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What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
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What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
Planning a trip to WDW takes a lot of thought and planning. Even with the best laid plans, one can encounter a bump or two along the way.
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, like myself, is a 'one-stop-Disney-vacation-shop!' I can help you build your vacation from beginning to end! The best part is that my AMAZING services come at no extra cost to you, than if you'd booked it yourself.
What are the perfect number of days for a Disney World vacation?
It really depends on what you are looking for in your vacation! Generally, three to five days is enough to experience the four main theme parks, but you can always add on extra days to explore the other attractions and experiences available. If you’re looking for a more leisurely vacation, seven to ten days would be ideal to truly enjoy everything Disney World has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Disney World?
The best time to visit Disney World is typically during the off-season. This usually falls between early January and late February, as well as the months of September and October. During these times, there are usually fewer crowds and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the busiest times of year (like summer, Christmas and Easter) can still be enjoyable if you plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
Common mistakes we see when people try to book themselves at the Happiest Place on Earth
Mistake #1 – Not reserving table service meals in advance. You’ll absolutely need to make a reservation for sit down meals 60/180 days prior to your arrival. And, beware…they go fast, especially signature and character experiences.
Mistake #2 – Not using mobile order. If quick service dining is preferred, we encourage you to order using your device in advance. Payment via this method is contactless and all you have to do is pick up your order and go.
Mistake #3 – Not budgeting in advance. This is especially true for food and merchandise. Scope out menus ahead of time and don’t impulse purchase. Try to go in with a PLAN and a budget and stick to it.
Mistake #4 – Overpacking. You don’t need four pairs of shoes and two pairs of Mickey ears per day! Make and stick to a packing list, but don’t forget essentials! Sure, you can find them on property, but at a premium.
Mistake #5 – Overplanning. Prioritize your parks and attractions, but don’t pen anything in. Variables like weather and crowds could quickly derail a day that has been booked down to the minute. Be sure to plan for breaks with all of that walking!
Mistake #6 – Ignoring the forecast. Monitor the weather in Orlando prior to departure and adjust accordingly. Likely rain gear will be needed for summers, and a sweater, sweatshirt or jacket needed for cooler winter nights.
Mistake #7 – Visiting at the wrong time. As a rule of thumb, holidays, school breaks, summer, and weekends will bring the crowds. If they’re too much for you and/or you prefer a more relaxed vibe, check out other times of the year.
Mistake #8 – Wearing the wrong shoes! You should not purchase those cool new sneaks specifically for this trip. New shoes are culprits for a world of hurt, and bandaids. Stick with pairs that are broken in and comfy.
Questions To Ask Your Travel Agent about Disney World
1) What package deals are available for Disney World?
2) Are there any discounts or special offers I can take advantage of?
3) What are the best times of the year to visit Disney World?
4) Are there any seasonal activities or attractions I should be aware of?
5) How far in advance do I need to book my trip?
6) What are the best ways to save money while visiting Disney World?
7) Are there any particular restaurants or attractions that I should make sure to experience while there?
8) Are there any insider tips or tricks that I should know before I go?
9) Are there any special events or experiences that I can book ahead of time?
10) Are there any safety protocols that I should be aware of?
Disney Properties, How do you make the right selection?
Staying on Disney property is certainly our recommendation. At the end of the day Disney is always telling a story, right? Well, the resorts on property certainly aren’t an exception. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! With more than 25 resorts, how do you select the one that is best for your family? Here’s a quick look!
Disney separates its resorts into four categories - value, moderate, deluxe and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club). Pricing, features onsite and availability of certain amenities start off pretty basic and add on from there.
Value – Pretty basic rooms and baths. Recreation and dining are limited – think large pool and food court. Transport is typically going to be via bus.
Moderate – Rooms here are larger and in different configurations as is the bath. View options, pools, recreation, and dining are a little more robust. Bus transport is typical here, but you might find a property with a boat.
Deluxe – Most posh rooms! Types and sizes can vary. The main draw is the proximity to the parks. This is as close as it gets! A park could be a quick walk or monorail ride away.
Villas – We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program (but can be booked for cash). Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is like a deluxe property.
Evaluate each category as described and make your selection based on the needs of your family. Need help in choosing which is best for you and your family? Let us guide you each step of the way!
