Are you traveling to Orlando for a Disney Cruise voyage? If so, like many others, you may want to work in some time in the Disney Parks. Many guests make the trek to Orlando and combine a bit of time in the Disney Parks with a Disney Cruise. But how does this work? And is it a good idea to try and do both? The process is simple, and is a great example of the benefit of having a travel agent to work with. In a case like a Land and Sea trip, there is a lot of planning, dates to keep track of, and many questions. It’s good to have someone to help you make the most of both your land and sea Disney trip! This week, we are going to look at the benefits of planning a Disney land and sea vacation. It may be something to consider for your next trip!
How do I book a land and sea vacation package? The easiest way to do this is to find a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel. Many of us book both Disney World packages and Disney Cruise Line voyages. Take a look at sail dates, and book your cruise first. The earlier you book your cruise, the better off you will be with getting the best fare and stateroom you prefer. Since sail dates aren’t flexible, it is a good idea to book your cruise first, and then work in your parks trip around that schedule. After you have secured your cruise, take a look at the dates surrounding it, and book your parks package. Since the Magic Your Way Package and the Disney Cruise Line voyage have different deposits, pay in full dates, and other planning aspects, it’s best to book them independently of each other.
Do I want to visit the Disney parks first, or cruise first? I think that really depends on your family. I tend to advise guests to do the parks first. Then, you can relax on your cruise after a few fun days in the parks. The busyness of the Disney Parks trip can be daunting post cruise. Also, some guests may take a few days getting their equilibrium back when returning to land. You don’t want to feel off kilter when you are in the parks!
How long is an ideal land and sea vacation? Ideally, 7-nights. I think that a good rule of thumb is 3 nights in the Disney Parks and then 4-nights at sea. Or, even vice versa. When trying to combine both a land and sea package, and being such different experiences, 7-nights total is almost perfect. You can experience the Disney Parks and the Disney Cruise Line in a week’s time. I think that a 7-might may be too long for first time cruisers, but a 3-night is never enough! If you are planning a week’s vacation to Orlando, you may as well get both the Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line experience!
What are my transportation options for a combined package? If you are flying into Orlando, you can take Disney’s Magical Express to your Disney Resort. Then on the morning of your cruise, the Disney Cruise Line bus will pick you up and take you to Port Canaveral. Upon disembarking, the Disney Cruise Line bus will take you back to Orlando International to board your flight home. Disney’s Magical Express is complimentary to guests of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Disney Cruise Line transportation is $70 per person round trip. A “round trip” on Disney Cruise Line bus can be hotel to port to airport. If the Disney Cruise Line transportation is not for you, you can rent a car or arrange a private transfer service.
What activities should I be sure to enjoy while in the parks versus on the ships? While in the parks, I would be sure to have plenty of time to enjoy the attractions, because they obviously aren’t on the ships. I would probably skip Happily Ever After, since there are fireworks at sea. If you want to do the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and/or Pirates League, and they are offered on your ship, I would wait and do that onboard. Same as character meet and greets. I would wait while I was onboard to visit with characters. They are slightly limited, but you will get to see Mickey and his friends, sometimes Disney Jr characters, and the princesses while onboard. While in the parks, I would be sure to plan time to see the parades as well.
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Contact one of our amazing Dream Team Travel Agents!