Thoughts on Disney World before and after a cruise

[Masonmj84]

We just finished a vacation where we did a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy with a day at WDW before the cruise (stayed at Poly) and two days after (stayed at AKL). We had 1 day tickets with water parks and went to MK the day before the cruise and to the water parks the Saturday and Sunday after.

The day at WDW before the cruise was very fun and exciting but the time at WDW after was somewhat of a downer. I think this not only had to do with the fact that our vacation was ending but also because, when you go to WDW immediately after DCL you really notice a drop-off in the level of service between the cruise and WDW (you don't notice this as much if you just go to WDW without cruising).

Going to WDW immediately after a cruise provided a powerful impression that DCL works a lot harder to please its guests than WDW (even when staying at WDW at the "deluxe" level). I don't know if this has more to do with service standards in the cruise line industry being markedly higher than in the theme park industry, Disney facing greater competition in the cruise line industry than in the theme park industry, or DCL going out of its way to attempt to justify its higher relative prices (we have never cruised any line except Disney, so we have no reference point as to the service levels of its competitors).

While we still love WDW, I don't think we'll ever go there again immediately after a cruise. Just too much of a downer in service level.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We just finished a vacation where we did a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy with a day at WDW before the cruise (stayed at Poly) and two days after (stayed at AKL). We had 1 day tickets with water parks and went to MK the day before the cruise and to the water parks the Saturday and Sunday after.

The day at WDW before the cruise was very fun and exciting but the time at WDW after was somewhat of a downer. I think this not only had to do with the fact that our vacation was ending but also because, when you go to WDW immediately after DCL you really notice a drop-off in the level of service between the cruise and WDW (you don't notice this as much if you just go to WDW without cruising).

Going to WDW immediately after a cruise provided a powerful impression that DCL works a lot harder to please its guests than WDW (even when staying at WDW at the "deluxe" level). I don't know if this has more to do with service standards in the cruise line industry being markedly higher than in the theme park industry, Disney facing greater competition in the cruise line industry than in the theme park industry, or DCL going out of its way to attempt to justify its higher relative prices (we have never cruised any line except Disney, so we have no reference point as to the service levels of its competitors).

While we still love WDW, I don't think we'll ever go there again immediately after a cruise. Just too much of a downer in service level.

Our preference is to do the parks before a cruise. The go-go-go, followed by the slower pace on the cruise is just what we need for a vacation.

 

[ChipNDale86]

We cruised on the Fantasy back in January and had planned on flying home the day we disembarked but due to snow at home our flight was cancelled so we spent a day at the Magic Kingdom. It was fun because it was unexpected but it was an exhausting day after a week of relaxation. To go from no lines to hour long waits, and short walks to walking miles was a shock to the system. I would definitely suggest going to the parks before a cruise if someone wanted to do both.

When it comes to service I think the biggest thing is just the vast numbers of people in the parks makes it almost impossible to have the same level of service as the cruise ships. The cruise staff, particularly dining staff only has to deal with a handful of tables vs. thousands and thousands of people every day (many of who are tired cranky vs. relaxed and care-free). It's hard to feel like more than just a number sometimes in the parks but the cruise ships are able to go out of their way to provide that personal service. One of the many perks of a cruise is getting that more personalized service that can't be found on land. I think the parks do the best they can but it's almost apples & oranges in terms of what service can be provided.

 

[Confederate Scott]

We just finished a vacation where we did a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy with a day at WDW before the cruise (stayed at Poly) and two days after (stayed at AKL). We had 1 day tickets with water parks and went to MK the day before the cruise and to the water parks the Saturday and Sunday after.

The day at WDW before the cruise was very fun and exciting but the time at WDW after was somewhat of a downer. I think this not only had to do with the fact that our vacation was ending but also because, when you go to WDW immediately after DCL you really notice a drop-off in the level of service between the cruise and WDW (you don't notice this as much if you just go to WDW without cruising).

Going to WDW immediately after a cruise provided a powerful impression that DCL works a lot harder to please its guests than WDW (even when staying at WDW at the "deluxe" level). I don't know if this has more to do with service standards in the cruise line industry being markedly higher than in the theme park industry, Disney facing greater competition in the cruise line industry than in the theme park industry, or DCL going out of its way to attempt to justify its higher relative prices (we have never cruised any line except Disney, so we have no reference point as to the service levels of its competitors).

While we still love WDW, I don't think we'll ever go there again immediately after a cruise. Just too much of a downer in service level.

