Hey there! Hi there! I'm happy to SEA you again at planDisney where you are as welcome as can be!
Heidi, planning a Disney land and sea vacation is the best. Both
Walt Disney World Resort and
Disney Cruise Line offer an experience that is uniquely Disney, but they are different from each other. Deciding which to do first is a bit like the "Mexico or Canada first?" conversation about EPCOT. My bias: it's Mexico's first in EPCOT, and it's Walt Disney World before Disney Cruise. I find the more relaxed pace of the cruise is a perfect follow-up to walking 20,000+ steps a day.
When it's time for planning, however, plans start with the cruise. The cruise dates are fixed, so it's easy to pick Walt Disney World dates around the cruise itinerary. Did you know Disney Cruise Line has Cast Members who can help you book a
land and sea vacation? It is really helpful, especially as they will assist with both reservations as well as transportation to and from the cruise terminal, if you would like.
Before I call, I like to look at
cruise itineraries and do a little window shopping ahead of time. You can search for cruises by destination and number of nights. You can select cruises to see their ports of call and pricing for the various stateroom types. You can also dig a little deeper and look at the types of
Port Adventures that may be available at each destination. Whether you want a beach, cultural or adventurous experience, there is usually something for everyone. I also plan to spend at least one port day on the ship. Disney Cruise ships offer so much, I always wish I had more time to do something—or blissfully, do nothing—on board.
Once you have your cruise booked, download the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Like the
My Disney Experience app, it is helpful before and during your cruise. You can use it to select Port Adventures and
onboard activities when your
booking window opens. Once you are on the ship and connected to DCL Guest wi-fi, it
automagically activates its "onboard mode" and helps you navigate your cruise. You can see the daily activities, like character greetings, first-run movies, trivia games, cooking classes, and so much more. You will also see your
dining rotation and can preview your dinner menus.
Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line is the most magical vacation combination. I hope you can get
Bibbidi Bobbidi Booked for both and easily step and cruise into the fun. If you have any other questions, you know you have a friend in
planDisney.
SEA 'Ya Real Soon!
Jana