I went on a $4,000 Disneyland trip and took a $4,400 Disney cruise. The pricier experience was a way better value.

Eating and drinking on the cruise was cheaper.

Other than the specialty brunch, all my meals on the cruise ship were included in my up-front cost. Each day, I got breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, and we also had access to 24-hour room service.

My favorite cruise treat was the soft serve.

I’m used to paying theme-park prices for meals on a Disney vacation, which can easily cost me $60 a day. Eating as much as I wanted, whenever I wanted, was a luxury.

Unlike some companies, Disney doesn’t offer unlimited drink packages on its cruises. Fountain drinks, basic coffee, tea, and sparkling water were included, but wine, beer, cocktails, and specialty coffees were not.

However, the cocktails were generally cheaper on the cruise. An old-fashioned at Park Wine Country Trattoria in Disneyland cost me $18.50, but an Old New Orleans Fashion cocktail at French Quarter Lounge on the cruise was $14.50.