More Details - Selecting a Resort on Walt Disney World Property
Each resort has been carefully crafted and immerses you in a story – and we LOVE that. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! However, there are SO many resorts (more than 25!). So, how do you select the one that is best for your family? Well, we’re here to break it down for you, and as we go, remember the story! A hint or indicator of it is usually in the name.
Since the resorts are split into four budget categories - value, moderate, deluxe and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club but can be booked for cash). Pricing usually follows this model as it sounds – value is a better price per night as compared to deluxe. Same goes for features onsite and availability of certain amenities. Let’s do a quick breakdown!
Value Category - Resort Level
The bulk of rooms in this category are standard and approximately 260 square feet. There is a basic bath setup (sink often in the open and toilet and shower/tub in a separate room) and bedding could be two doubles or a king. Some rooms in this category are family suites coming in at approximately 520 square feet. They have a similar set up as a standard but double the baths and add in some convertible sleeping options. From here things at both are about the same. Views can differ from parking areas and wooded areas to swimming pools – and naturally the better the view the higher the price. Speaking of swimming pools, the pools here are typically themed and could be interactive, but here’s your warning – no slides! Other forms of recreation can be limited – think poolside games, a playground, and an occasional movie outside at night. Dining options are slim too with your only options being a foot court or pool bar. Finally, transportation provided by Disney (a perk of staying onsite!) will usually be via a bus. The only exceptions to this are the Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century, which recently were added to the new-ish Skyliner route.
Includes: All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Campsites at Fort Wilderness.
Moderate Category - Resort Level
Standard rooms in this category are in the 300 square foot range with a similar bath set up as a value resort, but maybe an additional sink. Two queen beds or one king is the standard, but there might be a spot for a potential fifth person (otherwise four is max). Views are similar as well but throw in the possibility of a room facing/near a natural body of water. Pools, other recreation and dining options are a little more robust with the addition of “quiet pools,” water recreation, bikes, a health club (Coronado Springs), at least one table service restaurant and a lounge. Transport here is typically bus as well, but there might be a boat service from some resorts to Disney Springs.
Includes: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Deluxe Category - Resort Level
There are a variety of rooms and sizes here. We’re talking anywhere from 344 to 440 square feet. The bath situation can vary too and includes what you’ll find in a moderate, but probably in a different configuration for more privacy. If the room is larger, there might be several baths. Bedding configuration is like a moderate property with nothing smaller than a queen. However, it’s the views, recreation, dining, and transportation that sets a deluxe apart. Pools will have slides, hot tubs, or other water features. Spa services might even be available. There are more table service restaurants, room service and maybe even character dining your Walt Disney World onsite. Lastly, these resorts are typically in close proximity to a park (very attractive to some), so transportation options open up. Buses, skyliner and boats could still be available, but add walking and monorails to the list.
Includes: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club.
Villas Category - Resort Level
We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.
Includes: Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House and Kidani Village, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Villas at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.
21 Fun Facts about Walt Disney World
Balloons Balloons have been a guest favorite since day one. Disneyland started selling them in 1955! And fun fact – if you pop your balloon while in the park just bring it back to the vendor and they’ll replace it! Ready to pick up yours? Then, let’s get planning! What’s the Disney souvenir of choice for you or your little ones? Balloon? Plush? T-shirt?
Beast and Belle Flower and Garden The Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot runs annually starting in the spring. Did you know that more than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are installed for the festival? A lot of people call it their favorite. Are you ready to find out? Our personal favorite Flower and Garden Festival topiary can be found in the France pavilion – Belle and Beast. If you’ve been, what was your favorite?
Boardwalk Staying on Disney property is special. Not only are you immersing yourself in a story and experience, but you might even be so close to the parks that you have this view! Ready to explore the onsite possibilities? Tell us, do you stay on Disney property? What is your favorite and why?
Carousel No visit to the Disney parks is complete without a ride on the carousel. With the backdrop of the castle, it stands as the most classic ride of them all. Ready to put this attraction on your must-do list? Do you know how to identify Cinderella’s horse?
Castle Fireworks Another Disney tradition is catching the nighttime fireworks! There have been many iterations over the years, and they just keep getting better and better. If you’re ready to see them in person, let’s connect! What has been your most recent fireworks show favorite?
