How do you choose between a cruise and WDW?

[kshilt]

We have been to WDW several times but never on a cruise. I was looking at a cruise on the Dream that included the stop at CC. We have DS9 and DD5 who would really enjoy the kids club and swimming and the Aquaduck on the cruise. For those who have done both, how does the price compare to staying at WDW and taking a cruise? Are there ever discounts offered for the cruises other than kids sail free? What influences your decision to take a cruise vs. staying at WDW? TIA for your input.

 

[Jessieknj]

We've done just the cruise before and just WDW before but this year we have decided to do a 3 night cruise and 6 nights at WDW. I like them both for different reasons. If you've never been on a cruise try out a shorter one first to make sure you like it.

They really don't offer many discounts on DCL besides the occasional KSF or reduced deposits.

 

[mmouse37]

We were always a huge WDW family....would go every year...until 1998 when the DCL started. We did a land/sea vacation that year and were hooked on DCL. 22 DCL cruises later and we much prefer DCL to WDW. I still love WDW and go when I can but I much prefer to cruise DCL. I still get my Disney fix but in a much more relaxing way.

Here is the a link to the "Discounts" page of the Disboard for DCL.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/discounts-cruise.htm

MJ

 

[lbgraves]

If you ask either of my kids, now almost 11 and 13, if they would rather go on DCL or to WDW they will quickly say DCL. I prefer DCL to the parks because it is so much more relaxing than they are to me anyway. We do a couple days at the park before the cruise but stay at POP and don't do the dining plan. If you were to stay at a moderate for a week with the highest dining plan attached for a week, you would be close to an inside/porthole on a cruise for a week, if you book when the dates open and the prices are at their lowest. I would imagine a delux resort would compare to a veranda stateroom. Not sure that anything would be less than concierge on the new ships.

The thing I like the best about being on the ship is how close everything is. You don't have to wait for a bus or the monorail to get to dinner or the pool.

As far as discounts, they are offered on cruises that are not selling well. You won't see those on the Dream or Fantasy any time soon.

 

[jenifred]

Do both! Land/sea combos are the best of both worlds!

 

[kshilt]

Thanks for the info. My husband does not enjoy going to the parks so much and usually goes golfing or does something else. I think the cruise would be an opportunity for us to spend more time together and leave us with an option to occupy the kids with activities while we have some alone time. I certainly see the appeal of having a more relaxing vacation and maybe I could still pair it with some time at WDW. I'm thinking the 3 day cruise would be a good starter for us.

 

[kshilt]

Do both! Land/sea combos are the best of both worlds!

Are there any discounts for doing the combo?

 

[MickeysMouse]

I remember being your kids age at both wdw & on dcl and I MUCH prefer the ship. Especially if they utilize the youth activities areas onboard. I'm now in college and still keep in touch with a couple of the kids I've met throughout the years. Almost all of my favorite memories have been on DCL!

Pricewise, I've been looking around and have found some 7 night cruises on the Magic in the fall for the same price as a 3 night on the Dream in the fall. All three of the ships are EXELLENT & since your family hasn't been on one yet I would say starting out on one of the classic ships is a great idea because you will have something to look forward to when the dream prices start to go down! But either way your children will LOVE the magic, wonder, dream or WDW!

Best of luck!

 

[mommy2tati]

Are there any discounts for doing the combo?

No. They're booked separately but a TA may offer incentives like OBC.


We're doing a 4 night cruise + 3 nights at WDW this year. Next year a week at WDW then 5 months later the 8 night NYC cruise. My daughter loves both. I prefer the ships though. Not as much running around & if you get tired you can just go back to your stateroom without hopping on a bus or monorail.

 

[lbgraves]

I would take at least a 4 day cruise. That sea day where you are not rushing to get somewhere is SO nice.

 

[mickeys girl 52]

I think allot of people do both even if just 2 or3 days before or after the cruise. As for me, I couldn't go all the way to Florida without at least a small WDW fix. We don't run around like crazy, we may only hit 1 park. We try to do WDW first and leave the relaxing cruise for the end.

 

[Minniemouse07]

We are doing 5 nights on the Dream followed by 5 nights at WDW. I can't rationalize going all the way to Orlando and NOT visiting the parks!