4 night Wish or 8 night Fantasy

[Jhondy]

What would you do and why? 4 night on the Wish in a Verandah room or 8 nights on the Fantasy in either a guarantee ocean view or inside room (price is the same with ocean view and cheaper slightly for inside room)

It just me and my then 3 year old going. She loves frozen but knows nothing about superhero’s. We currently have the 4 night wish book so would have to switch everything and it would be non-refundable (only life event that is concerning about that is we are waiting to adopt, which could happen at any time but is only a problem if it baby is born same time as cruise…probably should take out insurance, which will increase the price).

I’m concerned is 8 nights too long for a 3 year old? We wouldn’t be doing any excursions at ports, just walking around. So we’d mainly be swimming on cruise for something to do and she could do kids club if she wanted (idk if she will).

If we do 4 night, we will fly in early the day before and stay at all star movies and hang out at resort or go to disney springs. After the cruise we’d spend an extra night at hotel at airport but use the day to go to gatorland and/or the aquarium.

We’d also give up a verandah midship for either an ocean view guarantee or an inside guarantee.

Oh and on the 8 night, DD would miss trick or treating at home.

DD has never been on a cruise but loves all things disney so I’m confident she will enjoy the cruise.

 

[starry_solo]

Dream or Fantasy? Your poll says Fantasy.

 

[cvjw]

Dream or Fantasy? Your poll says Fantasy.

8 night, missing Halloween? That is the October 29th sailing on the fantasy. We are on that cruise. OP, I would pick the 8 night HOTHS on the fantasy every time.

 

[Jhondy]

Dream or Fantasy? Your poll says Fantasy.

Sorry it’s fantasy. I just edited the post so it should say fantasy now

 

[Clarkson U]

Having done 7 cruises on DCL - this one is a no brainer for me. I would do the 8 night Dream or Fantasy doesn't matter as the ships are basically copies of each other. Though if out of Port Canaveral it is definitely the Fantasy as the Dream has now moved to sail out of Port Miami. Your 3 year old will love the kids club. Encourage her to go and watch her not want to leave. Bring a few games with you to play with her and bring her costume on-board for her to go trick or treating on the ship. Heck pack a few pieces of Candy for her as well. I would easily choose the 8 nighter for the same price (or close to it with insurance). Enjoy and have fun.

 

[Jhondy]

8 night, missing Halloween? That is the October 29th sailing on the fantasy. We are on that cruise. OP, I would pick the 8 night HOTHS on the fantasy every time.

Yep that’s the cruise I’m talking about! I think I’m gonna ask TA to price it for me…I feel bad cause I keep changing my mind on things and giving her more work

 

[Marthasor]

As a first cruise, I don't think I would do an 8-night cruise, alone, with a 3-year old, especially if you don't know if she will like the kids' club and you aren't planning any excursions. Personally, if you really want to cruise alone with a toddler, I would choose the 4-day Wish and downgrade to an oceanview room. My DS's first DCL cruise was on the Dream when he was 3 years old and he was really out-of-sorts - just really overwhelmed by everything. We were lucky that we had some extra adults with us so we could take turns occupying him (mostly in the stateroom) while others could do some activities. He didn't really take to cruising until he was about 7. Of course, every child will react differently, but I would want to test out cruising with a younger child before committing to such a long cruise, particularly if you will not have anyone to help you. I had much better luck doing solo WDW trips with DS when he was that age.

 

[Keyser]

My first response was going to be a "that's easy: Fantasy all the way". But, after reading your details, I'm going to vote Wish.

First, I normally would have said that the Verandah is (to me) not as useful - we only had one once, and we rarely used it since we weren't in our room that often. But, with just you and a 3 year old - I'm guessing she will want naps and such, and I could really see you using the Verandah (by the way, if you go the other way, we do like the Ocean view a lot; I'd go for that over interior for sure, and generally would choose it and the $ over verandah).

