Land and Sea Vacations: The Ultimate Disney Experience

Disney offers many different types of destinations, but two of their most popular are their parks destinations and Disney Cruise Line.  These two options, though very different vacation experiences, actually compliment each other well, and can be combined to make an incredible Disney vacation.  Here are some of our favorite tips when planning a land and sea vacation.

​1) Experience the land portion first.
 
There are two ways you can tackle a land and sea vacation, and based on our experiences we all agreed that land should come first.  Here is our reasoning behind this recommendation.  The Disney Parks are tiring, adrenaline packed, and make for very busy days.  We believe it is best to have fun in the parks first, and then use your time on the cruise to relax and recoup before returning home.  A Disney Cruise is wonderful because you can be as busy as you would like to be while on the boat.  Disney Cruise Line also offers amazing kids’ club experiences if you need some adult only time on your vacation. 
 
2) Book them as two separate reservations.
 
Disney Cruise Line offers options to its guests to add on a land portion to their cruise.  While this might sound convenient, we have found booking the land and sea portion as two separate reservations gives you more flexibility for your vacation.  
 
3) If working within a budget, manipulate the land portion.
 
Since the cruise lengths and itineraries are set, the best way to stay within your budget is to find the cruise you want and manipulate the land portion.   A popular way to do a land and sea is to attend a special event at one of the Disney Parks (ex: Halloween or Christmas parties) and then head to the ship the next morning. 
 
4) Look at all the different transportation options.
 
Disney offers many different transportation options from their resorts to the port.  For example, at Walt Disney World, guests can choose from a charter bus option, a Minnie Van, or a private van all of which can be booked through Disney Cruise Line and added to your reservation.  There is also the option of a private transfer through a third party, which is arranged separate from your reservation.  This is where it is important to do the math and make sure you are choosing the most cost effective method that will get you there at your desired time.  Your agent will certainly help you evaluate options.
 
5) Experience runDisney’s Land and Sea
 
If you are a runner, this tip might be of particular interest to you.  Each year after the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, runDisney partners with Disney Cruise Line to offer the runners the opportunity to sail and earn an additional medal with Disney Cruise Line.  Runners who participate in the marathon weekend and also run the Castaway Cay 5K aboard the ship will earn an additional medal for this accomplishment. 
 
Land and sea vacations with Disney are my favorite kind of vacations.  They are great for all types of families from those with little kiddos to multi-generational families.  If this sounds like a vacation your family would like to experience, contact your travel advisor today for more information.

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About the Author:

Morgan Scully, Global Travel Advisor & Lead Enchanted Planner
Morgan is passionate about all things Disney. From an early age she loved taking in the magic of Disney World, but its when she became a mom and she saw life through her daughters' eyes that she truly understood how amazing a Disney vacation can be for a family. Morgan is well versed in all things Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line. She also serves as Whitney World Travel's Military Vacation Specialist-- helping the brave men and women who serve our country and their families get the most out of their vacations. Morgan is a graduate of Texas A&M University.