We did this in 2014 and totally agree. In addition to a lesser level of service we also realized how relaxing the cruise is versus how chaotic and always on the move you are being at Disney. Going beforehand is so much better.

 

[Quellman]

Our preference is to do the parks before a cruise. The go-go-go, followed by the slower pace on the cruise is just what we need for a vacation.

I swear that you must be alternate me. Same thoughts, same posts. It's uncanny. I wouldn't do a cruise followed by WDW. No thanks. I would rather be with 3000 people on a boat with a breeze and a drink of the day than with 9,000 people trying to watch fantasmic on a metal bench!

 

[CastawayClubSuperfan]

Go to the parks before the cruise for all those curious and wondering, if you go before you have more energy!'

 

[rsjj]

we did the parks before cruise this past year. it was constant go-go, while on land. but once on the ship...it was so relaxing! i'd plan land first, then, sea!

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

We always do WDW before the cruise. A lot has to do with the fact that we want to arrive at least one night before the cruise, we never fly in the day of.
But that being said we would still choose WDW first for reasons some posters have already stated. WDW is a much faster, busier and on some days exhausting pace. We love that once we are on board a Disney ship pretty much everything is taken care of by a great DCL cast member. Most of our cruises are just my DW and me now that our little boy is 23 years old. We did bring him along in 2014 for the Christmas cruise well because, it was Christmas. So despite that fact that it is Disney and there are children on board, DCL has plenty of venues for adults only for some peace and quite. On board and on Castaway Cay, we love CC.

 

[MSPeeler]

Unfortunately, we didn't have too much of a choice (work schedule), so we are doing 4 night Bahamian Dream and then driving to Orlando for 7 nights. We arent staying on WDW property and will only being doing 2 WDW days the following week... so I hope I won't feel so sad!!!

 

[Laundress]

WE have always done the parks before the cruise partly because I get land sickness after the cruise that lasts about 3 weeks.

 

[CScott095]

We do the parks before for all the reasons mentioned above, plus if there are luggage issues, we can resolve them before pulling out of port

 

[buzzrelly]

We just got back from 4 nights at the Poly, 4 nights on the Dream and then 2 nights at Bay Lake Tower. I have to say, we didn't enjoy the parks as much after the cruise because we (really, my teens) were TOTALLY exhausted from the cruise! They were staying out late in the clubs and just going, going, going all day on the cruise. On a 4 night cruise, there wasn't a whole lot of relaxing going on, for us anyway! I thought the service at both was great! Never had an issue that wasn't dealt with immediately. Our check-ins went well, people at BLT and Poly were very friendly. We had gotten some VIP fast-passes on the ship for listening to some DVC spiel, and those were easily added to our bands. Then when we messed up and used one of our VIPs for Mickey's Philharmagic (Ugh…I thought we were walking into Peter Pan and everyone followed me! I told you we were TIRED!!), we went to guest services and the girl was so nice and added the fp back to our bands.

Overall, I have to say, we loved the cruise but still love the parks. But we didn't try to do 12 hour park days after the cruise either. We ended up just going back to our room relaxing at BLT and watching Wishes from bed!

 

[Sir William]

Our preference is to do the parks before a cruise. The go-go-go, followed by the slower pace on the cruise is just what we need for a vacation.

My preference as well. I like the chance to recover from the hectic pace at WDW.

Unfortunately, next year I'm doing WDW after our cruise. For several years now, DW has a conference in Orlando in early March, and we've taken a cruise afterwards. While she works, I go to the parks. Next year the only cruise that dovetailed with the dates DW was before the conference. However, going solo to WDW means I have more flexibility as I can go where and when I want instead of having to organize the family.

 

[ozliz]

My preference is both so I can fit travel dates around the best cruise itinerary, price, flight offers etc. With a long combo trip I find the itinerary can be limited by the WDW park tickets 14 day expiry. With a week long cruise that means no before and after option. You would think given that they are all arms of the same big company there could be an option to buy park tickets from DCL with a longer expiry as part of a package. OK rant over back to your discussion about relaxing etc.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Just wanted to give another perspective that cruising first then parks is not so bad!

First, you're not as sad walking off the ship!! While most people are heading home after a wonderful cruise, we're heading to WDW for more time in the Disney "bubble". Yes doing the parks is extremely different from the cruise, so I honestly don't expect many similarities except for the "Disney" brand and occasional pixie dust at the parks vs. 24/7 service with DCL.

