to us and as a thank you, you always enjoy an ad-free listening experience.

Have questions or want to share your own Disney stories? Reach out to us:

• Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com

• Instagram: @disdreamgirls

611 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 611 for Sunday 6th September 2026. 

As always, if you wish to listen to the podcast direct - click the player below.

On this week's show, Michelle takes us inside her ultimate Disney getaway, breaking down a multi-stop adventure that spans both land and sea. From the nostalgic, high-energy vibes of Disney's Pop Century Resort and the luxurious maritime elegance of the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, to the sophisticated comforts of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, she’s reviewing it all.  

Tune in as she compares the amenities, comfort levels, and true value of these vastly different properties. Whether you're planning a budget-friendly family trip, looking to set sail or debating whether a non-Disney-owned property in the Epcot resort area is worth your hard-earned money, Michelle helps you answer the ultimate question: Should you stay there?

That's it for this week. 

We do have a Patreon Page and if you would like to support us financially, it would really help us with the running costs. In return you will receive an advert-free podcast, earlier releases and exclusive podcasts. 

Finally, we encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

610 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 610 for Sunday 30th August 2026. 

As always, if you wish to listen to the podcast direct - click the player below.

All aboard! On this week's podcast, Michelle is joined by fellow theme park fanatic Tom Ruddock for an absolute dream-trip preview.

Grab your winter gear and your Mickey ears because they are chatting all about his upcoming, bucket-list voyage to Alaska on the Disney Magic, followed by his very first-ever visit to the Disneyland Resort!

Tune in to hear:

• Insider excitement and tips for sailing through the stunning Alaskan wilderness with Disney Cruise Line;

• The anticipation and must-dos for his historic, inaugural trip to the classic Happiest Place on Earth;

• Plenty of Disney planning chat you won't want to miss!

Photo Credit Disney Cruise Line Website

That's it for this week. 

We do have a Patreon Page and if you would like to support us financially, it would really help us with the running costs. In return you will receive an advert-free podcast, earlier releases and exclusive podcasts. 

Finally, we encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

603 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 603 for Sunday 12th July 2026.

As always, if you wish to listen to the podcast direct - click the player below.

Our collective Disney countdowns are shrinking as we creep closer to our Disney summer trips. So on this week's show about fine dining on the Disney Cruise Line as well as lamenting about attractions of the past. 

Did we include any of your favourite attractions? Or have we missed any notable. much-loved attractions? 

Horizons - Photo Credit D23 Website

We do have a Patreon Page and if you would like to drop us a $1 a month (or more) it would really help us with the running costs. This also keeps our show from having to add adverts in order to keep the show up and running. Supporters from $5 or above get additional podcast content - exclusively just for them. 

Finally, we encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

 

600 The Disney Dream Girls Podcast

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 600 for Sunday 21st 2026.

As always, if you wish to listen to the podcast direct - click the player below.

On this week's show, we discuss some news items: 

• Disney Cruise Line;
• Shanghai Disneyland's 10th anniversary;
• Eat to the Beat Concert Series;
• Coffyns.  

Coffyns From Six Ravens

 

Then our main feature looks at what Disney connections we can think of linked to 600. 

1. Approximate number of rooms at Disney's Yacht Club.
2.  Annual Pass vs 4-day hopper.
3. Loop 600 - The Minnie Mouse loop at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
4.  Break even for The Mandalorian and Grogu.
5. Experiment 600 - Woops! 
    

Have we missed anything? Let us know!

That's it for this week! 

We do have a Patreon Page and if you would like to drop us a $1 a month (or more) it would really help us with the running costs. This also keeps our show from having to add adverts in order to keep the show up and running. Supporters from $5 or above get additional podcast content - exclusively just for them. 

Finally, we encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

589 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 589 for Sunday 29th March 2026.

As always, if you wish to listen right now - click the link below.

On this week's podcast, we start with some Disney history, celebrate a female Disney imagineer and then talk about some news items that have caught our eye over the past week. 

