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!!
