Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

We are thinking of doing either this fall. DD will be 3. Hopefully I will be PG with #2 at the time.

We won't do all the character dining at DW. We will stay in our TS which is on Disney property. We already know which cruise we would take. Just a matter of which you would recommend.

Re: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

I much prefer Disney World to a Disney Cruise.
Did both with kids last year (2&3-4).

Disney cruise is horrifically overpriced, food is worst of any cruise I've been on, rooms are small & the stops are not "Disney" enough. We liked the fireworks show on ship & dance parties, but I had expected the private island to have more themed stuff.

We love cruises... But will never do a Disney one again. We all had a much better time on Norwegian.

Disney world is, Disney world. I think it's very magical. We stay off site & rent a car, visit Disney for a few days & just relax the rest of the time.

Eta: plus, if you are 24 weeks pregnant or more, cruise won't let you go.

Message edited 3/6/2015 5:22:05 PM.

Re: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

We have done both and love both. I would probably do Disney World before doing the Disney Cruise.

We loved the Disney cruise. I was not a fan of cruises prior to having children. Now I think it is so easy. We were also not amusement park people before having children. How our lives have changed since having children.

You can also do a land/sea Disney vacation. 3 night cruise plus a few days at the parks.

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

LOVED the Disney Cruise. Thought the food was fantastic, everything was top notch and their service is awesome. Some of the largest basic cabins in the industry, and very nicely themed. Their private island is gorgeous with a lot of kid friendly activities (bike riding, boat rentals, huge floating entertainment pod with waaterslides, snorkeling, huge checkers/chess, spray park, kids club, nice BBQ lunch, private cabanas, etc. It's pricey, but worth it IMO. They are two entirely different experiences though. One is hustle and bustle, the other more relaxing and not so much Disney in your face all the time.

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

Being with a 3 year old and you probably being pregnant, I'd choose the cruise. It is much more relaxing and the kids still get that "disney" feeling and get to see the characters. The restaurants were amazing especially the one that changes colors. All the shows are kid friendly as well, which is a plus. We took 2 Disney cruises and LOVED both. The food was the best on any line we have been on, the ship is beautiful, the service is amazing. The 3 year old can go into the kids club which is fantastic. The private island is the best private island we have visited. Disney was by far the best cruise we have been on and we have been on every line, except Celebrity. The only reason we stopped going was that I'm a big gambler and there is no casino and I don't feel there is really anything for adults to do at night so we take NCL now which DD also loves now that she is a bit older.

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

Disney was alot of walk I pregnant. ..plus only hubby on ther thrill rides... probably cruise if thats the case

Re: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

I would go with the cruise

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

since it sounds like you have the disney timeshare and it will be easy for you to go back there.... i would choose the cruise this time and in this case (with a 3 year old and possibly being pregnant). it will definitely be more relaxing for you, less walking around... and your DD will still get the disney characters and everything. we went on a DCL cruise in november, right after DS turned 4 and had an amazing time!!! we happened to find one that had 2 stops at disneys private island- incredible!!! splash area for the kids, bike rentals, strollers to use, great water and beaches, BBQ lunch right there on the island... so relaxing!! but still "Disney" with the character meet and greets all around the island and ship, etc.

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

Thanks all for the input!!

Re: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

I would chose the cruise if I had the option. My then 5yo (now 7yo) still talks about it and asks to go back over going to Disney world. WE did the 4 night Disney Dream and my ONLY regret was not booking the 7 nights on the Fantasy.

To us it was the perfect balance of a vacation. It was more relaxing, yet we saw tons of characters, loved their private island and relaxing at the beach, older son loved the kids club, we did mini golf on the ship, my younger son went to nursery for just a few hours so DH and I could have a nice dinner. If my younger son (2 at the time) needed a nap, all the fun didnt have to stop, one of us walked back to the room while my older son could still swim, or play etc.

Keep in mind after a certain point in a pregnancy you cannot go on a cruise (I think its early like 24 weeks but I am not sure about hat #)

The only time I wouldnt go on the disney cruise, is during breaks from school. Too many people in a more confined space I dotn think it would be as enjoyable.

We love taking the kids to disney but when we did it at 21weeks pregnant it was exhausting for me and I was limited on some of the rides of course. I overall just feel the cruise is more relaxing than WDW and while pregnant I think that woudl be nice!

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

If you are pregnant definitely the cruise. The parks won't be nearly as fun while you are pregnant - all that walking will be killer and you won't be able to go on a lot of rides.

I am 16w pregnant and we are going on the Dream in a few weeks - I have been on the Dream and the Magic, and definitely recommend the newer ships. Cruise is the perfect mix of Disney and relaxing vacation. You get all the character interaction and feeling of Disney without having to walk around all day and wait in lines!

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

I would cruise bc that's my preferred vacation and I can't stand lines. But you can't cruise beyond 24w pregnant so if you are planning on ttcing soon, make sure your trip is booked at the right time. When my family booked a cruise, I made sure to stop ttc until a certain date so I wouldn't be past 24w.

Re: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

I would personally never plan to go to Disney world pregnant. Too much walking etc.

Re: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

I went on a cruise for my babymoon and it was the best decision ever... Relaxing, not too much walking, and unlimited amounts of food

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

Thank you all. Yes, if I am that far along we won't do the cruise. Our timeshare isn't a disney TS, just on their property. But yes we could go any time/any year. I've been leaning towards the cruise but just wasn't sure. We've cruised several times pre DD and love it. We've also done WDW pre DD too and had fun. Hard decision!

Re: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise which to pick?

with a 3 year old I'd to DW ......with older kids I'd say the cruise hands down.
We did a land and sea last summer and my boys were 3 & 5 - I told DH I can not WAIT for them to get a bit older and do the cruise again. Hands down. everything was top of the line.
DH and I stay in the best of hotels and resorts - everything on the Disney Cruise was top notch. The ONLY thing I was 'eh' about was the port stops .......but I'm always 'eh' about those on a cruise.
The ship, food, entertainment, etc was all amazing.

As far as being pregnant, I don't think the walking is a big deal .....you're not climbing Everest !! As long as you're going at a comfortable time of year (as in, not 95 and sweltering) I don't think it's a big deal to spend the day in DW while pregnant.

Message edited 3/12/2015 9:39:10 AM.