Becky Bishop - Area Development Executive 

Photo Credit D23 Website

Ms Bishop was a landscape architect, who began her career with imagineering in 1982. Her initial project was working on Splash Mountain in Disneyland. Tune in to find out more.

New Merchandise in the Magic Kingdom

Well there always is new merchandise isn't there. However, this item caught my eye. It is a $39.99 travel tumbler with a 520ml liquid capacity. It has a pop up straw, handle but it is not dishwasher or microwave friendly.  The lettering says Magic Kingdom. Our complaint? The letter 'a' features the Orange Bird so where is this character in the parks?

Bluey-Themed Food in Disneyland

Photo Credits Disney Parks Blog

From the 22nd March 2026, Bluey and Bingo themed foods arrived in Disneyland to link with the stage show 'Bluey's Best Day Ever!'

At the Troubadour Tavern, you will find baked potatoes, all-beef hot dogs. On the sweeterside, there are proffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes), magic 'asparagus' pretzels, a pavlova parfait and a watermelon block. Drinks include a concoction from Joffreys and a lime ice block drink.

Disney Believe Cruise Ship Name Announced

The fourth Wish Class ship's name was announced as Believe. What do you think about this choice? 

Disney Princess Brand

We share the top five Disney princesses in terms of merchandise. 

1. Elsa $3,397,816

2. Cinderella $2,504,259

3. Snow White $2,301,831

4. Anna $2,165,120

5. Ariel $1,483,384

Then, it was interesting to look at the data regarding popularity of the character meets.

1. Anna and Elsa - Royal Somerhus, Norway Pavillion, EPCOT

2. Cinderella - Princess Fairytale Hall, Magic Kingdom

3. Ariel - Ariel's Grotto, Magic Kingdom

4. Tiana - Princess Fairytale Hall, Magic Kingdom 

5. Rapunzel - Princess Fairytale Hall, Magic Kingdom 

However, a rising star is Mirabel - so watch this space! 

That's it for this week - catch you next time!

We do have a Patreon Page and if you would like to drop us a $1 a month (or more) it would really help us with the running costs. This also keeps our show from having to add adverts in order to keep the show up and running. Supporters from $5 or above get additional podcast content - exclusively just for them. 

Finally, we encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

587 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 587 for Sunday 15th March 2026.

As always, if you wish to listen right now - click the link below.

Disney Female Imagineer - Karen Connolly Armitage, Concept Designer

Photo Credit D23

Ms Armitage began her Disney career in 1977  and she brought her background in theater performance and design to the imagineering team. 

Her first assignment was with Disney Legend Dorothea Redmond. She was instrumental in the overall design of Disney theme parks around the world, including attractions at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Frontierland at Disneyland Paris, and Main Street at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Attraction Operations

We then share some important opening dates that Disney have shared - which attraction have you missed the most?

Buzz Lightyear's Space Rangers Spin 8th April 2026

Big Thunder Mountain early May 2026

Walt Disney's Animation Courtyard  26 May 2026

Disney Adventure

We know our friends Kat and Lewis have plans to sail on the Adventure - have you? What are you excited about?

Photo Credit Disney Website

Disney Theme Park Tours

Disneyland have debuted a brand new tour - Women Who Make the Magic Guidedn Tour.

It is 90 minutes long and looks at the contributions of female, Disney imagineers.

We then mention the current tours available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Have you taken any of these?

The Disneyland Train Tour - I have yet to do

 

I have been incredibly lucky to have done almost all of them and highly recommend them to people like us who want to know the details.
 

That's it for this week - catch you next time!

We do have a Patreon Page and if you would like to drop us a $1 a month (or more) it would really help us with the running costs. This also keeps our show from having to add adverts in order to keep the show up and running. Supporters from $3 or above also get the podcast earlier and from $5 additional podcasts - exclusively just for them. 

Finally, we encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

583 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 583 for Sunday 15th February 2026. 

As always, if you wish to listen right now - click the link below. 

