Disney Cruise or Disney World? How About Both?

Have you ever thought about doing a Disney Cruise, but don’t want to give up your Disney World vacation?

What if you didn’t have to choose?

What if you could combine the magic of the parks with the ease and luxury of a Disney Cruise—and turn two amazing vacations into one unforgettable experience?

This itinerary is one of my favorites to recommend, especially for families who are cruise curious or thinking about sailing for the first time. A 3-night sailing on the Disney Wish is the perfect introduction—it’s short, sweet, and packed with all the signature Disney touches you love. And when paired with 4 nights at Walt Disney World, you get the best of both vacation styles: total relaxation and nonstop theme park fun.

Let me walk you through why this combo works so well, and how we can make it effortless from start to finish.

Should I Cruise First or Go to Disney World First?

The Disney Wish sails out of Port Canaveral, just about an hour’s drive from Orlando International Airport and the Walt Disney World Resort area. That location is one of the reasons this trip flows so effortlessly—you can land in Orlando (you’ll want to fly in at least a day early), hop on a private transfer or Disney Cruise Line ground transportation, and be on the ship before lunchtime.

One of the first questions I often get when planning a land-and-sea vacation is: Should we cruise first or start with Walt Disney World?

Our family’s preference is to cruise first—here’s why:

• Cruises ease you into vacation mode. Once you’re onboard, everything is taken care of. No planning, no decision fatigue—just sunshine, shows, and ocean breezes.
• It’s a relaxing way to begin. You can nap by the pool, sip something fruity, and let the kids run wild in the kids’ clubs—all before the busy park days begin.
• We’re always a little sad when the cruise ends—this gives us something to look forward to! Rolling into a few park days makes the transition off the ship a whole lot more fun.

This flow just feels natural: unwind, then dive into the excitement. And with Port Canaveral being only about an hour from Walt Disney World, the transition is smooth and easy to plan.

That said, starting with Walt Disney World has its benefits too. If you’re flying in, you can go straight to your resort and skip the need for a pre-cruise hotel night. For some families, that simplicity on the front end is appealing—and we can plan it either way to suit what works best for you.

All Aboard the Disney Wish

Once you’re onboard the Disney Wish, the real magic begins. This ship is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Every detail has been designed to blend Disney enchantment with elevated experiences.

You’ll find:

• Comfortable and spacious staterooms with split bathrooms (a small touch that makes a big difference for families).
• Rotational dining that takes you through three imaginative restaurants, including Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure and 1923, a Hollywood-inspired nod to the golden age of animation.
• Top-tier Broadway-style shows, like The Little Mermaid, with special effects that will leave you wondering, how did they do that?
• Kid zones so immersive, your kids won’t want to leave. Think Marvel superhero training and imagineering workshops.
• Adult-exclusive spaces that feel like their own vacation: a Quiet Cove infinity pool, an elegant Champagne lounge, and a spa that’s perfect for winding down.

And then—there’s Castaway Cay.

Disney’s private island in the Bahamas is often the highlight of the trip. Whether you want to snorkel, bike, build sandcastles, or do absolutely nothing at all, Castaway Cay delivers. And yes—there’s even a separate beach for adults if you’re craving a little peace and quiet.

Getting From Port Canaveral to Walt Disney World

Disembarkation day is surprisingly easy. You’ll enjoy breakfast on the ship, say your farewells, and meet your Disney World transportation. From there, it’s just a smooth 60–75-minute ride back to the Walt Disney World Resort.

There are a few ways to get from Port Canaveral to the parks:

• Private transfer: I often arrange this for clients looking for the quickest, most comfortable ride. Your driver meets you at the port and takes you straight to your resort.
• Disney Cruise Line ground transfers: These are shared motorcoach transfers and include that signature Disney service all the way through. If you love staying in the Disney bubble, this is a great option.
• Rental car or rideshare: For those who prefer flexibility or are adding other stops to their trip.

And just like that—you’re back in the magic.

Four Nights at Walt Disney World

Four nights at Walt Disney World gives you a wonderful stretch of time to dive into the parks, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy some well-earned resort downtime, too. With smart planning—like Lightning Lane strategies, early entry perks, and perfectly timed dining reservations (all of which I help with)—you can experience the best of what the parks have to offer without feeling rushed.

Here’s how that could look…

Day 1: Check-in + EPCOT Afternoon

Arrive from Port Canaveral, check in to your Disney Resort, and head to EPCOT for an evening of food, fireworks, and a ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Day 2: Magic Kingdom

Start with early entry and fit in Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight before the park opens to the public. Stay late for Happily Ever After fireworks.

Day 3: Hollywood Studios

Make the most of thrill rides like Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Tower of Terror. Dine at a themed restaurant like Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater or snag a spot at Oga’s Cantina.

Day 4: Animal Kingdom + Resort Time

Start your morning surrounded by the lush landscapes of Animal Kingdom. Begin with Flight of Passage, then float through the bioluminescent world of Na’vi River Journey. Don’t miss a ride through the savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris—you never know what animals you’ll spot. After a morning of adventure, head back to your resort for one last poolside cocktail or a signature dinner to end the trip on a high note.

Why This Trip Hits Just Right

There’s something about this pairing that just works. The cruise gives you rest, pampering, and flexibility. The parks bring excitement, nostalgia, and character-filled joy. And doing them together, in this order, creates a trip that’s both well-rounded and wildly fun.

Best of all? You don’t have to lift a finger to make it all come together. I handle every detail—transfers, flights, stateroom selection, park tickets, dining reservations, lightning lane strategy, and even those little extras like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or spa appointments.

At Where To Go Travel Co, my goal is to make your dream vacation as seamless and stress-free as possible, from start to finish.

So if you’re ready to plan a Disney trip that combines the best of land and sea, let’s chat. I’ll help you make it magical—and easy.