Are the resorts/parks cheaper ?

[markm0926]

Just wondeing if anyone has put the numbers together on a 7 night cruise vrs a 7 night resort stay with passes, and what you've come up with.

Thanks!!

 

[smchan]

I just went through an exercise like that and discovered that it's more or less a wash for me.

Base assumption, 2 adults and 2 kids arriving Dec. 11, 04 and figures same transportation expenses to either destination.

For DCL, I assumed a cat 9 room on DCL, traveling off-season, basically no excursions (because I don't do 'em), minimum suggested tip, +$50 for additional tips, $50 for Palo, $200 for souvenirs, ~$150 for insurance, and my $200 onboard credit I currently have. Works out to $532/nights for all 4 of us.

For WDW, I assumed $180/day for tickets, $100/night for onsite moderate room, $150/day for food, $30/day for souvenirs, or $460/night for all 4 of us.

A few observations: at $150/day at WDW, the quality of my meals would be somewhat less than the quality I'd experience on DCL, when I go to WDW I never stay for 7 nights (typically 5), so overall expense would be less, but I tend to spend more on souvenirs and extra activities at WDW that I wouldn't spend on DCL.

Bottom line - they're different and each has its merits. But right now, I'm in the DCL camp because I find a cruise to be far more relaxing than WDW which, for some reason, I generally find stressful.

Sam

 

[GenieDana]

The resorts might be cheaper, but that depends on where you stay and what you eat, size and makeup of your party, and when you go...

Park prices can be found here:

http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwticketprices.html


You can get a really nice Hotel (much better than your cruise cabin) here:

http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html

Price it both ways:

Lodging
Tickets
Food
Gratuities
Souveneirs
Vehicle/Travel costs

For my family of 5, we can do the parks cheaper (that's why we've been to WDW more than 20 times, and DCL twice).

 

[Disneyfan37]

I totally agree you can do the park cheapers,but I find myself so stressed at the parks any more.It is just way too crowded there DCL is so more relaxing.I have been to the park more then 20 times,and I have stayed at every resort.I would take DCL vacation instead of a park vacation any time.This weekend we were at WDW,and even at the village it was so packed one couldn't walk around without being stomped on.No thanks!

Maria

 

[smchan]

Originally posted by Disneyfan37
I find myself so stressed at the parks any more. It is just way too crowded there DCL is so more relaxing.

Exactly how I feel. In addition, DCL lets me truly disconnect from work. I can't do that at WDW due to cheap availability of phone and Internet access.

Sam

 

[Sue Sullivan]

I guess it depends on how you do the parks. We always go with family and rent a home off-site with a pool of our own. We split a 5 bedroom home three ways and it is a great deal. We do breakfast at home and usually some other meals as well. My kids are young so if we are closing a late park at say 10 pm, we stay home and swim and relax in the am, have lunch at the house then go to the parks for the last half of the day. That way we only eat one meal out and we are not so tired halfway through the week. We are also FL residents so we can get the yearly resident pass at a great price.

 

[professorandmom]

I think this is like comparing two different vacations...the experiences are very different! It's like saying, which is better? Space Mountain or the Tea Cups! And then making a comparison based on which line is shorter.
Bottom line, the parks are great and the cruise is great and the entire experience (entertainment, food and room) is completely different.

Remember, the key to a great disney vacation is never notice that the peanut butter and jelly sandwich you just paid $5 has ingredients which are worth 18cents. You know, I think that ration is true at Star bucks too
Barb