disney cruise from disney world

Disney cruise vs. Disney World: Which is the more magical vacation?

If you're in the mood for a Disney vacation, it's natural for your first thought to go to one of the Disney theme parks, such as Disney World or Disneyland . But as someone who loves the Disney parks, I'm here to tell you that's not always the best Disney vacation. In fact, it's entirely possible that for some families — and some trips — the better Disney vacation is the one you'll find at sea on a Disney cruise.

So, which do you choose: a Disney cruise or Disney World?

There are pros and cons to each choice. Disney parks have gotten more expensive with an a la carte pricing model that no longer includes airport transfers, FastPasses and other nice-to-have conveniences. A theme park vacation can also be complicated to plan, especially if you haven't been to Disney in several years and aren't familiar with the current rules and ways to minimize wait times.

At the same time, some fantastic new rides have opened in the last few years. You also have your choice of dozens of resort hotels at different price points, and it's hard to beat that feeling of walking down Main Street, U.S.A. toward the castle.

Meanwhile, on a Disney cruise , things have mainly stayed the same as they have been for the past 25 years, with activities, entertainment, lodging and most of your dining included in one cruise price. And yes, Mickey and his friends are found on board, so you can still get that photo and hug with your favorite pal.

But while you'll find Mickey both on a Disney cruise and at Disney World, the two vacation experiences are quite different. Here's a look at a Disney cruise versus a trip to Disney World to help you decide which family vacation is better for you.

Related: Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?

Both a Disney cruise and a trip to Disney World are large financial investments, so both are going to require some level of planning to be sure you are getting the most from your dollars and time.

That said, in both cases, you can leave many of the arrangements to the Disney vacation planning professionals , who can walk you through what you really need to know and book the main components of the trip.

For Disney World, decisions to make include where to stay and which park tickets are best for you (after factoring in how many days you wish to visit, whether or not you want to park hop, etc.). You'll want to book your sit-down meals 60 days in advance and familiarize yourself with the Disney Genie+ system if you don't want to spend hours each day in line. Although things could change in 2024, right now, you can't select any of your Genie+ attractions in advance, so you'll be doing that on your trip.

For a Disney Cruise Line sailing, you'll have to decide if you prefer a newer or more classic ship, where you want to go, which port to sail from and how many days you wish to sail.

For example, you could sail out of Port Canaveral in Florida on Disney Wish for a three- or four-night sailing to the Bahamas, spend a week cruising around Alaska on Disney Wonder or sail in Europe on Disney Dream . At certain times of the year, you'll also find Disney Cruise Line sailings out of Texas, Louisiana and California.

Once you pick a sailing, ship and cabin, you don't actually have to plan anything in advance unless you want to book excursions in port. It's common to prebook shore tours for Europe and Alaska cruises, but on Bahamas sailings, many families simply head to the beach in port or enjoy being on the ship. For trips like that, minimal planning is required once you lock in the basics.

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With a Disney cruise, dinner each night at a pre-assigned sit-down restaurant is included in your fare, and you only need to select an early or late seating in advance. The buffet, room service and on-deck grab-and-go food are available for no extra charge during the day. You only have to plan out meals if you want a reservation at one of the adults-only restaurants on board.

Winner : Both a Disney cruise and a Disney World vacation require some advance planning. How much planning the cruise requires depends on the destination you select, so it might be more planning intensive than Disney World. However, some Disney cruises likely require less planning than the average Disney World vacation.

Related: A magical guide for how to plan a trip to Disney World this year

Because both a Disney World vacation and a Disney cruise can vary widely when it comes to cost, it's hard to compare the two, but we'll do our best to give you an example.

We'll compare the cost of a four-night trip in October for a family with two adults and two children (assuming a stay at the cheapest available Deluxe resort hotel, three sit-down meals and three park days at Disney World without park hopping but with Genie+ for two days) to a four-night October sailing out of Port Canaveral on the newest Disney ship sailing, Disney Wish, in a room with a verandah.

Disney World vacation cost:

• Moderate resort stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge for four nights from Oct. 7 to 11, 2024, plus three days of park tickets: $3,243.82
• Two days of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes: $350 (estimated)
• Disney Dining Plan: $992
• Total: $4,585

Disney Cruise vacation cost:

• Oct. 7 to 11, 2024, sailing on Disney Wish in a verandah room: $5,550.12 (not including gratuities or extras)

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney Cruise

The reality is that a Disney cruise can be cheaper or more expensive than a Disney World vacation, largely depending on when you sail — and, of course, which cabin you choose.

While prices vary seasonally at Disney World, they don't vary quite as dramatically as at sea. For this exercise, I picked an October week that is fall break for some schools for comparison, but a four-night Disney cruise on Disney Fantasy out of Port Canaveral in mid-January 2025 can be purchased starting at $3,479 for the same family of four.

Winner : A Disney World vacation costs less than a Disney cruise in this exercise. A cruise can be cheaper than a park trip, but keep in mind that demand and prices for Disney cruises are currently pretty high. The odds are decent that a cruise will cost you a little more than a similar Disney World trip right now, at least during traditional school breaks.

Accommodations

At Disney World, you can choose from Value resorts with rooms starting around $100 per night and three-bedroom grand villas (bookable with cash or rented Disney Vacation Club points ) with themes ranging from the South Pacific to the African savannah — or an option that falls somewhere in between.

On a Disney cruise, most cabins measure between 169 and 237 square feet (not including any verandahs), with just a few very expensive cabins coming in larger.

Winner : Disney World is the clear winner in this category. While the Disney cruise cabins are certainly functional, it's hard to beat Disney World's variety of lodging options with multiple layouts, price points and themes.

Related: The best Disney World hotels

You'd have to try hard to be bored on a Disney cruise. The ships have so much more than pools and waterslides.

Each ship offers a sunup to after-sundown schedule of mostly included activities ranging from trivia, game shows and karaoke to Broadway-caliber performances, pirate parties, character meet-and-greets and more. Onboard kids and teen clubs are free to use and offer activities for children ages 3 to 17 years old.

When the ship pulls into port, you can do everything from dog sledding in Alaska to gelato tasting in the Mediterranean to relaxing on a beach in the Caribbean.

Related: 10 things to know about sailing on a Disney Alaska cruise

Winner : Disney Cruise Line shines when it comes to available activities. While Disney World has no shortage of activities within its theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs entertainment area, a Disney cruise offers an even wider variety of activities, especially if you count all the things to do at each port.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

Disney World offers a wide range of terrific restaurants . Options include dining "in space," eating barbecue with the toys from "Toy Story" and enjoying fine French cuisine. Vacationers can splurge on truly fine dining at Victoria & Albert's within Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and during a fantastic multicourse Japanese meal at Takumi-Tei within Epcot — it's not all chicken fingers and midmarket options.

And if you like to budget your meals in advance, the Disney Dining Plan has made its return in early 2024 after a four-year hiatus. The Dining Plan allows you to prepay for your Disney meals and snacks for prices that range from $57 to $94 per adult, per day and $23 to $26 per child, per day, depending on which plan you select. It's possible to spend less on Disney meals by going that route if you are strategic about when and where you eat.

On all Disney cruise ships, guests eat free in three dinner venues on a rotating basis, and their servers follow them from restaurant to restaurant. On Disney Wish, for example, your serving team will join you each night in the three restaurants: Worlds of Marvel , Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure and 1923. A table is waiting for you each night, and your serving team gets to know you and your dining preferences. A show is included with two of the three restaurants, and the whole experience is a focal point of the day.

The food is pretty good, too. It's not necessarily on the same level as the highest-end Disney World fine dining restaurants, but if you want that, go to the adults-only restaurants that do cost a bit extra, such as Palo or Enchante , to get that same type of experience (but for a lot less).

Winner : A Disney cruise trumps Disney World for dining thanks to its convenient options and innovative rotational dining system. Not to mention, you can enjoy multiple meals and snacks each day without paying a cent beyond your original cruise fare.

Thrill factor

Y'all know where this one is heading — and yes, if you are after thrills, the thrill rides at Disney World tip this category into the theme park's corner. It's hard to beat the almost 60 mph launch on Tron Lightcycle Run or the backward launch on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind .

Disney cruise ships feature some tame waterslides, though the AquaDunk waterslide on Disney Magic is not for the faint of heart. If you want a good adrenaline rush at sea, book that ship. You might also find that hanging out at the front of the ship while it's heading out to sea is pretty cool in its own right. You might be able to find some thrills in port (like a zip lining excursion in Alaska), but it depends on your cruise destination.

Winner : Disney World is the clear winner if you want thrill-seeking to be the focus of the trip. Just be sure to load up on Lightening Lanes for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Space Mountain and Tron Lightcycle Run. Save the cruise for a different type of vacation.

Multigeneration-friendly

Disney World is often a strenuous vacation for many families. That's because it's the size of San Francisco, meaning you'll generally cover 10 miles or more on foot per day just to get around, and you will often feel compelled to start early and/or stay late to feel like you're getting your money's worth.

That can be tough for anyone not used to that pace (and heat), but it can be an especially challenging vacation for those who are significantly older or younger than the rest of their group. Even if your family members can handle the distance using scooters and/or strollers, not all attractions are a great match for everyone due to height restrictions and the rough impact of certain thrill rides.

On the other hand, a Disney cruise excels at having something for every age group. Even if everyone fills their days differently — splitting up to enjoy the various kids and teen clubs and adults-only bars and restaurants — you can meet up again for the shows and meals in the evening.

Winner : Disney Cruise Line excels when it comes to multigenerational vacations. From the nursery and kids and teen clubs to the onboard talks, adults-only pool area, waterslides, drink tastings and evening programming, I can't think of a better trip for a mixed-generation group than a Disney cruise. You can find something to please just about everyone within a few decks.

As fun as the theme parks are — and they really are — I wouldn't call them truly relaxing trips. Sure, you could spend your days by the pool or even the spa, but most of the time, a trip to Disney World is a fun, busy adventure.

Disney cruises differ in that Disney Cruise Line ships are made for you to spend time relaxing and enjoying the ride — out on the deck, in the spa or even in your cabin gazing out the window. "Busy" on a cruise means a schedule packed with meals, pool time and the occasional participatory game show, not hauling miles and miles across a theme park to get in the next line.

Winner : Disney Cruise Line wins this category, as a Disney cruise feels far more relaxing than a Disney World vacation.

Service is a strength of the Disney company both on land and at sea; however, the staffing ratios and nature of the interaction at sea tip the scales in favor of Disney Cruise Line. The crew can provide far more personalized and higher-quality service aboard Disney's ships than is possible in a theme park. At Disney World, your interactions with staff usually last just a few seconds as you climb aboard the next attraction or pay for that Dole Whip ice cream treat.

Even on the shorter cruises, some of the onboard staff will get to know your family's names and your kids' preferences. It's not uncommon for your dinner servers and room hosts to start to feel like friends, especially if you are on one of the slightly longer voyages.

Winner : A Disney cruise features all kinds of service extras you won't get on land, such as towel animals waiting for you in your cabin each evening and your favorite drinks magically appearing as soon as you sit down to dinner. This level of service is what makes a Disney cruise feel magical in ways that are too difficult to recreate at the parks.

Bottom line

My family and I are avid fans of both Disney World and Disney cruises. We make multiple trips to the theme parks in Florida annually and have taken seven Disney cruises, with several more already booked. While there are similarities between the two trips — the characters, the approaches to immersive storytelling, the service provided and the overall quality — the two vacations are different in many ways.

For us, we head to Disney World for busy fun, often meeting up with friends for an action-packed day full of rides and shows. We'll be on the go nonstop, doing and seeing all the things and often not getting a ton of sleep. We love the parks and want to return whenever we are packing up to leave, but we usually need a long nap the second we get back home.

A Disney cruise, on the other hand, truly feels like a vacation.

Depending on the sailing, the ports might be the highlight of the trip, especially in destinations such as Alaska and Europe. On others, the sea days when we snack all day, go to trivia games, order Mickey bars from room service, pop into an onboard Disney movie and simply enjoy being together as a family are the best part.

Looking at a Disney cruise versus Disney World, it's hard to say which is the better family vacation. It all depends on what you want from the trip.

If you wish to truly relax, enjoy attentive service and pull off a multigeneration trip with something for everyone, look to Disney cruises first.

If you want to fill your days with thrills, fireworks and your favorite characters, can handle logging some serious miles and aren't scared off by navigating Genie+ and making dining reservations, then book that trip to Disney World. Save the cruise for when you want to relax a bit more.

