Disney Cruise or Universal Studios/IOA

[twinx4]

Hi

I want to first thank everyone who has offered some much helpful advice regarding the Disney Cruise Line. I"m ready to start planning my next vacation.

I have also received information from some of my family members regarding Universal Studios and the Island of Adventure.

I havent been to Univeral Studios in YEARS!!!!! So everything will pretty much be new to me. But I've never been on the Disney Cruise line.

I was wondering if anyone has been on both, and could offer some helpful advice to which I should persue. It will be me and my 9 year old daughter going. And I'm thinking around April for her birthday. Or is there another month that I would get a better savings.

P.S. I considered starting off slowly; and trying for a 3 or 4 night cruise

Thank you

 

[BarryHom]

If it were me, I'd go for a theme park because the cruise ships don't have any roller coasters on them.

 

[Jon360]

Ideally you want to do both.

If the trip is for your 9 year old daughter, go with the Disney Cruise. She will love it.

Next trip, goto Universal.

 

[USO2003]

If you do both go to Universal 1st, this way if you get norwalk virus you'll have had some fun on your vacation.

Now if you want to play it safe go to the park, because I don't think that Norwalk Virus is eliminated from the cruiselines.

 

[scduckman]

We did the 7 day Eastern Caribbean last January with our DD who was 7 at the time. She loved it more than going to any of the parks. There's the kids club where you can check her in so you can have some time to do adult things. Personally, I would do the 7 day because the first time you cruise there's so much to learn. By the time you have things somewhat figured out your on day 3 or 4.

 

[Buschfan]

Some of my favorite things, Universal and cruising! I plan on covering myself in saran wrap, so the Norwalk stuff mentioned above doesn't bother me. Bringing on a case of Lysol, and antibacterial wipes also. I also have heard a theory that drinking alcohol kills the virus, so I am preparing to battle it that way also. These simple and rational precautions will reduce the risk. I figure I can catch something far more scary at a cheap buffet in Kissimmee next to a tacky t-shirt shop with a discount ticket shack out front.

No seriously, I wouldn't recommend any of the 3 and 4 night cruises out of Port Canaveral as they all go to Nassau. The dirtiest tourist trap I have ever seen. They also go to Freeport where you will get to see oil storage tanks and some rusty cruise ships looking for a new home. We drive the extra to Miami so we can go on short cruises to Key West and Cozumel. Miami is a not my favorite place, but it is worth it as you get better ports.

Disney is going to cost you much more than the other cruise lines also. We have cruised Celebrity, NCL and Disney. Disney was our least favorite as the food and the children's program was not as good as the other lines. Stick with Universal and buy a 3,4,5 or 7 night non-Disney cruise out of Miami or Tampa on a later trip. You will get much more for your money.



Norwegian Majesty 1/13!

 

[robvia]

Stay on land.
They cleaned one ship and people still got sick.
The problem with this virus is that they don't know how it's getting on the ship, don't know where it is on the ship, and don't know how to clean it.
I've heard that the only way it's going to stop is when the ships sit in port for a few days while the virus dies.
Ok, you bring all kinds of cleaners yourself for your room, great. But you're still touching doors, rails, and silver ware that's out in the open.

 

[USO2003]

I know Disney spent 2 weeks cleaning the Magic they cleaned top to bottom every day for 2 weeks and the 1st trip back out half the passengers were sick.

Plus Disney will no longer give refunds or tickects for another cruise because the virus is so well known now, that you put your own health at risk on your own terms.

 

[SC Minnie]

People are bringing the virus on board with them and them kindly spreading it to others. If people would be clean enough to wash their hands well after using the restroom a lot of people would have been spared.

BTW Many other cruise lines were also infected not just DCL.

 

[twinx4]

WOW- I have received some really great advice regarding making reservations for the Disney Cruise vs going to Universal. And it really left me with a lot to think about.

Especially since the recent outbreak of the Norwalk Virus. Some have also made good points regarding endless amounts of walking in the parks vs. being pampered on the ship. Riding rollercoasters vs. looking at the ocean and onboard games.

Some much to choose from and I'll definately give all the suggestions some serious thought.

Thank you

 

[USO2003]

Originally posted by SC Minnie
BTW Many other cruise lines were also infected not just DCL.

I live in Port Canaveral so I know it was not just Disney, Disney was pin pointed because that was the topic of discussion.

 

[NCRedding]

We have done both with our 9 year old daughter, who is a daredevil, and rode every ride at IOA and Universal. She didn't like twister, but loved everything else. I found Universal and IOA to be very relaxing, because we stayed on site at HRH, which my DD loved. We went in late September. We didn't move our car from Sunday when we checked in until Wed. when we checked out. Everything is so convenient when you stay on-site. After we checked out of HRH, we went over to Disney, meet up with some family and then did a 3 night DCL cruise. The 3 nights cruises are short, but very fun and a great value in the off season especially.

 

[bjakmom]

Twinx4 - we did both when my DS was 11 - I would not do less than the 4 night cruise - it goes by sooo fast (we left port Sun eve and deboarded(?) at 7 AM Thurs, so it's really only 3 days at that - Castaway Cay can't be beat, IMHO - my DS loved the kids clubs and met many friends on board. When we got off the ship, we drove right to universal and spent 2 days/2nights enjoying the parks. We were all rested when we got there - and felt we came home on a high note- after lots of 'park' fun and excitement - we had the best of it all that trip!! Whatever you decide - I don't think you can go wrong!