If you are someone who has been to the Disney theme parks, then it is likely that you have heard of Disney Cruise Line and vice versa!
Fans of the Disney company are usually fans of both the theme parks and the Disney Cruise Line, or are they? During our first experience sailing with Disney Cruise Line, we spoke to several fellow passengers who remarked that they enjoy Disney Cruise Line way more than the theme parks, which we were initially surprised about.
While both the Disney theme parks and the cruise ships are beloved Disney experiences, they have some major differences that future and prospective travelers should take into consideration before booking their next trip.
I enjoy the Disney theme parks and have made some amazing memories with family and friends at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, so how did I feel sailing onboard the Disney Fantasy compared?
Here are the differences between the Disney theme parks and cruise line
There are no lines onboard Disney cruise ships
If you are someone who has been to any of the Disney theme parks, then it is likely that you are familiar with the very annoying reality of long lines. When planning a trip to Disney World or Disneyland, strategizing how to avoid the long lines is essential.
One of my favorite differences between the Disney theme parks and the cruise line is that there are very few to no lines onboard the ships.
In fact, the only time and place we ever saw lines onboard the ship was during character meet and greets. While there were lines to meet Disney characters when they were out and about on the ship, these lines did seem shorter than what can usually be found in Disney theme parks. It's not uncommon to see lines over an hour to in the parks!
Besides the guests waiting to meet various Disney characters, we never had to wait in any lines during our Disney cruise sailing. This can be a great perk for those Disney fans looking for a dose of Disney magic without the stress and annoyance of waiting in lines during their vacation.
Inclusive food, entertainment, and more
Another thing that can take away the joy of a Disney theme park trip is the ever-increasing prices and expensive costs of food, souvenirs, experiences, and much more.
In comparison, once guests are onboard their Disney ship, almost all of the food onboard is complimentary. Aside from the adult-only specialty dining, specialty desserts, alcohol, and specialty coffee, all the other food onboard is completely complimentary to all passengers-- even soda!
This means that guests can enjoy all of their food onboard for the price of the base fare.
Guests can order as much food as they would like from the main dining restaurants onboard, as well as the buffet. Additionally, guests can enjoy unlimited soft-serve ice cream and soda onboard during their cruise--completely complimentary! The all-inclusive food onboard is a major advantage for Disney Cruise Line over the theme parks.
When it comes to entertainment and Disney travel, guests might think that the theme parks would be the better choice. And while the theme parks do have some really great entertainment, I thought the entertainment onboard the Disney cruise was just as awesome, if not more so.
Disney Cruise Line vessels have some of the best Broadway-style theatrical shows at sea and are not to be missed! While sailing onboard Disney Fantasy, I was able to watch both Aladdin and Frozen. These shows were really great and featured the classic Disney story, with some modern humor and magical elements that are sure to surprise even the most passionate Disney fans.
Read more: Shows You Can See on a Disney Cruise (2025)
In addition to theatrical performances guests can see shows put on by variety performers throughout the cruise for free. During our week-long sailing, we saw performances by a ventriloquist, a juggler, and a magician, all of which were entertaining and some of the best variety acts we’ve seen on a cruise ship so far.
One of my other favorite forms of complimentary entertainment found onboard all Disney Cruise Line ships are the new-release movies. This means that guests can catch a brand-new Disney film onboard for completely free! During my sailing, I was able to see the new Indiana Jones movie and the new Haunted Mansion movie, both of which were still being played in theaters onshore at the time.
My recommendation for catching one of these new-release movies is to check the onboard daily schedules and choose one of the later showings. I chose to catch the 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. showings of the two movies to ensure that I did not miss any other fun or exciting activities around the ship.
Have you ever wanted to watch fireworks at sea? If so, then you'll have to sail onboard a Disney ship, as these impressive shows are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line! Getting to watch a fireworks show at sea is a pretty magical experience.
Make sure to check the onboard ship schedule in the Disney Navigator app for the specific time when the fireworks shows will be held. I also recommend going up to the top deck a little early before to grab a good spot to watch the show. These performances are very popular, and it is often crowded during the fireworks shows.
Along with the exclusive firework shows, guests sailing onboard select Disney itineraries, such as those to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, cannot miss the unique Pirate Night! There are multiple pirate-themed entertainment performances and a themed dinner menu, and passengers often dress up to fit the theme.
Many Disney fans travel to the theme parks and leave with at least one souvenir in hand. When it comes to merchandise, Disney is a huge name. For guests who sail with Disney Cruise Line at least once and are sailing on their second cruise, they will receive complimentary gifts when they arrive onboard! This means that you are guaranteed to leave with something for no extra cost!
Guests who are part of the Disney Castaway Club, or Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program, will receive a variety of complimentary gifts during their cruise. Because this was our second Disney Cruise Line voyage we are a part of the Silver tier and received a tote bag, a lanyard, and a piece of artwork to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Disney Cruise Line. We also received complimentary pirate bandanas that are given out to all Disney Cruise Line guests during the iconic Pirate Night.
I was surprised by just how many little perks and gifts that guests can receive during their cruise. These items are just little things, but I appreciate Disney Cruise Line’s effort to make their guests feel appreciated.
Disney cruise ships are some of the most beautiful vessels at sea, offering magic at every turn and transporting you to different destinations
One of, if not the, best thing about cruising is the ability to travel to several destinations during one vacation while having your lodging and accommodations move with you.
