Can’t decide between Disney World vs Disney Cruise for your next vacation? We’re here to help!

You’re guaranteed a magical Disney vacation regardless of which one you choose, but there are some major pros and cons to both. And, you need to know which one is best for your family before you start planning! So, we’re breaking down some of the biggest differences between the two Disney vacations to help you decide which is best for you.

5 Main Differences Between Disney World and Disney Cruises

Comparing a Disney World vacation to a Disney cruise is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. Yes, they’re both Disney, but they’re very different vacations in most aspects. You can expect the same high-quality customer service, Disney theming and characters, and overall Disney magic. However, someone who loves vacationing at Disney World may not love a Disney cruise and vice versa.

Here are 5 of the biggest differences to consider when deciding which is best for you and your family:

• Cost
• Accommodations
• Dining
• Activities and Entertainment
• Crowds

Now, let’s dive into each of these to help you get a deeper understanding.

Cost: Disney World vs Disney Cruise

Budgeting for a Disney World vs Disney Cruise vacation is vastly different simply because the pricing structures are vastly different.

In Disney World, your total cost can vary a lot based on the time of year that you’re visiting, where you choose to stay, where you eat, and what types of tickets you buy. However, on a Disney cruise, prices are a bit more fixed since your cabin, dining, and most activities are all lumped into one total cost.

Of course, both offer a variety of different pricing options that give you the flexibility of choosing how much (or how little) you want to spend. So, one is not necessarily cheaper than the other. In fact, you could end up paying the same amount for a Disney cruise as you would a trip to Walt Disney World — it just depends on where you’re staying and what you’re adding on!

Ultimately, a Disney World vacation is more flexible with your budget since you can choose lower-cost meals, skip table service, and adjust resort selection. Whereas, pricing for a Disney cruise is more rigid since you can only adjust the category of your stateroom and avoid extra add-ons.

Learn more about how much a Disney World trip costs here!

Accommodations: Disney World vs Disney Cruise

Accommodations are one of the biggest differences between a Disney cruise and Disney World.

Disney Cruise staterooms are generally smaller than resort rooms at Disney World. Though, you can opt for rooms with ocean views and balconies, to add a bit of extra space.

In contrast, Disney World has over 25 resorts to choose from, with budget-friendly value resorts all the way to luxurious deluxe accommodations. Just keep in mind that, while these rooms provide more space and amenities, they can also come at a higher cost.

When it comes to service, this is an area in which Disney Cruise Line stands out as superior. You can enjoy room service (included in your cost) and personalized touches from Cast Members. Disney World resorts prioritize hospitality but may not provide the same level of personalized service found on the cruise.

Dining: Disney World vs Disney Cruise

Both Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line are known for serving up delicious eats and drinks. So, you aren’t necessarily choosing between which one is “better” — you’ll be treated to exceptional food on both. Instead, it’s the dining experience and options that differ most.

At Disney World, you can choose from over 200 restaurants, so your options are really limitless. There are two main different types of dining experiences across the parks and resorts including quick service restaurants (which are fast food style for on-the-go dining) and table service restaurants (which are more upscale meals that require reservations). Within each of these types, you can find all different kinds of cuisine, immersive-ness, and theming giving you lots of options.

While this can be ideal for some families, others might find it overwhelming to plan where to eat. It’s also worth noting that dining costs can fluctuate significantly from place to place, so it’s wise to plan ahead to stay within budget.

In contrast, a Disney Cruise provides a more streamlined dining experience with fewer options. Meals are included in your cruise fare, allowing for 24/7 access to food without additional costs once onboard.

Each cruise features rotational dining for dinner (where you dine at a different restaurant each night), walk-up restaurants (which are more fast-food style), and room service. Fine dining experiences and specialty drinks are available for an additional cost but most of what you eat is already included.

All in all, you won’t be disappointed in the dining experiences at Disney World or on a Disney cruise. The main differences lie in convenience, variety, and your budget.

Activities and Entertainment: Disney World vs Disney Cruise

While the ability to interact with Disney characters is guaranteed when you go to Disney World or on a Disney cruise, the range of activities and entertainment offerings are vastly different and can be a major deciding factor when choosing between the two.

At Disney World, you can experience high-energy activities filled with thrilling rides, theatrical shows where you can relive some of your favorite Disney movies, parades, fireworks shows, and character meet-and-greets. Plus, many of the Disney Parks offer special events throughout the year like the EPCOT festivals and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. So, there’s always a lot to do in Disney World to keep you busy throughout your trip.

In contrast, a Disney Cruise offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Onboard, you can enjoy unique activities such as trivia games, crafts, water slides, Broadway-style stage shows, and more. Plus, when you’re docked at a port, you can pick from a bunch of different excursion offerings or just relax on the beach at Disney’s private island. So, while there are some high-energy activities on a Disney cruise, the overall atmosphere is more relaxed and meant for you to unwind and recharge.

One of the biggest differences between the two when it comes to activities, however, is childcare. Disney cruises offer highly-themed kids clubs that can function as “daycare” for you while you’re on vacation. There are secure kids spaces for infants all the way up to teens which can allow parents to have a little adult-only time while the younger ones are still having a blast. Disney World doesn’t offer anything like this.

Crowds: Disney World vs Disney Cruise

When choosing between a Disney Cruise and Disney World, the crowd experience can vary significantly.

At Disney World, crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak seasons like summer and holidays. This often results in long wait times for rides and difficulty navigating parks. Popular attractions can draw large crowds, leading to a hectic experience. Though, there are plenty of ways to navigate this and still have a great trip.

In contrast, a Disney Cruise tends to have a more manageable crowd size. While cruise ships can be busy, they are designed to handle guests efficiently. If you prefer even smaller crowds, consider booking a trip on a smaller cruise ship. This option offers more space to spread out, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

All in all, if avoiding crowds is a priority for your vacation, a Disney Cruise is likely the better choice since there’s a big difference between the capacity of a cruise ship and four theme parks. However, traveling during a less busy time and learning how to avoid the crowds in Disney World can still make for an enjoyable trip.

The Verdict: Is a Disney World Trip or Disney Cruise Better?

Choosing between Disney World and a Disney Cruise requires careful consideration of what kind of experience you and your family want. Both options offer a good dose of Disney magic, so it really depends on what you’re looking for and enjoy!

Who should choose Disney World?

Disney World is ideal for families looking for a high-energy experience packed with action. If your group enjoys thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and a variety of entertainment options, the theme parks offer an abundance of things to do. You can plan day-to-day itineraries filled with park hopping, character meet and greets, rides, and more.

Dining options are also more varied, with choices ranging from quick-service restaurants to upscale dining experiences. So, if you enjoy having a lot of options on where you eat and the types of cuisine you can find, Disney World is sure to satisfy.

Who should choose Disney Cruise Line?

A Disney Cruise Line vacation may be a better fit if you prefer a more relaxed trip where there’s nothing you “need” to do. The cruise offers a seamless experience where accommodations, meals, and entertainment are included in the upfront cost. This all-inclusive aspect is particularly beneficial for families on a budget since most onboard activities do not require additional fees.

You’ll enjoy various leisure activities, scenic destinations, and downtime while still leaving room for adventure. Plus, dining is stress-free, eliminating the need for reservations aside from specialty options. Families seeking a laid-back getaway with Disney charm and relaxation will find a Disney Cruise Line trip to be a rewarding option.

Comments

Have you experienced both Disney World and Disney cruises? Tell us in the comments which you prefer and why!