DCL or DL with 4 & 5 Yr olds

[FreeTime]

We have decided not to visit WDW next near but would like to visit either DL (for the 50th) or go on our first cruise. Dh thinks we should wait until the kids are a few years older for the cruise. Any advice?

 

[flexsmom]

Our first cruise was with DD3 on DCL and she had a GREAT time - she loved the clubs, the pools, the movies, the characters, you-name-it. We are going again this year now that she is 5, along with her 20-month old brother and friends who have a DS4. 4 and 5 are great ages for these cruises, in my opinion. You are close to the stateroom in the event of a meltdown - easy to take breaks and have quiet-time if needed without interrupting other people's fun in your party. I say go for the cruise.....(of course, DL for the 50th sounds fun, too!)

 

[Masonpips]

we originally started with a 7 day trip to WDW with a 3.5 and 5 year old. Started looking into the cruise and were going to do a land/sea package. Ended up with a 7 day cruise and 2 days at the parks on our own.

EXCELLENT decision.

Think hot, tired, tons of walking, long-lines = parks and
Relaxing, kids LOVING clubs (adult time), more characters than at the parks, ocean breezes = cruise.

The cruise wins hands down in our book.

 

[4myguys]

I think that would be a great age for cruising, especially if they are in a daycare and are used to other children. They kids club would be a great place to drop them off, have some time for yourselves and not feel guilty. I do agree you should wait a couple of years for WDW.

Cathy

 

[MoranClan]

On Our first DCL Cruise..

DD4 and DD5..

Both had a great Time..Had to practically drag them away from the Club..

We are going again in August, and they Cant wait..

Some Meals they ate with us..Others they ate with their New Friends..

Dont feel guilty if they want to eat without you..Enjoy Yourself..

Bobby

 

[TheWog]

great ages for a cruise. Do it. much better than DL especially if you have done WDW before.

 

[Dreamer04]

Originally posted by MoranClan
On Our first DCL Cruise..

DD4 and DD5..

Both had a great Time..Had to practically drag them away from the Club..

We are going again in August, and they Cant wait..

Some Meals they ate with us..Others they ate with their New Friends..

Dont feel guilty if they want to eat without you..Enjoy Yourself..

Bobby

Ditto!!

 

[IrishCowboy]

DS was 4 and DD was 10 on our first cruise. They loved the clubs and had a wonderful experience.

I have to agree with Masonpips, cruise is much more relaxing!

 

[HooKooDooKu]

I keep repeatedly hearing from parents that children need to be at least 6 to 8 years old before they appreciate a trip to WDW (or DL).

I can remember going to WDW when I was about 7 and the main things I remember were the crowds, and the guy that kept bumping me on the grad-pre track. Overall I wouldn't say I hated the trip at that age, but I also don't remember loving it either (I just remember it).

So I would say, do the cruise now and wait til the kids are older for a WDW trip.

 

[crisi]

My kids are 4 and 5. In October we spent a week at WDW. In Feburary we took a four day cruise. DL is different than WDW, but with kids it will map out ok.

The kids really enjoyed both. But the experiences were rather different.

They love the attractions at WDW and the POOL! WDW was a week of getting up early, running two children around the park until sometime after lunch, spending the afternoon with two children in the pool (too little yet to swim in the deep water by themselves). We were with our kids almost 24 hours a day. There was always something to do - maybe too much. We had a wonderful time, and arrived home exhausted.

The cruise was very different. Although the stateroom was small, the curtain (and exhausted kids) made sharing the room ok. The enjoyed the pool and the kids clubs. Meals were much more leisurely. They loved Castaway Cay. There was always something to do, but the something was often "sit in a deck chair." Cruising - even cruising with kids - is more leisurely and elegant.

My kids say they like both, forced to choose, I think the appeal of rides at this age (and a big pool rather than the little ones on the ship) would win out - but they did enjoy cruising. And honestly, I prefer WDW to a cruise - more to do, I don't feel so dependant on calm seas and nice weather (we lucked out with both), and I have more control over my own "value" (don't want to pay for big meals, don't - unlike the cruise where the cost of eating and kids clubs is built in). But the cruise was much more adult and much more relaxing - and since the kids didn't mind, we will do it again.

 

[JC Butterfly]

Would your budget allow for you to do both?

The Cruise line is sailing out of California next year in celebration of the 50th and you could easily combine a couple of days at Disneyland before or after the cruise.

How many times have you been to WDW? When was your most recent trip? How did the kids respond?

You know best what they can handle. They are still in the fantasy stage though and the "magic" that is Disney would be extra special to celebrate at Disneyland, I do agree though that it is an entirely different experience than WDW.

Are you thinking summer vacation or some other time of year? If you went to DL would you combine any other area attractions (taking a drive down to the San Diego zoo or Sea World?)

Brenda

 

[disneyholic family]

knowing both DL and DCL, i can wholeheartedly recommend the cruise to you....
DL is difficult in the best of times, and if you go at the worst of times....well...it can be quite bad....crowds...lines...

if you want enjoyable and relaxing, pick DCL....

 

[KaitlinsMom]

As a DL passholder - at this age, do the cruise - Disneyland is great (and California) but you will be exhausted and tired at the end of it all - You did not mention what time of year you would go - that would make a difference - If you go in the off season, Disneyland is GREAT! short lines, not as hot - but not all things run in the off season (certain parades, fireworks, and attractions are closed)

Kids your age will love Disneyland, no doubt - but if you have been to WDW already, I say go for the cruise - It is much more relaxing - There are plenty of things to do for adults and kids - I didn't feel I was rushing around trying to fit things in -

My 2 cents