Showing posts with label Disney Magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney Magic. Show all posts

Sunday, 20 September 2026

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:

Sunday, 30 August 2026

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.

Sunday, 1 August 2021

372 The Disney Magic Staycation Review

Welcome to the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 372, for Sunday 1st August 2021.

If you want to listen via this page, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio, or any good podcast catching app.

On this week's show, we are joined by our own travel industry expert - Martin Walker from Holiday Hamster. 

Martin has recently returned from two Staycation cruises - one on the Disney Magic and the other on Celebrity Cruise. 

Martin, his wife Hayley and son Jake
On the show, Martin shared details about booking, cabins, dining, characters and lots lots more!

Listen in to find out about the sundae on the side
Firstly, we are all about the food! The Disney Magic has 3 evening dining options that are included with the cost of your cruise - Rapunzel's Royal Table, Lumiere's and Animator's Palate and as you can see the food is plentiful and delicious. Martin shares lots of details that will get you salivating!

Mickey waffles for breakfast
Animator's Palate Fun
Another fun thing to do onboard is shopping! Sadly, all purchases in the shops attract a 20% tax. However, Martin's top tip is to pay with a card that does not charge a currency exchange cost. 

Hayley and her new Dooney and Bourke
A big difference between the two cruises Martin had enjoyed was the characters on the Disney Magic. He was very impressed that they were over 35 different characters available to meet - all in a socially distanced way! Plus Disney Dreams stage show and Freezing the Night Away show. 

Over the week, we will be sharing more pictures on our Instagram account.

We hope you have enjoyed the show and we will be back next week with more Disney fun.

Martin can be found @Holiday_Hamster on Twitter or via his website www.holidayhamster.co.uk As a client of Holiday Hamster - I can highly recommend their services.  

You may be aware we have a Patreon account so if you wish to hear more from us, pop on over to https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls where you will find lots of additional shows.

We invite you to give your opinions on our Facebook page - find the Disney Dream Girls on Facebook.

You can also subscribe via iTunes to ensure you never miss a show and also, whilst there, why not leave us an iTunes review? Click here for the iTunes page for the Disney Dream Girls.

Our other contact information is:

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @Jaynephipps

Email info@disneydreamgirls.com

Instagram @DisDreamGirls

We are proudly part of the After Dark Podcast Network @TADPodNetwork

Sunday, 17 March 2019

Disney Dream Girls 252 - A Magical Disney Trip and Cruise

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 252 for Sunday 17th March 2019.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

Coming up on this weeks show, Michelle is joined by travel blogger - Becky Manion. Together, the duo discuss her latest trip, which included a road trip from Orlando down to Miami. 
Pirate Night On The Disney Magic
A Cast Member Gave Becky A First Trip Button
Becky picked up a hire car and drove down to Disney's Vero Beach Resort. They stayed there one night in a standard room. Becky loved the airy feel of the resort, as well as the many Disney touches, which included Dole Whip!
Vero Beach Is Right On The Beach
The Lobby
After a further drive, they arrived at the port in Miami, where the Disney Magic awaited them. Their cruise was a five night Marvel at Sea itinerary. Having already done the Star Wars at Sea, Becky was curious to see how this differed. The good news was that this cruise was much much better. From the content to the organisation - Becky was impressed! The only downside being the incredibly well hidden Marvel shop!
Lots of Characters to Meet
The cruise had a stop at Castaway Cay and Becky loved this! She managed to get her hands on her first 5K Disney medal too!
Awesome Bedrunner
If you want to catch up with our guest Becky and read more about her travels why not catch up with her on her blog https://whatbeckydidblog.com/

That's all we have for this week, if you want more Disney Dream Girls chat - why not become a supporter via our Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls By giving a small amount each month, you can receive additional, exclusive, audio content. 

You can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com 
Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls
and Instagram @disdreamgirls
 and join in our chat on Facebook DisneyDreamGirlsPodcast