First time cruiser. Grandparents and Toddlers Eastern vs Western.

[Ihatesunshine]

My parents have offered to pay for a Disney Cruise for our family.

We're hoping to go mid June to early July with a couple days at the parks before.

2 questions:
From WDW is it best to take Magical Express back to the airport, then catch the Disney Cruise Line bus?
Which Caribbean cruise itinerary is best for toddlers, Eastern or Western?
How can I tell which cruises are for Star Wars or Marvel or regular?

Thank you! So excited to go on DCL!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My parents have offered to pay for a Disney Cruise for our family.

We're hoping to go mid June to early July with a couple days at the parks before.

2 questions:
From WDW is it best to take Magical Express back to the airport, then catch the Disney Cruise Line bus?
Which Caribbean cruise itinerary is best for toddlers, Eastern or Western?
How can I tell which cruises are for Star Wars or Marvel or regular?

Thank you! So excited to go on DCL!

For me, the hassle of getting up early enough to take Magical Express to the airport and then take the DCL transfers alone makes it a "no". It will add an additional hour to your trip from resort to port. Resort to port, or resort to airport, or airport to port, each leg = 1 hour approximately. Plus you have to wrangle your bags from resort room to ME bus, ME bus to DCL transfer desk. Using DCL transfers directly from resort, they pick up your bags at your resort room, and the next time you see them is at your room onboard the ship.

When you look at the various itineraries for booking, it will say "Star Wars" or "Marvel" on them.

 

[Sunshine2U]

I would do eastern for extra sea day since I wouldn't be interested in doing excursions with toddlers in tow. More fun to stay on the ship and play. It will be cooler when at sea than docked - can be pretty hot June/July with possibility of no breezes when at dock.

 

[pdizzle27]

For a first time cruiser, I think western is better. The extra day on land may be comforting.

 

[ahain]

Another consideration might be budget....even though your parents are paying, they may have a limit as to how much $$ they are willing to put out. Some sailings are MUCH more expensive than others. June/July is prime time and generally pricey. Are they paying for your excursions as well? If there is a budget, then you'll also need to consider not only the date & itinerary, but also cabin category. Even if they haven't set a budget, I would still try to be thrifty with such a wonderful gift as this. Of course, if mom & dad are rolling in money, then disregard everything I've said. haha