Cinderella’s Castle Cinderella’s Castle as pulled straight from the movie, is said to have drawn influence from Versailles and Fontainebleau in France as well as Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Do you see the resemblance? The regal Cinderella’s Castle stands as our favorite castle from any park across the globe. Which castle is your favorite? What memories does it hold for you?
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Epcot holds a lot of festivals throughout the year and our favorite can be seen here – the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Watch the park come to life in bloom each spring. Ready to schedule a visit to one of Epcot’s festivals? Topiaries? The fresh snacks? Scavenger hunt around World Showcase? What’s your favorite part of Flower and Garden?
Epcot Skyliner The Skyliner is the newest form of transportation on property having opened in September of 2019. It connects four resorts and two theme parks. The system is easy to navigate, convenient and the views while riding are mesmerizing. Ready to ride? Let’s get you there. The Skyliner has quickly become a transportation favorite among guests. Have you had the chance to experience it? Did you love it?
Expedition Everest There are a bunch of fun facts about Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Most notably, it’s the tallest attraction on property. But did you know that despite its name, riders aren’t actually navigating Mount Everest? Instead, it holds the fictitious name of Forbidden Mountain. Disney Imagineers created it just for the storyline of the attraction! Riding forward…Riding backward (in the dark)…An 80 foot drop. Yikes! Do you love or hate Everest, um Forbidden Mountain?
Haunted Mansion As you weave through the Haunted Mansion queue pay close attention. The names on the tombstones are those of Imagineers! Some even worked on the build of the attraction itself! Another fun fact, as you exit there’s a pet cemetery. Towards the back there’s a tribute to Mr. Toad! Besides it’s 999 happy haunts, there’s a hidden Mickey inside the Haunted Mansion! Do you know where it’s located?
Mickey Ears and Castle Ears for some are a must have collectible. During your visit to WDW keep an eye out for ears that pay tribute to certain attractions and characters. If you’re looking to jump on an even hotter trend, go for one of the many color specific ears. Rose gold and purple potion are two favorites. Get your ears on!
Mickey Waffles Some say that waffles just taste better when they’re in the shape of Mickey and consumed on property. There is an abundance of breakfast locations where you’ll find this icon! And, while the mouse himself is the most widely available, you might spot Stitch or Simba at some spots as well! We love Mickey waffles! What’s your favorite Disney snack?
Monorail There are three different monorail lines. The Epcot line connects guest to Epcot via the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). The Resort line stops at Magic Kingdom, all three surrounding resorts and the TTC. The Express line is a direct connect between MK and the TTC. If the Express line is too long, hop on the Resort line if there’s a much shorter wait time and only make one additional stop at the Contemporary! The classic. The monorail. It’s our favorite. Is it yours too?
Pandora The stunning Pandora – World of Avatar. The film’s writer and director James Cameron played an integral role in the design of this land in Animal Kingdom as did producer Jon Landeau. They were joined by legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde. Did you know they left a little easter egg at the exit of Flight of Passage? Keep an eye out for it during your next visit! Flight of Passage. Pandora’s must-do attraction. Do you rope drop it? Or save it for your last attraction before close?
Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth or as some call it, “the giant golf ball” is the very first ride that we take when visiting Epcot. We just can’t get over the fact that we travel in there! Imagineering at it’s finest. What is the first attraction on your list when visiting Epcot? What’s your favorite scene on Spaceship Earth? Rome burning? The Phoenicians?
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge The most recent addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Galaxy’s Edge was announced in 2015. After over six years of concept development and construction, the first guests were welcomed in 2019! And, for reference, the timeline you’re entering when coming into the land is between the eighth and ninth film! Did you know there’s a hidden mini– Millennium Falcon ON the Falcon itself? Know where it is?
Teacups The teacups were our first ride EVER in the Magic Kingdom! We spun that thing so fast …you could hear the joy and excitement in our screams and laughs! What was your first ride EVER at a Disney Park? Share with us below. Ready to ride again? Let’s chat! Did you know the teacups were a Magic Kingdom opening day attraction? Can you name some others?
Tomorrowland Tomorrowland was a land that opened when the park itself opened on October 1, 1971. But it only featured two attractions, and Space Mountain wasn’t one of them! They were the Grand Prix Raceway and Skyway to Fantasyland, which, sadly, no longer exists. Rank your favorites! Choices – Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover and Carousel of Progress.