On this week's show, we take you to the spot in the world of Disney we are dreaming about, share some history, share some news and then talk restaurants on the Disney Cruise Line. 

Women in Disney

Photo Credit D23 website

This week we celebrate Peggie Fariss - Executive, Creative Development.

Main Feature - Disney Cruise Line Restaurants

We then rank the restaurants on the Disney Cruise Line from what we have sailed on to those we are yet to enjoy.  

Which are your favourites? Were we wrong in placing the World of Marvel at the very bottom?

That's it for this week - catch you next time!

We do have a Patreon Page and if you would like to drop us a $1 a month (or more) it would really help us with the running costs. This also keeps our show from having to add adverts in order to keep the show up and running. 

Finally, we encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

 

577 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 577 for Sunday 4th January 2026. 

As always, if you wish to listen right now - click the link below.On this week's show, Michelle and Jayne start 2026 excited about what is coming to our world of Disney this year. 

Our podcast is now 12 years old! So if you have been with us from the start - we thank you for your support but would kindly ask if you would rate and review our podcast on your listening platform. This will help others find our podcast or if you have done this already - consider renewing your review.

If you are new to our podcast - welcome! Please look back and listen to our past podcasts, where you will find all sorts of content from Disney authors, travellers and historians so happy listening. 

We do have a Patreon Page and if you would like to drop us a $1 a month (or more) it would really help us with the running costs. This also keeps our show from having to add adverts in order to keep the show up and running. 

Finally, we encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

576 The DIsney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 576 for Monday 29th December 2025.  

As always, if you wish to listen right now - click the player below.

On this week's show, Jayne begins to unpack here recent Disney trip including the Westbound Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise on the Disney Fantasy and Walt Disney World. 

This December, we are celebrating 12 years of the show. If you enjoy listening (and want to keep it up and running) please rate and review us on your listening platform, share the show with your friends and on your social media channels and finally, consider supporting the show financially (via Patreon) as this truly does help with the running costs and keeps us having to add adverts in order to keep the show up and running. 

We encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

575 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 575 for Sunday 14th December 2025. As always, if you wish to listen right now - click the player below.On this week's show, Jayne begins to unpack here recent Disney trip including the Westbound Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise on the Disney Fantasy and Walt Disney World. 

This December, we are celebrating 12 years of the show. If you enjoy listening (and want to keep it up and running) please rate and review us on your listening platform, share the show with your friends and on your social media channels and finally, consider supporting the show financially (via Patreon) as this truly does help with the running costs and keeps us having to add adverts in order to keep the show up and running. 

We encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

563 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 563 for Sunday 14th September 2025. 

On this week's podcast, Michelle and Jayne begin unpacking Michelle's Disney travels. 

As always, if you wish to listen right now - click the player below.

We hope you enjoyed our podcast and if you would like to hear more from us, visit Patreon and consider supporting us financially in exchange for a range of exclusive benefits.

We encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.

 

543 The Disney Dream Girls

Welcome to the show for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 543 for Sunday 30th March 2025.

On this week's podcast - Jayne is back from her travels! So listen in as we unpack her trip with her.  As always, if you wish to listen right now - click the player below.

Boarding the Disney Wish

And we are on board!!

The Grand Hall

Mmmm BBQ!!!

Sail Away time

Time for Palo Steakhouse

Antipasti

Waffle time!

Veal Saltimbocca

Warm Amaretto Chocolate Fondant

Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Look who Jayne bumped into on Pirate Night!

Hyperspace Lounge

Making smoke bubbles!!!

Castaway Cay day equals Mickey churro waffles (from the kids station!)

5K completed!

The top of the Observation Tower

Disembarking day breakfast

We hope you enjoyed our podcast and if you would like to hear more from us, visit Patreon and consider supporting us financially in exchange for a range of exclusive benefits.

We encourage you to follow (and interact with) us on our our socials - @disdreamgirls our email address is info@disneydreamgirls.com and join us as on our Facebook Page - Disney Dream Girls Podcast Family.