You have received a lot of good information above. Make sure to listen to that podcast
I LOVE cruises and in fact, we went on one for our honeymoon. Only you truly understand your situation and the dynamic with your family and friends but I will tell you why I did not go the cruise option (or other destination wedding locations) and instead went the Disney Escape option:
1. I wanted our wedding day to be our legal wedding date. I *assume* that if you get married on Castaway Cay, the marriage isn't recognized by the U.S. and you have to have a legal wedding at a courthouse before or after. Perhaps cruise brides can confirm and maybe that isn't a big deal for you. I just didn't want two dates.
2. I didn't want my guests to need to get Passports.
3. We have a broad range of financial resources in our family and friends. Some would not be able to afford a cruise, but a couple nights at a Value hotel was ok (and we hosted most of their meals). We had 4 singles at our wedding. I don't think some or any of them would have come to the wedding since they didn't have someone to travel with and the cost of a cabin by yourself is very expensive.
4. Time and schedule. Several of our guests had limited time or scheduling conflicts before or after the wedding. For example, my cousin is a teacher. She needed to take 2 vacation days to come to our wedding but could not have spent anymore time. My mother-in-law also could only stay 2 days. There was just a lot more flexibility with the Escape wedding and just needing 1-2 days that work for everyone versus 7-8.
Again, your situation may be completely different.
The other reasons I picked Disney World, because people ask me all the time.....
1. I wanted a destination wedding to bring friends and family closer
2. Disney quality meant no worrying
3. All of our family was going to have to travel anyhow
4. There are non-stop flights from everywhere our family is to Orlando for a good price
5. No one needed to rent a car
6. Lots of options for lodging, food, and fun!
Good luck!
