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Ep. 598 - First-Time Disney Cruiser in Europe: Alaina’s Family Sails the Disney Fantasy

DCL Duo
DCL Duo
🥉Knowledgeable
👁️ 84 views📅 5 months ago⏱️ 57:13
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship Review🥉Knowledgeable CreatorSponsored
👶 Best for Family (Young Kids)Mediterranean · Summer · 5 nightsFrom SouthamptonFirst-Time Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

We had a board arrival time of 1:15. So, we allowed ourselves plenty of time about 3 hours.

We got off and there was just some high-end shopping and just tiny little alleys with cute little boutiques and coffee shops.

The midship detective. We had actually heard that from some of your listeners and they highly recommended it and we absolutely loved doing that as a family.

I would highly recommend if other people can ask their stateroom host for that on the first day. It made getting into bed super fun that night for sure.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Ask your stateroom host for character sheets on the first day for kids.
Use a phone case with a credit card slot for easy access to your Key to the World card.
Leave kids in the kids' clubs on port days if you're staying nearby.
Book transportation to Southampton in advance, but consider cabs for the return trip.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Adjusting to time zones with young kidsSpend a few days in Europe before the cruise to adjust.
Finding family-friendly hotels in LondonStay at the Andaz London Liverpool Street, which has family rooms.
Long character lines on the shipBe prepared for longer lines, especially in Europe, and focus on other activities.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat is it like to be a first-time Disney cruiser in Europe?
QHow do you plan a Disney cruise with young kids?
QWhat are the best onboard activities for families?
QHow do you handle transportation and logistics for a European Disney cruise?

Topics Covered

Booking Process3½ Happy BaconService Crew4½ Happy BaconKids Family4 Happy BaconCabin Balcony4 Happy BaconEntertainment Shows3½ Happy BaconPort Destination3½ Happy BaconDining Room Service4 Happy BaconEmbarkation3½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Bilbao3 Happy Bacon
Top: Funicular ride
La Coruña4 Happy Bacon
Top: Oldest working lighthouse
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

This week, we’re welcoming first-time cruiser Alaina to the show to share her family’s maiden voyage on Disney Cruise Line — a five-night sailing on the Disney Fantasy out of Southampton with ports in La Coruña and Bilbao. Alaina and her husband are lifelong Disney Parks fans, and with three kids in tow (including eight-year-old twin planners-in-training), they decided to take their love of Disney across the pond for their very first DCL experience. From carefully structured travel using airline miles to a pre-cruise stay in London and even a surprise Paddington Experience for her son, this trip was full of thoughtful planning and family magic. On board the Fantasy, Alaina and her family explored the ship top to bottom, enjoyed the youth clubs, midship detective agency, karaoke, and the shows in the Walt Disney Theatre. Her son Pierce makes a guest appearance to share his favorite moments, including the AquaDuck, Jack-Jack’s Diaper Dash, and his mission to save his spending money for a Nintendo Switch 2. We also cover: • How Alaina planned this trip using miles through her business, Molars and Miles • What surprised her most about ports in Spain • Tips for navigating European sailings with kids • Dining, stateroom setup for a family of five, and navigating late dining • Pixie dusting, magnets, WhatsApp groups, and more If you’re planning a first-time Disney Cruise Line sailing — especially in Europe — this is a perfect episode to help you prepare. Listen now and join the conversation!   Help Support the Show:  • Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with My Path Unwinding Travel (https://mypathunwinding.com/dclduo) • Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine (https://dcl-magazine.com) and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store!   Stay Connected with the DCL Duo Website (https://dclduo.com/)  | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dcl_duo/)  | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DCLDuo)  | Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/dclduo)   We’re Ranked as a Top Podcast by Feedspot Top 30 Disney Cruise Line Podcasts (#1) | Top 20 Cruise Podcasts (#2) | Top Disney Podcasts (#4) | and Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Influencers (#12).   Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the views of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line or any other travel provider discussed or mentioned.   #DisneyCruiseLine #DCL #DisneyFantasy #FirstTimeCruiser #FamilyCruise #EuropeCruise #SouthamptonCruise #SpainCruise #TravelWithKids #CruiseTips #DisneyCruiseReview #DCLDuo #DisneyTravel #FamilyTravel