Cruise vs. Theme Park

[jacknsally19]

Wow, thanks for all of the feedback. It's really helpful. I'm feeling the consensus is that the cruise is fine when the kids are a bit older and want to be able to go a little on their own, but while still young and wanting to do everything together as a family, the parks are the way to go for now. So parks it is for now. Thanks again!

Well, we went on the cruise with my DD at age 3 & 4. We loved it and we love the parks. The cruise is fun and very relaxing. I would say that the great thing about the cruise is that you get the opportunity to do things with and without kids on the cruise. If your kid is independent, the kids club will probably be more enjoyable. My DD loves the kids club and has no issues going off. If your kid is pretty clingy, the cruise may not be as fun.

The parks are great fun but tiring and take a lot of planning if you are not a frequent visitor.

 

[Storybrooke]

We have done both, and while we enjoy both, we will be sticking mainly to DCL for the foreseeable future. WDW is becoming too crowded for our taste, especially with young children in tow. We also have several food intolerances/allergies to accommodate, and the cruise makes that a bit easier.

Our oldest was 3 at the time of our last cruise, our youngest still in utero. We are waiting for the youngest (now 2) to hit the magical kid's club eligibility age, and for him to be able to sit through a longer meal before we take our next cruise. There is plenty for families to do together on the cruise, but we also love the ability to split up and have some time together as a couple, without being 'on duty'. At WDW, I felt like we were 'on duty' all the time, which was exhausting, even though we really enjoy the parks.

We also love the fact that the cruise allows us to visit various places without schlepping our suitcases around all the time. No waiting for the bus involved, either (except the DCL bus, if using). Still debating our next destination: Alaska or Caribbean...

 

[Kimberly9701]

Wow, thanks for all of the feedback. It's really helpful. I'm feeling the consensus is that the cruise is fine when the kids are a bit older and want to be able to go a little on their own, but while still young and wanting to do everything together as a family, the parks are the way to go for now. So parks it is for now. Thanks again!

I don't know if you made your decision yet.. But what about a land/sea combo?

Here's the thing about the parks and kids-- it's A LOT. We are doing our first DCL next Christmas season.. I'm pretty positive my son will love it. I've cruises before (Not DCL) and it can be relaxing...and then.when in port it's great to explore new places!

I disagree with people who say young kids can't appreciate that. My son just turned 6 and has traveled and always loved exploring new destinations/food/culture etc. WDW was awesome, but we did 9 nights last year, it was just too much for us- and we're extremely busy people anyway!!
Then again, if you aren't a super structured must do it all constantly go go go person like me- you may have a little more relaxing time lol.

We are headed back to WDW in December, but only for 4 nights this time.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Well, we went on the cruise with my DD at age 3 & 4. We loved it and we love the parks. The cruise is fun and very relaxing. I would say that the great thing about the cruise is that you get the opportunity to do things with and without kids on the cruise. If your kid is independent, the kids club will probably be more enjoyable. My DD loves the kids club and has no issues going off. If your kid is pretty clingy, the cruise may not be as fun.

The parks are great fun but tiring and take a lot of planning if you are not a frequent visitor.

My son will will not be utilizing the kid's club more than twice- once so I can do a palo brunch and some spa time. And once while I run the 5k.
Just curious as to why it wouldn't be as fun if your kids stay with you the majority of the time?. That's the entire reason we are doing DCL- the family entertainment

 

[jacknsally19]

My son will will not be utilizing the kid's club more than twice- once so I can do a palo brunch and some spa time. And once while I run the 5k.
Just curious as to why it wouldn't be as fun if your kids stay with you the majority of the time?. That's the entire reason we are doing DCL- the family entertainment

Well my DD's favorite part of the cruise - and I know most other kids- is the kids club. If they aren't going to be comfortable in the club, I think the parks would be more fun.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Well my DD's favorite part of the cruise - and I know most other kids- is the kids club. If they aren't going to be comfortable in the club, I think the parks would be more fun.

Oh it's not that he wouldn't be comfortable. It's so we can spend more time together. From what I read there will be plenty for us to do as a family. I'm hoping that's the case!

 

[MammaMoe48]

I disagree with people who say young kids can't appreciate that. My son just turned 6 and has traveled and always loved exploring new destinations/food/culture etc.

