Hiya Beth, and welcome to planDisney.
A Land and Sea Disney vacation is one of my favorite ways to experience all that Disney has to offer—combining the excitement of the parks at
Walt Disney World Resort with the relaxation and fun of a
Disney Cruise Line sailing. You truly get the best of both worlds: a visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth followed by a journey to Where Magic Meets the Sea.
Disney makes it easy to book both your resort stay and cruise separately, but still keep everything synchronized. While Disney can help combine “
Land and Sea” vacations by calling a Cast Member at Disney Cruise Line Reservations, most Guests today simply book their Disney World vacation and Disney Cruise Line sailing independently. I personally recommend starting your trip at Walt Disney World before your cruise. That way, you can enjoy the parks, the dining, and all the excitement of being on property first, then unwind and recharge once you’re aboard the ship. Nothing beats stepping onto the ship knowing all the park fun is behind you and that the next few days are all about relaxation and ocean breezes.
If you’re planning to visit before your cruise, I suggest keeping your final park day a bit lighter and enjoying your resort the night before embarkation. Take a stroll around your resort, grab a quiet dinner, take in the
Happily Ever After fireworks from the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, and get to bed early so you’re refreshed for embarkation morning.
Disney Cruise Line transportation can be arranged to take you directly from your Disney Resort to Port Canaveral, and it’s one of the most seamless and stress-free ways to start your cruise vacation.
If you choose to visit Walt Disney World after your cruise instead, you can use that same transportation service back to your Disney Resort, or if headed home, to the airport. Just be sure your flight isn’t too early. Disney recommends flights no earlier than 11 AM if you’re flying from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) or 12 PM from MCO. Personally, I always book something around 1 or 2 PM so I’m not rushing off the ship when it’s time to say goodbye...to all our company.
Before your trip, I’d suggest downloading both the
My Disney Experience app and the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. The My Disney Experience app allows you to manage every aspect of your Walt Disney World stay, park tickets, dining reservations, Lightning Lane selections, and even mobile food orders, while the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app becomes your go-to guide at sea, helping you view daily activities, dining schedules, and onboard entertainment. For an added level of convenience, you can even purchase a
MagicBand+ to use across both experiences. It’ll unlock your resort room, allow park entry, link your photos, and can now be used to open your stateroom door and check in at various locations on select Disney ships.
I hope this points you in the right direction, Beth. If you’d like to chat more about resort recommendations, ideal park plans before your cruise, or even which activities not to miss onboard, swim back by planDisney.
Brent