4- or 7-day for newbie family with small kids?

[HappyMommy2]

First, let me say I am ADDICTED to this board now! Thank you to everyone for all the great info and tips.

We've decided to try to do five days at WDW plus a DCL cruise when DH comes home (Lord willing) from military deployment late this year. We have two boys who will be 4.5 and 2.5 when we travel. We've been saving up for a big vacation, so we can fit the 4- or 7-day cruise into our budget, but since this will be our first cruise ever, I'm just not sure if I want to make a 7-day commitment! On the other hand, it takes our kids a bit of time to warm up to new situations, so I'm thinking that they'd start becoming really comfortable with the ship, the kids' programs, dining, etc. right as the 4-day ended. We spent a week at WDW last summer and had the best time of our lives, so we know that's a winner for our family, but the cruise will be new to us!

Would you suggest that we leap into the 7-day, or should we stick with the 4-day this time? I know this is really simplifying a big question but I'd love to hear any thoughts you might have.

Thanks so much!

 

[bhawks9]

We just got off a the 7 day last week, and have 4 kids 12,10,5,4 and we had a blast on our first cruise. We have done the parks alot in the past, and actually did the parks after the cruise!! I would recommend you do a 7 day cruise. While the parks are fun, you cannot even imagine how great the cruise is. You may find the best part bing the ability to have family time and spouse time whenever you choose!! OUr kids loved the clubs, which gave us time to have quiet dinners and pool, nightclub time. After reading your post I thought about how walking up Main Street (MK) we both said the same thing " we wished we were relaxing on the cruise instead of fighting the crowds!

I know you will have a great time whatever you decide!!

 

[JenLynn]

We took our first cruise when my son was a few months over 4 years old and my daughter was 2 months shy of 3. Our vacation was 4 days in the parks and a 3 night cruise .... as soon as it was over, dh and i were commenting that we really needed more cruise time. The children loved it! And the adults loved it. So, here we are ... less than 3 weeks from sailing on the 7-day! My children sometimes take a little while to warm up and become comfortable in new situations as well and i think they would have been able to get more out of the cruise if it had been longer last time.

Have fun with whatever you decide!
(and i thank your husband for his service to our country)
Jen

 

[lbgraves]

Definantly go for the 7 day if you can!!! You & the kids will probably need a couple days to adjust & then you have more of a chance to enjoy it. You can also do the character breakfast on the 7 day.

 

[clh2]

Just something to consider - if your youngest is only 2.5 when you cruise, anytime you want your "alone" time he will need to be in the Flounders nursery. There is an additional hourly charge for this service. From what I understand - spots need to be reserved in advance for this. The kid's programming really doesn't start until the kids are 3 and potty trained.

 

[HappyMommy2]

Thank you, everyone, for your helpful replies! I really don't think we can go wrong either way. clh2, you're right--our 2-year-old won't be ready for the "big kid" prgrams yet; I'm taking that into account and we just won't plan on much "adult" time on this cruise--that's fine, though!

Just got word from DH today on his possible post-deployment leave dates, and it looks like there will not be a 7-day cruise that'll fit into those dates conveniently anyway! So we'll probably go with the 4-day, do WDW somewhat conservatively moneywise, and save the extra money with a future 7-night cruise in mind!

Thanks again. And watch out, I will have many more questions to ask as time goes on!

Janet

 

[JuliaE]

Hi,

I think you'd really enjoy the 7 day cruise - it is like a floating Disney World. The 4 day cruises always seem like they're over too fast! After your husband's service to our country (thank you to him!), you would all love the extra time at sea with Mickey and friends. Be sure to spend time in the Vista Spa and Salon - the peppermint shower is to DIE for; and be sure to have a romantic dinner at Palo's. If not dinner, then, definitely do their afternoon tea or brunch.

You may not see your kids for the entire cruise; the children love the children's programs and most of my clients tell me that they don't see their children all day and have to drag them to bed at night. Disney's children's programs are probably the best at sea!

Best Regards,
Julia Elzie