As for me, I'm hoping you'll find us at Disney World and on a Disney cruise this year because they are both the perfect family vacation for us — as long as we set the correct expectations before we embark on our adventure.

And, of course, if your budget and time-off schedule permit, you don't have to choose between the two trips. Many Disney Cruise Line sailings depart from Port Canaveral, which is only a one-hour drive (or Disney bus ride) away from Disney World, so you can easily combine several busy, thrill-seeking days at the parks with a short three- or four-night Disney cruise to create one weeklong trip.

Now that is what we call a vacation win.

Related reading:

• The best credit cards for your Disney vacation
• 13 new rides, attractions and experiences coming to Disney World in 2024
• The 21 most underrated things at Disney World: What to see, do and eat that many guests miss
• 26 Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey
• Everything we know about Disney Treasure, coming to Disney Cruise Line in 2024

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The Family Vacation Guide

Disney Cruise vs Disney World: Which Should You Book?

posted by James Brockbank on January 13, 2022 // last updated on January 13, 2022

Planning a Disney dream vacation is oodles of fun, but there are so many options, making it more difficult. One of the biggest decisions is which Disney destination to visit. What’s better for your family: a Disney cruise or a trip to Walt Disney World in central Florida?

The truth is that both potential vacations have lots of pluses. Below, we’ve broken them down into five categories. The good news is that whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time!

Planning and Booking

Entertainment and things to do, prices and costs, crowds and pace, have the best of both worlds: a land and sea adventure, enjoy your time as a family.

The experience of booking and planning your vacations is very different between a Disney cruise and Walt Disney World, mainly because the cruise is all-inclusive and Disney World is not.

Walt Disney World

When you plan and book a Disney World vacation, you have a lot of decisions to make. What’s more, you have to be seriously on top of everything if you want the best experience possible.

Once you choose your dates, you have to decide on where to stay. Disney operates 25 different options for accommodations , and there are literally hundreds of “off-property” hotels in the vicinity from which to choose.

Then, you have to decide on park tickets . How many days do you want to visit the parks? Do you want to add the Park Hopper Option to visit more than one park per day? What about the waterparks or sports complex? 

Once you make those choices, you have to buy the tickets and make your park reservations as far in advance as possible, lest the parks you want to visit sell out for the day. We also recommend doing some advance planning around what rides and attractions you want to experience before visiting. That can provide some direction to your experience in the parks. 

Don’t forget about dining! As of January 2022, Disney has not reinstated its dining plans. Still, if you want to eat in any of the restaurants, we strongly recommend making reservations; many are very popular and will book up months in advance (dining reservations open 180 days in advance). 

What is more, you have to budget for each of these things separately, in addition to souvenir shopping, unique experiences, and other incidental costs. 

All of this being said, some people are natural planners and enjoy that part of the experience. If that’s you, then you’ll love all the work that goes into planning your Walt Disney World vacation. After all, it can be a lot of fun.

Disney Cruise

When it comes to booking your trip and planning everything you’ll do, a Disney cruise is easier. Your most significant decisions happen upfront when choosing which cruise itinerary you want to take and which ship you want to sail. That dictates your ports-of-call as well as the available activities.

You should also decide ahead of time whether you want to take excursions at your ports-of-call or what you want to do during your days there. You don’t have to plan tours, and sometimes it’s fun to wander around and explore. But if you’re looking for adventure–whether it’s seeing ancient ruins or scuba diving–you’ll need to do some planning.

Some other activities and experiences onboard Disney cruises also require reservations. There are restaurants where reservations are strongly recommended (including character dining), as well as childcare, spa treatments, and more.

However, the majority of your time at sea will be much more relaxed and go-with-the-flow. Your family will enjoy the luxury of waking up and deciding then and there what they want to do, which can be a welcome change of pace from your busy lifestyle at home.

There is a lot to do on both a Disney cruise and a Disney World vacation, although the activities are very different.

In Walt Disney World, the main thing to do is the theme parks . Disney World has four parks – Hollywood Studios , Epcot , Magic Kingdom , and Animal Kingdom – and each is packed with rides, attractions, entertainment, and more. They have activities for kids and grown-ups of all ages, from thrill rides to character meet-and-greets to shows and parades.

Disney World is also home to two waterparks , Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, with state-of-the-art slides and water attractions. They have a massive dining, entertainment, and shopping district called Disney Springs with hundreds of stores, eateries, bars, and more. 

As mentioned above, Disney World also has 25 hotels and other accommodation options. All of which have swimming pools and other family-friendly activities, such as outdoor movies at night, games, and much more. Finally, sports fans can enjoy the Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports and multiple miniature and regular golf courses.

Many of the activities you’ll find onboard a Disney cruise are similar to those on any cruise ship. Disney Cruise Line has five ships, Dream , Fantasy , Magic , Wish , and Wonder . Each has unique offerings, and we recommend exploring each of them in-depth.

Generally speaking, though, each of the ships has some similar features . They all have multiple swimming pools and water activities, including slides, splash pads, and even surfing or wakeboarding experiences. 

There is a spa on every ship with a range of treatments. Each ship has specific areas and activities for kids of various ages and adults. There are kids’ clubs where parents can drop their little ones to enjoy adult time at bars and lounges.

There is also live entertainment on each ship, and every boat does fireworks at sea and character experiences. You need to book some of these in advance. However, many do not require reservations, adding to the relaxed atmosphere on board.

The food and dining situations in Walt Disney World and aboard a Disney cruise are very different, as you might expect. Let’s take a closer look.

On land in Disney World, the dining options are virtually endless. There are restaurants for just about every cuisine and so many themes. These include Japanese, Moroccan, regional Italian, African, Mexican, and so much more. 

In addition, enjoy dining with princesses, Mickey Mouse and friends, a Hawaiian luau, an Old West show, and so on. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll probably find it somewhere in Disney World.

Not to mention, there are multiple dining styles. You can stay in a villa and cook for yourselves. There are quick serve, casual sit-down restaurants, formal dining, and endless snack options everywhere. Of course, all of these choices can be overwhelming, and it plays into how much planning you need to do. 

Because the cruise ship is a contained environment, there are fewer choices, but that doesn’t mean the quality or quantity is lesser. In fact, guests rave about the dining options and food quality onboard Disney cruises. 

In addition, there is a lot of variety. You can find all of the basics and some creative options at the buffets and restaurants, and each of the ships has multiple restaurants and dining options.

While the dining options might be fewer onboard a cruise ship, one of the significant benefits (which ties into our subsequent discussion) is that the food is all-inclusive (mostly) and all you can eat! 

No need to worry whether your kids will only eat a few bites of their appetizer or whether they’ll like the entree they want to try; you can have it all! That also means that not everyone in your family needs to agree on where to eat. Everyone can get exactly what they want.

In truth, it’s difficult to compare the costs of the two options because there are so many ways to tweak both vacations. Still, there are some significant points to cover.

There are many ways to save (or spend) money at Disney World. For example, staying in a value resort instead of a deluxe villa will save hundreds, as will sticking to quick-serve meals and limiting souvenir shopping.

The most important thing to know about costs at Disney World, especially in comparison to a Disney cruise, is that everything is a la carte. Especially since they’ve suspended sales of the dining plan, you can expect to pay separately for every part of your vacation. Constantly taking out your wallet and spending money can cause a lot of stress while you’re supposed to be relaxing and enjoying.

Once again, prices can vary widely; a two or three-day cruise is exponentially cheaper than a seven or ten-day, and staying in a standard stateroom is less expensive than a suite.

One of the things that can make a Disney cruise so appealing is that it’s (mostly) all-inclusive. That means that you don’t have to budget for every little thing, including meals, most entertainment, experiences, or even accommodations. The only extras are excursions, special activities, and sometimes alcohol for the adults.

In the end, you can make a Disney cruise or a Walt Disney World vacation work on most vacation budgets. The significant upside to a Disney cruise is that it’s all-inclusive, with very few surprise costs. But there’s more flexibility and ways to save at Walt Disney World.

The size of the crowds and the pace of your vacation are two of the significant differences between Walt Disney World and a Disney Cruise.

There’s enough to do both onboard the ship and in Walt Disney World to fill more than a week’s vacation. That said, the pace is much faster and more intense on land in Florida. With so many rides, shows, and things to see, there’s pressure to go, go, go all day and into the night.

Disney is also very good at creating buzzing energy throughout the parks, making you want to see and do it all. You’ll be on your feet all day doing miles of walking, too. Many people leave their Disney World vacation more tired than when they arrived!

Walt Disney World can also be very crowded, depending on the time of year that you visit. If you visit during peak season (much of the summer, school breaks, and around all major holidays), you can expect huge crowds, even with the new park reservation system. That can mean long lines for attractions.

The pace of a Disney cruise is typically more relaxed than a Walt Disney World vacation. Guests are encouraged to take things slow and relax. In addition, because it is a contained environment, there isn’t as much pressure to keep going constantly.

One of the other nice things about a Disney cruise is that there is greater crowd control since there are only so many staterooms that can only hold a certain number of guests. That way, you don’t feel the pressure to get in line early or compete with other visitors for activities and access. There’s more than enough to go around!

If you’ve read through all of these criteria and still can’t decide, then don’t! Instead, opt for a land and sea adventure , where you take a short cruise and spend a few days in Walt Disney World. Disney sells packages for these types of vacations.

The plus side is rather apparent because you get to enjoy both options, the cruise and the theme parks. The packages that Disney sells are usually for three or four-night cruises and three or four nights at Walt Disney World. Often, these packages include hotel accommodations and park tickets on land.

Everything else works largely the same way: you can plan excursions for your cruise and customize your time at the Florida resort however you want. Upgrades are usually available, but downgrades are not. You can also extend the land portion of your trip, but you may not be eligible for the special rates of the packages.

No matter which you choose – a Disney cruise or a vacation to Walt Disney World – the most important thing is that you enjoy your time together as a family. Use this information to make the right decision based on your ideal trip, and then have the most magical experience of a lifetime!

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

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Which is a Better Vacation: Disney World vs Disney Cruise?

This article is your guide to choosing Disney World vs Disney Cruise for your next vacation! As Disney expands its incredible floating fleet, many more guests wonder if the cruise is worth the trip. Especially with the rising cost of park tickets, it makes sense to compare which is better. We’ve done both Disney vacations and have our opinions on what we would choose as Disney adults.

That’s why we’ve written this article, to help you figure out if a Disney Cruise or Disney World vacation is better for you. There is a lot to compare the two, like prices, entertainment and more! So if you’d like to see a full comparison of Disney World vs Disney Cruise 2o24 , keep reading.

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a Disney Cruise, check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Disney Cruise vacation!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disney World check out our Disney Crowd calendar!

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Disney World vs Disney Cruise Overview

When it comes to planning the perfect family vacation, few destinations rival the magic of Disney. But the age-old question persists: Disney World or Disney Cruise ? Each offers a unique blend of enchantment and adventure. Disney World, with its vast theme parks and endless attractions, promises a whirlwind of excitement. On the other hand, Disney Cruise Line combines the thrill of ocean voyages with the notion of Disney.

We’re Disney lovers and have been to both, multiple times and have pros and cons for each magical vacation. Shockingly, there are many factors to consider when choosing between Disney Cruise Line vs Disney World vacations! Let’s dive into what makes each option special and which might be the best choice for your family.

Do you go to Disney World on a Disney cruise?

A common question among Disney enthusiasts is whether their journey with Disney Cruise Line can incorporate the magic of Disney World. While the cruise itself doesn’t dock directly at Disney World, there’s a convenient way to combine these two extraordinary Disney experiences.

Many Disney cruises set sail from or make a stop at Port Canaveral, Florida, which is approximately an hour’s drive from Walt Disney World Resort . This proximity makes it feasible for guests on certain itineraries to plan a special excursion to the parks.

Disney Cruise Line often offers organized shore excursions, known as Port Adventures, which can include a day trip to Walt Disney World. These adventures are meticulously planned to ensure guests enjoy a seamless experience. Transportation is typically arranged from the port to the parks, allowing guests to spend a day exploring the magic of Disney World’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

For those looking to take advantage of this opportunity, it’s essential to consider the timing and duration of the port stop. Usually, these excursions are offered on cruises that have a longer duration at Port Canaveral, ensuring guests have ample time to enjoy the parks and return to the ship.

