If you’ve always dreamed of taking the kids on a family vacation to Walt Disney World, it’s time to make that Disney dream come true! Most people think of Walt Disney World Resort when Disney comes to mind. However, there’s another way to enjoy the Disney experience, too – a Disney Cruise Line vacation!
Disneyland in California is another option, but with just 2 Disney parks, it’s a lot smaller than the traditional Walt Disney World, so we’re only going to focus on Disney World and Disney Cruises.
Which is the best option for your vacation? And more importantly, how much do they cost? We will compare the two, starting with cost and then discussing things such as accommodation, dining, and more to help you choose the right Disney trip for your family.
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Walt Disney World
Located in central Florida, the whole world is familiar with Disney World! With a whopping four theme parks, two water parks, and several hotels, it has everything you could want for a magical holiday to remember.
The four Disney theme parks are Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, and you can visit any of them on your theme park ticket, so you’ll always have something new to do and see.
Each park has its unique theme and attractions. Magic Kingdom, for example, is known for its classic Disney characters and iconic castle, while Epcot is dedicated to showcasing different cultures and technological innovations.
Hollywood Studios has rides and attractions based on popular movies (e.g., Star Wars) and TV shows, and Animal Kingdom features exotic animals and thrilling rides.
Disney Cruise Line
A Disney Cruise is a vacation experience offered by Disney Cruise Lines, where families and Disney fans embark aboard one of their luxurious ships, such as the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, or Disney Wish.
Many departures out of Florida, including Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. Disney Cruise Line also has seasonal trips out of:
Auckland, New Zeland
Barcelona, Spain
Brisbane, Austalia
Cavicchia (Rome) Italy’
Copenhagen, Denmark
Galveston, Texas
Honolulu, Hawai
Melbourne, Australia
New Orleans, Louisiana
New York, New York
San Diego, California
San Juan, Puerto Rico
South Hampton England
Sydney Australia
Vancouver, Canada
From these ports, your family can sail through the Panama Canal, explore the Medetierrian, and See the inside passage of Alaska, is more. You can choose a short cruise over a long weekend or a more extended cruise of 7 days or more.
With Disney Cruises, you get the magical experience we’ve come to expect from a Disney vacation, but with the added excitement of sailing the high seas!
These cruises offer a wide range of activities, fantastic entertainment, and amenities for guests of all ages – many of which are similar to what’s offered at Disney World.
Passengers can enjoy world-class dining, Broadway-style shows, character meet and greets, themed parties, water parks, and exclusive access to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
How do they compare?
Disney Cruise Lines and Disney World are owned by The Walt Disney Company, so despite being different types of holidays; both offer some similar experiences.
Here we’ve outlined the main differences, so you can get a clearer idea about which would best suit your family.
Disney Cruise Line
- Sails to various ports around the world
- Offers all-inclusive packages that include food, entertainment, and activities
- Smaller crowds and quieter, more relaxed experience
- Fewer character interactions but more accessible and low-key
- Limited entertainment options but high-quality shows and performances
Disney World
- Located in Florida, USA
- Admission tickets and food are priced separately
- It can be very crowded with long lines, especially during peak times such as spring break
- More character interactions can be overwhelming for younger children
- A wide array of entertainment options, including parades, fireworks, and live shows
Disney Cruise Ships offer a more intimate and all-inclusive experience with fewer crowds. At the same time, a Disney World trip provides a broader range of entertainment options but can be overwhelming for younger children. Ultimately, choosing the two depends on your family’s preferences and budget.
Cost Comparison
Visiting theme parks or a Disney cruise Vacation will never be the cheapest option for a family holiday. Still, it does offer the kind of magical experience that you won’t get anywhere else.
Prices vary a lot for either type of vacation depending on the duration, activities you want to partake in, and even the time of year you want to travel. Here is a breakdown of some of the costs for each option.
Disney Cruise Costs
On average, a 7-day cruise for a family of four can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000. Remember that this price includes accommodations, meals, and most onboard activities.
However, there are additional costs to consider, such as gratuities, shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages.
Walt Disney World Costs
Disney World offers several ticket options depending on the length of your stay and the type of park you want to visit. A 4-day ticket for a family of four can cost around $1,600.
This price is for the base ticket and includes admission to one park per day but does not include accommodation, meals, or any additional activities (no hopping and no water parks).
If you want to visit more than one park in a day, you can choose the Park Hopper option, which costs $2600+ for a family of 4 for four days. Again, this doesn’t include accommodation or meals, so you’ll have to factor those in separately.
The typical family visiting Disney World lasts seven days, with families visiting Magic Kingdom twice and weaving in a few pools and Disney Springs Days.
Additional Costs
A Disney Cruise and Disney World have additional costs you should consider when planning your trip. For a Disney Cruise, there is an additional charge for alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and shore excursions.
For Disney World, you will need to consider accommodation costs, meals, and any extra activities you want to do, such as character dining or special events. For accommodation, a family room can cost $180 per night up to approximately $600 per night, depending on the resort you stay in, the room size, and the time of year.
When comparing the total cost of a Disney Cruise vs. Disney World, it’s essential to consider these extra costs. A Disney Cruise may have a higher price tag upfront; it includes many onboard activities and meals. A Disney World trip may have a lower upfront cost, but you must factor in the cost of accommodations and meals.
Overall, the cost of a Disney Cruise vs. Disney World will depend on your preferences and budget. There’s a lot to research, and the planning process for a vacation like this can get stressful!
