Cruise was better

[CatFan1019]

Hi everyone. I just returned from a week long trip to Disney World. It was my husband's first trip and I had been so excited to visit again as I hadn't been to Disney World in 10 years. We went on a Disney cruise for our honeymoon and had such an excellent time and I was certain Disney World would be just as great. But, sadly, it wasn't. I wasn't sure which I preferred the world or a cruise but now I am certain. The cruise was so much less stressful and more magical. Has anyone else had a similar experience with being disappointed in a Disney World vacation after one of their cruises?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi everyone. I just returned from a week long trip to Disney World. It was my husband's first trip and I had been so excited to visit again as I hadn't been to Disney World in 10 years. We went on a Disney cruise for our honeymoon and had such an excellent time and I was certain Disney World would be just as great. But, sadly, it wasn't. I wasn't sure which I preferred the world or a cruise but now I am certain. The cruise was so much less stressful and more magical. Has anyone else had a similar experience with being disappointed in a Disney World vacation after one of their cruises?

Not disappointed, but they are certainly different experiences. You really can't compare the two.

I just enjoy each experience for what it is.

 

[CatFan1019]

You are correct, they are different experiences. It may just be that my personality is better suited for cruising. Thanks for the response.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

My girls, now aged 13, 10, 10 went on three Disney cruises in three years before ever going to WDW. They have since gone to WDW twice. Verdict? WE WANT OUR DISNEY CRUISE!! lol Very different experiences, obviously, but DCL is just so truly magical. Luckily for our girls, mom and dad agree! Our next cruise is booked!

 

[Jess_S]

I agree. With a small child, I found that WDW was too much for me when we went last. DCL was a much more relaxing experience. (I'm expecting WDW to be more fun for my family again once my son is old enough to let mom and dad rest on vacation. Currently, we have a little human alarm clock who doesn't believe in naps).

I also agree that it's a personal preference.

 

[mlayton14]

We have done both several times , but if we had to give up DCL or WDW, we would have to give up DCL - there really aren't enough things that change from cruise to cruise or ship to ship. That being said I'm glad there are both !!! We love DCL for the relaxation and service

 

[cheribelle]

After our first cruise, my kids (and myself) all agreed no more WDW. We all preferred the cruise. The cruise reminded me of how WDW used to be back in the 80's- more personal. Now I feel like just another face in the crowd there.

But this is totally subjective. Everyone will have their own experiences, as stated above.

However, we are adding a day at the Magic Kingdom before our Christmas Cruise this year. My 8 year old will soon be out of that "magical" age and I really want her to see the Castle and rides there. But honestly I am not looking all that forward to the stress of lines, crowds and booking fastpasses for rides. (Yes I know there are crowds on the cruise and I also know how to avoid them if I choose. In WDW, crowds at the park are usually unavoidable).

 

[mevelandry]

It happened to us during our first Land and Sea (we did Sea then Land). Mostly because we've been to WDW many times. Now we go to WDW first and finish with the cruise.

 

[KashasMom]

I LOVE WDW. We've been on 4 Disney cruises in the last 5 years and our cruise last week was the best. I think it was because of my daughter's age (7) - just being able to enjoy things that she couldn't before. That being said she's over wearing the princess dresses but still loves meeting the characters. And she LOVES the rides (especially the roller coasters) at the parks. Yes, they are very different vacations. I like all the things that go with the parks including staying at a great place with pools you can actually SWIM in - and having the freedom and flexibility to eat (better food) where/what we want. For me a cruise is when I must completely shut down. If it was just my husband and me, then I'd probably be able to just sit outside and read for a week. Since my daughter doesn't go in the kids' clubs, it's a bit different. Most of the cruise is centered around her (I don't mind that) but I'd like a little bit more active vacation - sometimes a cruise gets a bit boring. (Our first 3 1/2 days were sea days last week and by the morning of the 3rd day I was ready to jump overboard!)

 

[tink1970]

I haven't been to WDW in about 3 years..it just doesn't appeal to me like it used to. I still really enjoy DCL and am excited about my first ABD next month. Cruising seems so much more relaxing and when I'm on vacation I want to relax not fight crowds

 

[Sytrace]

We like cruises more because there is far less planning involved and far more relaxation. We turn off our phones and can be out of touch as much as we want for a little while.

We live 30 to 45 minutes (depending on traffic ) from WDW but have stayed long weekends there many a ime. We also have stayed after our 3 or 4 night cruises to just add some time onto our vacation.
I love not having to make fast passes or ADRs. I love that once we are on that ship we are on vacation.
I don't need a phone to keep track of said fast passes or ADR's on the ship and my husband doesn't have to worry about missing an email or work related issue.
In the last 3 years (November 9th, 2013 was our first Disney cruise) we have taken 10 of various lengths...mainly those 7 nighters though. For our family they are the best vacation out there.

 

[gingerfeathers]

I agree it's so hard to compare the two. I like each experience for different reasons. In a nutshell, a DCL cruise is relaxing. WDW is not. I'll gladly continue to do both though.

Glad you at least got to visit and make the decision that you prefer the cruises!

 

[apathetic]

Combining cruise and park is pretty popular. Most people prefer WDW first because you get the park fun then go to a cruise for a more relaxing vacation. We've done it the other way, cruise first then park, and it can definitely change your view. You go from having great service and tons of activities to the parks which are very crowded with long lines. You have to buy overpriced food and deal with so many more annoyances. The service is good, but nothing like you get on a cruise. It can be a huge letdown. The cruise has a way of highlighting all the negatives of the parks. This is why many do the WDW to DCL. I like it both ways, but definitely can feel frustrated the second I arrive at a resort from the cruise ship.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

DW and I definitely prefer a Disney cruise over WDW but we would never consider stopping an all WDW vacation. We have been there enough that when we go we go at a leisurely pace. We hit anything that is new, gone through rehab and our favorites. Take mid-afternoon breaks. Make dining reservations as soon as the opportunity opens up for us. Make the resort part of the destination; exploring, relaxing, dining, and enjoying a drink by the pool. But DCL will always be number one!!!