Related post:  When is the Cheapest Time to go on a Disney Cruise?

What is the Difference Between Disney World and Disney Cruise?

The key difference is the type of experience. Disney World offers a more traditional theme park adventure with a vast array of attractions and experiences. A Disney cruise provides a more relaxed vacation with the convenience of having most of your entertainment and dining included, along with unique Disney-themed onboard activities and shows. If you’re looking for a jam-packed Disney vacation , Disney World will be more your speed, but if you like leisure, buffets, and relaxation, a Disney Cruise is for you.

Disney World Vacation Vs Disney Cruise Main Differences

Disney world:.

• Variety of Attractions : From classic rides like “It’s a Small World” to thrilling coasters like “Space Mountain,” Disney World caters to all ages and interests. The parks are known for their immersive lands, such as Pandora – The World of Avatar and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge , offering an unparalleled level of detail and storytelling.
• Entertainment Options : Beyond the rides, Disney World provides a plethora of entertainment options including parades, fireworks, character meet-and-greets, and live shows.
• Dining Experiences : The resort boasts a wide range of dining options, from quick service to fine dining, themed restaurants to character meals , ensuring a diverse culinary journey.
• Accommodation and Flexibility : Guests can choose from a range of accommodations within the resort, offering various themes and amenities. The flexibility to customize your day, choose your parks, and plan your activities is a significant part of the Disney World experience.

Disney Cruise:

• All-Inclusive Experience : One of the most significant differences is the all-inclusive nature of a Disney Cruise. Your accommodations, dining, entertainment, and numerous onboard activities are included in the cruise fare.
• Unique Entertainment and Activities : Disney Cruises feature Broadway-caliber shows, themed deck parties (like the famous “Pirate Night”), and character experiences that are more intimate compared to the theme parks. Additionally, Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, provides an exclusive tropical retreat for cruise guests.
• Dining at Sea : The dining experience on a Disney Cruise is both diverse and convenient, featuring rotational dining that allows guests to experience different themed restaurants with the same serving team accompanying them each night.
• Relaxation and Scenery : Unlike the constant go-go-go atmosphere of Disney World, a Disney Cruise offers a more relaxed pace. Guests can enjoy the scenery, spend time in adult-exclusive areas, or partake in family activities at their leisure.

Related post:  Complete Guide to a Disney Cruise For Adults

Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Cost

Budget is often a deciding factor in vacation planning. Generally, Disney Cruises can be more expensive upfront due to the inclusion of accommodations, food, and entertainment in the package. However, Disney World trips can add up with hotel stays, park tickets , meals, and extras. When considering Disney Cruise vs Disney World , it’s crucial to factor in all potential expenses to see which aligns with your budget.

For both, you’ll have to consider transportation, to either the parks or Port Canaveral from the airport. If you stay at a Disney resort , you will have free transportation around the resort, but you’ll still have to get yourself from the airport to your hotel.

Is Disney World or a Disney cruise cheaper?

Comparing costs isn’t straightforward, as it depends on the type of experience you’re seeking and the time of year. Here’s a general breakdown for a summer vacation in Disney World to give you an idea:

• Park Tickets for Disney World : Prices for tickets can vary, but a standard one-day ticket starts at around $109 per person. However, the per-day cost decreases as you add more days. For a week-long visit, you might be looking at approximately $500 to $600 per person for park tickets alone.
• Accommodation : Costs can vary widely based on whether you choose to stay at a Disney resort, a nearby hotel, or a vacation rental. Disney resort hotels range from value resorts (starting around $150 per night) to deluxe resorts (which can be $500 per night or more). A moderate budget for a week-long stay might be around $200 per night, totaling approximately $1,400.
• Food and Dining : Dining costs can also vary. If you dine primarily at quick-service locations, you might spend around $40-60 per person per day. For sit-down restaurants, the cost can be significantly higher. For a family of four, a moderate dining budget might be around $200 per day, totaling $1,400 for a week.
• Additional Expenses : This includes souvenirs, special tours, or other experiences. This can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your choices.
• Travel and Miscellaneous Costs : Don’t forget to factor in the cost of flights or driving to Orlando, as well as other miscellaneous expenses like car rentals and insurance.

So, a rough estimate for a moderate week-long Disney World vacation for a family of four in summer could be around $6,000 to $8,000, considering accommodation, park tickets, dining, and additional expenses. A 7-night Caribbean cruise for a family of four in a standard stateroom might start around $5,000 and can go up significantly for higher category rooms or additional guests.

Related post:   How Much is a Disney Cruise Per Person?

Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Planning Process

Planning a trip to Disney World requires coordinating park tickets , Disney Genie+, dining reservations, and hotel bookings. Conversely, a Disney cruise offers a more streamlined planning experience. Once you book your cruise, much of your itinerary is set, with options to add on excursions or special experiences.

That’s why as vacationing adults without kids, we tend to lean toward the Disney Cruise for ease of planning. Other than choosing your sailing date, destination, and travel to port, there’s not much more to stress about for a Disney Cruise. So, for ease of planning, we would have to say a cruise wins for Disney World vs Disney Cruise vacation .

How do I add Disney World to my Disney cruise?

Combining a Disney World trip with a Disney Cruise creates a comprehensive Disney experience, offering the excitement of the theme parks followed by the relaxation of a cruise. Disney’s land-and-sea vacation packages are specially designed for this purpose, providing a seamless transition from adventure-filled days at the parks to the enchanting voyage of a Disney Cruise. These packages not only offer convenience and a hassle-free experience but also include benefits like transportation from Disney World to Port Canaveral, where the cruise embarks. You can speak with one of our vacation experts to add a Disney World vacation to your cruise today!

On a Disney Cruise, a different kind of Disney magic awaits, with entertainment, dining, and activities for all ages. These cruises often feature stops at exotic destinations, including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The flexibility of these land-and-sea packages allows you to tailor your vacation to your family’s preferences, choosing the duration of your stay at Disney World and the itinerary of your cruise. Planning is key to maximizing this experience, ensuring a vacation that perfectly blends the thrill of Disney World with the serenity of a Disney Cruise. So, whether you’re leaning towards Disney World or a Disney Cruise , you can have the best of both worlds with a Disney cruise and Disney World combined package.

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Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Attractions and Entertainment

Disney World boasts four iconic theme parks filled with beloved attractions and shows. The variety is staggering, from thrilling rides to immersive lands. A Disney cruise, while more limited in physical space, still packs a punch with Broadway-style shows, deck parties, and themed days at sea. The choice here depends on whether you prefer the vast array of attractions at Disney World or the all-inclusive entertainment of a cruise.

Examples of Disney World entertainment:

• Magic Kingdom : Experience the classic enchantment of attractions like Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain, and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks and the famous parade featuring Disney characters.
• Epcot : Dive into cultural experiences from around the world at the World Showcase and enjoy futuristic attractions like Test Track and Spaceship Earth. Epcot is also home to various seasonal festivals like the Flower and Garden Festival .
• Hollywood Studios : Immerse yourself in the world of movies with attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Toy Story Land. The Fantasmic! nighttime show and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular are must-sees.
• Animal Kingdom : Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar, enjoy thrilling rides like Expedition Everest, and don’t miss the chance to see live animals on the Kilimanjaro Safaris. The park also offers unique shows like the Festival of the Lion King.

Examples of Disney Cruise entertainment:

• Broadway-Style Shows : Enjoy top-notch, Broadway-style performances such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin” which are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line.
• Deck Parties : Participate in themed deck parties like “Pirate Night,” complete with fireworks at sea, character appearances, and live entertainment.
• Themed Days at Sea : Experience special days like Marvel Day at Sea or Star Wars Day at Sea, featuring character encounters, special merchandise, and themed activities.
• Kids’ and Teens’ Clubs : Kids can enjoy age-appropriate clubs with Disney-themed activities and character interactions, while teens have their cool hangouts and activities.
• Adult-Exclusive Areas : Relax in adult-only areas such as nightclubs, lounges, and the Quiet Cove Pool. There are also adult-exclusive dining options like Palo or Remy.

Both Disney World and Disney Cruise Line offer a plethora of entertainment options, each tailored to their unique settings. Whether it’s the expansive and varied experiences of Disney World’s parks or the all-inclusive, luxury entertainment of a Disney cruise, there’s something special for every guest.

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Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Characters

Both Disney World and Disney Cruises offer ample opportunities to meet your favorite Disney characters. However, character interactions on a cruise can be more intimate and less rushed, providing unique experiences like dining with characters or seeing them in themed shows. We feel like meeting characters in Disney World can be chaotic and sometimes less organized.

Disney World Character Experiences:

At Disney World, character interactions are a cornerstone of the park experience. Here, you can meet a wide array of characters across the four theme parks. From impromptu encounters to scheduled meet-and-greets in specific locations, there are numerous opportunities to interact with your favorite characters. Character dining experiences, such as breakfast with princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table or a festive meal at Chef Mickey’s, are also available. The parades and shows offer additional chances to see characters in action. The experience can vary, from a quick hug and photo to brief conversations. During peak times, however, these interactions might feel a bit rushed due to longer lines and time constraints.

Disney Cruise Character Experiences:

On a Disney Cruise, the character experiences tend to be more intimate. With fewer guests on board compared to the parks, the lines for meet-and-greets are typically shorter, allowing for more personal interactions. Characters often roam the ship, popping up in unexpected places, which can lead to delightful surprise encounters. Unique to the cruises are themed character experiences, such as pirate night or a royal gathering, where characters dress according to the theme, adding an extra layer of excitement. Character dining on the cruise is also a more relaxed affair, giving families more time to interact with characters. The smaller setting of the ship allows for repeated interactions with characters, often leading to memorable and personalized experiences.

In conclusion, while Disney World offers a broader range of characters and more traditional theme park meet-and-greets, Disney Cruises provides a more intimate setting for character interactions, with unique themed experiences and a relaxed atmosphere that allows for more personal and memorable moments with beloved Disney characters.

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Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Food

Dining at Disney World is an adventure in itself, with a vast array of restaurants ranging from quick service to fine dining. On a Disney Cruise, meals are included in your package, offering a mix of buffet, casual, and fine dining options. Each has its culinary highlights, so food lovers can’t go wrong with either choice.

Disney World Dining:

Disney World is a foodie’s paradise with a dizzying array of dining options. Spread across its four theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, the choices range from quick-service eateries to upscale, fine-dining restaurants. You can embark on a culinary journey around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase, enjoy character dining experiences like breakfast with beloved characters at The Crystal Palace, or indulge in signature dining at places like the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort.

Quick service options offer convenience and variety, perfect for on-the-go meals between attractions. Special dining experiences, like dinner shows and dining packages with reserved viewing for parades and fireworks, add an extra layer of magic to the dining experience. Each restaurant at Disney World offers a unique theme and menu, ensuring that every meal is an adventure.

Disney Cruise Dining:

Aboard a Disney Cruise, the dining experience is designed to be both convenient and luxurious. With your cruise package, most meals are included, encompassing a range of dining styles from casual buffet options to elegant, sit-down dinners. The rotational dining system is a highlight, allowing you to experience different themed restaurants each night while keeping the same waitstaff for personalized service throughout your voyage. Each ship boasts uniquely themed restaurants that bring Disney storytelling to life, such as the undersea environment of Animator’s Palate or the fairytale elegance of Royal Court. Specialty restaurants like Palo and Remy offer adult-exclusive dining experiences for an additional fee, providing a more upscale, intimate setting. Casual dining options are available throughout the day, and room service adds an extra level of convenience. Themed dinners, like the Pirates of the Caribbean feast, add a fun twist to your dining experience.

Which has better service: Disney Cruise vs Disney World?

We would have to say that Disney Cruise Line wins by an edge. When comparing services between Disney Cruise Line and Disney World , each offers exceptional but distinct experiences. Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its personalized service, with a higher staff-to-guest ratio allowing for more individual attention, consistent dining staff throughout your voyage, inclusive room service, and dedicated children’s programs. In contrast, Disney World, with its vast scale, impresses with the sheer breadth of its high-quality service across various settings, from theme parks to resorts. While the cruise provides a more intimate and tailored service experience, Disney World excels in managing and delivering excellent service across a larger, more varied operation.

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Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Crowds

Dealing with crowds is a part of any Disney experience. Disney World can be particularly crowded, especially during peak seasons. A Disney cruise, while still busy, often feels less overwhelming due to the limited number of passengers and more expansive space. That’s why this section of Disney Cruise vs Disney World is a much clearer winner.

