Why Our Disney Cruise Made Us Rethink Disney World
For years, we were a Disney World family. We went every year—sometimes more than once. Long before we had kids, we loved being swept up in the magic: the way every attraction, every restaurant, every character interaction felt carefully designed to tell a story. Disney doesn’t cut corners, and that’s why we kept going back.
But after sailing the Disney Wish for the first time, something shifted. As much as we’ll always love the parks, we may never go back the same way again. Because when you take all the best parts of Disney World—the service, the immersive experiences, the storytelling—and remove the worst parts—the crowds and the heat—you get something even better: a Disney Cruise.
The Best of Disney, Without the Stress
What drew us to Disney World was always the details and intricacy of the experience. From the rides to the restaurants to even the bathrooms, everything is thoughtfully themed and beautifully executed.
But what wore us down were the crowds and the Florida heat. Fighting for a parade spot, waiting in line for hours, weaving through thousands of people just to get a snack—and doing it all in 90-degree weather. That takes a toll, especially with little kids.
On the cruise, the magic was still there—but the stress wasn’t.
Dining That Doubles as Entertainment
One of the biggest highlights of our cruise was the rotational dining. On the Wish, we ate at World of Marvel and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. These weren’t just meals—they were immersive productions that pulled us right into the movies.
And unlike dining at the parks, these meals never felt rushed. At Disney World, turnover is the goal; on the ship, it felt like time slowed down. The servers were attentive, the shows unfolded naturally, and every family got to really savor the experience.
Characters Without the Lines
This was where the cruise completely outshined the parks for our kids. At Disney World, meeting a princess usually means standing in line for an hour for a quick hug and a photo. On the Wish, my daughters had multiple one-on-one moments with every princess onboard.
They weren’t just meeting characters—they were hanging out with their heroes, chatting, twirling, laughing. The intimacy of those interactions was unmatched, and it was pure magic for our girls.
Broadway-Level Shows at Sea
We’ve always admired Disney World’s stage shows, but the cruise took it to another level. The Broadway-style production of The Little Mermaid on the Wish was phenomenal—professional-level talent, stunning sets, and a level of storytelling that felt every bit as magical as a night out at the theater. And it was all included in our cruise.
Less Planning, More Vacation
A trip to Disney World requires spreadsheets, apps, and a strategy. Genie+, Lightning Lanes, dining reservations—it’s practically a full-time job just to get the most out of your trip.
The cruise? Completely different. We booked it, packed our bags, and stepped onboard. From there, everything was taken care of: food, shows, kids’ activities, character greetings. No juggling apps, no micromanaging a schedule. Just vacation.
The Cost Surprised Us
This was maybe the biggest surprise of all. A Disney cruise sounds more expensive—and compared to other cruise lines, it is. But when we compared it to a week at Disney World, the numbers came out about the same.
Tickets, meals, snacks, character dining, hotels, extras—it all adds up quickly at the parks. On the cruise, the upfront price included almost everything. We never felt nickel-and-dimed, and we weren’t constantly budgeting every snack or experience. For us, it actually felt less expensive and more valuable than the parks.
A More Intimate Kind of Disney Magic
At the end of the day, the parks will always have a place in our hearts. But the cruise gave us something we didn’t realize we were missing: a more intimate, less stressful Disney experience.
It was still full of magic and production value, still brimming with characters and storytelling—but it was also relaxing, seamless, and family-friendly in a way the parks can’t always be.
So will we go back to Disney World someday? Probably. But after our first Disney cruise, we’ve found a new way to experience Disney magic—and for our family, it just might be the better fit.
✦ Ready to trade the heat and crowds of Disney World for the magic of the sea? Tomato Town Travel can help you plan your first (or next) Disney Cruise Line vacation—so you can discover the side of Disney you may never want to leave.
