Disney cruise vs. WDW????

[twin_mom]

As We have so many kids and a limited income I am wondering if taking them all to WDW or on a cruise is the best bet for us. I have always wanted to go to WDW since I was a kid but with 6 kids and 2 of them toddlers i'm not sure how much of the park they will enjoy, and it will probably be after the new baby is born and I really don't want to face a first time WDW visit with an infant. anybody have any thoughts?

[Tink]

Wow twin mom, I am not sure how to answer that one. What if you combined a trip to WDW with the Disney Cruise? This would give you the opportunity to do both, and WDW is different that Disneyland in that you can hire babysitters more easily. We even have the phone numbers for a few babysitting companies on our website under WDW Phone Numbers.
I can also tell you that as a toddler, Alex loves Disneyland. I would not expect that to be different at WDW. How old are the other children?
The Disney Cruise does have programs for kids, and the infant must be 30 days old to Cruise, so that is a wonderful option. You can either combine the two, or just do a Cruise. Let the kids to the programs, and you pamper yourself!
Let me know what you decide.
Leanne

[34Angels]

A land/sea vacation would be a good idea. You can even do a 3 or 4 day cruise to see how the kids like it. Nothing would be worse than doing a 7 day cruise and find out the kids hate it (although I really don't see that happening, I've heard nothing but good things about the Disney cruise line). Keep in mind though, unless you book one of the suites on the ship, you will be split up into different rooms so if your older kids aren't old enough to stay by themselves (and they do have adjoining staterooms but I don't know how fast those fill up) I would reconsider the cruise. Either way, I think ya'll have fun! And toddlers can ride more stuff than most everyone thinks. My youngest niece is 2 and she is actually tall enough for a couple of the coasters (okay,just the little ones...) so those with fantasyland will give her plenty of chances to ride.

[mrtoad]

That's an interesting question. I've been on the Disney Cruise 3 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Kids will enjoy it, as it definately is very oriented towards children. You would be able to leave the kids most of the time with their counselors and they can be occupied all day with them and give you some time for vacation yourself. The ports will be a problem, as if you look for activities for them to do in port, it might be a little difficult. For example, I went snorkling to Megan's Bay (I think it was St. Thomas), and worked on True North IV as we raced Stars and Stripes doing some sailing in St. Maarten. I actually just took a cruise with NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) in Hawaii. I've been on 3 cruises now and been to the different Disney parks Various Times (although I'm missing Tokyo and Hong Kong). My experience is cruising is much more relaxing than Disney (I just find myself relaxing at the pool/hottub/beach, etc), whereas my Disney vacations are a little more hectic. However, with that being said, I seem to have more fun "acting like a kid" at Disney, which is also great. I would consider making a decision whether I wanted a relaxing vacation vs. a more fun (and probably a little more hectic) family vacation. BTW: Something that probably isn't mentioned in literature too often. The Disney Cruise Line (or at least they did), would allow you to bring your own alcohol on the ship (even in ports of call). This is quite different from the NCL, where they charge you a $15.00 corking fee per bottle of wine you bring, and they take any other alcohol they find in your possession when you check in.
You will definately have a great time when you go!!

[twin_mom]

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply...the household has had a cold circulating...6 kids+1 cold= One tired mommy, lol. The other kids ages; Matt is 13, Harley is 9, will be 10 in Nov. Elizabeta is 8, Gracie is 6, and the twins are 18 months, will be 2 March of next year.My husband and I have talked and I think we will do just a cruise this time and a full wdw trip next to give Em a year or so to grow so she can enjoy it as well. I am looking foward to the pampering and relaxation, and a small break from 7 kids ;) You have been so much help with this, I'm so glad I found this site!!

[Tink]

twin mom, we are glad you found us too! You will really enjoy the cruise. As mrtoad pointed out, the childrens programs could keep the kids very busy and help you have a wonderful, pampered vacation!
Enjoy it!
Leanne

[iamsherbear]

In October 06 we took our girls (Rebecca was 5 in june and sam had JUST turned 3) to WDW for 5 days and then did the 3 day Disney Cruise.
Both were fun although maybe by the cruise they were getting a little homesick or what not...
Samantha couldnt go on a number of rides, which we knew and had planned for. But they had fun. We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Rebecca loved having the animals, especially the giraffes, outside her balcony. They were her pets and the highlight of the trip. lol
Plus Samantha wasnt potty trained and wasnt allowed in the mickey mouse head pool or the bigger ones...just the one that had the fountains. She wasnt happy about that.

[Tink]

Awww poor Samantha! Are you going to do the cruise again? The kids were homesick or all of you were? I would love to know more!
Leanne

[Disney5]

Welcome to the boards! Sounds like a cool trip! They didn't allow her in the pools even with an approved swim diaper??? That's ridiculous!

[kiwigirl]

Is that pool on the cruise or at the Animal Kingdom Resort? I have a re-usable swim nappy that we take everywhere and have never had any accidents with. That would annoy me no end.

[kristisomer]

I just wanted to say that we have never had any issues with my children not being able to swim in one of the Disney pools. We have never been questioned or stopped to ask if they had a swim diaper on either. And when attending the water parks we haven't had any problems.
Also we took Ky to WDW when she was 6 mos old and she was able to ride all the rides with us as long as there was no height requirements. Most of the rides she just rode on my lap or Troy's we never had any problems keeping her entertained.

[Disney5]

Over half the states now have swim diaper laws, but they have to be the approved ones. If anyone is looking for them, I know where the approved ones can be found.