Simple Price Comparison Between Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line

Simple Price Comparison Between Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line

This information is for everyone but, it is particularly for those living in the So Cal area who love Disneyland. I wanted to give you a heads up for late 2027 and beyond when DCL will have a ship or two here.

 

Admittedly these trips are not at the same time, but it is a straightforward, simple comparison between 2 different 5-Night Disney vacations. Both are for 2 adults. A Disney Cruise is more expensive . . . right???

 

Choice 1, Disneyland:

Disneyland 5-Night, 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket with Lightning Lane Multi Pass (with Disneyland Anniversary Discount Ticket Offer), staying at Pixar Place Hotel, Standard View room. This is in July 2025. Total package cost $4,321.56. This offer does not include food or other extra entertainment, like park tours or character dining.

 

Choice 2, Disney Cruise on the Disney Wonder:

5-Night, total price $3,302.86. This is a Category 05A Oceanview with Veranda. This is a much higher room level. It would be equivalent to a preferred view. Meals are included as is character dining at some select Main Dining Restaurants during dinner. 2 of the Main Restaurants have dinner shows on the Wonder. There are 3 Broadway caliber shows, Pirate Night deck party with fireworks at sea, character meet and greets and MORE. This cruise is in April 2026. The only thing not added to this cost is a pre-cruise hotel. You should get that but it can be $150-$500, depending on where you like to stay. Not enough to truly tip the scales away from DCL. Remember you pay for food at DLR!

 

That is a $1,018.70 difference without adding the cost of food and drinks you need to purchase while in the park. Food alone could add another $150+ per day (Double that if your booking character dining.) for 3 meals and snacks. That would be another $600+. That does not include any higher-end meals or character dining. DCL includes snacks and even all the Mickey Bars you wish to eat!

 

If you are limited on funds reconsider the cost of a Disney Cruise. You get more value for your vacation dollar! The experience is different between the park and Cruise. You can pinch for the parks and bring the price down. To cut cost on a DLR stay consider a Good Neighbor or Neighboring Hotel instead of staying on property. You can bring or purchase outside the parks snacks to eat in the park. Skipping meals, sharing or not going to any sit-down or character meals will save. You might be able to get the price close to DCL. But what are you missing?

 

Would you enjoy a fine dining experience every night, at no extra cost? How about all the free soda, regular coffee, tea, milk, juice, hot coco and even cold water you want. Bring a travel mug or water bottle to refill at the drink station! Would you enjoy walking up to quick service and the buffet location and getting all you want to eat, there is no additional cost? Would you feel special walking into a restaurant every night and the servers know your name, table number and what you usually enjoy drinking when you sit down? How about you want more food at dinner? Just ask! Seconds of what you had or something else entirely it is free, food is included! That is the DCL diferance!

 

The parks are WONDERFUL and amazing to experience. Every Disney fan should do the parks!! You can do the parks on a budget. But would you like to be completely spoiled on vacation? Try a Disney Cruise!!