Tower of Terror The Imagineers on the attraction watched every single episode of The Twilight Zone for inspiration, and it can be seen in the attraction’s queue area. There are a ton of easter eggs and the attention to detail is incredible. You might even spot some props used in actual episodes! The story of the hotel is that it was struck by lightning, and that’s the state you see it in. Do you know what date that strike occurred?
Tree of Life We encourage you to take the time and explore the paths that surround the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. They’re often overlooked as most others head straight for the main attractions. Here you’ll get a break from the crowds, an up-close view and excellent photo ops! There are 300 animals carved into the Tree of Life.
And did you know, it's NOT a Small World After All! Disney World encompasses over 50 square miles.
A quick example itinerary for starting a 3 day trip to WDW
This itinerary is chock full of park days. Consider checking out each park during the day and night. If the park time below is too much, you can always return to your hotel for pool time, check out Disney Springs or visit a waterpark!
DAY 1
Fly into Orlando in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Take your time in getting settled at the hotel and enjoy dinner onsite before an early sleep. Or, if you're feeling up to it, head to the Magic Kingdom! Try to hit some opening day attractions and maybe catch the nightly fireworks (if available).
DAY 2
Grab a quick to-go breakfast from the hotel and head to Epcot Center, or head to Epcot and go straight to Les Halles in the France pavilion for breakfast. Even though World Showcase typically opens later in the morning (around 11am) as compared to the rest of the park, Les Halles is typically open and serving. Return to your hotel in the middle of the day for a nap or swim, then head back out Hollywood Studios. If running, try to catch Fantasmic or Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular!
DAY 3
Grab a bite from the hotel or head to the Magic Kingdom for breakfast. Enjoy the morning exploring the park then return to your hotel. Spend some time relaxing and exploring — take a nap, enjoy the pool, partake in some activities, if available. After that if you're completely relaxed and feeling like hanging in, grab dinner on site. If you're up for it, head to Disney Springs for some shopping and dinner.
I would love to create the perfect FREE Disney vacation package for you and your family / guests. If you like to reach out to me, please use my Disney World Travel Inquiry Form.
Get in touch with Drew Spitzer
Drew Spitzer
As a Travel Advisor with Vincent Vacations and I would love to help you book your next vacation! I specialize in All Inclusive packages to Mexico and Caribbean, Disney Packages, and Universal Packages!
Back by popular demand! Why download our guide? As an EarMarked Agency, we are recognized by Disney.
A Disney EarMarked travel agency is an agency that is officially recognized by Disney and has been given permission to provide Disney vacation packages and services. These agencies are specialists in planning vacations to Disney destinations and can help you find the best deals and packages for your trip. They can also provide personalized advice and help you plan your trip from start to finish.
As Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, we are knowledgeable in all things Disney vacations related.
An authorized Disney vacation planner is a professional travel advisor who specializes in Disney vacations. They are knowledgeable about all Disney destinations and resorts, and can help plan the perfect trip for you and your family. They can provide advice and assistance on EVERYTHING. From choosing the right resort and tickets, to planning the perfect itinerary. They can also suggest activities and attractions to make the most of your time in the Disney parks.
Drew Spitzer
What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
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As a Travel Advisor with Vincent Vacations and I would love to help you book your next vacation! I specialize in All Inclusive packages to Mexico and Caribbean, Disney Packages, and Universal Packages!
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WHICH CRUISE LINE IS BEST FOR YOU? A TRAVEL ADVISOR’S GUIDE TO FINDING THE PERFECT CRUISE
If you’ve ever started looking for a cruise and suddenly found yourself with 27 browser tabs open trying to figure out which cruise line, ship, cabin and itinerary is “best,” you’re definitely not alone.
Disney Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean. Norwegian. MSC. Princess. Holland America. Celebrity. Virgin Voyages. And that’s before we even start talking about individual ships, destinations and cabin categories!
Here’s the thing: there really isn’t one “best” cruise line.
There is, however, a cruise line that’s a better fit for YOU.