Disney Cruise crowds are controlled with overhead capacity, structured scheduling, and multiple off-shore excursion experiences. Unfortunately, there is a little more variability when planning a Disney World vacation with crowds. But you can always check out our Disney World crowd calendar for planning.

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Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Kid and Adult Experiences

Both destinations offer a fantastic mix of kid-friendly and adult-exclusive options. Disney World has entire parks and areas geared towards different age groups, while Disney Cruises features clubs for kids and teens, as well as adult-only dining and lounges. From personal experience, we’ve seen fewer kids on a Disney Cruise than we have in the park.

For us, that is a perk for childless adults, but that could mean a Disney World vacation might bode better for them. Either way, there is still plenty for kids and families to do on a Disney Cruise.

Kid and Adult Experiences at Disney World:

• Diverse Attractions for All Ages : Disney World’s four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom – offer a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. From the fantasy and enchantment of Magic Kingdom’s classic rides to the educational experiences at Epcot and the thrilling adventures in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, there’s something to captivate every member of the family.
• Interactive Experiences for Kids : The parks offer numerous interactive experiences for children, such as character meet-and-greets, interactive play areas, and themed playgrounds.
• Adult-Focused Entertainment : For adults, Epcot’s World Showcase offers cultural experiences and culinary delights from around the globe, while fine dining restaurants and upscale lounges across the resorts provide sophisticated relaxation and dining options. Adults can also enjoy world-class entertainment, shopping, and spas.

Kid and Adult Experiences on a Disney Cruise:

• Dedicated Kids’ Clubs and Activities : Disney Cruises features extensive kids’ clubs that are segmented by age group, offering activities and entertainment tailored to different stages of childhood. These clubs are equipped with Disney-themed activities, character interactions, and supervised play areas, allowing kids to engage in fun and safe environments.
• Teen Spaces : For teens, Disney Cruises offers cool hangouts and age-appropriate activities, providing them with their own space to socialize and enjoy tailored entertainment.
• Adult-Exclusive Areas : Disney Cruises shines with its adult-exclusive areas, including fine dining restaurants like Palo and Remy, adult-only pool areas, spas, and nightclubs. These spaces provide adults with a chance to relax and enjoy a more refined experience while kids are engaged in supervised activities.
• Family Activities : Beyond the age-specific options, Disney Cruises also offers plenty of family activities, including Broadway-style shows, deck parties, and movie screenings, ensuring shared fun for the entire family.

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Which Should You Choose: Disney World or Disney Cruise 2024?

The decision between Disney Cruise vs Disney World ultimately comes down to what kind of experience you’re seeking. For non-stop action and a wide variety of attractions, Disney World is unbeatable. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation where entertainment and dining are conveniently included, a Disney cruise might be your ideal choice.

Whichever option you choose, remember that the magic of Disney is present in both. And if you’re planning your next Disney Cruise Line adventure, don’t forget to check out our incredible discounted cruises . As we’re getting older, we tend to choose Disney Cruises more and more, so keep that in mind!

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our   Disney  World Crowd Calendar  is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down   the best time to visit Disney World   based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a   Disney World Travel Agent   for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a  Free Quote  for all  Disney World Vacation Packages .  The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your   Walt Disney World Tickets.   We  offer promotional discounts for special events such as   Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets   and  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets .

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at  Theme Park Today , as well!

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Nik Chapman

Nik Chapman is the executive editor and one of the main content creators for The Park Prodigy blog and social media pages. With a lifelong love for Disney and Universal, Nik immersed herself in the Orlando area for three years to fully indulge in the magic of the theme parks. In between going to the parks and creating content for The Park Prodigy, Nik also hosted a Disney themed podcast with her two best friends and helps run multiple Disney-themed social media accounts which help over one million people per year. Drawing from their experience as a local Florida resident, Nik brings a unique perspective to the world of theme parks.

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Disney World vs Disney Cruise: Which is better?

If you’re wondering whether to go on a Disney cruise or visit Walt Disney World, this post is for you! I’ll compare and contrast the two experiences and help you decide which one is right for your family.

Both the cruise and the parks are magical experiences, but there are some key differences that may make one better suited for your needs. In the article below, we will compare the costs, planning processes, activities, and more between Disney World and a Disney Cruise to find out which vacation is the better option!

Cost of Disney Cruise vs Disney World

One of the main questions I get asked when comparing Disney World to a Disney cruise is which is the cheaper vacation . The short answer is that it totally depends since the prices of both vacations are influenced by the time of year you travel. In other words, you can’t compare a Disney Cruise over Christmas break with a trip to Disney World in February. Obviously the cruise would cost quite a bit more during the peak holiday time.

Therefore, for the sake of this article, we will compare the prices for a Disney cruise vs those for Disney World over four nights in mid-May since this is when my family prefers to travel. Now, let’s break down the different items you purchase for Disney World and a Disney cruise to determine which is cheaper:

Accommodations and Dining

When you reserve a cruise with DCL , you usually choose your stateroom at the time of booking. You can pick a cabin with no windows, one with an ocean view window, or one with a balcony. (You could also splurge and book a suite and cruise in the Concierge Level.) Each of these room levels is priced differently. And, with a few exceptions, your meals are included in the price of your Disney cruise.

So, the majority of your cruise costs are paid in one lump sum ahead of time. My family and I tend to sail in staterooms with a verandah because we love having the private outdoor space. Similarly, we usually book rooms at deluxe resorts at Disney World since they typically offer balconies and upgraded amenities. Therefore, we will be comparing the prices for a verandah stateroom with a deluxe hotel room.

(If you’re looking to save money on your trip, you could always compare the prices of a value hotel at Disney World with an inside cruise cabin on a Disney ship as they would be more comparable.) Also note that when you compare the price of a Disney World vacation to a Disney cruise, you will want to include your WDW hotel cost plus the price of your meals to get a fair estimate. That’s because your cruise fare includes your room and the cost of food.

So, let’s say a 4-night cruise for my family of four is priced at around $4500. This rate includes my stateroom and meals onboard. A 4 night stay in a deluxe hotel at Disney World would roughly cost $500 per night at $2000 total. But, after you add on say $300 per day for food, this total cost becomes $3200 for WDW.

In other words, when comparing accommodations and food, I would estimate $4500 for a Disney Cruise and $3200 for Disney World . Clearly Disney World is the winner here, but this doesn’t give a fair estimation of the vacation price. That’s because we need to calculate all the extras you will be paying for each vacation.

Tickets and Extra Costs

If you are visiting Disney World with your family, you more than likely plan to purchase park tickets . Although kids are free if they are under 3 years old, you will need a park ticket for each guest over age three. If you plan to visit each of the Disney World theme parks, the price of your vacation can really add up.

For the sake of this article, we will budget for park tickets for our family of four visiting one park each day (no Park Hopper). At the time of this writing, 4 tickets to each Disney park costs just over $2400.

Now, a Disney Cruise Line vacation also features additional items you will want to include in your budget. These include things like excursions and gratuities. We won’t go into a ton of detail here on tipping since you can read all about the set amounts in our post on calculating Disney Cruise Line gratuities . But, a family of four on a 4-night cruise can expect to pay around $232 for gratuities.

As for excursions, let’s say the ship is visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay. We will budget for $400 in Nassau and $0 on Castaway Cay since the beach there is free. If you’re still with me, that means the extra costs associated with cruising and WDW are around $2400 for Disney World and $632 for a Disney Cruise .

When adding it all together, that puts us at a grand total of $5600 for a Disney World vacation compared to $5132 for a Disney cruise . In other words, the two vacations are pretty similar in price depending on the room type and extras you choose to purchase.

Disney World vs Disney Cruise: Planning

Anyone who has ever visited Disney World knows that the planning process for your WDW vacation is a really big deal. Walt Disney World is FULL of amazing rides and entertainment options! You could arrive at a park at opening, stay until closing, and still not see or do everything offered. Plus, there are so many things to do at Disney World outside the parks!

Additionally, the dining options are endless at Walt Disney World. All sorts of restaurants are available from chains to pubs to fine dining to character meals. Since reservations are needed for most of the popular restaurants , you do need to make sure to book these in advance.

I say all of that to show just how many aspects go into planning a Disney World vacation. Not only do you have to choose your dates and your hotel, but you also need to make the following decisions:

• which parks to visit
• what types of tickets to buy
• when to visit each park
• whether to secure the new Disney Genie+ service
• when to schedule dining reservations
• how to create touring itineraries for each park to fit in each attraction

In contrast, when you plan a Disney cruise vacation, you don’t really have to do a lot of pre-planning compared to Disney World. Initially, you just book the Disney cruise and sign up for your dining time. Once online check-in is available for your trip, you can schedule a few activities, but most of the entertainment options do not require tickets or reservations. These are some of the activities you’ll find onboard:

• water slides
• Broadway style shows
• cooking classes
• arts and crafts

In addition, you can experience fun activities on Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point, which are Disney’s private islands in the Bahamas. These tropical paradises are as amazing as you are probably imagining! They provide crystal clear water, character meet and greets, and family friendly excursions!

Unlike Walt Disney World, you do not need reservations for dining on the cruise ship unless you choose to spend extra money and eat in one of the specialty, adult-only restaurants. Rather than booking a time for meals each day like at Disney World, you just show up at your restaurant of choice for breakfast and lunch. For dinner, you are assigned a time and a restaurant, so it really takes all the guesswork out.

As you can probably tell, planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation is much easier than planning a trip to Walt to Disney World . After booking your cruise, you’re not really left with a ton of things to do.

Disney Cruise and Disney World Package

Many families have a difficult time deciding between the two vacations, so they combine them together! Although Disney does not offer deals or discounts on land and sea packages, you would save money on flights if you were already in the area. This brings up a common question: Should you do the Disney Cruise before or after parks?

Often times families sailing out of Port Canaveral (or even Miami) choose to add days at Disney World onto their vacation. But you may be wondering if it’s better to cruise before the theme parks vacation or after it? If you choose to cruise first, you will have the Disney parks to look forward to on the last day of your Disney cruise.

This helps make the final day of your cruise a little less sad. In addition, when you visit Disney World after a cruise, you don’t have to worry about rushing to catch a flight home on debarkation day.

On the other hand, if you decide to visit Disney World BEFORE your cruise, you get the more stressful vacation out of the way. Your family can spend time enjoying the theme parks first. Then you can end the combined vacation on a relaxing note. In addition, you will want to arrive near the cruise port at least the day before you set sail. So, if you are getting a hotel room anyway, you may as well book one at Walt Disney World!

Disney Cruise vs Disney World with a Toddler

If you are planning a Disney family vacation with a toddler, you will want to consider your little one’s interests when determining whether a Disney cruise or WDW trip is better. That being said, the vibe of each vacation is quite different, and my family personally finds the cruises to be much more toddler friendly.

A Disney cruise vacation feels more relaxing, and you don’t have the added stresses of Disney World. Once you are on the ship, you don’t have to worry about boarding shuttles to get to activities or restaurants. Instead, you just take the stairs or the elevators to each deck to find pools, restaurants, shops, or entertainment.

In addition, a Disney Cruise Line vacation confines your family to the ship, which really helps when members of your travel party want to experience different activities. My husband and I have two kids who are five years apart in age. Since my younger daughter is a toddler, her older sister obviously has a different schedule and other interests. On the Disney cruise, it’s easy to walk back to the room with our toddler for a nap or bedtime without disrupting our older child’s activities.

However, at Disney World, you would have to grab a shuttle back to the hotel in order to put your toddler to bed. Also, some toddlers are a bit leery of rides at Disney World, but they tend to enjoy meeting characters. Popular Disney characters are all over the cruise ship, and the lines for meet and greets are WAY shorter than those at Disney World.

Final Thoughts: Disney World or Disney Cruise

So, which is the better vacation? It really depends on your family and their interests. My husband likes to say that Disney World is a trip and not a vacation. It is true that it’s not the most relaxing place to visit, but we still love it! Disney World offers so many activities, shows, and experiences that you just can’t beat.

A Disney cruise, on the other hand, is totally laid back and easy. The cast members cater to every need that your child has, so parents get to enjoy themselves too! Either way, Disney knows how to provide a great time so you really can’t make a bad choice!

