Need help deciding: Carnival Cruise vs Disney World with children

[paradiscroozin]

I actually just did this in January. We went on a 5 day cruise and then went to Disney for 5 days. We ended up rushing everything at Disney. The kids had a blast on the cruise and then when we went to Disney they were complaining about all the walking. We ended up doing a lot of park hopping and going late to certain parks just to go through all the rides.

 

It was an overwhelming trip doing both. You can always plan something for next year. We did both just to justify the cost of airfare since we were coming from California but it was exhausting. We were ready to come home because we were trying to fit so much in at Disney.

 

A cruise is so much fun. Why not do a Disney cruise? It's the best of both, they will be decorated for the holidays too.

[paradiscroozin]

Doing a Disney Cruise will still be special because it's so different from Carnival.

 

You can compare the two and as long as the have different itineraries the kids can compare what stops they liked better and they get to see more of the world.

[Dad4TwoGirls]

Cruise!! We went to Disney with our girls when they were that age, and IMO it wasnt worth the money. Both of them wanted to ride rides, and while there are some great ones there, the lines (despite travelling on off season) prevented them from having a 6 flags like experience that to them would have been more fun. Also I think the parks are starting to show their age....I remember the experience a few years ago, and it seems much more nickel-and-dime profit driven there now than then.

 

Dont get me wrong or anything...the family had a good time. But not the phenomenal time that I kinda expected for the crazy amount of money we spent.

 

We ended up going on a 5 day cruise a few months later...and the kids loved it! Plus it was very relaxing for dw and I as well...we came back from Disney exhausted, kinda felt like we needed a vacation from our vacation.....

 

Bottom line...we paid less for the cruise and the girls still talk about it and how much fun they had, but they barely remember Disney. I dont see us going back to Orlando for a long time.

 

Hope this helps...Steve

 

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[LittleMissMagic]

Also I think the parks are starting to show their age....I remember the experience a few years ago, and it seems much more nickel-and-dime profit driven there now than then.

 

I couldn't disagree more. Sure, there are some outdated attractions, but Disney is never sitting still - they are constantly improving and maintaining. They just finished the New Fantasyland expansion which is absolutely beautiful, and the new Be Our Guest restaurant is cutting-edge with innovative lighting and effects. Not to mention, I think the Disney Magic Band and My Disney Experience App is truly the future of the entertainment and tourism industry.

 

I also have to laugh at the expression "nickel-and-dime" because it is used so frequently on here when talking about cruises. I would consider Carnival to be more nickel-and-diming than Disney. If you want a steak, pay extra. If you want soda, pay extra. The latest re haul to the VIFP program took away the welcome back party with free cocktails to all but gold and above cruisers. Also, free champagne at the Captain's Celebration is no more. Disney is actually becoming more inclusive with options like the Dining Plan, while the cruising industry seems to be pushing away.

[MuffyKismet]

Disney at Christmas is pretty amazing and also soo sooo crowded. You know your boys better then anyone........are they into Disney Characters and movies or do they like a lot of action?? They would also have a GREAT experience on Carnival with their kids program , especially the new Suess program! It is your special Anniversary and I think you would have a much better time on a cruise then at a crowded park. While your enjoying "alone time togeather" they are enjoying programs designed for them!! It is a win win for both of you.

 

Or like so many have stated already, do a couple of days in Disney and then go on a cruise out of Port Canerval or Tampa , then everyone wins!!!!

 

Of course this all depends on your budget! Come back and let us all know what you have decided!

 

We live in Florida so going to Disney is easy any time....but if you live out of state then that is a whole different story!

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

My two cents, Disney hands down if you can afford 25% more and don't need a casino. Best cruises ever on D.

 

What THIS GUY says!

 

(You can help that 25% with their rewards cards...one month, two cards, $104 in rewards...Happy EPCOT Italy Anniversary dinner to me! :D )

 

OH MY! Will you look at that countdown!!!

Edited April 22, 2014 by TwinPrincessMermaids

[AidenandCasensMommy]

So Disney released the upcoming dates for the free dining offer. Guess what? My cruise dates line up so since we will be traveling to Jacksonville anyway, I decided to add a few days at Disney before the cruise. That works perfectly & we won't have to dread the 9+ hr drive 2 times. The only negative is we won't see the Christmas time stuff.

[CheckersMidwest]

I am a huge Disney fan. We've been to Disney World 5 times and on 2 Carnival cruises.

 

If you have smaller children, which it sounds like you do, I would pick Disney hands down.

 

My kids are now much older. (16 & 22). They still love Disney, but the cruises are more suited for them now.

 

I've been in December to Disney. Mickey's Very Merry chirstmas party is a must. It 'snows' on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies, etc. The Christmas parade is nice, beautiful decorations and special holiday shows. We're from Missouri, so see all the snow we care to. While other people were hanging out in the fake snow, we were riding the big stuff....like Big Thundermountain railroad. We'd come through at the end & if no one was in line, they'd just run us through again ! Same for Splash Mountain.