Disney VS Carnival = Disney wins for us!

[Dis_Grk Grl]

We have sailed Disney twice before (both times on the Wonder), and just got back from our first cruise with Carnival (on the carnival dream).

I went into this cruise with an open mind, knowing that it would be different from Disney, and trying not to compare. But I must say, in the end, I will stick with Disney for our family.

The Carnival Dream was a nice ship, and waterslides were really fun, but it was lacking that extra touch/charm that a Disney ship has.

My 5yr old went the the kids club on multiple occasions and had a fun time there. They had jungle and pirate nights, lots of toys to play with, they made a puppet too. But the funny thing was that each time I'd go to pick him up in the evening, the kids would all be parked in front of the movie screen watching something. My 2yr old also wanted to go to the club (they allow 2yr olds in Carnival's club), but as soon as she couldn't see me she got upset and would not stop crying for us. Thankfully they have the phone system on Carnival too, and they called us to come get her after trying to calm her and settle her in. (we did see them try to settle her on one occasion as they have a video monitor just out side of the kids room, so I know that they were trying).
Disney's play room is larger, and they do have the option to go between the lab and the club if they like. On carnival they had to stay in their age groups room.
I'd say they were even as far as my son's fun level went, but Disney did seem to have a bit more to do as far as options.

Dining: Hands down, Disney wins with this one!
The Carnival dining rooms are nice, and we had a few really nice servers (we had anytime dining, so they changed each night), but I find the servers to be more interactive on Disney. Also, it is nice to change dining rooms on Disney. With Carnival you are either in your assigned dining room, or the buffet. (unless you pay for the steakhouse).

Shows: Really didn't care for Carnival's shows. Just song and dance, no real story, and on our sailing the sound was WAY too loud at points and was never fixed throughout the cruise. We went to all the shows for something to do, but I wouldn't go again.
With Disney, I would watch the same shows over and over again, they are such great quality and entertaining!

Those were my main points, but I would be happy to answer any questions about comparing the two, if anyone has any