Our two year old had a blast on the cruise. We didn't use the kids clubs. He loved the shows, character meets, and activities. He loved the beaches and excursions.

We had a blast at Disney World and I would LOVE to do a Disney cruise, but you say your girls will be 12 and 2 next summer. The 12 year old will love the cruise - but you need to check out if the 2 year old will be able to participate in the activities as much as you'd probably like her to. She will (likely) not be potty trained enough for the pools, and I think she's too young for the kids club. She's also likely too young for most of the excursions. Which would really clip your wings.

For this summer, i'd recommend Disney World, then do a cruise when she's old enough to do all the activities you want her to (or at least to be dropped off at the kids club!)

Cruises are floating Petri dishes. I would go somewhere else. Disney World in the summer is awful.

The shows on the ships are Broadway style shows. They are excellent. My kids (ages 2 thru 12) loved them.

Cruise. Definitely. Disney cruises are the best. We've taken 2, and want to go again.

2-year-old can't go in the pool on the cruise.

It depends on what you want. To get the true Disney experience you have to go to the park. There are no rides on the ship, there are good but limited shows and the kkds club is great for a break.The cruise is relaxing, but it's just that--a cruise. We've done both.

We prefer the Disney cruise to the parks. You will be able to see characters, do activities, and see amazing Disney shows each night. Plus, you will be able to go to the beach/visit islands during the day. As folks have said, it's more fun and relaxing. And the food is much better on the ship than at the parks.

Ignore the poster who criticized the short cruises out of Miami. My two cents: piggyback a few nights prior to a 4 night cruise out of Miami. Rent a condo at the beach (sunny isles is nice, or head to the keys). Or do a couple nights at the parks before sailing out of port canaveral.

I refuse to visit Disney in the summer. Too hot and too crowded. Schlepping kids around in the heat? No thanks. Cruise for me.

They're apples and oranges. If you want to go to an amusement park with rides and characters and excitement, that's Disney World. If you want to travel and see the world and do so in comfort with some nice but not amazing food and entertainment on sea days, that's the cruise.

So without knowing more about your family and what you enjoy and want out of this trip, I think it is impossible to answer. Personally, if you are talking about one of the short cruises out of Florida, I would for sure go to Disney World instead.

Agree with cruise. It just seems less crowded and chaotic than the parks but there are just as many things to do

Cruise is leaps and bounds more enjoyable, but also more expensive. But if you can swing it, go for the cruise. Food is legitimately good and kids clubs are good enough that you will actually have some adult relaxation time too.

Definitely a cruise. MUCH more relaxing

Cruise!

I'm planning a trip next summer for my girls. I'm debating whether to go on a Disney cruise or go to Disney World. Kids will be 12 and 2. What do you recommend?