Second, like Marthasor, I think there is a lot that is really up-in-the-air with a 3 year old. I don't know that I'd want to jump into an 8 day commitment without some better sense of what we'd be doing and knowing she would like it (and keep on liking it). She might love the kids clubs, or she might hate them (my kids had different reactions on different cruises). Even if she loves them and everything else, 8 days of constant stimulation can be a lot at that age - you might find that by day 4 she's needing a break...

Third, I'm not sure that with just you and her and not doing anything in the ports that 8 days is really what you want. While I have loved the longer cruises, part of the fun has been to get to do a variety of things and really explore lots of different activities on the ships and see different ports. Your 3 year old is probably not going to care about a good fraction of the activities, and you probably won't be able to really do that much on your own (maybe - depends on if she want to spend more time in the clubs), and so it seems to kind of defeat a lot of the purpose of a longer trip. Whereas the 4-day you'll almost certainly be able to do a variety of things and never get remotely bored.

If she is into Frozen then that's probably a wash - there is the dinner show on Wish, but I think Fantasy has the theater performance, which is very good (if I'm wrong about that, then that'd be another point in Wish's favor).

Truth is, though, whichever way you go is probably a good option!

 

[Jhondy]

I should add, DD has been to disney 5 times between 1.5 and 2.5 (has 6th trip when she turns 3) and two of those trips were just her and I. DH also works weekends and takes various trips throughout the year so DD and I spend lots of time together doing activities just the 2 of us. I’m not at all worried about taking care of her solo for an entire trip even if she chooses not to ever go to the kids clubs (on the 4 night, I likely wouldn’t send her often anyways cause part of the reason for the trip is for her and i to experience things together on the trip)

At WDW, she did not nap at all. One night I took her to the Christmas party and she stayed awake the whole time and even sang Christmas carols on the bus on the way back to the hotel. I don’t remember what time the party ended last year but it was well past her bed time. She is the type of kid who is go, go, go and you really need to force her to stop and sleep. We are currently slowly getting rid of naps…not my choice cause I like nap time but her choice cause she doesn’t sleep anymore. As much as she is a busy body, one thing she really likes to do is people watch. She also loves anything that involves being outside and anything that involves water. She is also very good at entertaining herself especially at bedtime when she is supposed to be going to sleep lol. So, I really think she will love the cruise especially given that there are disney characters and princesses on the ship. The only thing that could make the ship better is if the Evil Queen showed up. She adores her for some reason lol

We could do excursions, the only reason that I said we weren’t is I’m not sure there are really excursions that are geared to 3 year olds beyond going to the beach. This trip is about her so I want to do things that she will like.

Also, I’ve been on a cruise before, just DD hasn’t. I’ve never been on less than a 7 night cruise so I’m worried that 4 nights is going to feel rushed and over before we can do all the things we may want to do. On the other hand, I’m afraid 8 nights is too long and there won’t be enough activities to do with a toddler to keep us entertained…but this is likely the last just me and DD vacation (we are in the process of waiting to adopt) so I want it to be amazing. I wish there was a 6 night. I feel like that would be perfect.

 

[lilsonicfan]

I would almost always choose the 8 night, but I am not a fan of short cruises at all. I’d plan for lots of crafting events, attending the open houses with her, movies on Funnel Vision, etc. I would also see whether any of the ports have something nearby that you can walk to and enjoy without booking an excursion.

 

[Cheburashka]

Given that you're taking solo care of a 3 year old, and that she would miss trick or treating at home if you take the 8-night, then I recommend the 4-night. Imo trick or treating in a neighborhood at home is special for little ones. I wouldn't want to miss that at age 3. And the ship activities would start to get a bit repetitive for 8 nights if you can only do the things a 3 year-old would enjoy. She'll be too young to really enjoy the shows, too small for the AquaDuck, too little to appreciate the nice dinners or understand the family game shows, etc. It will be fun but I recommend a short cruise at that age since it's just you and her. Plus, you'll get to enjoy some time at Disney World.

