DLH or DCR

[poseys]

I'm asking in this forum because I LOVE DLH. We went there about a year ago and are deciding on a vacation for next year. We were originally going to do a DCL cruise because it was something new (we've done a cruise but not with DCL and it was a honeymoon cruise). Then, looking at YouTube videos, DLH just pulled us in more- the cruise looked boring in comparison. If we do DLH- we will go for fall Dapper Day and stay at GCH. We will be going with our daughter who will be 5 at the time. What input do you all have?

 

[cruisehopeful]

They are both fun. For me, cruises often end up less expensive because they include lodging, meals and entertainment. If you are just going based on fun, 5 is a great age for Disneyland. It will be very crowded if you go during Dapper Days. If you can go another time instead, I'd do that. If you are going because you want to dress up for Dapper Days, then it will still be fun, but keep in mind that 5 year olds may get tired of waiting in line for everything.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

A vacation at Disneyland (DL) is magical as is a Disney cruise. Your daughter will be a perfect age for DL and you will all enjoy staying at GCH. LOTS to do and see at both parks and at DTD. It is very fun to walk out the door of GCH and be in DTD or quickly be at the turnstiles of two parks.

One of my favorite memories of when we visited when our DD was your DDs age was when she wore her Snow White dress to the park and then met Snow White and they posed for pics together. Snow White showed our DD how to hold out her dress while posing, it was pure magic!

Have fun planning!

 

[poseys]

They are both fun. For me, cruises often end up less expensive because they include lodging, meals and entertainment. If you are just going based on fun, 5 is a great age for Disneyland. It will be very crowded if you go during Dapper Days. If you can go another time instead, I'd do that. If you are going because you want to dress up for Dapper Days, then it will still be fun, but keep in mind that 5 year olds may get tired of waiting in line for everything.

Thanks for your input. Last year we went for Dapper Day and the crowds seemed manageable to us. Also thinking about spending Dapper Day itself outside of the park and just enjoying the Expo, Downtown Disney, and a date night at the Jazz Kitchen while dressed up on that day. We plan to have a few extra days for pool/beach time.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

My number one tip for everyone is to be at rope drop each morning of your trip. You will NOT regret getting up and being ready to go first thing. You can get SO much done without much wait if you go early. It makes a huge difference.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Sorry, I read your first post all wrong. So, what you are saying is you have already been to DL with your DD just last year?? Then I would say go for the cruise! There is nothing boring about a Disney Cruise! Your DD will have an amazing time! And so will you! Based on my experience, I highly reccomend a 7 night or 5 night cruise. We thought 4 nts was too short.

Have fun!

 

[poseys]

Sorry, I read your first post all wrong. So, what you are saying is you have already been to DL with your DD just last year?? Then I would say go for the cruise! There is nothing boring about a Disney Cruise! Your DD will have an amazing time! And so will you! Based on my experience, I highly reccomend a 7 night or 5 night cruise. We thought 4 nts was too short.

Have fun!

We did go last year and I LOVED it! I still feel like there was a lot I missed or would like to do again plus our DD would be big enough for more rides next year. I feel like we will just end up napping and day drunk on a cruise during sea days and the ports doesn't sound super exiting to me. But all my friends are big fans of DCL.

 

[cruisehopeful]

We did go last year and I LOVED it! I still feel like there was a lot I missed or would like to do again plus our DD would be big enough for more rides next year. I feel like we will just end up napping and day drunk on a cruise during sea days and the ports doesn't sound super exiting to me. But all my friends are big fans of DCL.

It doesn't sound like you would enjoy the cruise. I actually do get bored on sea days while others love them. I love my port days and being able to nap whenever I want to. I actually never have a success nap anywhere except on a cruise ship. It's a lot of money for something that doesn't sound like it would be fun for you. I'd stick with DL if I were you. Disney is building 2 more cruise ships right now. The cruises will still be there for you later in life if your vacation style and preferences changes.

 

[poseys]

It doesn't sound like you would enjoy the cruise. I actually do get bored on sea days while others love them. I love my port days and being able to nap whenever I want to. I actually never have a success nap anywhere except on a cruise ship. It's a lot of money for something that doesn't sound like it would be fun for you. I'd stick with DL if I were you. Disney is building 2 more cruise ships right now. The cruises will still be there for you later in life if your vacation style and preferences changes.

I think you're right, cruisehopeful. We had a blast on our port intensive honeymoon out of San Juan. Nothing out of Port Canaveral is really jumping out at me, port-wise. I think we will wait a few more years until DD is older for the flight to San Juan and go to all the islands we missed the first time.