Cruising makes traveling so easy, while also providing experiences that guests would not get if they traveled by land. Because of this, cruising is now my favorite form of travel!
Onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, guests can be immersed in all things Disney and have some great classic Disney experiences, while simultaneously traveling the world and seeing new locations and destinations. Disney Cruise Line sails all over the world, allowing guests to travel in the comfort of Disney while also seeing new places around the globe.
With Disney Cruise Line, guests who pick a Caribbean itinerary will often get the chance to visit Disney's exclusive private island, Castaway Cay. This destination is so much fun, especially for those who love Disney. This private island has so much to explore and some really unique activities such as an island 5k running course and a magical snorkel trail.
Guests could sail countless times with Disney Cruise Line and still get to see new and exciting things each time they travel while getting the great benefit of being amongst all things Disney.
In my personal opinion, it really is the best of both travel worlds! When guests visit Walt Disney World or another Disney theme park, they are relatively limited to this one great destination, but with the Disney Cruise Line, guests get all of the magic of Disney and the chance to explore the world.
Why I loved Disney Cruise Line
There's just as much Disney Magic
While I am a big fan of the Disney theme parks, I found our cruise onboard the Disney Fantasy to be much more relaxing in comparison to a Walt Disney World trip.
I love the Disney rides at the parks and all the entertainment, history, and nostalgia, as well as the incredible attention to detail.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to find just as many classic Disney magic touches onboard Disney Cruise Line!
During a Disney World trip, there is often a lot of busyness that occurs.
From planning which rides to ride to walking all over the parks, Disney theme park vacations are not usually the most relaxing. I found our Disney Fantasy voyage to be much more relaxed. Yet, I was still able to experience that Disney magic that is important for a Disney vacation!
While onboard, I had the opportunity to speak with one family who said that after they went on a cruise back in 2010, they'll always prefer a Disney cruise over a trip to the theme parks!
This family felt that Disney Cruise Line gives them all the Disney magic they could want without all the stress, preplanning, lines, and more that come with a trip to the Disney theme parks.
I was surprised to hear that ever since their first Disney cruise, they have chosen Disney Cruise Line over the theme parks every time. This family used to travel onboard the Disney ships with their children, but now that their children are grown, they choose to sail with Disney again and again as adults!
Read more: 12 hidden details that can be found onboard Disney Fantasy
While Disney is known for being a premium vacation, their ships can often be a cheaper way to experience the magic
Once guests factor in all of the expenses of both a Disney theme park vacation and a Disney Cruise Line vacation, they may be shocked at how affordable a Disney Cruise can be compared to the parks!
Of course, prices change often throughout the year, and there are sales for both Disney theme park tickets and Disney Cruise Line voyages. Because of this, guests will need to weigh what is most important and which price is most justifiable.
For us, a week-long sailing on the Disney Fantasy was $2,925, which included the price of the cruise fare and gratuities. If we went to Walt Disney World for a week, it would have cost us around $1,000 for a hotel room, around $1,000 or more for theme park tickets for a week for two people, and around $1,000 for food.
Because of this, the two vacations are nearly the same price; however, once I add in all the benefits of a Disney cruise, I believe it was the less expensive option! Of course, this is just one example and can be different for every person and family.
When it comes to comparing the cost of these two Disney vacation types, I recommend evaluating and looking at what kinds of things are important to you and your travel companions.
A Disney cruise really is the perfect Disney vacation
I am someone who has great nostalgia and love for the Disney theme parks. I have very special memories of visiting both Disneyland and Walt Disney World as a child with my family, and the theme parks will always be a special place for me! Each time that I visit, I find new and exciting things to experience and make new and great memories.
Because I love pretty much all things Disney, I have always wanted to take a cruise with Disney Cruise Line. Sailing onboard Disney Fantasy this past August was honestly better than I could have imagined and a dream come true!
I was thoroughly impressed by so many things onboard the ship, and it definitely lived up to my high expectations. There was much about our Disney sailing that made me think the next time we look at considering a Disney vacation, we might consider Disney Cruise Line over the theme parks.
From the relaxed pace, great complimentary dining, unique entertainment, fun staterooms, and ease of travel, there are many reasons I would choose and recommend a Disney cruise vacation.
For the ultimate Disney vacation, I would even recommend a day or two at the theme parks before boarding a Disney cruise! Before boarding the Fantasy, my husband and I spent a great two days in the parks, which are a little over one hour away from the cruise port.
I liked visiting the theme parks before the cruise. The theme park days are often long and tiring. Once we were onboard the ship we could relax, explore, and leisurely participate in activities at our own pace.
Should you pick a Disney cruise or visit the Disney theme parks?
The Disney theme parks and Disney Cruise Line are very different types of vacation. When choosing between the two, I recommend evaluating your travel group’s desires and needs.
If you are someone who enjoys rides, then I recommend the theme parks. If you are someone who enjoys traveling to other countries and seeing new places, then I would recommend Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Cruise Line does an awesome job of providing just as much magic as the theme parks! While the two have their similarities, there are also some differences, meaning that there's value to both kinds of Disney trips.
All that to say, as two adults, we really enjoyed the peace and slower pace of our cruise onboard the Disney Fantasy compared to the busyness of the Disney theme parks. Because of this, I think our next Disney vacation will be one day at the theme parks followed by a cruise sailing.
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