 

[n2mm]

I just booked the 8 night yesterday. I gave up my 7 night end of august cruise. I actually booked oceanview. We normally book the 4E cabins, so a regular veranda doesn’t do anything for us. We havent booked the Wish yet, but when we do it will be a b2b. Im not ready to return to b2b bookings yet. That’s why I gave up my august cruise as it was part #1 of my b2b. I will always choose the longer cruises. These prices are crazy low right now, so hard to chose just one cruise. Good luck!

 

[mab2012]

8 night. No contest. Especially since you're clearly comfortable travelling alone with your daughter and happy to spend time with her.

I think there is plenty to do. If your daughter doesn't enjoy going to the kids' club alone, maybe she would like going with you during open house time? Aside from the pool deck, there are crafts, characters, midship detective, mini-golf (even at 3 she might like knocking a ball around, at least for a few minutes.) My youngest was a little older on his first cruise (5), but he loved the shows.

I'm not sure I've ever heard people in this forum say "3-year-olds are too young to enjoy a week-long DCL cruise" before. That strikes me as bizarre, and seems to have more to do with the fact that there will only be one adult than the concept of taking along a 3-year-old. If you think you will enjoy it, I'm sure your daughter will as well. Sure, she's too young to fully appreciate it, but that argument applies to basically any vacation at that age. If that was your only reason for going, you might as well stay home.

 

[nancipants]

Normally I would always pick the longer cruise and the Fantasy is my favorite ship. But for a first cruise with just yourself and a 3 year old, I would do the Wish.

(If you want to introduce her to Marvel before the cruise, try Spidey and His Amazing Friends on Disney Junior/Disney Plus. It was my son's favorite thing to watch before he discovered Toy Story. He also loves the Alpha Block Marvel book; you can find it on Amazon.)

 

[KantLose]

I should add, DD has been to disney 5 times between 1.5 and 2.5 (has 6th trip when she turns 3) and two of those trips were just her and I. DH also works weekends and takes various trips throughout the year so DD and I spend lots of time together doing activities just the 2 of us. I’m not at all worried about taking care of her solo for an entire trip even if she chooses not to ever go to the kids clubs (on the 4 night, I likely wouldn’t send her often anyways cause part of the reason for the trip is for her and i to experience things together on the trip)

At WDW, she did not nap at all. One night I took her to the Christmas party and she stayed awake the whole time and even sang Christmas carols on the bus on the way back to the hotel. I don’t remember what time the party ended last year but it was well past her bed time. She is the type of kid who is go, go, go and you really need to force her to stop and sleep. We are currently slowly getting rid of naps…not my choice cause I like nap time but her choice cause she doesn’t sleep anymore. As much as she is a busy body, one thing she really likes to do is people watch. She also loves anything that involves being outside and anything that involves water. She is also very good at entertaining herself especially at bedtime when she is supposed to be going to sleep lol. So, I really think she will love the cruise especially given that there are disney characters and princesses on the ship. The only thing that could make the ship better is if the Evil Queen showed up. She adores her for some reason lol

We could do excursions, the only reason that I said we weren’t is I’m not sure there are really excursions that are geared to 3 year olds beyond going to the beach. This trip is about her so I want to do things that she will like.

Also, I’ve been on a cruise before, just DD hasn’t. I’ve never been on less than a 7 night cruise so I’m worried that 4 nights is going to feel rushed and over before we can do all the things we may want to do. On the other hand, I’m afraid 8 nights is too long and there won’t be enough activities to do with a toddler to keep us entertained…but this is likely the last just me and DD vacation (we are in the process of waiting to adopt) so I want it to be amazing. I wish there was a 6 night. I feel like that would be perfect.

Do you have to sail from Port Canaveral? The Dream has just made the move to Miami and is doing 5 night sailings so maybe one of those might be a nice balance of days for you.

 

[Jhondy]

Do you have to sail from Port Canaveral? The Dream has just made the move to Miami and is doing 5 night sailings so maybe one of those might be a nice balance of days for you.