As a travel advisor specializing in cruises, that’s one of my favorite parts of planning a cruise vacation. I don’t believe in automatically recommending the same cruise line to everyone. I want to know how you actually like to vacation and then help match you with the cruise line, ship and itinerary that make sense for you.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE: FOR MORE THAN JUST DISNEY FANS
Disney Cruise Line will always have a special place on my list because I’ve personally sailed with Disney multiple times and experienced firsthand what makes these ships different.
Yes, there’s plenty of Disney magic onboard, but I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that Disney Cruise Line is only for families with young children.
It isn’t!
Disney does family cruising extremely well, but there are also adults-only spaces, elevated dining options, fantastic entertainment, beautiful ships and the level of service Disney is known for.
Families may especially appreciate Disney’s rotational dining, kids clubs, character experiences and Broadway-style entertainment. I also love some of the thoughtful cabin features Disney offers, including the split-bathroom design available in many staterooms.
If you want a vacation where the ship itself feels like part of the experience—not simply transportation between ports—Disney Cruise Line can be a great fit.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN: FOR TRAVELERS WHO WANT BIG THINGS TO DO
If your idea of cruising includes waterslides, surf simulators, rock climbing, entertainment, tons of restaurants and enough activities that you couldn’t possibly do everything in one trip, Royal Caribbean deserves a look.
One important thing to know about Royal Caribbean is that the ships can offer very different experiences. Choosing the right ship can be just as important as choosing the cruise line.
Some of the newest and largest ships are practically destinations themselves, making Royal Caribbean especially appealing to active families, multigenerational groups, couples and travelers who want plenty to do onboard.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE: FOR TRAVELERS WHO LIKE FLEXIBILITY
Norwegian Cruise Line can be a great option for travelers who don’t want their vacation to feel overly scheduled.
Norwegian is known for a more flexible approach to cruising, particularly when it comes to dining, while offering a variety of restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities.
Depending on the ship and itinerary, Norwegian can work well for couples, families and groups of friends who like having plenty of choices and the freedom to vacation at their own pace.
MSC CRUISES: A DIFFERENT STYLE OF CRUISING
MSC Cruises offers something a little different from many of the traditional American cruise lines.
I’ve personally sailed aboard MSC Seascape, so I’ve been able to experience MSC for myself rather than simply reading about it.
MSC can offer attractive pricing, beautiful modern ships, an international mix of passengers and a distinctly European-influenced cruise experience.
And my MSC experience reinforced something I tell travelers all the time: not every cruise line is going to be the right fit for every person.
There were things I really enjoyed about my MSC sailing and other things that weren’t necessarily my personal preference. But something that bothered me may not matter at all to you, and something another traveler absolutely loves may not be important to you.
That’s why I’d rather help you understand those differences before you book instead of simply telling you a certain cruise line is “the best.”
CELEBRITY CRUISES: FOR A MORE UPSCALE FEEL
Celebrity Cruises is worth considering for travelers who want a more refined atmosphere while still enjoying the amenities and entertainment of a larger cruise ship.
Think contemporary ships, elevated dining, interesting itineraries and a more sophisticated onboard feel.
Celebrity can be especially appealing to couples and adults who want something a little more upscale without necessarily moving into the luxury-cruise category.
PRINCESS CRUISES: FOR TRAVELERS FOCUSED ON THE DESTINATION
Princess Cruises is well known for destination-focused cruising and is especially popular for destinations like Alaska.
For travelers who want beautiful itineraries, a more relaxed onboard atmosphere and fewer of the high-energy attractions found on some mega-ships, Princess may be a strong match.
It can be especially appealing to couples, adults and multigenerational travelers who want the ports and scenery to play a starring role in their vacation.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE: CLASSIC CRUISING AND GREAT ITINERARIES
Holland America Line is another cruise line I like to consider when the destination is an especially important part of the trip.
With a long history of cruising destinations such as Alaska and Europe, Holland America may appeal to travelers looking for a more traditional cruise experience, strong itineraries and a generally relaxed atmosphere.
You aren’t choosing Holland America because you need the biggest waterslide at sea—and for the right traveler, that’s exactly the point.
VIRGIN VOYAGES: ADULTS ONLY, PLEASE
No kids.
For some travelers, I probably don’t need to say much more! 😂
Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only cruise experience with a very different personality from traditional cruising. Dining, entertainment and the overall atmosphere are designed to feel modern, social and less traditional.
