Family fun on board; grandparents; Pirate Night; Main Deck
  • On Mar 4, 2025
    Jalissa from TN Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Which one first to go to? It's my 11 year old first time visiting and I'm surprising her with Disney Cruise and Disney world. Just trying to figure out which one we should do first

    Ahoy there again, JaLissa.

    Welcome back to planDisney! I’m glad you’ve entrusted us to help you plan another magical Disney vacation. How amazing that you’ll be surprising your 11-year-old with her first Disney cruise and a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort! This is going to be such a wonderful treat for her AND the whole family!

    Whether to start off your vacation on a Disney cruise first or at the Walt Disney World parks really depends on personal preference. There’s no right or wrong way to approach this because either way is fun! It depends on what your family’s vacation style is. Personally, I prefer to hit the parks first and then hop on a Disney cruise. Because my children are now young adults, we typically spend full days at the parks since they don’t need afternoon naps like they once used to during the childhood era. Thus, we’re usually tuckered out with tired, achy legs after visiting all the parks over several days. Then, being able to sail on a Disney cruise afterwards allow us the opportunity to relax and be pampered. Although there are still lots of activities onboard and at ports of call, the pace is much more leisurely on a Disney cruise, in my opinion. Also, while your daughter is having a blast in the Edge, a Youth Club specifically for sailors ages 11 to 14, you can visit some of the adults-only spaces. Grab a book and relax on a lounger by the Quiet Cove Pool or treat yourself to a massage at the Senses Spa & Salon.

    No matter if you visit Walt Disney World Resort before or after your cruise, a land and sea vacation is a great way to spend quality time together as a family for play and relaxation. As you continue to plan your surprise trip for your daughter, please don’t hesitate to visit us on planDisney again if you have more questions! 

    Hope to SEA ya real soon,
    Kiki 

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Meet the Panelist: Kiki, California

Greetings! I have been fascinated by the magic of Disney since I was a little girl; now that I am a mother of two, I love watching my children experience Disney Parks through their own eyes. I am also surrounded by fellow Disney-loving nurse friends whom I enjoy quick adults-only Disneyland Resort escapes or Disney Cruise Line voyages with. Whether you are planning your once-in-a-lifetime family trip or a short adults-only getaway to the Happiest Place on Earth, I am here to help!

Learn More About Kiki

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