picking a cruise.. why is this so hard?

[readytogotodisney]

This is long, so I apologize for the length, but there's a lot to this decision for me.

We're currently booked on the 5 night Wonder out of Miami. We're planning on flying to MCO, two nights at DW with a day at one of the water parks (we have free tickets) then driving to Miami with a rental car for our cruise. Then we'll fly back out of Ft lauderdale (flying SW).
We're planning on flying into MCO bc the flight prices from home to MCO are averaging about $100/ticket (4 of us) cheaper then flying into Ft Lauderdale (actual prices are yet to be released). Total when I add up EVERYTHING (cruise, DW hotels, ADR's, rental car, gas, tips, transfers etc..) is $5200 with a veranda.

BUT I keep looking at the 7 night Magic out of PC. We'd love the longer cruise, and the extra bells and whistles on the Magic (although I know we'll love the Wonder too). The cruise is so much more expensive to begin with we'd have to drive to PC to make it work financially. With everything, hotel on the way there and back, gas, tips, parking, etc it's $5500 with an outside cabin.
Honestly the drive scares me with two littles (will be 6 and 2.5). The longest drive we've done is 4 hours and that was just 2 weeks ago and it was tough, for me and them. The drive to PC would be 16 hours per mapquest.

The wild card.... we could move between now and the time we go on the cruise (April). More then likely we'd move closer so the drive could be shorter, which would make the Magic altogether cheaper and easier drive (would be 11 hours drive). But if I pick the Wonder and buy plane tickets, then our flight prices would more then likely go up if I have to change our flights.

I'm afraid if I wait too much longer to switch the cruise I'll be SOL and end up paying even more then I'm planning now.

If you got this far, you deserve a gold star, and I'd love to hear your opinion.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Go for the Magic.

 

[Ofinn]

I still haven't chosen a cruise for next year so I completely understand. It's always hard planning months in advance because finances change. Ultimately convenience always wins out over cost for me. I would probably do the 7 night and increase my budget to include plane tickets. I can always find ways to cut back on other things in my life. A vacation is supposed to relaxing. I don't think I would want to do all that driving with little kids.

 

[princessnicchia]

A car ride with kids that little, that long, is scary! Could some of the driving be at night, or super early in the morning so they are sleeping for a portion of it? That might make it easier for everyone.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Picking a cruise is pretty hard! I had started a whole thread on which cruise to pick...one next year in Feb 2016 leaving from PC on the Fantasy with Star Wars day at sea. The whole itinerary sounded great and the cruise coincides with my 40th bday. Only bad part was that I'd have to fly to PC from NYC in February. There are lots of things that can go wrong when it's winter on the northeast!

The other option was a cruise on the Magic leaving right from NYC. It's not until the fall of 2016 and even though the price of the cruise is more expensive, I don't have to pay for flights. The itinerary also wasn't the greatest since we'd be visiting the Bahamas again and it's just like the cruise we took this past May. But the convenience of not having to fly or drive for long really appeals to me. Plus it's been 4 years since DCL has sailed from NYC! I remember seeing the Magic depart from the west side dock in 2012...I really wished I was on that boat!

I kept going back and forth and back and forth but ultimately decided that since I only turn 40 once, I should just do the cruise I want on the Fantasy even though it would be inconvenient to get there.
Even though it may take 4 years for the Magic to cruise from NYC again, I know it will come back and I will be on that boat someday!

So...I'd vote on taking the boat and the itinerary you want to no matter the hassle. I think you'll be happier that you paid for exactly what you want and not settle for something because it's more "convenient".
That being said...I vote for the Magic because I loved the ship...but I haven't been on the Wonder. I wished our 5-night cruise was longer so I think you'd like the extra nights!

 

[Flossbolna]

Would you consider to downgrade your stateroom category to save money to afford the flight?

ETA: Oh, I see that Magic is already just an oceanview...

In that case I am leaning towards keeping the Wonder for now. It is a great first cruise itinerary in my opinion.

 

[Crystal O_o]

I would sail the magic!

 

[Bree]

You know the drive from WDW to POM is around 3.5-4 hours, right? Just wanted to put that out there because you said your last 4 hour drive was hard.

What happens if you purchase your airline tickets then move? Can you change them for little to no cost? I don't fly SW so I don't know how all that stuff works with them.

I peeked at the prices for the Magic, but I don't know what week you are looking at. Are you flexible with your dates? The May 1st Eastern Caribbean sailing hasn't had any price increases.

 

[quickcat]

With your kids ages either ship would be great, I have sailed on both. The magic really has more bells and whistles and I like the dining rooms better on the magic too. Ok, I just talked myself into voting for the Magic for you
I know its so hard to pick! I am the ultimate switcher for sure and its amazing how many times I change my mind on which cruise to take!
Its fun though....even though I know I drive my family crazy

 

[bethy]

When travelling with children I always pick convenience over almost anything else. Convenience within my budget, that is. I have 3 children. Logistics are already tough when travelling with children that you don't want to make them any tougher than necessary. Or it can ruin any of the few relaxed moments on your trip.

So, for me, with kids that age I would NOT drive for 16 hours in order to get more cruise days or more bells and whistles. And remember, you also have to drive BACK.

 

[thumpie's mom]

My family loves the Wonder...you won't be disappointed if you take her. I agree with Bethy, if you take the Magic you will have a long drive home as well. Have fun on whichever cruise you decide on.