In this no-holds-barred cruise edition of Missing the Magic, Michelle and Joe break down their recent experience aboard a Disney cruise with their signature blend of optimism and tough love. Michelle brings the pixie dust, Joe brings the straight talk, and together they tackle everything from Disney’s confusing feedback system to overcrowded theaters, long dinner lines, accessibility concerns, and an adult-only area that was anything but relaxing.

But it’s not all grumbling—there are still moments of magic, standout cast members, and helpful tips for navigating the chaos. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a Disney veteran, this episode offers honest commentary, a few laughs, and practical takeaways to help you set expectations and get the most out of your next voyage. If you’ve ever thought, “This could’ve been better,” you’re not alone—and you’re in good company.

In this no-holds-barred cruise edition of Missing the Magic, Michelle and Joe break down their recent experience aboard a Disney cruise with their signature blend of optimism and tough love. Michelle brings the pixie dust, Joe brings the straight talk, and together they tackle everything from Disney’s confusing feedback system to overcrowded theaters, long dinner lines, accessibility concerns, and an adult-only area that was anything but relaxing.

But it’s not all grumbling—there are still moments of magic, standout cast members, and helpful tips for navigating the chaos. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a Disney veteran, this episode offers honest commentary, a few laughs, and practical takeaways to help you set expectations and get the most out of your next voyage. If you’ve ever thought, “This could’ve been better,” you’re not alone—and you’re in good company.

Step aboard the Disney Treasure with Michelle, the pixie-dust optimist, and Joe, the delightfully grumpy realist, as they take you on a laugh-filled walkthrough of the ship itself. From the jaw-dropping Aladdin-themed Grand Hall (complete with a rub-able magic lamp and a $35,000 crystal Aladdin-and-Jasmine statue they absolutely are not bringing home) to Jungle Cruise–themed lounges, cat-filled jazz bars, and a ship that’s basically a floating Disney art museum, they share what wowed them, what surprised them, and what they totally meant to see but never did. Along the way, they talk live music, trivia nights, Halloween theming, coffee and beer hacks, and why Scat Cat became their quiet little hideaway while Skipper Society felt more like a busy hallway with drinks.

They don’t shy away from the misses, either—like the too-small Quiet Cove adult area, awkward guest services lines that looked like mystery queues to nowhere, confusing excursion cancellation rules, and shops clearly designed for the 1% (but not necessarily for people who still want to, you know, get their souvenirs home in one piece). Sprinkle in talk of spas, salons, whiskey tastings in the barbershop, shuffleboard on deck, missed chances to tour the kids’ club, and even rumors of a stowaway cat who scored a free cruise and a new life in the Bahamas, and you’ve got an episode that’s part review, part rant, and all real-talk Disney cruise vibes.

Step aboard the Disney Treasure with Michelle, the pixie-dust optimist, and Joe, the delightfully grumpy realist, as they take you on a laugh-filled walkthrough of the ship itself. From the jaw-dropping Aladdin-themed Grand Hall (complete with a rub-able magic lamp and a $35,000 crystal Aladdin-and-Jasmine statue they absolutely are not bringing home) to Jungle Cruise–themed lounges, cat-filled jazz bars, and a ship that’s basically a floating Disney art museum, they share what wowed them, what surprised them, and what they totally meant to see but never did. Along the way, they talk live music, trivia nights, Halloween theming, coffee and beer hacks, and why Scat Cat became their quiet little hideaway while Skipper Society felt more like a busy hallway with drinks.

They don’t shy away from the misses, either—like the too-small Quiet Cove adult area, awkward guest services lines that looked like mystery queues to nowhere, confusing excursion cancellation rules, and shops clearly designed for the 1% (but not necessarily for people who still want to, you know, get their souvenirs home in one piece). Sprinkle in talk of spas, salons, whiskey tastings in the barbershop, shuffleboard on deck, missed chances to tour the kids’ club, and even rumors of a stowaway cat who scored a free cruise and a new life in the Bahamas, and you’ve got an episode that’s part review, part rant, and all real-talk Disney cruise vibes.

Michelle and Joe take a deep dive into the Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the Disney Treasure, exploring its nautical Haunted Mansion storyline, standout effects (like the aquarium and changing portraits), and the themed drinks and merch that made the room a must-see.

They highlight the immersive bartenders (especially Himmi and Philip), the interactive shows that play over an hour, photo ops, and tips for getting the best experience—sit at the bar, bring your MagicBand Plus, and plan to go during the quieter evening window.

Michelle and Joe take a deep dive into the Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the Disney Treasure, exploring its nautical Haunted Mansion storyline, standout effects (like the aquarium and changing portraits), and the themed drinks and merch that made the room a must-see.

They highlight the immersive bartenders (especially Himmi and Philip), the interactive shows that play over an hour, photo ops, and tips for getting the best experience—sit at the bar, bring your MagicBand Plus, and plan to go during the quieter evening window.

It’s Castaway Cay day on the Disney Fantasy, and things don’t go quite like the brochure. In this episode, we talk about our “5K” experience on the island (heavy on the quotation marks), earning a very plastic medal, and trying to find our happy place on the adults-only Serenity Bay beach. From shallow, seagrassy water to crowded chairs and long walks for a decent float, we share the good, the bad, and the funny of Disney’s private island while still finding those little magical moments that make it worth the sunscreen.

Then it’s back to reality as we disembark and trade cruise decks for train tracks on the long Amtrak ride home. We compare Disney’s polished service with the very… different vibe of the train, talk about cranky fellow travelers, and reflect on how, in the end, it’s the people—both cast members and fellow guests—who really make the magic, even when the logistics don’t.

It’s Castaway Cay day on the Disney Fantasy, and things don’t go quite like the brochure. In this episode, we talk about our “5K” experience on the island (heavy on the quotation marks), earning a very plastic medal, and trying to find our happy place on the adults-only Serenity Bay beach. From shallow, seagrassy water to crowded chairs and long walks for a decent float, we share the good, the bad, and the funny of Disney’s private island while still finding those little magical moments that make it worth the sunscreen.

Then it’s back to reality as we disembark and trade cruise decks for train tracks on the long Amtrak ride home. We compare Disney’s polished service with the very… different vibe of the train, talk about cranky fellow travelers, and reflect on how, in the end, it’s the people—both cast members and fellow guests—who really make the magic, even when the logistics don’t.