WWYD? Disney Plus Cruise or just Disney?

[cuterlt]

So, DH only has a certain period of time off for the holidays. We're trying to schedule a vacation during that time, which we desperately need! Anyway, here are the options:
1) 2 days at DLand at Comfort Inn Maingate or Annabella with passes PLUS 4 day cruise on Carnival Ecstacy. Ecstacy is 1/2 price ($560 for both of us!). We would be at DLand from 1-2 to 1-4 and then get on the boat.
2) Just DLand for 5 days for the price of 3. Don't have a price yet, but this is an option. It would probably have to be over new years (i.e. 12/31-1/5).

some questions:
Will it be horribly crowded? We usually do DLand in March or October, so rarely get the crowds.
Annabella vs. Comfort Inn Maingate? Closeness? Niceness?
We've never been on a cruise - is it a mistake?

Thanks!!!

 

[justmestace]

DL will be VERY crowded! I would do the split....after the crowds, the cruise will be wonderful. We did this last year at Disney World, but it was the Disney cruise. We'd never cruised before, weren't sure if we'd like it. Loved it sooo much, our daughter got married on DCL last month!!
I can't compare any other cruise line to Disney, never have done them, but have lots of friends who have. Cruising is a marvelous experience, especially after a busy time at the parks, or just life in general.
What ports would your cruise hit? Some can offer a lot of fun, interesting things to do, and at others, it's more fun to stay on the ship & explore while it's emptier.
If you have no kids, 2 days would be workable at the parks. Even with kids (depending on ages) you can spend half a day at California Adventure, and a day and a half at DL. CA doesn't have as much for little kids to do.
I don't know about Annabella, but the Comfort Inn is good.
DO THE CRUISE!!
Hope this helps a little

 

[cuterlt]

Thanks! We haven't ever been on a cruise, but are pretty excited. I hope we can manage it all....

 

[jiminy579]

Our friends stayed at the Annabella and LOVED it! They said the rooms were very nice, and you can take the hotel's shuttle to the parks. Have a great trip!