In this episode of That Twin Mama Podcast, Lauren Berty reflects on her time aboard the Disney Destiny — a sailing that became a powerful reminder of what it feels like when representation is intentional, authentic, and fully woven into the experience from the very beginning.

This isn’t a traditional Disney cruise review. It’s an honest conversation about Black joy, identity, motherhood, and how thoughtful storytelling can create spaces where Black families feel deeply seen — while also inviting everyone into richer, more meaningful experiences.

Through conversations with Yolanda Cade, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs for Disney Signature Experiences, and Corey J. Bradford, the actor portraying Hercules aboard Disney Destiny, Lauren explores how Black voices, culture, and excellence were intentionally embedded across entertainment, music, design, and service — not as a theme night or spotlight moment, but as an integral part of the ship’s soul.

This episode is for parents raising children who deserve to see themselves reflected with power and pride, families navigating multiple generations together, moms rediscovering themselves beyond survival mode, and anyone who believes that inclusive storytelling doesn’t divide — it deepens the magic for everyone.

• How Black storytelling aboard Disney Destiny was intentionally designed, not added on

• Why representation feels different when it’s authentic and deeply integrated

• Seeing Black excellence reflected in Disney stories — from Pride Lands to Hercules

• What it means for children to see themselves as heroes on the biggest stages

• How inclusive design creates joy across generations

• Why Disney Destiny felt like rest, healing, and affirmation — not just entertainment

• The role storytelling plays in helping moms and families reconnect with themselves

• Why spaces that honor culture make experiences richer for all guests

#ThatTwinMama #DisneyDestiny #BlackExcellence

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What happens when a family vacation becomes something much deeper?

In this episode of That Twin Mama, Lauren reflects on a Disney Destiny cruise experience that unexpectedly became a moment of rest, gratitude, and reconnection after a challenging year. Rather than a traditional travel recap, this conversation explores parenting, mental load, generational joy, and what it feels like to finally be supported as a mom.

Through candid conversations with her husband, her mother-in-law, and Disney hospitality and culinary leaders, Lauren shares how intentional design, thoughtful service, and family-first spaces allowed both parents and kids to truly enjoy the experience without rushing, apologizing, or managing every detail.

This episode is for parents who feel tired, overwhelmed, or unsure whether real rest is even possible while traveling with kids, and for anyone navigating a season where joy feels hard to access.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why this Disney cruise felt like rest instead of “parenting in a different location”

• How Disney Destiny is intentionally designed for families

• Parenting, partnership, and reconnecting as a couple

• The power of shared experiences across generations

• Why reducing the mental load for moms matters

• Practical Disney cruise tips for families

• How food, service, and storytelling shape the experience

• Choosing joy after a hard year, even when life isn’t perfect

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 Choosing Joy After a Hard Year

02:40 Why This Cruise Felt Different

07:50 Experiencing Disney Across Generations

14:00 Traveling With Kids Without Burnout

18:45 Food, Allergies & Family-Friendly Dining

22:30 When Parents Finally Feel Supported

This episode isn’t a travel guide - it’s a reflection on parenting, presence, and choosing joy when life feels heavy.

If this episode resonated with you, please let us know your favorite part - we’d love to hear what stood out!

Credits:

Production: Berty + KRF Enterprises

Direction: Shantie Midnight

Editing: Nomadic Orca

Music: Far Eye House

Photo: Birch Thomas

Design: Erin Fox Creative

Key words: Disney cruise, Disney Destiny, family travel, parenting podcast, motherhood, traveling with kids, Disney with kids, family vacation tips, generational travel, mom mental load, choosing joy, gratitude, rest for parents, Disney cruise food, Disney cruise tips