WDW or Disney Cruise first?

[QueenOfHearts83]

So my family and I are planning a vacation sometime between August and October of 2016. I thought we concluded on WDQ but I guess not. Now we are trying to decide between WDW and a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas. We watched the videos for both and they both look like so much fun. With the cruise…well its not WDW but still very exciting and with WDW there is a lot of walking and waiting in line. Since my daughter will be 7 years old the walking and waiting wont be so bad. I am just trying to think of all the pros and cons. Anyone done both? Maybe WDW next year and the cruise the following year? I don’t think going on the cruise with a day at WDW prior/following the cruise is an option because it would be rushed and we wouldn’t get a chance to see or do much at WDW. Any suggestions or experiences are appreciated.

 

[andy773]

If you're considering a DCL cruise separate from a WDW vacation I would do the cruise first just because it seems like the cruise pricing is increasing way faster than WDW pricing. That's just a feeling of mine though. Not that they aren't both going up. Maybe someone who has some data can chime in if I'm wrong. Either way, you can't go wrong though. The WDW vacation would definitely have more walking though.

In 2014 we did five nights at WDW followed by a seven night DCL cruise to the Caribbean. That order worked for us. It was good to follow all the walking and non-stop pace of WDW with the relaxing cruise.

 

[belledream]

We plan a Disney trip every year and it is always the best time. After a few years, we finally tried a standalone Disney Cruise to the Bahamas and it was amazing to still experience that Disney feeling in a completely different world. But if you haven't been to WDW yet, I'd really advocate for starting there. It's where all the magic begins! You have the year ahead of you to plan and pick up tips and tricks to making the trip enjoyable. Sure there is a lot of walking and lines, but that doesn't ruin your trip. Take breaks, plan your FPs and dining reservations, and then once you experience WDW, a cruise would be a great way to do it all over again the next time, but in a new way.

We've also done WDW followed by a Disney cruise and that was definitely the best combination, but you say time is short, and I understand that completely. I'd rather have a thorough and wonderful time at one, rather than feeling rushed at both.

 

[JWG]

If you're doing a land and sea trip (both together same trip) always do the cruise LAST. Nothing is worse than having a nice relaxing stress free cruise overrun by the hustle and bustle of the parks. Not to mention going from "free" food to paying per meal.

Do whatever works for your schedule, but if you have a choice sea is very relaxing after land.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

Disney World first.

 

[tigger1968]

If it's a first trip for either one then I'd vote to do WDW first. While the cruise line is very immersive and I can't recommend it enough, for a first Disney experience I still think the parks are the way to go.

 

[Gojira ゴジラ]

Please listen to others and do the parks first. We always do a land and sea vacations, and we just got back a few days ago. For the last 3 trips including the last one, we always did the cruise first and parks the last. I realized it wasn't the best of way to do it (for us).
The problem is I see a huge decline in the quality of service and cast members once you get off the ship and unto the park. We were left disappointed with our land part of the trip, because the ship sets the standard so high and the minute you step in to the resort, everything seems to fall apart.

The ship embodies what Disney as a brand is all about. This is how I remember Disney was back in the days, but the ship ups it up a notch. The parks and the resorts have so much catching up to do.

 

[FigmentPigments]

I love going on the cruises, but I think you'll find that the Disney element is not as immersive as you think. Don't get me wrong, it can be very good if you want it to. However, there will still be lines on the boat, lines for tickets to see certain characters, lines for general characters, buffet lines, and lines for the elevators. I'm an old hat at the cruise line so I have ways to maximize what I want to do. But do not expect to see Disney World on the cruise ships. There will be characters and shows, but the Disney feel is not present like it would be at the parks. I hope that helps.

 

[JamieLee18]

I just did WDW(Sun-Fri), then the Bahamas cruise(Fri-Mon) in December. Knowing you're going to your cruise definitely makes leaving the parks easier but coordinating travel home after the cruise was a nightmare. The next time, I will be looking at flights schedules prior to booking, then letting that influence my decision. Sounds silly, but you don't want to be rushed off the boat (more than you already are) but you also don't want to arrive at the airport at 9am for an evening flight. If you're driving, then please ignore

Both felt slightly rushed. Not sure if you're thinking of the 3 night or 4 night Bahamian cruise, but 3 nights felt rushed. You really only have 2 full days, and both are port days.