Christmas at WDW or on Disney Cruise

[DisneyDad719]

My family and I (kids ages 6 and 8) enjoyed our first trip to WDW this past April and had the time of our lives. I am looking to plan an early December 2014 trip to enjoy the holiday decor of Disney. My question is do I go back to WDW for a great holiday experience or take my family on their first Disney Cruise. I would love to hear pros and cons of each. Since I am planning an early December trip, I should be avoiding the crowds. Thanks for the input.

 

[susanv]

Either would be amazing! We have been at Christmas/New Years and while the crowds were crazy it was a wonderful time and quite addictive. Have not been on a Christmas Cruise yet, however we went on our first DCL Cruise this past May and all four said it was the best vacation EVER! When we went they were 2, 4, 7 & 9 so the ages are comparable. My kids would vote Cruise all the way if we gave them the choice.

 

[susanv]

Some Pros for WDW would be all the Christmas activities and decor. The Candlelight Processional at Epcot, Osborne Lights at Epcot, Snow on Main Street Magic Kingdom, all the Parades and Fireworks are amped up for the Holidays. Cons for WDW would be crowds, extra charge for the Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, so much going we want to do all four parks a lot so not much down time without feeling like we're missing out.
Pros for the Cruise - adult time alone together, the kids loved the Oceaneers Club/Lab and the Nursery so we actually had time together. Enjoyed the shows and did not have to pay extra for food if you don't want to because there is always food available ,if nothing else there is always Room Service. So much entertainment, wow. Lots of Character Meet & Greets.
Cons for the Cruise - price, only one Character Meal (7 night cruise),Wave Phones for communication did not work well. Addictive - everyone wants to go back!

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Could you do a few nights at WDW then head out for a cruise? If not then I think I would choose the cruise. I have not been on one personally but it might be a fun experience to choose something you haven't done before. Good luck!

 

[amomma23]

Take the December 1st, 2014 cruise with us! We're spending 4 nights on the Dream, then heading to WDW for MVMCP.

 

[Itinkso]

Your family will love the cruise. It's a combination of Disney, luxury, and pampering and if you add in Christmas decor that is amazing!!

Depending on which ship you choose, the Magic and Wonder have the character breakfast. Dream and Fantasy do not due to lack of space for the characters to move around. There will be ample Meet and Greets scheduled in the Atrium of the Fantasy and the Dream so your kids would get a lot of character interaction that way.

Doing a combination of WDW and cruise is a great idea. If not, and you had to choose one, I would choose the cruise!

 

[rebbyparker]

Wow, this is funny. We decided to go ahead and take our Christmas trip to the World this year but next year we're going DCL. I'm thinking next Christmas for the cruise as well. There's just something about Disney and Christmas that go together so well. Great minds.

 

[Christy May]

Disney Cruise for sure. The decorations are AWESOME. The boats are full of surprises. Disney Cruise Line is heads above all other cruise lines. You wont have the crowds on the cruise like you do at the parks plus you can swim on the boat and visit amazing ports to do your shopping in or just relax. We sailed in Dec 2012 and we are ready to do another Christmas cruise.