Help me decide between Disneyland or DCL!

[holula]

I would go to DL to see the 60th celebration AND to get more use out of the APs.

 

[phinz]

Given my druthers, I'll choose a cruise every time. I love the parks, but after all is said and done , to me, the cruise is the better, more relaxing, less expensive option after you figure in tickets, hotel, food, etc.

 

[lg3]

I love Disneyland, but hands down, if I had to pick just one, I'd be on the boat. Nobody every whines on the Disney Cruise. Not even me.

Absolutely! In our experience Disney Cruises are so much nicer that other cruise lines for a family. If we go to DL or WDW it is always BEFORE the cruise, because the cruise is so relaxing and so much fun that when we have tried doing the parks after it was a hot, crabby letdown.

 

[3fish]

I'm a SoCal girl and I grew up going to Disneyland often. I love disneyland. In fact, I prefer to WDW. My husband and I have 3 beautiful kids and we all are huge Disney fans, but.........

That being said, I've been on many cruises also, some other cruise lines and of course a couple of DCL, this too is too is preferable. I have two Disney cruises booked for Jan. and trying to squeeze another cruise in this fall. I would, hands down, without hesitation, no questions asked, go on the cruise before heading to park!

Life is sooooooo much easier on the cruise than the parks, especially with little people in tow.

Best, 3fish

 

[havoc315]

Two very very different types of trips. The only similarity is that Disney knows how to cater to families, and being surrounded by Disney themes.

Disney Park -- About running around, filling your day from morning to night with rides, swimming. Lots of walking, lots of lines. But every minute may bring a new experience, every hour will be different than the last hour. The rides themselves can be "magical" at times.

Disney cruise -- A lot more sitting on your behind. Very relaxing. Kids clubs know how to entertain the kids, so to a large extent you are delegating away the babysitting. Enjoy Disney shows in the theater, do a few character meet and greets. Don't expect much in the way of "surprises" -- for good and for bad. Constant availability of food. Other than the Aquaduck and a bit at the buffet, no major lines. More opportunities for the grownups to sit back with a glass of wine.

I'd suggest the cruise, only because you have done the park already. But it's not a question of one being better than the other. Much like a week in Paris versus a week at a Caribbean resort, they are entirely different types of trips.

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

Ummm, I think you already know the answer.

Keep the cruise. You can't understand the craze of the Disney Cruise until you go. Just expect not to be returning to Disneyland or take any other vacations except cruise after you cruise the first time. Print this out and stick it by you monitor until you come back. Then let me know of my prediction.

While many hold this same opinion, many do not. I, for one, love DCL but I also still enjoy going to WDW (never been to Disneyland) and other places as well.

 

[plethera1]

I'm a vote for DCL. I just went to DL last year for the first time and loved my time there but as others have said, the cruise is much more relaxing. Without having done one, I'd say you have to give it shot. I won't be so arrogant as to think you will obviously love the cruise more than the parks because people enjoy different things. I do think you will most likely have a really good time and will be able to make the decision easier the next time it comes up.