🎙 Episode Show NotesEpisode Title: Sparkle, Spas & Sea Days: What We’ve Learned CruisingPodcast: Hangin’ at the Hangar Bar – A Disney Adults PodcastHosts: Scott & CandiceTopic: Cruising Lessons Learned – The Good, the Bad, and the Spa Upsells🛳️ OverviewScott and Candice take listeners on a deep dive through their decade-plus of cruise experiences, from their very first trip with Carnival to concierge-level Disney sailings and Virgin Voyages’ stylish balconies. This episode blends storytelling, travel tips, a few spicy opinions, and a healthy dose of humor as the pair share the real lessons they’ve learned on the high seas.From Alaska’s stunning scenery to questionable “deals” on diamonds, they pull back the curtain on what makes a cruise memorable — and what can turn into a floating cash grab if you’re not careful.🧭 Main Segments1. Favorite Cruise MemoriesAlaska takes the crown for Candice, defying expectations and leaving a lasting impression.Virgin Voyages wins points for vibes, luxury balcony space, and that nightly champagne.Family cruises hold a special place for Scott — minus any Peter Griffin antics.2. The First Cruise & Foundational LessonsCarnival taught them they love cruising… but also how much the right ship matters.“Shop for what you want, not just where the ship goes.”Itinerary vs. comfort: striking the balance between ports of call and onboard experience.3. Spa Treatments: The Hidden CostsCruise ship spas = beautiful ambiance + sneaky upsells.From unclear add-on pricing to surprise gratuities, Scott and Candice break down why their “$250 treatment” became a $700+ surprise.Pro tips:Tour the spa before you buy.Ask direct questions about pricing and gratuities.Remember: relaxation shouldn’t feel like a hostage negotiation.4. Duty-Free Jewelry: Sparkly or Scammy?Onboard “deals” aren’t always deals — thanks to inflated pricing and pressure sales tactics.Scott confesses his eternal underestimation of jewelry costs.Candice reminds listeners: “Never fall in love with something you can’t walk away from.”Why the $3,800 Mickey pendant didn’t come home with them.How finding a local shop in Alaska led to a better price, better service, and an unforgettable memory.5. Picking the Right CruiseExperience over “thrill rides”: they prefer vibes over chaos.Smaller ships, live music, tasting classes, and sea days make their dream cruise.They weigh loyalty perks against trying different lines to match the vacation they want.📝 Lessons Learned (a.k.a. “The Captain’s Log”)Don’t underestimate how much the right stateroom can shape your cruise.Itinerary matters, but so does your comfort on the ship.Spa experiences are a luxury — not a necessity. Know your budget and stick to it.Duty-free doesn’t mean “actual deal.” Do your homework, and don’t get dazzled by the sparkle.Pick cruises based on the vibe you want, not just the marketing promises.🥂 Fun Quotes“What floats our boat doesn’t have to float yours.”“Relaxation shouldn’t come with a sales pitch.”“Never fall in love with something you can’t walk away from — even if it’s shaped like Mickey.”“Spa day or hostage negotiation? Sometimes it’s hard to tell.”📲 Connect with UsInstagram: @hanginatthehangarbarFacebook: Hangin’ at the Hangar BarGot a question or cruising story? DM us or leave a comment — your story could be featured in a future episode!

✨ Episode OverviewIn this sequel to “After Dark, Part 1,” Scott and Candice continue their vacation recap—this time taking listeners aboard the Disney Magic for the sea portion of their Land & Sea adventure. Over five unforgettable nights, they share candid reflections, humor, and heartfelt appreciation for Disney’s new island Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, their experiences as concierge guests, and the growing list of “hangar-worthy” cocktails discovered along the way.Listeners get a mix of luxury travel insight, Disney cruise tips, and relatable laughter, including stories of serendipitous friendships, epic meals, and lessons learned about sunscreen, umbrellas, and the dangers of mixing champagne tastings with motion at sea.💡 Highlights & ThemesAuthenticity Restored: The cruise redeemed itself in the last two days, reminding Scott and Candice why they fell in love with Disney travel in the first place.Pro Tips Galore: Bring umbrellas to the islands, don’t skip the soufflé, and always chase the good live music.Concierge Perspective: Honest insights on whether the extra cost is worth it—and when service doesn’t quite meet expectations.Disney’s Evolution: Lookout Cay demonstrates Disney’s forward-thinking environmental practices and design learnings from Castaway Cay.Music Magic: From The Murphy Sisters to Best of Both, live entertainment elevated the cruise and left lasting impressions.🍹 Featured DrinksJazz 75 – Moët + citrus-infused gin (Soul Cat Lounge)Filthy Dirty Martini – Candice’s highlight from Night 1Pirates Something – sugary “Drink of the Day” discoverySparkling Wine from Palo – sweet, grape-juicy delight chosen by the sommelierPort & Parm Pairing – unlikely but perfect🎧 Closing Reflection“This cruise has redeemed itself in the last two days. It feels like the Disney cruise we know and love again.”– ScottListeners are left inspired to chase the same blend of laughter, discovery, and comfort that defines Hangin’ at the Hangar Bar’s signature storytelling style.

Scott and Candice kick off the After Dark two-parter with the “land” half of their trip: decompressing at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, an “epic (™)” Magic Kingdom day without rope drop, and a relaxed Epcot morning that turns into a revelation at GEO-82—the retro-futurist, 21+ lounge tucked behind Spaceship Earth.

Highlights & takeaways:

• Poly perks: unbeatable location, laid-back vibe, and why celebration buttons quietly pay dividends.

• Day 1 bites & sips: Waialua Grill apps, Trader Sam’s patio, Homecomin’ (moonshine surprise), and why the Stack Burger at Steakhouse 71 still reigns.

• MK without the grind: Pirates, Country Bears (revamped & genuinely funny), double-loop on PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress comfort, Haunted Mansion nightcap, and why umbrellas > ponchos.

• Snacks with opinions: Cheeseburger spring rolls = must; crème brûlée croissant redeems Gaston’s Tavern.

• Epcot flow: Ale & Compass breakfast strategy, Living with the Land, Journey of Water’s improved audio, a quick hello to Walt, and the star of the show—GEO-82 (elevated cocktails, thoughtful tasting experiences, and a charcuterie board that lives rent-free in our heads).

• Service stories: a shipping fiasco that turned into a master-class in recovery at Creations Shop, plus a quick PSA on lost-child protocol (find a Cast Member—fast).

• Pro tips: pace your day, rotate transportation (resort launch can beat the monorail crush), wear your buttons, bring reusable straws, and don’t be afraid to leave and come back.