Disney Newbies. Cruise or Resort?

[elvispursley]

We took our 2 DS to WDW from the time oldest DS was 15 months and youngest DS went when he was only 4 weeks. We vacationed every couple years at WDW or DL. They did their first cruise when they were 8 and 10 (turned 11 on the cruise). Now they're 10 and 13 and the last cruise we did we paired with a WDW/universal vacation after the cruise. Had we to do it over and choose between cruising when they were younger or WDW...we definitely would go with cruising! It is SO much more laid back. You don't need to lug giant strollers around for the younger one. The ship has so much for them to do that is gear right at their age group! My DH said the cruise was the most relaxed he's been on vacation. When we took our last trip to WDW 6 months ago, the 2 boys were older and could walk all day, they enjoyed all the rides, loved the parks, no one was cranky like they were when they were younger and needed to stop and nap during the day. If I'd known then, I would be platinum by now with all the cruises I could've taken instead of the WDW/DL vacations . Now my boys beg for a cruise and WDW at the end! I've created monsters!!

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

I am currently planning our first Dinsey vacation with my DH, DS (6) and DD (4). Recently my husband has been objecting going to Disney World as he thinks our kids are too young and he only wants to once. He would prefer to go to an all exclusive sort somewhere and really relax. I want to do Disney now while there is still some Magic of the characters. I got thinking that maybe a cruise would be a good alternative. We could do the cruise for some Disney Magic and wait until Disney World until they are 7 and 9. What are your thoughts for first timers? How does the "magic" of a cruise compare to Disney World? Thanks in advance

If you cruised now, would you do dw at another point? Imho, your kids will eventually beg for dw, so just make sure it's in the cards at some point whether it be this trip or a fitire one.

 

[LizGirl]

I would totally vote for doing WDW now.

Admittedly, I grew up going to the parks so it is not at all intimidating for me. We started taking our kids when they were 3 and 1. It was more work then. We bought our first annual passes when the kids were 4 and 2 and went 5 times that year. They had a blast! We took them when they were 7 and 5 and that was a great trip. They are old enough to eat normal food and had stamina to stay at the parks most of the day. I think 6 and 4 are the perfect ages! I would definitely recommend looking at renting a larger double stroller from one of the off site companies. You can store your extra stuff on it during the day and haul the tired kids at night.

We did a cruise when they were 8 and 6. They really enjoyed it but, IMO, the Disney "ambiance" is not as pronounced on the cruise. Having not been to the parks, they may not have the "connection" with the Disney magic. Also, we were counting on getting some relaxation time but the kids WOULD NOT stay at the clubs very long so we were almost as busy as the parks!

Same deal with our all inclusive resort vacation. It was not relaxing! Kids are needy. We never get to read a book or nap on the beach!

 

[SpaceSquirrel]

My husband and I like the ships better but my little one likes the parks better. We usually do a couple days in the parks on either side of the sailing.

 

[Rabb it]

At those ages they would love the cruise, and if you haven't done it yet as a family I highly recommend it. If for nothing else so you can say "we've done a Disney cruise" and know whether or not you want to do one later. They will love the kids clubs too