Disney Cruise or WDW?

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Mushi404's picture
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Joined: 08/16/2013
Posts: 93
Disney Cruise or WDW?

My parents have offered me a graduation present, a free trip of my choosing! I'll be graduating at the end of this summer and can't decide on which one to go on. I've always wanted to go to Europe, but I would really love to go to WDW one last time before my husband and I start a family. Also, I can't help feeling like we missed so much last time. But....EUROPE!! Lol, I can't decide. Also, my parents will of course be joining Smile and I was thinking, that maybe Europe would be a couple sort of thing, so maybe we can just save up for that one on our own. Which is a better vacation for my husband and I to go on with my parents?

My dad is also not a roller coaster guy, and if we go to Florida, we just have to go back to Universal/Islands of Adventure! The Wizarding World.....oh my goodness. His favorite ride at Disney is Soarin', and I think he'll ride everything but the Rockin Roller coaster. I just don't know if he'll ride the roller coasters at Universal. Come to think of it, he might like the ones like, Transformers and stuff. But, I think my mom would enjoy the scenery and food, and most of the rides. I want my parents to enjoy this vacation as well. Also, I think they were thinking of going on a bike tour, just the two of them to Europe later this year. I don't want to tire them out with all the flying they'd be doing this year. I think it'd be there 3rd trip in 2014. I also looked at the Norwegian Cruise line, they have a 12 day cruise...oooooh. Lol, I'm much too indecisive. Also, what about SeaWorld?!? I haven't been there since I was an itty bitty kiddo. Lol. Also, has anyone done the Adventures by Disney?

What do you guys think? Any input would be much appreciated Smile Sorry if this post was all over the place, it's what the inside of my noggin looks like right now yeah

JMUDukz's picture
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Joined: 03/28/2012
Posts: 822

How about splitting the difference and going to Europe with a stop at Disneyland Paris?? With a follow on to Bavaria to see Castle Neuschwanstein, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle!!

Personally, I'd take Europe. The reason why is simple: as much as Disney costs, Europe costs more (everything costs more. The Euro is so much stronger than the dollar, we Americans just get shellacked over there on everything), so if you're parents are buying, I say go for it!! (that sounds horrible, I know, I don't mean to sound like you're taking advantage of your parents, but if you are not sure if you will end up going one day b/c of the price, than I say seize the day right now!). I disagree that Europe is a couples thing. I've done it with family (not mine, btw!), by myself, and on one lucky occasion, with work and you make of it what you want. Plus, if you start a family, there will be MANY trips to WDW in your future!!

I have not done adventures by disney, but I have done extensive research and I will tell you that it is EXPENSIVE. The cost for 1 person alone could pay for 2-3 people on their own. Should I happen to come into boatloads of money, it's on my list, but unless (or until) that happens, I'm stuck with planning my own trip.

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Kristen K.'s picture
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Joined: 09/01/2011
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I have been completely hooked on cruising.

I've traveled with Disney Cruise Line and with Norwegian Cruise Line and I would go again on either line in a heartbeat. Disney is a much more luxurious cruise than Norwegian, but I would do either again in a heartbeat. My husband and I did a week long cruise on Norwegian out of NOLA in 2012 with his parents and it was probably the best vacation I have ever had outside of Disney. The cruise was nice because we were able to dine together at night and to see the shows together, but during the day we did different shore excursions - so we weren't together the entire time. It was lovely.

Eeyore's picture
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Joined: 11/22/2012
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That's a tough call. Honestly, Adventures By Disney is ungodly expensive. I personally, don't think it is worth the cost nor do I want to be stuck with random strangers for 12+ days. If you're going to Europe, just do it on your on with your family. You'll save $$ and with time to research, you can plan.

I've been on the Disney Fantasy and it was amazing. It is also on the more expensive side as well. For what we spent on our cruise, WDW for a few days before, eating, travel, tips, souvenirs, etc. we could have gone to Europe. The Disney Cruise is luxurious and amazing and totally worth it....if you want to cruise. I would never take a cruise in Europe because I think 1 day in port is too much of a teaser! I'd rather spend more time in the cities I want to explore.

Well, you know all WDW and what it offers too.

If it were me, I'd take Europe. As mentioned above, not to take advantage of your parents, but honestly this vacation will be the most expensive. I think this is the "once in a lifetime trip". I don't think it is a couple thing either. Honestly, you say now you will save up and go to Europe later in your marriage, but then life happens, kids, etc. and it can start slipping away. Not saying you would do that, but it's happened to a lot of people I know.

I recommend writing a pro/con list for each destination. Also, ask your family where they would want to go? Good luck, can't wait to hear what you decide!

alicemouse's picture
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Joined: 10/22/2013
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I've not done Disney Cruise yet and I've never been to Europe, but I'm with JMUDukz--I would be tempted to pick Europe + DLRP or Disney Cruise in Europe to get the best of both worlds! Depending on what your debt and likely income situations look like, it might be a long time before you can give yourself a trip to Europe. Trips to WDW, on the other hand, can be done much more economically on average (I'm assuming from the wording in your post that you live in the US) than international travel.

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DisneyDee27's picture
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Joined: 04/02/2012
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I would say cruise. I love them and it has something for everyone.

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Kristen K.'s picture
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Joined: 09/01/2011
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I'm completely sold on cruising these days!