It can be a great option for couples, groups of friends, celebrations and adults who want to cruise without the family-focused atmosphere found on many other lines.
SO…WHICH CRUISE LINE IS BEST FOR YOU?
This is where cruise planning gets interesting.
Two people can take the exact same cruise and come home with completely different opinions.
That’s because choosing a cruise isn’t only about finding the lowest price, the newest ship or whichever cruise line happens to be all over your social media feed.
When I’m helping someone narrow down their choices, I want to know:
Who is traveling?
Do you want a relaxing vacation or a packed schedule?
Are you cruising primarily for the ship or the destinations?
How important is food?
Do you want nightlife?
Are waterslides and onboard activities important?
Would you rather have a quieter atmosphere?
Are you traveling with children or multiple generations?
What kind of cabin experience matters to you?
Where do you want to cruise?
And, of course, what budget are we working with?
Those answers can completely change my recommendation.
A family with young children wanting nonstop entertainment may need something entirely different from a couple celebrating an anniversary. A group of friends looking for nightlife may need something different from someone dreaming about Alaska. And a first-time cruiser may have completely different priorities from someone taking their tenth cruise.
THE BEST CRUISE ISN’T NECESSARILY THE MOST EXPENSIVE ONE
This is one of the biggest things I want travelers to understand.
Paying more doesn’t automatically mean you’ll enjoy your vacation more.
Sometimes the perfect match is the newest ship with all the bells and whistles. Sometimes it’s a smaller ship with an incredible itinerary. Sometimes upgrading your cabin is worth every penny—and sometimes I’d rather see you put that money toward excursions, specialty dining or another part of your vacation.
My job isn’t to automatically sell you the most expensive cruise.
It’s to help you find the cruise that fits the way YOU want to travel.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHOOSING A CRUISE LINE
What is the best cruise line for first-time cruisers?
There isn’t one cruise line that’s best for every first-time cruiser. Royal Caribbean may be a great fit for someone wanting lots of onboard activities, while Disney Cruise Line may appeal to families and Disney fans. Celebrity or Princess may be better for someone wanting a more relaxed experience. The best choice depends on your travel style, budget, destination and who is traveling with you.
What is the best cruise line for families?
Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are both popular family choices, but they offer very different experiences. Disney brings its characters, entertainment, kids clubs and signature service, while Royal Caribbean offers ships packed with activities and attractions. Other cruise lines can also be great for families depending on the ages of the kids, itinerary and type of vacation you’re looking for.
What is the best cruise line for adults?
It depends on what kind of adult experience you want. Virgin Voyages is exclusively for guests 18 and older, while Celebrity, Princess and Holland America may appeal to adults looking for a more relaxed or refined atmosphere. Adults can also have a fantastic experience on Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, especially when choosing the right ship and itinerary.
Is Disney Cruise Line worth the higher price?
For the right traveler, absolutely. Disney Cruise Line includes many features and experiences that families and Disney fans value, along with excellent entertainment and service.
But that doesn’t mean Disney is automatically worth the additional cost for everyone. Comparing what’s included and what matters most to you is much more useful than comparing the cruise fare alone.
How do I choose between Disney, Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian?
Start with how you want to spend your vacation—not the cruise-line logo.
Think about who is traveling, your budget, preferred destinations, dining style, entertainment, nightlife, activities and how much time you plan to spend enjoying the ship.
From there, you can narrow down not only the cruise line but also the specific ships that best match your vacation style.
Can a travel advisor help me choose the right cruise line?
Yes—and this is one of the biggest reasons to work with a travel advisor who understands cruising.
Instead of sorting through hundreds of sailings and trying to figure out all the differences yourself, a travel advisor can help compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries, stateroom categories and overall vacation experiences based on what actually matters to you.
READY TO FIND YOUR CRUISE?
Whether you’re planning your very first cruise or trying to decide which cruise line to experience next, I’d love to help you sort through all of those options.
I’m Krista Rettig, an Independent Travel Advisor with Vincent Vacations, specializing in cruise vacations as well as Disney and Universal destinations. One of my favorite parts of what I do is helping travelers compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries and staterooms to find a vacation that actually fits the way THEY want to travel.
Because there are a LOT of great cruise ships out there.
The goal isn’t finding the “best” cruise.
It’s finding the best cruise for YOU.
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