Ask the Expert: Park or Cruise... Which Disney Option is Best?

At Whitney World Travel we often get asked a very similar question by our clients-- would we prefer a Disney Cruise or Walt Disney World vacation? Well first, you can never go wrong with either option! Both have their amazing attributes that can help you decide based on your family needs, so I thought I would lay those out and let you decide.

Disney Parks
Amazing Aspects:

• The Rides - there are rides for the littlest Disney fans - I took my youngest on her first Disney trip when she was under 2.  There are also rides for your greatest thrill seekers - Expedition Everest, Test Track and Space Mountain are just some of our family favorites.
• The Characters - You can spend all day meeting your favorites and asking any cast member can help you plan your visit to meet who you want.
• Family time - This is the place where dreams come true and you can spend time all day making smiles appear on the faces of those you love.

Things to Consider:

• It can be exhausting:  You try to fit it all in and try to get your money’s worth and in the end, you can often go home tired and worn out.
• There is more to do than you can ever get done.  Despite all of your planning, you probably won’t be able to do all of it on your first, second or even third Disney trips.  There are still restaurants I want to eat at, pools my kids want more time on, rides we want to ride again, etc.

Disney Cruise Line
Amazing Aspects:

• Disney service: Disney cruise is known to have wonderful service just like at the parks.  Your dining room servers are asking numerous times to ensure that you are happy.
• Entertainment all day long: There is bingo, character meet ‘n greets, chip and putt contests, etc.  There is something for everyone and you can choose to be as busy as you’d like.
• Kids club!  This should be number one.  Children over 3 can go to the Kids Clubs on the ship for FREE.  This gives you time to go to the spa, spend time in the adult pool, take a nap, or do whatever you want to do.  
• Vacation at your speed: You can do as little or as much as your family wants.  You can stay on board at ports or pack your day full of excursions.  You can spend all day in the pools and sun or inside watching movies and shows.  Its vacation the way YOU want!

Things to Consider:

• There are added costs.  You have to pay for gratuities, excursions, and the bar is never free.  These costs add up and it can be pricey.
• Sometimes you can hit bad weather.  Seas do get rough, it does occasionally get rocky and rainy, and you don’t have many places to go.  Your room is small and not a favorite when you aren’t feeling well.

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I know which one I prefer, but my advice is choose one and then do the other and make your own decision.  Contact one of our Whitney World Travel specialists to help you plan your trip today.

Let's Talk

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About the Author

Emily Hooke, Travel Advisor
Emily is a well versed traveller.  She has been to 5 continents, 34 states and countless cities.  Needless to say, Emily is passionate about traveling.  When not working as a school teacher or planning your vacations, Emily is on a plane or in the car with her kids and husband somewhere.   Emily has taken that passion for always having a well planned trip into her desire to help others.  Let her help you plan your next vacation.  Emily is a graduate of American University and has her Masters from Sacred Heart University. ​You can find Emily on Facebook.