I don’t have to sail from port canaveral but because I’ve already asked off for the days we booked the Wish and my work calendar is filled in the week before and the week after prices seem to go up. I’m trying to keep the price similar to what we are currently paying…and we already have a 5 night double dip at castaway cay booked for September 2023 on the Magic out of Miami

 

[Jhondy]

8 night. No contest. Especially since you're clearly comfortable travelling alone with your daughter and happy to spend time with her.

I think there is plenty to do. If your daughter doesn't enjoy going to the kids' club alone, maybe she would like going with you during open house time? Aside from the pool deck, there are crafts, characters, midship detective, mini-golf (even at 3 she might like knocking a ball around, at least for a few minutes.) My youngest was a little older on his first cruise (5), but he loved the shows.

I'm not sure I've ever heard people in this forum say "3-year-olds are too young to enjoy a week-long DCL cruise" before. That strikes me as bizarre, and seems to have more to do with the fact that there will only be one adult than the concept of taking along a 3-year-old. If you think you will enjoy it, I'm sure your daughter will as well. Sure, she's too young to fully appreciate it, but that argument applies to basically any vacation at that age. If that was your only reason for going, you might as well stay home.

I think she will enjoy either cruise. My hesitation for switching is really just her love for Frozen but we are going to WDW at end of July where she will be able to see Anna/Elsa/Olaf. I’m just starting to think the bells and whistles on the Wish may be something she enjoys more when she is older verse now, where now the Fantasy might be more suited for her. I feel like I need to make this decision quickly so I don’t lose out on the 8 night cruise rate if that’s what I want to do but at the same time I wish I could know more about what’s all on the Wish

Oh another reason I’m considering the fantasy is I’m thinking it might be a tad less crowded than the Wish, which would be nice too.

I like the ports and the length better on the 8 night but I like Frozen stuff on the Wish…but, realistically that will only be at one meal especially if I have no shot to get the Olaf Picnic thing.

 

[ghtx]

Normally 8-day over 4-day is a no-brainer, but I agree with others that there is a lot of uncertainty with a three-year-old, so I would choose the shorter trip to be safe.

 

[Makmak]

Either! I just wanted to say good for you taking your small child on your own to go adventuring! I have taken mine alone on cruises since age 1, and the ONLY thing I’d be concerned about is how well she/he separates from you. If you want some alone time, will she/he go in kids club? Or, if you don’t care about that then 8 days would be better in my opinion because “more cruise” hahaha!

 

[Jhondy]

Either! I just wanted to say good for you taking your small child on your own to go adventuring! I have taken mine alone on cruises since age 1, and the ONLY thing I’d be concerned about is how well she/he separates from you. If you want some alone time, will she/he go in kids club? Or, if you don’t care about that then 8 days would be better in my opinion because “more cruise” hahaha!

She is in daycare so being away from me is something she is used to. However, she does struggle during the initial moment of separation and she can struggle in new and unfamiliar situations until she gets comfortable. For example, she goes to dance class and loves it but everytime she goes into class, she cries and the teacher has to either carry her in or hold her hand and walk her in. Once inside, she does all the dances and has fun and doesn’t want to leave.

I feel like if we are on the 8 night, I’d be more willing to use the kids club because we have more time to spend together, which means I’d be okay with her being separate from me sometimes. On the 4 night, I feel like it is so short that I’d prefer her not to go to kids club so we can enjoy the ship together.

I really enjoy doing activities with my kid. I mean every weekend, her and I are doing something together out of the house. My favorite disney trips were the trips with just her and I. Yea, there were some difficult moments but overall it was super fun.

I’m leaning towards the 8 night so we can do a more laid back trip and don’t feel like we have to run from one activity to the next or fear missing out. But, I need to figure out travel insurance before I can pull the trigger (and probably in about 10 minutes, I’ll flip flop and be leaning more to the 4 night lol)