Also, depending on the cruise itinerary that you book, the Disney ship may even stop in Port Canaveral, Florida. If this is the case, you can purchase Disney World tickets as your excursion. A Disney shuttle will pick you up at the cruise port and drive your family to Walt Disney World. You will get to enjoy the park(s) for the day before catching the bus back to Port Canaveral.

If you are looking for tips on choosing the right Disney World hotel, join our Facebook group for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family! Which Disney family vacation do you prefer: Disney World or Disney Cruise? Let me know why by commenting below!!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Disney Travel Planning: Disney World vs. Disney Cruise

Trying to decide between a trip to  Disney World  or a Disney Cruise is difficult if you haven't experienced either. While many people expect these two Disney vacations to deliver a similar experience, nothing could be farther from the truth. 

Walt Disney World consists of four unique theme parks and water parks. In addition, there are events and spectacles that take place at certain times of the day. You'll probably have a long list of rides, shows, and experiences your family is looking forward to. In order to do it all, you may end up exhausted.

A Disney Cruise, on the other hand, has plenty of Disney magic, shows, and characters but you'll be experiencing it all in one place. Your vacation may be laid back, but will the kids get to do all they want for their Disney experience? With more information, you can huddle with your family, find out what everyone wants to do, and decide on going to Disney World vs. Going on a Disney Cruise.

Combine Land and Sea Disney Experiences

Sprawling over a whopping 43 square miles of the Orlando area, Disney World includes four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot , Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios), two major water parks ( Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), over two dozen  Disney resort hotels , ​and about a dozen non-Disney hotels, a campground, four golf courses, plus the Disney Springs shopping and dining neighborhood. 

By comparison, the world is your oyster with Disney Cruise Line. Disney's four ships depart from various ports in the United States and travel to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and Europe. The Disney Cruise Line blog has a page that shows the current location of all four Disney ships . Does your family like to travel? If so, a cruise might satisfy the travel bug plus the desire to have some Disney fun. 

But if your kids have their hearts set on riding their favorite rides and seeing the end-of-day fireworks shows at Disney World, there is a compromise. The proximity of Orlando and Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line's busiest port, makes it easy to combine a theme park vacation with a cruise vacation on the same trip. Disney offers land-and-sea packages that typically combine three days at Disney World and four days on a Caribbean cruise or vice versa. 

Getting Some Disney Downtime

As you would expect given Disney World's mammoth size, there is a never-ending cavalcade of rides, attractions, restaurants, water parks, parades, fireworks, shows, shops, character meetings, and the like. You can, and should, carve out some downtime during your stay and relax by your hotel pool. Still, you'll want squeeze as much fun as you possibly can out of your days and so you'll inevitably be on the go most of the time. Wear comfortable shoes and expect to return home wiped out with kids who are enthusiastically telling their friends about all the rides they went on and showing pictures of their selfies with the Disney characters. 

If you imagine that a Disney Cruise is like a floating theme park, you're in for a surprise. The closest thing to a ride on a Disney ship is the AquaDunk water slide on the Disney Magic and the AquaDuck water coaster on the Disney Dream and Fantasy . Of course, there is a seemingly endless array of ways to have fun on the ship, between the pool deck, kids clubs, scheduled workshops and live shows, games, movies, and parties. But the kids have to be interested in non-ride experiences.

Even so, the pace on a Disney Cruise is far less go-go-go than at a theme park, and most people find it more relaxing. For this reason, if you book a land-and-sea package, do the cruise after the theme park. 

Pricing and Value

A vacation package at Disney World typically includes a hotel stay and theme park tickets, so it's possible to spend less by choosing a value property. With over two dozen Disney-run resorts, there are plenty of options for every family budget, from campsites to value-minded hotels to deluxe villas with separate sleeping and living areas and kitchens. A family of 4 can enjoy a 6-night, 7-day vacation package at a Disney’s All-Star Resort with tickets valid at all 4 theme parks for as little as $98 per person, per day.  

On the other hand, Disney Cruise Line is a premium line that delivers a high-end experience. The ships are downright gorgeous, with lavish Art Deco or Art Nouveau lobbies, amazing themed restaurants, and wonderful kids clubs, activities and pool decks but it's not Disney World.

Rates on Disney Cruise Line come much closer to all-inclusive pricing than on most mainstream cruise lines. The food in the three main restaurants is on par with the best signature restaurants at Disney World. In other words, passengers pay more than on some other cruise lines but also find an awful lot of value.

Best Time to Go

For the best time to visit Disney World , take into consideration a combination of weather, crowds, and prices. While theme park tickets are constant throughout the year, ​hotel rates fluctuate quite a bit during the year and, of course, tend to be lower when kids are in school and pricier during summer vacation and other school breaks.

Similarly, rates for a Disney Cruise tend to rise during school breaks and holidays and fall when kids are back in school. That means you can often book at the last minute—which, in cruise speak, means between two and six months in advance—for a cruise taken January through early February, May, late-August through October, and the non-holiday weeks in November and December.

If Disney's cruise ships have an advantage over Disney parks, it's that they have natural crowd control. Even during spring break or the Christmas holiday season, a ship can only hold a certain number of people, so it's no more crowded than at other times of the year.

Before-You-Go Planning

To get the most from a Disney World vacation, you can plan much of your trip before you leave home with a system called  MyMagic+ , which bundles nearly every aspect of your trip together. Instead of a ticket, you get a MagicBand, a rubber bracelet containing a computer chip that holds all the components of your Disney World vacation— theme park  ticket , room key, dining reservations, PhotoPass—and it also acts as a resort charge card.

FastPasses have been replaced by FastPass+, a digital version of the line-jumping system that can be managed from your smartphone with the My Disney Experience app . You can book the most popular dining experiences six months in advance and FastPasses 60 days in advance (or 30 days in advance if you're not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort).

With a Disney Cruise, there are fewer moving parts. Your meals and most activities are included in your fare. Once you choose your stateroom and book your cruise, other experiences you may want to book in advance include shore excursions , spa treatments , and optional adult-exclusive dining reservations . Even after you board the ship, you can frequently book these experiences at the guest services desk on the ship.

Meeting Characters

The verdict is split on this one. Disney World certainly offers a much wider array of characters in its shows, meet-and-greets, and character meals. But while there are fewer characters on a Disney Cruise but the interactions tend to be more accessible and low-key. Beyond the many scheduled character meet-and-greets on the ship, your family is likely to randomly run into a character or two on the pool deck, in the kids' clubs, or even on Castaway Cay , Disney's private Bahamian island.

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Disney Cruise vs. Disney World

Feb 27, 2020

See recent posts by Cynthia J. Drake

Like many families, ours has cherished memories of visiting Disney World every few years since our two boys were small enough to get in for free. 

Nowadays when we visit, we love planning out our FastPasses and ride strategies, wearing our Mickey apparel , exploring the newest rides and attractions , staying at Disney resorts or nearby Orlando hotels and, of course, cooling off with a mid-day post-“Pirates” pineapple Dole Whip break.

We’ve also sailed on two Disney cruises in the past four years: first the Disney Magic and most recently the Disney Fantasy, in addition to several other cruises. (Full disclosure: I also write regularly for Family Vacation Critic’s sister website, Cruise Critic ). 

As Disney’s fleet expands to five ships with the introduction of the newest ship, Disney Wish, expected to debut in 2022, we’ve decided to explore the advantages of a Disney cruise vs. Disney World to help you decide if a cruise is right for your next vacation with Mickey Mouse and crew.

Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Crowds

Disney World

Ask anyone who’s been to the Disney parks and they’ll most likely share that their biggest pain point comes from waiting in line: waiting for rides, waiting for character visits, and angling for a good photo opportunity or a spot to watch the parades. 

Though FastPasses somewhat help to mitigate these headaches, for some of the newest attractions, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge , ride lines have spanned more than five hours, leading some long-time Disney fans to grumble that there’s no such thing as an “off-season” at Disney anymore.

Also, some of the most special dining experiences and character visits at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom book up quickly, so if you haven’t adequately planned ahead, you might miss out on some of your top choices.

Disney Cruise

Though cruise ships pack as many as 4,000 passengers on board, somehow sailing on a Disney cruise seems less crowded than Walt Disney World, especially during peak times. The cruise lines do a good job of crowd control throughout the cruise, and though you will occasionally wait in line for some things, it’s certainly not a multi-hour wait. A few examples: on our recent cruise on the Disney Fantasy, we booked several character greetings in advance and were able to wait in lines of less than 15 minutes for other characters we saw without appointments. I observed that these encounters seemed less rushed than at the Disney parks. Elsa and Darth Vader had extensive interactions with my son before we got photos and autographs.

At the evening shows (there are two show times every night for live productions of Aladdin and Frozen ), we never had a problem getting a good seat, arriving about 10 to 15 minutes prior to every show. That’s better than other major cruise lines that have started ticketing for popular shows because they run out of seats.

The largest crowds you’ll see will be at peak dining times in the buffet restaurant or for the evening fireworks shows and deck parties. Still, there’s always some place you can easily steal away to for some quiet if you grow weary of the crowds.

Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Service

Disney built its brand upon excellent service, whether you’re visiting parks, resorts or a cruise. We’ve always loved that at its best Disney always does a great job of making vacations feel special and magical.

Throughout the parks, it’s the little touches that make the difference. For example, you might be celebrating a birthday or a honeymoon, and you’ll hear special greetings from cast members throughout the day. A friend’s daughter kept wanting to ride the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros ride at the Epcot Mexico pavilion on a relatively slow day. Cast members started cheering them on to break the record for most repeat rides, even making an announcement and giving them special buttons.

Characters often pop up and spend a little extra time bopping around while dancing with your kids. (The Evil Queen’s catty banter is legendary.) Whether you’re riding the monorail, checking into a resort, dining in a special restaurant, riding a ride or purchasing a special souvenir, chances are fairly good that Disney employees add a little extra touch of magic to an otherwise banal transaction. 

This level of service definitely holds up on Disney Cruise Line. Our most recent cruise on the Fantasy included some of the best dining room wait staff and room attendants we’ve experienced on a cruise. 

Parents might worry about their younger kids’ ability to sit still for a multi-course formal dinner, but our waiter and assistant waiter kept our kids’ attention by performing nightly magic tricks, bringing them special desserts and styling the ketchup for their French fries into Mickey faces.

Our cabin steward created blanket animals for us to come back to every night before bed, and always had a smile and a kind word for our kids when he saw us each day. Elsewhere on the ship, we witnessed the same level of service—we even started taking our kids to the formal dining room for lunch each day (something we normally wouldn’t take the time to do), because the service was so phenomenal.

I would argue that a Disney cruise offers even better service than at the parks, because on a weeklong trip you’ll have the opportunity to bond with cruise staff over the course of your trip. From the first night, the staff you interact with knows your name and even your meal preferences, and this makes for a really personalized vacation experience.

Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Food

Food at Disney parks transcends the average restaurant dining experience. For example, one of our favorite WDW dining experiences is visiting the Be Our Guest restaurant, where an elevated multi-course meal is capped off with a serving of “the grey stuff” (“it’s delicious!”) and even little edible paint pots so the kids could paint their own Chip the teacup. Add to this the atmosphere of the restaurant that puts you right into the setting of Beauty and the Beast , including foreboding thunderstorms, a magical rose and portraits that transform.

Disney-philes of all ages consider dining throughout Epcot’s World Showcase—with themed food and drinks appropriate to the country in which you’re visiting—to be a quintessential part of your park experience. Elsewhere, in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, you’ll also find imaginative food and beverage offerings that coincide with the area you’re visiting, allowing you to experience Avatar’s Pandora or Africa and Asia with all of your senses.

In true Disney fashion, dining aboard a Disney cruise ship goes beyond a typical meal. Unlike any other cruise line, Disney rotates diners among three different dining rooms each night. You dine at a set time (either early or late seating) and stay with the same wait staff each night as you experience a new restaurant.

On the Disney Fantasy, the biggest hit for our kids was Animator’s Palate. The first night, Crush the Turtle from Finding Nemo engaged in lively banter with seated guests from screens around the dining room, leading us all in chants of “Dude!” by the end of our meal. On the next night that we dined in this restaurant, we each drew our own animated figure, which was later brought to life to dance on the screen during our dessert course.

Speaking of dessert: even picky kids love eating on a Disney ship—what’s not to like about your very own Mickey-shaped ice cream bar appearing whenever you say the word? They’ll get their own menu, which changes each night and includes kid-friendly favs like mac and cheese and cheeseburgers. Want something that’s not listed? Just ask your waiter—we tested out a few special requests throughout our cruise, and we always received what we asked for. Waitstaff is also very attuned to food allergies, and will always ask about any dietary needs prior to taking your order.