Right, my son was 6 when he swam with dolphins in the Bahamas and 5 when he went on a submarine in Cayman and he loved it. Still remembers it too. I like going to the beach and having a cocktail on Castaway Cay.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Right, my son was 6 when he swam with dolphins in the Bahamas and 5 when he went on a submarine in Cayman and he loved it. Still remembers it too. I like going to the beach and having a cocktail on Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay is going to be our only "beach day". I'm looking forward to having a cocktail as well!
Hoping to be able to book a cabana, but from everything I've read on these boards my chances are slim

 

[MammaMoe48]

Castaway Cay is going to be our only "beach day". I'm looking forward to having a cocktail as well!
Hoping to be able to book a cabana, but from everything I've read on these boards my chances are slim

Yes, plus it's $$$$. I would suggest that you go early, like 10 am, stay til about 1 or so, then head back to the ship. Most people sleep in and go ashore later so when you get back, you'll pretty much have the pool to yourself. That's what we do and it works out great. You'll miss the worst of the heat this way and will be able to get chaises with umbrellas that early too. Oh and the big clear plastic tubes are free on a first come basis.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Yes, plus it's $$$$. I would suggest that you go early, like 10 am, stay til about 1 or so, then head back to the ship. Most people sleep in and go ashore later so when you get back, you'll pretty much have the pool to yourself. That's what we do and it works out great. You'll miss the worst of the heat this way and will be able to get chaises with umbrellas that early too. Oh and the big clear plastic tubes are free on a first come basis.

Thanks for the tips! I'm doing the 5k in the morning..not sure what time that is over..and then picking my son up from Skuttles and heading to the beach!

 

[MammaMoe48]

Thanks for the tips! I'm doing the 5k in the morning..not sure what time that is over..and then picking my son up from Skuttles and heading to the beach!

Oh, ok. Then just follow your original plan. Good luck to you with the race!!

 

[MammaMoe48]

Oh it's not that he wouldn't be comfortable. It's so we can spend more time together. From what I read there will be plenty for us to do as a family. I'm hoping that's the case!

There will be TONS of things to do as a family. The cruise is geared for that. Every morning you will get a copy of "The Navigator" that will tell you everything going on that day and believe me, there is something for everyone.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Oh, ok. Then just follow your original plan. Good luck to you with the race!!

Thanks! I can't imagine running after a week of eating so much..but we'll see how it goes.lol

 

[Kimberly9701]

There will be TONS of things to do as a family. The cruise is geared for that. Every morning you will get a copy of "The Navigator" that will tell you everything going on that day and believe me, there is something for everyone.

Thank you!!! I feel a lot better now! This thread had semi frightened me, so I posted something in the cruise forum the next day. Got soooo much positive feedback and personal experiences of people who either don't send their kids to the club at all, or only for special events that the child wants to attend. I looked at a navigator from a Fantasy Western Caribbean and sure enough..there seems to be a ton of things for us to do together!

 

[MammaMoe48]

Thank you!!! I feel a lot better now! This thread had semi frightened me, so I posted something in the cruise forum the next day.

That can be a risk you run reading the boards. We are going to WDW for the first time in August and I spent a lot of time on here when I first booked and after reading about the crowds, the heat, the lines, the bad overpriced food, rude CMs, declining service, etc, I felt like canceling. But then I left the boards for a while and looked at only the positive posts when I started reading them again, talked to friends who have been to WDW and it made me feel a lot better. Now I can't wait to go because I have a plan and I know that being flexible is key. Plus being DVC members, we know we will be going back quite often so we don't feel like we have to do everything on this trip. Whatever we can't do now, we will do next time, and next time, and next time. Our hope is that in 15-20 years we will be taking our son and his family to WDW over and over as well!

 

[Kimberly9701]

That can be a risk you run reading the boards. We are going to WDW for the first time in August and I spent a lot of time on here when I first booked and after reading about the crowds, the heat, the lines, the bad overpriced food, rude CMs, declining service, etc, I felt like canceling. But then I left the boards for a while and looked at only the positive posts when I started reading them again, talked to friends who have been to WDW and it made me feel a lot better. Now I can't wait to go because I have a plan and I know that being flexible is key. Plus being DVC members, we know we will be going back quite often so we don't feel like we have to do everything on this trip. Whatever we can't do now, we will do next time, and next time, and next time. Our hope is that in 15-20 years we will be taking our son and his family to WDW over and over as well!

You will love it!!! The one thing I've noticed in the past month (of me being on these boards too often) is the overwhelming amount of negativity. It's so shocking!!!
I've been going to Disney World my entire life (minus the years 2010-2014). I took my son for the first time after he turned 5, we went in September 2015 and had a WONDERFUL time!! I didn't notice anything different. You will have a wonderful time as well!!!! Some people just look for problems. I'm sure you cold find something wrong in any scenario IF you look for it hard enough. If you're just trying to enjoy, with a positive attitude, then you probably won't see any problems