Ahoy, Tanya!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel site and thank you very much for logging in a question. I'm so excited to hear that you are planning an upcoming magical vacation. What a lucky princess you've got!
This is a tough choice! It makes it even tougher for me to give suggestions, since I love both of your choices and my family has enjoyed both types of vacations several times. My kids started cruising at 4 years old, and we've been hooked since then.
Cruising with Disney is a vacation that I think my family will never outgrow! It is definitely our choice family vacation since we love to travel and we enjoy having family adventures in different places. It also allows us to relax and be pampered by the amazing amenities while onboard. The kids clubs are beyond amazing, and while kids enjoy the clubs... it allows us parents to really get a chance to unwind and recharge -- it truly is traveling in style!
Your other wonderful choice,
Aulani a Disney Resort & Spa, offers a wonderful relaxing vacation in my island home of Oahu. We travel to Honolulu at least once a year to visit family, and there are always special deals on flights from California. The beach at Ko'Olina is downright gorgeous - personally, I think it is 2nd to Castaway Cay :-). The resort is amazing and it will feel like time slows down as you are mesmerized by the captivating sunsets by the beach.
So - both spectacular choices, Tanya. If you can, please do both... since these are 2 different types of vacations, and you and your daughter will definitely enjoy them both!
Happy planning,
~ Dolly