We really enjoyed both the service and the quality of the food in the on board restaurants. A buffet with limited operating hours, and 24-hour room service is also available, and there’s soft-serve ice cream in four different flavors on board near the pool area for late-night cravings, too.

Also worth noting are the additional fee venues on board Disney Cruise Line: Palo and Remy, two upscale, adults-only venues that elevate the great food and service even higher. These are worthy of a date night splurge while your kids enjoy their own meals at the kids’ clubs. 

Disney World vs. Disney Cruise: Value

Disney vacation prices vary widely depending on the season and your budget, but Disney insiders price resort-and-park vacations anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per day for a family of four, when you factor in the cost of park passes, accommodations and food.

A typical seven-night Disney Caribbean cruise can cost about $600 to $1,000 (or more) per day for a family of four, depending on the type of cabin you choose, your itinerary and the time of year you travel. Shorter itineraries of as little as two nights are available (some families add this on to a traditional Disney resort vacation), or longer trips are also an option with itineraries that include visits to Europe , Alaska , the Panama Canal and Hawaii .

Disney cruises, though certainly not the cheapest in the industry, roll in the cost of all of the items you’d pay a la carte for at the parks: food and accommodations—and even nonalcoholic drinks—in addition to including childcare for kids older than 3.

Disney Cruise vs. Disney World: Entertainment

It’s true that you can’t recreate a Disney parks experience on a cruise ship—with so many rides and attractions, a cruise ship can’t compete on some levels with the fast-pace thrills of a day at an amusement park.

Instead of rides, your days at sea will most likely be consumed by the myriad pool and splash pad attractions (like the super fun AquaDuck tube slide that courses around the Dream and Fantasy), plus putt-putt golf and lots of scheduled on-board activities like crafts, trivia and theme days such as Star Wars at Sea and pirate day, when nearly everyone gets into the spirit by dressing up in costume .

One of the biggest perks is access to the kids’ clubs, for ages 3 to 12, included in the cost of your cruise. Babies can go to the Royal Tots nursery for a fee; and there are also clubs for tweens and teens. 

These facilities draw on Disney’s impressive oeuvre of movies and characters, from a Toy Story -themed “Andy’s Room” to the Marvel Superhero Academy to a Star Wars command center to an animator’s studio—all with regularly scheduled activities that capture kids’ imaginations, even into the late night hours so that parents can have some kid-free time if they want it.

You’ll also have access to all the characters you’d find at the parks, and the greetings are scheduled multiple times a day so you can catch them throughout your vacation. 

Also on board the ship, you’ll find the Midship Detective Agency, which allows kids to solve a multi-part mystery using augmented reality technology that enables the ship’s pieces of artwork to come alive with Disney characters and lead children on the hunt for clues.

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is another great perk of a Disney cruise. Many of the Caribbean itineraries stop at this Bahamian island, which is exclusive to Disney cruise guests. Here you’ll find powdery beaches, a splash pad, a mini-waterpark in the middle of the ocean, stingray excursions, bike rentals, a 5K island run, and delicious (complimentary) food from the barbecue.

The Bottom Line

A Disney cruise and a Disney parks vacation are two fairly different vacation options, albeit with some overlap in terms of beloved characters and a high-level of service. 

We love the Disney cruise option as a more relaxed vacation particularly for smaller kids who might tire easily after several days of pounding the pavement at the theme parks. It’s also great for families with kids who would make use of the kids’ club so the adults can take time to reconnect and enjoy some adult time.

Cynthia J. Drake is a travel writer based in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband and two sons. Since becoming a mom, she’s been stranded at sea with her family, gotten lost in the Rocky Mountains, dealt with more than her fair share of public vomiting, and still can’t wait for the next trip. She writes regularly for AAA magazines, Austin American-Statesman, Texas Highways and Cruise Critic . Follow her on Facebook  and  Twitter .

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My family went on a $6,000 Disney World vacation and a $5,900 Disney Cruise, and the latter was a much better deal

• My family of four recently went on a Disney World vacation and took a Disney cruise. 
• On the Disney cruise, we got to see different places and explore new countries.
• The vacations cost about the same amount of money, but the cruise was a better value.

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , clients often ask me if I prefer Disney cruises or Disney World vacations.

My family did a split trip where we spent four days at Disney World and four days on the Disney Wish, which gave me a great insight into the differences between the two options.  

Here's why I think the cruise was a much better value.

We started our trip at Disney World with fun in the theme parks.

While in Orlando, we stayed at our favorite resort , Yacht Club, which has easy access to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Throughout the trip, we explored all four parks by purchasing park-hopper tickets, and my family had a blast riding our favorite rides, eating with characters, and shopping for souvenirs. 

It was a jam-packed four days, and they were long. We woke up early to get to the parks and returned to our hotel late after the nighttime shows.

After factoring in our hotel stay, park-hopper tickets, and all our meals, our total came to $6,000.

We loved the theme-park vacation as much as always, but we were excited to get to the next part of our trip.  

After visiting the parks, we boarded the Disney Wish for a four-night Bahamian cruise.

Stepping aboard the Wish for the first time was breathtaking.

As Disney's newest ship, it's filled with exquisite designs and unmatched attention to detail. It also looked impeccably maintained and offered classic Disney service.

As we settled in and explored the ship , characters greeted us around every corner, which added to the magic. 

Our four-night cruise in a deluxe family ocean-view stateroom with a veranda cost $5,900, including meals. 

Throughout our cruise, we experienced so much of what the ship had to offer.

Disney Cruise Line has an app named Disney Cruise Navigator that shares all the daily activities. Most are complimentary, and there's always something to do . 

My kids hung out in the kids' clubs, saw movies, and played at the pool and gym. As a family, we saw Broadway-caliber shows, participated in family trivia, and ate at fun restaurants (including a Marvel dining experience and "Frozen" dinner show). 

While our kids were supervised, my husband and I enjoyed the adults-only lounges and activities.

The kids were supervised when they hung out in the club, so my husband was able to do a fun beer tasting, and we both loved doing a wine tasting . 

My favorite adventure was enjoying a massage at the Senses Spa, followed by a great glass of wine at the Rose Lounge.

There's also the adults-only Quiet Cove Infinity Pool, where you can have a drink or read a book, and adults-only brunch and dinner available at Palo or Enchanté.

At Disney World, it's almost impossible for us to appreciate adults-only activities when we're with our kids .

You can hire a babysitter or seek out the kids' club at Camp Dolphin inside the Dolphin Hotel . But these services aren't included in your stay, and I find them much more difficult to arrange.  

Another great perk of the cruise was getting to explore different places.

Disney Cruise Line has itineraries all over the world including Alaska, Europe, Hawaii , and the Caribbean. On this trip, we visited Nassau in the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

We also took a day trip to the Atlantis resort, and my kids had a blast at the water park .

Castaway Cay offers a relaxing and fun beach day. We snorkeled, built sand castles, ate a delicious barbecue lunch, and basked in the sun. 

The cruise ended up being more affordable, and I think it was a better value overall.

A Disney Cruise might look pricier on the surface, but after we factored in the cost of meals and drinks at Disney World, the value of the cruise was more apparent. 

Plus, the number of activities offered — for both kids and adults — made for a relaxing and fun experience.

If you haven't experienced a Disney Cruise , I highly recommend it. 

This story was originally published on October 19, 2023, and most recently updated on January 19, 2024.

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Which Is Cheaper: Disney World or a Disney Cruise?

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Disney Cruise Line vs. Disney World: An overall cost comparison

What’s included in a disney cruise, what costs should you account for on a disney world trip, the bottom line, methodology.

A Disney Cruise certainly isn’t cheap, especially compared with other cruise operators. But what about compared with other types of Disney vacations?

For many travelers, a Disney cruise actually comes out cheaper than a trip to Walt Disney World.

To better understand Disney Cruise Line versus Disney World costs, NerdWallet analyzed prices for two people sharing one room across three price tiers: Value, Moderate or Deluxe.

Disney World trip costs included four categories:

Park tickets (and add-ons, such as Genie+ ).

On-property hotel room rates.

Food at park restaurants.

Add-on activities, such as spa treatments and tours.

Cruise prices are mostly all-inclusive, so the analysis only included:

Base rates (including taxes and fees).

Add-on activities.

Read more about NerdWallet’s methodology at the end of this article .

Here’s a closer look at the data on Disney Cruise Line versus Disney World costs.

While the data doesn’t definitively determine whether one is cheaper every time, there are some clear trends.

For longer trips (e.g., seven nights), cruises are always cheaper. Cruises are also a better deal for Deluxe-style trips with larger or fancier rooms, plus activities like spa services.

Here are the average prices across each trip type:

Disney's newest ship, the Disney Wish. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

While Disney Cruises have a relatively high base cost, you won’t pay much more once onboard. Cruises include:

A room for two, plus taxes and port fees: Stateroom prices assume double occupancy, so solo travelers owe the same as a couple. They also include taxes and port fees, which vary by location but typically amount to about 15% of stateroom costs. Cramming more than two people in each room incurs an additional cost.

On Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, the lowest-cost, inside staterooms include a queen bed, convertible sofa bed, pull-down bed and bathroom, plus a mini refrigerator and TV.

Most meals, including most waiter-service restaurants, such as 1923, are included in the cost of your cruise. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

All meals (except some upgraded choices): Food is free, except for a few upscale restaurants, alcohol and upgraded options. You can eat as much as you want from the onboard restaurants or order complimentary room service (available 24 hours a day).

Soft drinks are included at meals and at certain outposts like the teens-only lounge — but cost extra at bars and lounges. Alcohol is always extra, though Disney lets you bring alcohol onboard in limited quantities.

Nightly entertainment is free onboard the Disney cruise ships, such as the musical “Disney Seas the Adventure" onboard the Disney Wish. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

Most entertainment and activities: Once onboard, you’re free to attend Broadway-quality shows, jump in the pools, hit the gym, visit the nightclubs and meet characters roaming about.

What’s not included in a Disney Cruise?

Spa services, such as those offered at the Sense Spa on the Disney Wish, cost extra. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

There are a few extra costs you’ll almost certainly encounter onboard. Extra costs include:

Gratuities: While not required, they’re recommended. Disney suggests $14.50 per person, per night (about $100 extra per person on a seven-night cruise). Disney automatically adds an 18% gratuity for some optional add-ons, such as spa services and alcohol.

Transportation to the ship: You’re on your own to arrive at the port, though Disney can help coordinate shuttles (for an extra fee, of course). Note that NerdWallet didn't include transportation expenses to Disney World in its analysis.

Avoidable extras

Disney might try to sell passengers upgrades and add-ons, but you can have a delightful cruise even if you skip them:

Port adventures: Upon docking, you’re free to explore on your own, which is theoretically free. Or, you can pay Disney to chauffeur you around through organized excursions. Some are affordable, like bike rentals (typically under $20). Others cost more, like tours of historical sites and guided scuba dives. Some run many thousands of dollars, like a seaplane ride through Misty Fjords National Monument offered on some Alaska cruises.

Wi-Fi: Internet access costs extra. Prices vary by itinerary, though it’s rare to find free Wi-Fi on any cruise .

Some onboard entertainment and activities: You might pay extra for a princess tea party, personal training or a golf simulator.

At Disney World, you generally pay for food and entertainment à la carte. While most experiences are included once inside the park, you’re still paying for a ticket to get inside and the food at restaurants while you’re there.

So with that, here are some costs you should expect to encounter at Disney World, broken down by service level:

Disney World ticket prices

Disney World ticket prices vary by park and date. An average Magic Kingdom ticket (typically the most expensive park) costs $160 for one-day tickets, though prices drop the longer you stay. NerdWallet found that the average five-day, one-park-per-day ticket price was $643, which breaks down to $129 per day.

Disney sells additional add-ons like Park Hopper tickets that let you visit multiple parks each day or access to Lightning Lane entrances , which are priority queues for certain attractions.

Disney World hotels

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

There are more than 30 Disney-owned hotels at Disney World. According to Disney price tracking site Touring Plans, rooms run as low as $128 per night at the affordable Disney All-Star properties.

Disney World food costs

Comparing Disney World versus Disney Cruise Line food is tricky, considering cruises are all-you-can-eat. Disney World has buffets and restaurants with à la carte meals and snacks.