Second, since my DH and I both work long hours full time usually right up until we leave for vacation, sometimes the last thing we want to do is hit the ground running at WDW, waking up at the crack of dawn for a pre-park breakfast or for rope-drop. The parks ARE exhausting, especially because we like to do power Disney. When we do cruise then parks, it gave us a chance to truly relax and chill, so by the time we hit the parks, we were charged up and ready to go! By the time we had to leave, we were exhausted anyways and I wanted my own bed so leaving WDW was not too bad.

Because of scheduling limitations our past 2 cruise/land vacations have worked out where we go to WDW after the cruise. So far, we've been very happy with it, and I'm almost convinced we will do it this way next time. Although I would definitely not be opposed to doing parks first then cruise if that were our only option.

 

[Drusilla99]

My family is split on this. My hubby prefers to do the parks first, then cruise for many of the reasons people have already mentioned. I prefer to cruise first, then do the parks. I think, for me, it has to do with the fact that I'm the one that's been planning, packing and getting everything ready for the trip, so I'm ready to relax first. I also look forward more to the cruise, so if I'm at the parks I'm really just still counting down the days until the cruise starts. If I do the cruise first, I'm excited about WDW...weird, yes, but that's the way it is.

 

[apathetic]

The worst part about cruising first, then parks, is you get used to not paying for food. Then you hit the park and realize you have to pay for that steak and lobster tail. We've done cruises before, after and even split them up. I think the best is to split it up with some days at WDW, then relax on the cruise, then go back for more park time. This may require season pass or no expiration tickets, but it really is a good way to go. Walking the parks can be exhausting and, with a week there, you really don't get as much out of the last day or 2 without killing yourself. But, splitting it up you are refreshed from the cruise time. Even the kids like it because walking the parks in the heat is daunting and splitting it up is almost like 2 trips to WDW in 1 year.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Just wanted to give another perspective that cruising first then parks is not so bad!

First, you're not as sad walking off the ship!! While most people are heading home after a wonderful cruise, we're heading to WDW for more time in the Disney "bubble". Yes doing the parks is extremely different from the cruise, so I honestly don't expect many similarities except for the "Disney" brand and occasional pixie dust at the parks vs. 24/7 service with DCL.

Second, since my DH and I both work long hours full time usually right up until we leave for vacation, sometimes the last thing we want to do is hit the ground running at WDW, waking up at the crack of dawn for a pre-park breakfast or for rope-drop. The parks ARE exhausting, especially because we like to do power Disney. When we do cruise then parks, it gave us a chance to truly relax and chill, so by the time we hit the parks, we were charged up and ready to go! By the time we had to leave, we were exhausted anyways and I wanted my own bed so leaving WDW was not too bad.

Because of scheduling limitations our past 2 cruise/land vacations have worked out where we go to WDW after the cruise. So far, we've been very happy with it, and I'm almost convinced we will do it this way next time. Although I would definitely not be opposed to doing parks first then cruise if that were our only option.

I was getting very discouraged until I read this!!!

We are doing 4 nights at CR December 3rd after our Fantasy cruise. I had originally planned to go pre cruise, but changed my mind after seeing crowd calanders for thanksgiving week.

My son will have no idea that we are going until that morning. Santa is leaving an early Christmas gift in our stateroom containing our magic bands.

 

[Kimberly9701]

The worst part about cruising first, then parks, is you get used to not paying for food. Then you hit the park and realize you have to pay for that steak and lobster tail. We've done cruises before, after and even split them up. I think the best is to split it up with some days at WDW, then relax on the cruise, then go back for more park time. This may require season pass or no expiration tickets, but it really is a good way to go. Walking the parks can be exhausting and, with a week there, you really don't get as much out of the last day or 2 without killing yourself. But, splitting it up you are refreshed from the cruise time. Even the kids like it because walking the parks in the heat is daunting and splitting it up is almost like 2 trips to WDW in 1 year.

I had considered during one night at an Epcot resort pre cruise..just to hit Epcot, and then focus on MK with a HS day post cruise. I have non expiring hoppers for me..and still debating if I should buy my son hoppers as well. Doing Epcot pre cruise would eliminate that need and maybe I could keep holding on to mine for a later trip.

That being said, because WDW is a surprise for him, I decided against this.. And planning on doing Kennedy Space Center the day before instead.
It's so tempting though..lol

 

[Mousemommy1]

This is a very interesting post for me! In 3 days we leave for a land/sea trip.

We are doing 2 days at Disney (staying at AoA), then 4 nights on the Dream, and then 2 nights at Disney (at GF). We will be doing the parks on
both ends. It will be interesting to see what our experience is.