Sunset Chasers Travel Agency can help you plan your Disney cruise or Walt Disney World vacation, depending on what activities you want to do and what you want to spend. This is the best way to get the most value for your money, as a travel agent will know how to get all the best perks and deals!
Accommodation
Regarding accommodation options, Disney Cruise and Disney World offer a range of choices to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s what you can expect from each:
Disney Cruise Accommodations
Disney Cruise Line has a variety of staterooms to choose from, ranging from cozy inside staterooms to spacious suites with balconies. An inside stateroom is the most affordable option and can be a good choice if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and participating in onboard activities.
These staterooms typically feature a queen-size bed or two twin beds, are approximately 185 square feet, and some also have bunk beds to accommodate up to four people. If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, some suites come with a concierge service, access to exclusive lounges and restaurants, and even a personal butler if you’re willing to pay extra.
Depending on the type of cruise you are going on, Sunset Chasers recommends that their clients book Verandah’s (balconies) because you can easily step outside to the balcony for fresh air.
Disney World Accommodations
Disney World has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly value resorts to deluxe villas with multiple bedrooms and private pools. The most affordable option is the value resort, which offers basic amenities and theming inspired by Disney movies and different characters.
These resorts typically feature standard rooms with two double beds or one king bed, and some also have family suites that can accommodate up to six people.
If you want more space and amenities, consider upgrading to a moderate or deluxe resort. These resorts offer larger rooms, dining options, and elaborate theming.
Room Service
Room service is available on both Disney Cruises and at Disney World. On a Disney Cruise, room service is available 24/7 and is included in your ticket price. You can order from a limited menu of sandwiches, salads, and Mickey Bars!
At Disney World, room service is only available at select resorts and is not included in the price of your stay. You can order from a more extensive menu that includes entrees, desserts, and other items. However, remember that room service can be expensive at the resort.
Food and Drinks
Regarding dining options, Disney Cruise and Disney World offer a wide variety of choices to suit every taste and preference. Let’s take a closer look at the dining options available on each.
Disney Cruise Dining
On a Disney Cruise, you can experience a dining rotation knowns as “Rotational Dining,” which means you will rotate through three different dining rooms, each with its unique theme and menu. This allows you to try different cuisines and settings throughout your cruise.
As well as the main dining rooms, there are also adult-only restaurants, which offer more upscale dining experiences. These restaurants require an additional fee, and reservations are highly recommended.
Disney World Dining
From quick-service restaurants to fine dining experiences, options suit every taste and budget. The fantastic food at the Disney restaurants offers a range of cuisines, including international flavors and classic American dishes.
Character dining experiences are available for families with kids, where you can enjoy a meal with your favorite Disney characters. These experiences are popular and tend to be booked quickly, so make reservations in advance.
Drinks
On a Disney Cruise, alcoholic beverages are not included in your ticket price. You can purchase drinks individually or opt for a beverage package. You can bring your wine or beer aboard a Disney Cruise, which helps offset costs!
At Disney World, alcoholic beverages are available at most restaurants and bars, although they can be expensive. Some restaurants even have specialty cocktails that are unique to the location. You cannot bring your booze into the parks, but nothing is stopping you from bringing booze to your hotel room!
Soft drinks are included in your ticket price on both Disney Cruise and Disney World. You can enjoy unlimited soda, juice, and other non-alcoholic drinks throughout your trip.
Activities and Entertainment
Regarding activities and entertainment, Disney Cruise and Disney World offer a wide range of options for guests of all ages.
Disney Cruise Line is known for its excellent entertainment options. From Broadway-style shows to exciting deck parties, there’s always something to see and do on board.
One of the main attractions of a Disney Cruise lineage is the Kid’s Clubs. These clubs are designed for kids of all ages and offer a variety of daily activities, arts and crafts, and games to keep them occupied and entertained.
If you’re looking for adventure, the cruise line offers a variety of shore excursions at each port of call. Disney World is known for its theme parks with classic attractions, rides (so many rides!), and fantastic water parks.
Whether on a Disney Cruise or at Disney World, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite characters, such as Mickey Mouse and many more.
Both Disney Cruise and Disney World offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options – many are similar on both. Whether you’re looking for live shows, water parks, or kid’s clubs, you’re sure to find something that suits the interests of every family member!
Disney Cruise vs. Disney World Vacation
When choosing between a Disney Cruise and a trip to Disney World, there is no clear winner. It ultimately depends on your preferences and what you want in a vacation.
Disney World has a broader array of rides and attractions, while a Disney Cruise offers a more relaxed sea vacation with fewer crowds and more personalized interactions with characters.
If you are looking for the best option in terms of cost, a Disney Cruise may be the way to go. It is often cheaper than a trip to Disney World, especially when considering the cost of accommodations, meals, and park tickets.
Regarding the little things, Disney is known for its attention to detail and exceptional customer service. You can expect the same level of care and attention on a Disney Cruise and a Disney World trip.
If you are trying to decide what to choose, Sunset Chasers Travel Agency suggests booking a 4-day Trip to Disney World and jumping on a 3- or 4-day cruise out of Port Canaveral.
This option is perfect if you love the excitement of theme parks and want to experience all Disney offers on land. Still, you also want a more relaxed vacation at sea, focusing on family time and personalized interactions with characters.
No matter what, reach out to us today for us to craft the perfect family vacation for you!
