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

Join the waitlist for DCL Magazine and use promo code DCLDUO for 10% off at the WDW Magazine store!

Stay Connected with the DCL Duo

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook Group

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