Folks with lighter appetites (or who pack snacks) might find Disney World more worth it than a cruise. But cruises can offer significant savings for those who take advantage of the all-you-can-eat meals.

Other activities

Drawn to Life at Disney Springs will require you to buy a separate ticket. (Photo courtesy of Disney)

Across both cruises and Disney World, you could stay entertained without opening your wallet (yes, there is plenty of free stuff to do at Disney World outside the theme parks ). But it’s more realistic to assume someone spending a week at either would pay for extra activities, like spa services, snorkel rentals, mini golf or cruise Wi-Fi.

Depending on the length of the trip and price tier, NerdWallet’s sample budgets accounted for additional entertainment line items:

In general, cruisers should budget more for add-on activities than Disney World vacationers. However, even the most frugal travelers are likely to pay a bit more for add-ons during a weeklong Disney World trip.

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park (Photo courtesy of Disney)

Don’t write off a cruise simply because the upfront cost is far higher than a Disney hotel room. A cruise is more than a place to sleep — it’s food and entertainment, too. When budgeting for a Disney World trip, budget for theme park tickets, food and all the other incidental costs that go along with it.

Both trips are growing in popularity. In 2022, Disney saw a 51% increase in occupied hotel room nights across all its resorts and a 32% increase in passenger cruise days, according to its Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Financial Report — suggesting that interest in theme parks is rising faster than cruises.

But for vacationers seeking any sort of Disney fix — especially for a week or longer who prefer more luxurious accommodations — cruising might be cheaper than going to Disney World.

NerdWallet analyzed more than 75 cruise prices, 200 ticket prices and 550 hotel room rates at Disney-owned hotels, and prices for more than 100 additional activities and restaurant menu items.

NerdWallet broke trips into one-night, three-night and seven-night trips, and also categorized trips into three price tiers: Value, Moderate and Deluxe (the same classification that Disney World uses for its hotels).

NerdWallet’s trip costs start once you’re on resort property or onboard the cruise, and therefore don’t account for parking, airfare or driving costs. Here’s what’s included in each price tier:

From there, NerdWallet used average costs to build sample trip budgets.

Additional Disney World notes:

Trips assume three meals per day and overnight stays at a Disney-owned hotel.

Three-night hotel room rates are based on Friday night check-in, which is generally more expensive than weekday check-ins. All hotel room rates are based on check-in dates that correspond with cruise departure dates.

Because Walt Disney World ticket prices vary by park, two-day ticket prices (used to estimate prices for a three-day trip) were based on Magic Kingdom and Epcot. 

Additional Disney Cruise notes:

Because Disney Cruise Line doesn't offer discounted single-occupancy fares, all overall costs are based on two travelers (with hotel prices also assuming double occupancy).

NerdWallet’s cruise analysis considered departures from Port Canaveral, Florida, which is about an hour's drive from Walt Disney World.

NerdWallet analyzed cruises sailing through The Bahamas, though prices vary widely by destination.

NerdWallet analyzed journeys on the two ships: the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wish.

These budgets should be used to estimate rather than determine your own Disney trip costs. For instance, you might spend less if you pack your own snacks, or you might spend more if you spring for miscellaneous costs (e.g. taxis, Mickey-shaped balloons or PhotoPass).

Sam Kemmis and Carissa Rawson contributed to this report.

(Top photo courtesy of Disney)

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Cruise and Stay at Walt Disney World ®

Free Disney Dining & Drinks + 14-Day Ticket for Price of 7 in 2025!

Book a Hotel & Ticket package by 7th November 2024 for selected arrivals between 7th January - 17th December 2025 and you'll enjoy FREE Disney Dining & Drinks and so much more when staying at selected Disney Resort hotels. Available during most school holidays , you can reserve this amazing holiday package from as little as £50 deposit per person.

Disney Cruise & Stay Package

Package for two adults and two children arriving 17th Aug 2025:

• 10 nights at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
• 1 FREE Quick-Service Meal per day - save £189 per adult
• 1 non-alcoholic/alcoholic drink per meal
• Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of 7
• Memory Maker worth $210 (at the gate)
• 4-night Bahamian cruise onboard the Disney Magic
• Exceptional full board dining on your cruise
• Entertainment, including all child activities and world-class musicals
• Plus, save an extra £200 on your package!

£ 1,473 . 00 GBP

Plus, add flights to boost your package saving to £300 per booking when you book by 2nd July!

Your Unique Disney Cruise and Stay Experience

Discover disney cruise line, explore walt disney world resort, just for adults, accommodation options, dining experiences, disney cruise and stay sample itinerary.

A world of wonder awaits onboard Disney Cruise Line. With decks of sun-drenched Disney magic you won't find anywhere else, Disney Cruise Line puts everyone in the family on course for spectacular Disney entertainment and unrivalled relaxation.

• Explore the idyllic Bahamas or the Caribbean , including Disney's Castaway Cay , Disney's private island paradise
• Revel in Disney Deck Parties , open-air extravaganzas with themed dinner parties and spectacular fireworks at sea
• Enjoy award-winning original Disney musicals in our state-of-the-art theatre
• Immersive Kids' Clubs tailored to all ages, with trained Disney Youth Coordinators
• Get pampered in the spa , sunbathe on deck or chill out in areas exclusively for adults
• A wide range of  dining  options to choose from, from elegant to entertaining, from fine dining to completely casual
• From meet and greets to extra special storytelling, beloved characters are on hand to add an extra helping of pixie-dust
• Legendary Disney service ensuring you feel taken care of and right at home

Learn more about Disney Cruise Line

Build memories to last a lifetime at Walt Disney World Resort! There's something for everyone to enjoy with 4 Theme Parks and Water Park fun, plus countless opportunities for entertainment, shopping and relaxation!

• Live the fairy tale at Magic Kingdom Park across six enchanted lands of magical attractions
• Experience plenty of high-tech fun and the wonder of 11 diverse cultures at EPCOT
• Step into the magical world of showbiz at and explore Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Visit Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and explore the wonders of nature and authentic adventures
• Discover thrills and relaxation at our splashtastic Water Parks
• Enter an eclectic mix of boutiques, one-of-a-kind eateries, jaw-dropping entertainment and nightlife at Disney Springs

See what's new at Walt Disney World

A cruise and stay holiday is the perfect way to spend quality family time together and make unforgettable memories. Every day and every night, there's something fun to do for all ages.

Explore our recommendations for families

Both Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World are brimming with special magic created just for adults, from luxurious spas to nighttime entertainment areas on board to dance the night away!

View our recommendations for adults

On Disney Cruise Line, our spacious staterooms have been designed with families in mind. Almost all staterooms offer a split bathroom with separate sinks and a bathtub, so the whole family can get ready at the same time! Choose from four styles: Concierge, Oceanview with Verandah, Oceanview or Inside . All staterooms accommodate at least three people, and most Deluxe Family Staterooms with Verandahs up to five.

With over 25 uniquely themed Disney Resort Hotels at Walt Disney World, there are accommodations to suit every family's tastes and budget. Stay in the heart of the magic and enjoy a range of guest benefits.

On a Disney cruise, you get to experience three uniquely-themed main restaurants in rotation, so there's a different place to go for dinner each night. The twist is that your Disney waiting staff rotate with you, so the same friendly faces are there to welcome you to your table each evening! For sophisticated, subtle elegance, make sure to visit our adult-exclusive restaurants, Palo ‡ or Remy ‡ . Enjoy a Northern Italian menu at chic and modern Palo, or savour French-inspired fare and timeless Art Nouveau décor at Remy.

At Walt Disney World, there are a range of incredible dining options to suit the whole family. Indulge in culinary delights from around the globe, from award-winning fine dining to beautifully presented eateries from your favourite Disney classics. Experience Character Dining and enjoy a delicious meal that comes with appearances by your favourite Disney Characters. What's more, there are plenty of healthy options for all guests, from fruit-filled snack carts to fresh menu options.

To help you plan your Disney holiday we've put together a two-week itinerary based on a ten-night stay at Walt Disney World ® and a four-night Bahamian cruise onboard the Disney Dream .

Please note, for other itineraries and lengths of stay, please contact us with your travel dates.

Arrive at Orlando International airport, where you will make your way to your magically themed Disney Resort Hotel. Relax and unpack before heading over to Epcot , make your way to World Showcase and pick a country for dinner.

Spend the day at Magic Kingdom Park . Take in Main Street and Fantasyland, where you'll race through a diamond mine on swaying family coaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train . Stop for lunch before seeing Mickey and launching into the grid with TRON Lightcycle / Run in Tomorrowland! Complete the day watching Happily Ever After ; a nighttime spectacular with stunning fireworks, projections and classic Disney music.

Enjoy Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park . Board a treasure raft and hit the high seas on Miss Adventure Falls before relaxing on the Sandy White Beach. In the evening visit Disney Springs and explore over 50 brand names and Disney-themed shops before dinner at the Boathouse , an upscale waterfront dining experience complete with retro dream boats and vintage American Amphicars. Conclude your day enjoying some live music at the House of Blues .

Experience Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park : go on safari in 'Africa' and explore mesmerising Pandora - The World of Avatar. Journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest on Na'vi River Journey , perfect for younger adventurers. Thrill seekers will love Avatar Flight of Passage , where you fly on the back of a mountain banshee during an exhilarating, 3D ride.

Take centre stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios . Get ready to play big in the new Toy Story Land , with adventures for kids and grown-ups alike. Take the family for a ride on Slinky Dog Dash , where Slinky's coils twist around curves, hills and drops. In the evening head to Disney's BoardWalk and cycle around the lake before dining at Flying Fish Cafe , and watching performers on the promenade.

Spend your morning exploring EPCOT Future World and fly high on hang-gliding adventure, Soarin' Around the World . Later, take a lush trail and explore Journey of Water, inspired by Moana for some interactive water fun! In the evening, grab a drink and gather around World Showcase Lagoon for Luminous The Symphony of Us !

Spend the day at Disney's Hollywood Studios where you can step into a galaxy far, far away. Venture to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge where legendary Star Wars stories come to life and you can blast through space on Star Tours - The Adventures Continue . Also don't miss Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway!

Have a lie-in before letting the kids run riot in the themed hotel pool or take time out in a quiet pool. In the afternoon, head back to Disney's Hollywood Studios and see Chewbacca at Star Wars Launch Bay . Prepare to "let it go" as Frozen springs to life in For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration , perfect for little ones! Hurtle up and down the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Take a ride on the cartoon side with Mickey, Minnie and friends on Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway .

Head back to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park to explore the rest of the Park. Career through the Himalayan Mountains on Expedition Everest , spin and slide on a time-machine coaster back to the dinosaur age on DINOSAUR and meet Dug and Russell in Discovery Island. In the afternoon, return to Magic Kingdom Park to discover Frontierland and Adventureland before dining at The Crystal Palace , where you can meet Winnie the Pooh and friends.

Get up and head over to World Showcase in Epcot and explore 11 different countries in one day! Little ones will love Frozen Ever After in the Norwegian Pavilion whilst the big kids rock out on brand-new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind .

Time to pack up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable Disney Cruise! The Disney Cruise Line transportation bus will pick you up and whisk you over to Port Canaveral where you will be taken onboard your ship. Celebrate the start of your cruise with the fantastic Sailing Away Deck Party Celebration as you depart the port, followed by an evening spent watching a spectacular musical show and savouring your first rotational dining experience at a uniquely themed restaurant.

Arrive at Nassau in the Bahamas where you can spend the day sunbathing, swimming and relaxing on the soft sands. Return to the ship to watch the latest 3D Disney release in the Buena Vista Theatre , before getting ready for the night ahead. Adults can enjoy exclusive fine-dining at Palo or Remy and dance the night away at one of the lounge areas onboard while the children are enjoying the kids' clubs.

Arrive at Disney's private island, Disney Castaway Cay for a day exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests. Enjoy tropical leisure activities on Castaway Family Beach, such as snorkelling, boating and swimming or simply chill out and sunbathe. Little ones can play at Scuttle's Cove where they will be supervised by Disney Youth Coordinators, while adults relax on their own exclusive beach, Serenity Bay. When you return to the ship, it's Pirate Night! Dress up and get ready for an evening full of shows, sing-alongs and fireworks during this swashbuckling deck party.

