DDG 232 - WDW DCL Happy Place Chat

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 232 for Sunday 21st October 2018.  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.

On this weeks show, Michelle is joined by fellow podcaster, Ashley Kennedy Turner to chat through some news and views about the Disney Cruise Line. 

Is this for adults?
Yes! We have many friends who have been on Disney Cruises as adults and each and everyone will concur and say a resounding yes. 

Skyline

Whilst Disney is renown for being a family orientated brand, the cruise line has so many adult only areas and entertainment it is a big hit with adults. From fine dining in restaurants like Palo and Remy, to lounges such as Meridian and Skyline and with adult only pools and deck areas it is fabulous!

What is Platinum?
Once you have taken your first Disney cruise, you become a silver member of the Castaway Club. Once you have been on 5 cruises, you become a Gold member and after 10 you become a platinum member. 

These levels enable you to book entertainment/dining earlier and to book the actual cruises earlier - thus ensuring you get the very best price and availabiliity of cabin. 

Castaway Cay
For many, the highlight of a cruise is a stop at Disneys' private island - Castaway Cay. Again, as an adult you have the ability to utilise the adult only beach. 

On the show, Ashley explained about her next cruise. She chose it specifically because it has two days at Castaway Cay.

What is Concierge like on the Cruise Line?
Ashley explained why she chose to add this option to her cruise and the benefits for her personally. From being able to embark earlier to a concierge only lounge (with food and beverage items exclusively available) Ashley felt it was the cherry on her Disney Cruise. 

In addition, there is a private sunbathing area with hot tub and from booking, she had a dedicated person to ensure the process went smoothly. Once on-board, concierge hosts were available to assist in anyway they could.
 

So that's about it for this weeks post. If you want to get in touch with us here's how; 
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DDG 228 - Disney Cruise Line Palo Review

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 228 for Sunday 23rd September 2018. If you want to listen (whilst you read these notes) click the hand audio player below or head to your usual podcast catching place.

Coming up on todays show, Michelle is joined by frequent guest, friend and Disney-travel blogger Becky Manion. Becky has been visiting Walt Disney World for many years but having experienced her first Disney Cruise a few years ago, she is now addicted! So when Michelle wanted to talk about upscale dining on the Cruise Line, she could think of no better guest. Find Becky via her blog what_becky_did

Firstly, why pay for an upscale dining experience when you can have breakfast buffet or table service style but also in your stateroom? By the end of this, hopefully you will know the answer!

Palo is bookable via the Disney Cruise Line activities section of the website. New cruisers can book 75 days before they set sail. Whereas previous cruisers can book between 90 and 120 days - depending on how many cruises you have been on. 

Luca the server Michelle had on her brunch

On the main show, we review the brunch and then jump to discussing some news. However, select Patreon supporters have an extra special extended show with a review of dinner and the upscale ice-cream parlors.    

On these show notes, we will exclusively focus on Palo. The first thing that strikes you is the beautiful surroundings. It is an incredibly adult atmosphere and the tones of the reflect the beauty of Italy. The food offerings are two fold - there are cold and hot options available. These are unlimited and you are welcome to hop between the two. The price includes a mimosa on arrival.

The cold buffet area consists of four tables; breads, seafood, cheese and meats then desserts. The tables literally groan due to the weight of their bounty!

After enjoying everything, you can then move to the hot options. Between us we sampled pancakes, waffles, chicken parmesan and steak. Everything was delivered piping hot and delicious.

The staff did not rush us and in total we were there just under two hours. Whilst there were other guests there, it did not feel that way at all! In fact, I felt like the whole restaurant was exclusively ours. 

At the end of the meal, we received our bill and after adding an amount for the gratuity; we left. We were incredibly full and felt that the experience that was made up of a perfect marriage of exemplary service and devine food: it was well worth the price tag. This is an event we will definately repeat. 

Have you any questions about Palo? Drop us a message!

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Disney Dream Girls 207 - A Guide to the Disney Cruise Line

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 207 for Sunday 29th April 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below. Alternatively, why not listen via iTunes, Sticher Radio or any podcast catching place!

On todays' Disney Dream Girls, we welcome the lovely Erin Foster to talk about the Disney Cruise Line.

Erin is the co-author to the Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line. In addition, she is a charter member of the official Walt Disney Parks Moms Panel and as part of that role she has answered over 10,000 guest questions about Disney travel. She also has contributed to many Disney websites and podcasts and is a brilliant source of Disney information. If you would like to contact Erin direct, why not drop her a tweet @MomsPanelErin

Our first top tip is to buy the book! It is full of information, viewpoints and has years of contributors advice.

On the show, Erin shares some considerations for those wishing to book at trip. The topics we covered included what type of room to book, cruise itineraries, the time of year to travel and what you should bring with you.

A big part of booking a cruise with Disney is their exemplary service. Erin discusses her thoughts on tipping and whether you should take gifts (instead of a tip) with you for your stateroom cast member. As a note, tips can be paid in advance (with the option to tip extra if you choose). However some services, such as bar tenders, will expect a tip and these can not be pre-paid.

Another draw for many people is the food, whether the convenience of room service to buffets or the rotational table service dining - Disney Cruise Line has something to offer all. We also delve into the more upscale (and additional cost) restaurants that tempt many. We include information on how to book Remy and Palo and whether to go for brunch or dinner. Plus, what to do if you can't get a reservation.

Although we didn't get a chance to discuss this element on the podcast, a big draw for many is a visit to Castaway Cay - Disney's private island in the Bahamas. From discussions on previous shows, we know how much those who have cruised with Disney before have enjoy this, such as our good friend Becky Manion.

On Michelle's trip she is planning to 'run' the 5K that is held on the island each morning. This means she will get her first Disney medal! Kat and Lewis (from Dis Down Under) will be joining her and together the trio will talk about it on upcoming podcasts.

We would like to thank our wonderful guest Erin for taking time out of her busy schedule to join us to talk about the Disney Cruise line and we look forward to talking more Disney with her in the very near future.
Thank you for visiting and we hope you will also listen to the podcast. 
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