Disney or Disney cruise?

Looking to do one of these in March. DS # 1 will be just about turning 3, DS # 2 will be turning one while while we are away. We want to do either:
5 nights at the Wilderness Lodge
7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy.

Which do you recommend? TIA!

Re: Disney or Disney cruise?

I would say the cruise. It will be a good intro to all things Disney, but a lot more relaxing for you and your DH. Plus you will have warmer weather the further south you go.

Disney or Disney cruise?

Disney. I wouldn't want to do a cruise with that small of kids. I hear its always so crowded.

Re: Disney or Disney cruise?

Re: Disney or Disney cruise?

Disney or Disney cruise?

Disney because under three the tickets are free whereas you will have to pay for them on the cruise. I also feel a cruise with young kids is better if you have other family members to assist you.

Re: Disney or Disney cruise?

We took ds1 to Disney at 22m and 35m old. Great trips.

We just did 3 days in Disney followed by 4nights on the Disney dream. Ds1 was 5.5yo and Ds2 turned 2 in magic kingdom. While I love Disney and had great experiences all our family talks about is the cruise and when we can go again.

For us this time Disney was stressful. Ds2 is a handful on a good day. In wdw he was over stimulated and had to control. It was impossible to wait on lines with him as he is a squirmer and when put down he is a runner. We left Disney and said not again until he is older.

The cruise was amazing. According to guest services it was a full cruise. The only time it really felt crowded was the family poll on our sea day. But ds2 loved nemos reef so we spent a lot of time there and switched off going in the pool or on the aqua duck with older son.
Our older son loved the kids club so he spent some time there. Ds2 loved the shows so everyong got to do what they enjoyed. One night older son went to club while ds2, dh and j went to a show. Another night one went to club , one to the nursery and dh and I had a fantastic dinner. Another time we took older D's to play mini golf while the little one was in the nursery.

Also my younger son isn't a stroller fan we only used the stroller when we boarded the ship. Other wise it was under our bed the whole time. WS were able to let D's walk. The characters were all over the ship with little to no lines. The ship was beautiful and clean. And castaway cay was amazing.

The other thing I liked especially with a young child who still naps and gets cranky when tired....you are never morethan 5 mins from your room. I could take the little one to the room to nap and enjoy room service or a cocktail on the balcony while dh took older so to do something else.

As you can tell I am all for the cruise. We just found it to be the best balance for us. My only regret is not just doing the 7nighter to begin with.

Disney or Disney cruise?

Thank you everyone! It is a tough decision. We know we eventually want to do both, just not sure which one to do this time around. I wonder if a land/sea vacation would be to much? 4 nights at Disney, followed by the 3 or 4 night cruise?

Re: Disney or Disney cruise?

Disney world. We did the parks when DD#1 was one month from turning 3 and DD#2 turned one on the trip. We had a great time. Plenty to do. We took mid day breaks for swimming and naps. I wouldn't do a cruise that young. I would wait until you little one is 3 so you can get more out of it. You are limited if they are under three annd not potty triained. You will still have fun, but it is more fun to cruise with 3+ bc they cando much more. Under 3 in the parks are free. You would basically be paying for you and your DH.

Re: Disney or Disney cruise?

Both are excellent vacation choices for your family. It really depends on your preferences but as other posters have mentioned kids under 3 are "Free" at Disney where you'd have to pay for them on the cruise.

I would suggest doing Walt Disney World and waiting until both children are 3 or older to cruise but that is just my personal opinion. I have had clients cruise with younger children who had an excellent time.

I would love to help you plan a magical vacation for you and your family and help you choose which option best fits your needs.

Contact me for a free no obligation quote for either Walt Disney World or a Disney Cruise.

~Kerri~
Travel Kerri
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Re: Disney or Disney cruise?

I've done both recently and would choose the Disney Cruise a million times over. I disagree about it being crazy and crowded. I went during peak and it was great! Disney is exhausting whereas the cruise was so relaxing, you can do as much or as little as you want. The service was wonderful and it truly felt like a vacation.

My kids can't stop talking about it!

Message edited 6/9/2013 12:19:20 AM.

Re: Disney or Disney cruise?

There are pros and cons to both and I think you have have a great time at both, but here are a few things to consider:

-A cruise is more contained, so it's easier to travel with little ones. They really think of everything for all ages, so it's really fun for the whole family and SO easy to get around
-The ship has a set capacity so it isn't susceptible to the crowds at Disney World

-You won't pay for the kids at Disney World as long as they are under 3 on your arrival date, you WILL have to pay for them on the cruise, but at a reduced rate.

- If the kids are under 3 and both not potty trained then they'll be in the nursery, NOT the Kids' Club, and they can only be there for a limited time and there is a fee.

- Children who are not fully potty trained are not allowed in pools on cruise ships, however the Fantasy has the most amazing splash play areas.

I would suggest doing WDW now. Go at a time when there are low crowds and the weather is nice. Once the kids are potty trained and can fully enjoy the pools and the kids club, take the cruise.

I think you can have an awesome vacation either way!


- Jennifer Kern
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008

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Disney or Disney cruise?

Thank you for the suggestions everyone! We have decided to do Disney this time around. We definitely want to do the cruise, but are thinking of waiting until they are 6 & 4.