Help me decide please

[jockey]

We are taking our first cruise in Feb2011, there will be me, DH DS 5 and DD 3. We can't decide whether to cruise then go back to WDW for 5 days or start the cruise at the end of the holiday the day of DD 3rd birthday, celebrate on board then fly home the day we dock?

TIA

 

[momofkhm]

We are taking our first cruise in Feb2011, there will be me, DH DS 5 and DD 3. We can't decide whether to cruise then go back to WDW for 5 days or start the cruise at the end of the holiday the day of DD 3rd birthday, celebrate on board then fly home the day we dock?

TIA

Are you saying there is a holiday the week you would be at WDW? I would avoid WDW during a holiday if at all possible. The first time we went to WDW, my youngest was a week from turning 3. It was only Columbus Day so not a HUGE holiday. The place was packed! I think the first day we were there, we rode 3 rides in an entire afternoon. Wall to wall people. The next morning, we rode 3 rides just during the extra magic hour. (I think that's what they called it then.) Columbus day was the first weekend that trip. The next year, we went he same time of year but Columbus Day was the end of our trip. Most of the trip was great, but you could see the numbers of people increasing.

All this to say, I would avoid WDW during a holiday weekend. I'd rather be on the boat. There are only so many people they can put on the boat.

Now if I completely misunderstood your question...

 

[HallsofVA]

We just did our first WDW/Cruise combo, and while we found it very tiring to do them both, I think it was a better option to do the WDW part first, then end with the cruise to relax before heading home.

 

[jockey]

Are you saying there is a holiday the week you would be at WDW? I would avoid WDW during a holiday if at all possible. The first time we went to WDW, my youngest was a week from turning 3. It was only Columbus Day so not a HUGE holiday. The place was packed! I think the first day we were there, we rode 3 rides in an entire afternoon. Wall to wall people. The next morning, we rode 3 rides just during the extra magic hour. (I think that's what they called it then.) Columbus day was the first weekend that trip. The next year, we went he same time of year but Columbus Day was the end of our trip. Most of the trip was great, but you could see the numbers of people increasing.

All this to say, I would avoid WDW during a holiday weekend. I'd rather be on the boat. There are only so many people they can put on the boat.

Now if I completely misunderstood your question...

Sorry I should have said we are thinking of having the first 13 days of our vacation ( holiday) before the cruise. I don't think there are any public holidays during that time!

We just did our first WDW/Cruise combo, and while we found it very tiring to do them both, I think it was a better option to do the WDW part first, then end with the cruise to relax before heading home.

My DH thought it would be a relaxing end to the holiday, otherwise he will be doing the parks military style with my as I am an obsessive planner

 

[DLW8]

We did WDW before the cruise in December and there is NO WAY I would do it the other way around.

I actually RELAXED on the cruise which just doesn't happen in WDW. You are too busy running around from ride to ride, and to make shows and parades and ADRs and into/out of the parks. I love it, but in no way is it relaxing.

So, we did that for 5 days and then cruised for the 3 night cruise. It was WONDERFUL. So wonderful, that we booked a 7 night for November. I never thought I could go to Orlando and not go to the parks, but I absolutely LOVED the cruise. I still love WDW, but it's a lot more planning and more stress on me to get it all figured out (I am the tour guide always).

Whatever you do, enjoy, but I vote for WDW then the cruise then head on home.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Actually there is a holiday in February, President's Day and that week is very crowded in WDW, so depending on your holiday's dates..................... I would do the cruise after because it is much more relaxing.

 

[jockey]

Thanks everyone, all the info has been very helpful! We have decided to go to wdw 18 feb 3rd March then cruise from 3rd March. I think it will be such a relaxing way to end the holiday. I need to go look at the DCl gifts for DD as it will be her birthday!

What date is presidents day?

 

[mickeyfan1]

Peresident's Day is Monday, March 21. You will be in the crowds, but it can be managed. Get the guide books and have a plan for touring. If you could push it back one more week and not get there till the 27th, you may find it a lot emptier, but I don't know if the season changes for the cruise dates.

As far as gifts, there is a poster here, Shirley Nelson Brown who makes and delivers to the ship, custom gift baskets. The DCL gifts are OK, but Shirley can do one especially for your daughter.

 

[jockey]

Peresident's Day is Monday, March 21. You will be in the crowds, but it can be managed. Get the guide books and have a plan for touring. If you could push it back one more week and not get there till the 27th, you may find it a lot emptier, but I don't know if the season changes for the cruise dates.

As far as gifts, there is a poster here, Shirley Nelson Brown who makes and delivers to the ship, custom gift baskets. The DCL gifts are OK, but Shirley can do one especially for your daughter.

Thanks I will check her out

 

[loveysbydesign]

I vote for parks before cruise!

 

[KYDIZFAN]

Presidents Day is the 3rd Monday in Feburary. Many schools have a long weekend so lots of H.S. Bands, Cheerleaders, Dance Teams go that weekend. Very crowded.