WDW Lovers- Would you rather do Disneyland or Disney Cruise??

[Angeliki19]

So I wasn't sure where to post this question, as its sort of a hypothetical but I actually really want to know! We have only ever done WDW... we usually go every 18 months. I think after this trip, I am ready to try something new! Especially because we have free Marriott nights that we want to use. We usually stay on-site at WDW so it started me thinking outside the WDW box!

Here are the options:

1) Go to California. Do a few days at Universal Hollywood (never been to any Universal park because we love WDW and can't seem to tear ourselves away!) and a few days at Disneyland.

2) Go to Orlando. Stay offsite at Marriott. Do a few days either at Universal Orlando, Legoland or maybe WDW. Then do a couple nights on a cruise.

Basically I am just wanting to know, between Disneyland and DCL, which is your MUST- DO, for a family that loves WDW?

TIA!!

 

[BrianL]

I love Disneyland as well as WDW. DL is a bit of a different experience but has a lot of exclusive attractions they don't have in Orlando. The best ones are Indiana Jones, Radiator Springs Racers, California Screamin' and the Matterhorn. They also still have all of the classic Fantasyland dark rides (Snow White, Mr. Road, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland) plus their version of Pirates of the Caribbean is way better than the one at MK.

DL is a bit less intense in the planning phase. They still have the paper Fast Pass system and both parks are so close that, with a hopper, you can really treat the whole thing as one big park.

I also really like Universal Hollywood, much more than the Orlando parks. I like the fact that it is actually on the Universal Studios lot and you see actual movie sets and such. If you are into movies, I highly recommend it. It is much smaller though, so one day there is more than enough (though they now have Harry Potter there so that adds a little something). Do not miss the Backlot Tour though. Keep in mind that Uni and DL are nowhere near each other though, so have your transportation lined out (renting a car may be best).

Full disclosure, I have not been on a Disney Cruise. I hear they're great, but I can only offer my thoughts on DL, and I think it is well worth a visit.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

Right now in this stage of our lives I would love to experience a Disney cruise. We love both DL and WDW but we have never cruised before and I think it would be a great time on a Disney ship.

 

[hiroMYhero]

You really can't beat the luxury of a Disney Cruise versus other cruises. The friendliness that you encounter in the parks is the same as on DCL. We had fun interacting with other guests and our DISmeet group on our cruises. It's still about the ports, though, that can be excellent experiences but very non-Disney.

At the same time, Disneyland is our *home* park and we still enjoy visiting after all these years. We had a one day visit a couple of weeks ago and were able to eat at Club 33! Love the nostalgia of DL and viewing and experiencing the same things that Walt did.

I would choose DL for the "Disney-ness" of it for all the reasons @BrianL listed. And then a cruise for your next adventure!