Disney Cruise versus Other cruise + WDW vacay...what would you do?

[DisneyWishes14]

Since you’ve never cruised, perhaps skip WDW and just do a 7 day cruise.

I think you meant this as a suggestion for the OP? I have cruised before, many times. I think it's a great suggestion. I would, personally, choose either a longer cruise or longer WDW trip.

 

[mjkacmom]

I think you meant this as a suggestion for the OP? I have cruised before, many times. I think it's a great suggestion. I would, personally, choose either a longer cruise or longer WDW trip.

Yes, for the OP. Our first family cruise was after a WDW vacation, I’ve been to WDW several times as a kid, a few times as an adult before kids, and a couple of times with kids, since then we’ve cruised several times, no more WDW.

 

[JMommyof3]

I agree that it depends on the ages of your kids. We have been on 2 DCL cruises, 3 kids (DD, 2 DS) were 4-11 depending on the cruise. They loved the kids clubs and I loved that all 3 could spend time together in the same club (age limits are 3-12) or my DD could go off with her "older" friends to the 11-13 club. Some of the other cruise lines separate them out much more by age and I don't like that idea. Our first was a 4nt out of PC on the Dream (which was a land/sea combo), 2nd was a 7nt Alaska. The not so fun thing about a family of 5 is depending on the ship, you are forced to pay for a much larger room to fit all 5. At times, as with the case with us, 2 connecting rooms are cheaper. I would steer away from a longer cruise if your family has never cruised before. You may not enjoy it, may get motion sickness, or feel like you are stuck with no place to go. I'd recommend a shorter cruise to start.

If you are on the west coast, DCL also goes out of San Diego for part of the year and I believe there is a spring break cruise. Also out of Galveston at times.
Regarding WDW, at times discounts come out that could work for your family. Maybe look into renting points for DVC since, again with 5, hotels are limited and more expensive.

I can't help with other cruise lines but for our family and ages now, DCL is our go to. Feel free to PM me with questions.

 

[Darcy03231]

I'd do the Carnival cruise and WDW vacation.

 

[Frozen2014]

If you want a short cruise, Royal's Mariner of the Seas is out of Port Canaveral...so that would work well with your plan. Mariner has cruises Mon-Fri (4 nights) and Fri-Mon (3 nights). This is what we have planned....flying to Orlando and spending 3.5 at the parks. Then transfer to Port Canaveral for a 4 night on Mariner. It's a great ship for all ages and has fun things like waterslides, Sky Pad (trampoline), rock wall, mini golf, flowrider, Laser Tag, and of course swimming pools...plus great food and entertainment. If you can do the 4 night vs 3 night, the extra day is worth it.

 

[Joe Brig]

Given the heat and crowds in June, I would choose the relaxing, cooler, and not as crowded Disney Cruise. A 3 day cruise is a great first cruise length. 4 days, one with a sea day would be better, if you can swing it.

 

[Shellyred8]

We were at Disney at the end of May/Early June last year and the crowds weren't as bad as I thought they were going to be. Maybe others can weigh in, but I think the crowds in early june might be decent. But you will want to prepare for the heat!