Enjoy the wonders of the Disney Wish as you spend the day at sea. Why not take a dip in one of the many onboard pools, be one of the first to adventure down AquaMouse, Disney's first attraction at sea or take some me-time by relaxing at the adult-exclusive Quiet Cove Pool whilst the kids are enjoying Disney excitement in the children’s and teens clubs. In the afternoon, take on a family trivia challenge at the lounge and enjoy a dance party with your favourite Disney characters! Finish your sailing watching a classic Disney movie under the stars.

Make the most of the final morning onboard and pick up any more souvenirs you need to take home! As you leave the ship, Disney Cruise Line transportation will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight home with memories that will last a lifetime.

Set sail onboard Disney Cruise Line

Disney's 13-night holiday for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3-12) from £1673 per person, based on arrival into Orlando on 17th August 2025. Includes 10 nights in Orlando, with accommodation in a Standard Room at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort and a 4-night Bahamian cruise onboard the Disney Magic departing from Port Canaveral, Florida full-board in a standard inside stateroom. Excludes flights. Includes Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket and applicable discounts while at Walt Disney World. Includes transfers between hotel to port and taxes, fees and port charges of approximately £96 per person for a 4-night Bahamian Cruise, charges may be subject to change. Prices are correct as of 28th March 2023 and may vary based on travel date. All rates, dates and availability are subject to change without notice, and prices are valid for new bookings only. Bookings are subject to availability and our booking conditions . Holiday price is not confirmed until purchased. Prices do not include insurance.

§ 10% Disney Cruise and Stay Offer: 10% Disney Cruise and Stay discount offer is available to book 31st August - for bookings arriving between 1st January - 26th December 2022 when (i) adding a cruise departing from Port Canaveral Cruise to an existing booking OR (ii) making a new Cruise and Stay booking. The 10% Cruise and Stay discount offer is combinable with 50th Anniversary Package if applicable.

§ Free Disney Dining & Drinks offer is available for bookings made until 7th November 2024 for selected arrival dates. Full terms and conditions available here .

Memory Maker is included with Disney 7-Day and 14-Day Magic Ticket (adult tickets only).

Memory Maker includes Disney PhotoPass® photos and other digital content taken during the Memory Maker window and linked to the Memory Maker guest's Disney account. Subject to Memory Maker terms and, if applicable, Family & Friends terms Disney is not responsible for missing, lost, or damaged photos or other digital content. On the gate price $210 correct at time of printing.

Ships' Registry: The Bahamas ©Disney. ©Disney ©Disney/Pixar Jenga ® Pokonobe Associates. All Rights Reserved. Not contractual. ©Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. JAMES CAMERON'S AVATAR is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved. As to Disney Properties ©Disney. ©& ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.

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4 Expensive Disney Cruise Options That Are Worth the Cost (and One That Isn’t)

T aking a Disney  cruise  lets you be the prince or princess of a Disney story. Everything from your meals to onboard entertainment is taken care of, leaving you free to explore everything the ship offers.

Learn More:  11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Find Out:  How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Things You Already Buy

Understanding  what’s included  in your package can help you decide where it might be worth splashing out a bit more cash for an even more enchanting experience.

While every Disney cruise comes with its share of pixie dust, some experiences are so spectacular they justify the extra investment. From princess makeovers to adult-only fine dining, prioritizing the right upgrades can elevate your cruise from memorable to once-in-a-lifetime.

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

Magical Makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirate’s League

The  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique  offers an opportunity for your children to transform into their favorite characters, whether that’s a prince, princess or pirate. Since you likely chose a Disney cruise for the unique Disney experience or because you or your children are fans of a character or two, it makes sense to take part in this one-of-a-kind makeover option.

Princess makeovers range from $100 to $450, with the basic “Deluxe Carriage Package” including hairstyling, shimmering makeup and face gem, princess sash and cinch sack, nail polish, and t-shirt. Pricier packages also include princess gowns, accessories, tiaras, and more. To give your princess a special experience at a lower cost, you could pack a princess dress rather than paying for the more expensive package that includes one.

For those who would like to become knights or captains, you can select a package that includes a costume, sack or backpack, hairstyling and gel, confetti, and either a sword and shield or a captain’s hat and an autograph book. These packages cost $100 for the knight and $120 for the captain. Pirate makeovers are available on special Pirate Party nights.

Beer Mug or Drink of the Day Savings Package

Although Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer an all-inclusive alcohol drink package, they do have alternatives that could be a good value if you plan to drink on your cruise. You can purchase a $17 souvenir glass beer mug that allows you to buy 21 oz of draught beer or hard cider for the price of a 16 oz beer or hard cider. This will pay for itself if you have more than around a half-dozen drinks, and you get a nifty keepsake that you can use on future cruises.

There is also an option to purchase a Drink of the Day cocktail souvenir cup that you may refill at a discounted price (and drinks of the day are already discounted). You can use these cups for drink discounts at Disney Castaway Cay as well, so don’t forget to pack your cup when you go ashore. Speaking of going ashore…

Port Adventures

A big part of cruising is going ashore during the port stops along the way. You may want to upgrade your trip by opting for  port adventure packages . These packages can include equipment rentals like bicycles, snorkels, and water tubes. They may also include cultural experiences, sightseeing, or even nature experiences like swimming with dolphins.

Booking your port adventures through Disney also offers the convenience of pre-set pricing, saving you the hassle of haggling or currency exchange. Not all the experiences are super expensive, and even splurging on a mid-range adventure will be a memorable upgrade to your cruise that reduces stress during port days.

Adult-Exclusive Dining

Every Disney Cruise ship offers dining options for adults only, so you can have a peaceful date night with your spouse while sailing. These dining options are only available for people 18 and older. The restaurant options include (depending on your ship) Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Remy, and Enchante.

After recent price increases in 2023, brunch and dinner at Palo and Palo Steakhouse will cost $50 per person for a fixed menu. Base dinner prices at Remy and Enchante are $135 per person. A la carte options are available for an 18% charge on top of the price of each item. While these meals are fairly pricey, especially considering other meals in the Dining Room are included in your ticket cost, you can’t put a dollar amount on an amazing adult-only date night.

Skip This Upgrade: Royal Court Royal Tea

One upgrade option you may have heard about is the Royal Court Royal Tea. While it’s a charming idea, especially for fans of Disney princesses, the cost is steep at $220 per child and $69 per adult.

While the description makes the Royal Tea sound charming, attendees have found it an expensive disappointment. Although it’s a popular add-on, popularity isn’t always synonymous with value. Besides, there is a completely free Princess Gathering where you can meet and greet your favorite Disney Princesses.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 4 Expensive Disney Cruise Options That Are Worth the Cost (and One That Isn’t)

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Walt Disney World restaurant earns first-ever Michelin star

The chef de cuisine 'cooks with contemporary verve and draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics,' Michelin's judges said.

• Marie Rossiter
• April 23, 2024

For foodies traveling to the Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World’s Victoria and Albert’s restaurant has long been a go-to restaurant. The upscale restaurant has won numerous awards , including 24 consecutive AAA Five Diamond Awards and the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award.

Over the years, though, one of the culinary world’s most prestigious honors, the Michelin star, has eluded Victoria and Albert’s — until now.

On April 18, Victoria and Albert’s was one of nine Florida restaurants to earn a Michelin star from the panel of anonymous inspectors who judge each restaurant based on its atmosphere, service and food.

MORE: Disney World foods so good they’re worth the trip on their own

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by Michelin for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria and Albert’s,” said Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers in a statement shared by the official Disney Parks Blog . “Everybody on our team earned this Star, from our stewards to our culinarians to our pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to follow their dreams.”

The official Michelin statement about Victoria and Albert’s spoke highly of Sower’s culinary skill, saying “Chef Matthew Sowers cooks with contemporary verve and draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics.”

Other standout qualities from the judges included Victoria and Albert’s “‘sandwiches’ made with venison carpaccio and red cabbage, and bold sauces like cherry-cola bordelaise.”

Restaurants can earn from one star to three stars based on their evaluation. One Michelin star is awarded “to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavors are prepared to a consistently high standard.” Fewer than 200 U.S. restaurants earn a one-star Michelin rating, so winning this accolade is a major accomplishment.

Known for its wine list of more than 500 varieties and a constantly changing menu to reflect the freshest and finest ingredients, Victoria and Albert’s offers guests three dining experiences, including a meal in the traditional dining room, an expanded menu offering in Queen Victoria’s Room or a luxurious, intimate dining event at The Chef’s Table.

Up to six people can embark on a 3-hour culinary tour around the world customized to the guest’s preferences. Prices for this unique experience start at $425 per guest, not including an optional wine pairing ($210 per guest) or zero-proof pairings ($145 per guest).

The restaurant is located in Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridan Resort. Reservations must be made in advance online or by calling 407-939-3862 . This experience books up quickly, so leave plenty of time to make your reservations. Victoria and Albert’s is only for guests ages 19 and up and requires semi-formal or formal attire.

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From our partners

Watch this charming video of Pluto greeting happy golden retriever and Disney superfan Forest

You might be a big fan of a Disney character, but you'll probably never love Pluto as much as Forest the Golden Retriever .

The 5-year-old service dog was caught on video in March by owner Ashton McGrady romping with its favorite fictional Fido on the Disney Creators Lab cruise on the Disney Wish ship event for influencers and content creators. It was a joyous reunion, as Forest has met Mickey Mouse's yellow dog several times since their first encounter at Disney World in 2021.

"Either we will intentionally go seek Pluto out to say hello, or Pluto has sought us out," McGrady told People . "Pluto stepped out of the Festival of Fantasy Parade at Walt Disney World to say hello to Forest because we were right there in front, and he stopped to wave and blow kisses at Forest. It was adorable."

McGrady, of Nashville, posted the video to TikTok with the caption, "proof that distance won’t keep the very best of friends apart ❤️🚢✨ we love you pluto!!!" to the song "Best of Friends" from "The Hound + The Fox." The video showing Forest and his stuffed Pluto toy greeting the "real" one has received 2.2 million views.

"I just hope whoever is friends with this Pluto knows they made our entire cruise experience!" McGrady commented on the video. "✨ so magical"

Forest is trained in mobility assistance and medical response to help McGrady travel safely and independently and her TikTok account, @radiantlygolden , often shows the two of them navigating Disney parks and other areas. The most recent one, with 6.9 million views, shows Forest choosing a stuffed blue Stitch animal over a yellow one.

New Greek Resorts, Golden Visa Countries And More Travel News

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5 New Greek Hotels For Summer

W ith summer fast approaching, there are recently opened hotels and resorts in Greece to consider. From popular escapes such as Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser-known islands across the Aegean chain, here are five new Greek hotels worth checking out —and into.

10 Incredible Cruise Ship Features

For many years, the trend in cruise ship design has been that “bigger is better”—with vessels such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting new passenger records. But many cruise lines are also competing by offering innovative features to the high seas. From kart racing on multi-level courses to multiscreen movie theaters, here are some of the most incredible activities on cruise ships right now.

Disney World Earns Its First Michelin Star

Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort—which has been a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant since 2018—added a new star to its constellation this month: It became the first Disney restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star . Located at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s is known for its opulent Victorian era-inspired meals. A prix-fixe dinner is $295 per guest, with optional wine pairings starting at $155 per person. Unlike the rest of the theme park, a formal dress code is encouraged for all diners, who must be 10 years of age or older.

Golden visas—which grant residency and/or citizenship through an investment—may be disappearing from Europe, but many EU countries are now luring travelers with digital nomad visas, which grant travelers the legal right to work remotely for an extended period. Italy recently became the latest country to offer the visa and here are other EU countries with digital nomad visas .

America’s Best Airlines 2024

The personal-finance website WalletHub recently announced its annual ranking of the best U.S. airlines . The study evaluates the nine largest national airlines and one regional carrier across a range of criteria, including safety, on-time records and overall service. This year, Alaska Airlines was named the best airline in America, beating out Delta, which ranked first in 2022 and 2023. The survey also ranked U.S. carriers based on reliability and comfort.

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Disney World unveils dates for 2024 International Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World has announced the dates for a popular festival at EPCOT.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

The International Food and Wine Festival is set to begin on Aug. 29.

It features dishes inspired by cultures and cuisines from around the world.

Read: Experts say these are the best days to visit Walt Disney World this year

There will also be special merchandise, experiences, and performances available.

The festival runs through Nov. 23.

Read: 106-year-old woman celebrates birthday at Walt Disney World for the first time

More information about Disney’s 2024 International Food and Wine Festival can be found here .

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