better option for 3 yr old

[wajones2]

We did WDW with my nephew when he was 3 & thought it was absolutely magical. But we outnumbered him 6 to 1 and we only spent 1 long day at the parks.

We did our first DCL when my daughter was 23 months old & loved it! Best of both worlds - relaxation, shows, Disney characters. Another benefit which I didn't expect was the amount of independence/freedom we were able to let our DD experience on the ship vs. the parks. She would have spent a lot more time in her stroller had we done the parks and been able to ride very few attractions - basically would have enjoyed only the characters.

This year we will be sailing the day before our daughter turns 3 & our itineary gives us 1 day at WDW - so we get the relaxation of the cruise and she gets the magical WDW experience in a more abbreviated way.

She is already talking about going on "Mickey's Ship" when she is 3 and just can't wait.

Before my daughter was born, I had been to WDW regularly and you couldn't have convinced me I would ever say DCL was a better vacation regardless of her age...but I have to say I think until she are 40" and wanting to ride the more moderate thrill rides like Splash Mountain that DCL is better for the entire family - at least for our family.

[lilpooh108]

My daughter prefers WDW, but we prefer being on the cruise with her. Honestly, it's just easier than commando around the parks, dealing w/crowds and waiting in line for characters.

On the ship, she can hop into a character line, then watch a show. Super easy.