August 16, 2011 – 7 Night Alaska Sailing

[MrsJobba1]

Hi all,

I cant believe I've went and done this I've booked :cool1:

I only found out DCL was going to Alaska this morning.

I've transferred our 2010 med cruise.

Anyone else joining me?

Come and share in the excitement:dance3:

[BishopFamily]

We are a big group and I booked 4 cabins for 8/16/2011. I was the only platinum member but they let me book additional cabins for the whole extended "family".

We picked this time because it is during summer school vacation. I would have done the repo and the first alaska cruise if it wasn't for the kids.

[MrsJobba1]

We are a big group and I booked 4 cabins for 8/16/2011. I was the only platinum member but they let me book additional cabins for the whole extended "family".

We picked this time because it is during summer school vacation. I would have done the repo and the first alaska cruise if it wasn't for the kids.

:cheer2::welcome::welcome::welcome::cheer2:

I also picked this time because its during our school holidays and Im a teacher:rolleyes1

I did not even know I was a gold member till I looked on the DCL site today -

Coming from the UK I am slightly worried about the length of the flight - but our motto is you only live once - make the most of life!

My dh has always wanted to go to Alsaka - and I just had to make it happen for him - so we rebooked our 2010 med cruise as this one.

[BishopFamily]

In 2007, we took the westbound transatlantic. This was a very long flight for us (portland oregon to barcelona spain). The flight itself was long, but it wasn't horrible. We were more bothered by the 9 hour time zone difference. We arrived 2 days early and it took us that long to adjust. After that we had a great cruise.

were you considering arriving a few days early ?

[MrsJobba1]

:rotfl:In 2007, we took the westbound transatlantic. This was a very long flight for us (portland oregon to barcelona spain). The flight itself was long, but it wasn't horrible. We were more bothered by the 9 hour time zone difference. We arrived 2 days early and it took us that long to adjust. After that we had a great cruise.

were you considering arriving a few days early ?

Hi yes we are initally thinking about having a week in vancouver before the cruise.

I'd not thought about the time difference:rolleyes1

I know when we go to Wdw it takes us 2-3 days to recover from the flight etc.


we've got 691 days till the cruise:rotfl:

[cathicool]

we are a group of 7.....coming from NY (Long Island)...we're in cat 5's

me cathi
DH jeff
DD alassia 11 in 2011
DS zach 9 in 2011
DD victoria 6 (just shy of 7) in 2011
and my parents! ginny and jim

we're very excited about seeing Alaska! I'm thinking my mom, the kids and I will fly to Seattle several days before the cruise. I'm also thinking we may stay in Vancouver for a few days after the cruise. kids are off from school, so we're flexible. My husband probably won't have the same flexibility with work....

[paulcrsb]

We're going! Booked 2 cabins.

me Paul
Kathleen and Kathleen's mom Georgia. :banana:

[LITTLEKID58]

Hi Everyone

We r going too.. Just my DH and I.... :goodvibes

Our first time to Alaska...

[dee47]

DS 14 in 2011 and me. We picked the date also for school reasons. We live just a beautiful traiin ride away from Vancouver (outside Seattle, WA). We're staying the night before at the Fairmont Waterfront and possibly a few days after at our favorite Vancouver hotel...It will be my son's first summer in memory NOT going to WDW...weird! But we'll still have the Disney experience on the ship!

[MrsJobba1]

Hi all,

Welcome everyone!:cool1:

Im not sure what our plans will be - we might fly to Seattle as we have dis friends there and whilst we are that far across perhaps washington? There is so much to look into. We will def have time in Vancouver before the cruise.

Im starting to get excited already -

[TG314]

I'm coming! Booked one cat 9b for me, dh, dd8, and dd6 and an adjoining cat 9b for dmil and dfil. The kids and the IL's don't know yet. It is going to be a surprise for them!

[garytam]

We are coming, it will be me, DW, DD(15) and DS(13). I just found out how much it cost to fly from Toronto to Vancouver:eek::eek::eek:

[dee47]

Hi all,

Welcome everyone!:cool1:

Im not sure what our plans will be - we might fly to Seattle as we have dis friends there and whilst we are that far across perhaps washington? There is so much to look into. We will def have time in Vancouver before the cruise.

Im starting to get excited already -

Ummm...Seattle is IN Washington. Anyhow, if you fly down here, I'll take you out for coffee :thumbsup2 I live right outside Seattle (in Washington :) )

[MrsJobba1]

Ummm...Seattle is IN Washington. Anyhow, if you fly down here, I'll take you out for coffee :thumbsup2 I live right outside Seattle (in Washington :) )

Oops sorry please forgive my lack of geographical knowledge I'm a Brit ! This just goes to show how much planning I need to do.

I wonder if others will join our thread today as booking is open to all ?

All are very welcome ( I need as much help as possible) lol x

[dee47]

Sorry, didn't notice your location...What kind of help are you looking for? I'm game! Coffee offer still stands! It's a lovely train ride from Seattle to Vancouver, so I highly recommend people fly here first :)

[Inkmahm]

I just booked DH and myself in a 5A cabin for this trip. It will be our third Alaskan cruise. Our first two were cruisetours were with Princess. Luckily, we've done the land portion before and have seen Glacier Bay and College Fjord twice. If this were my first Alaskan cruise, I would be going with Princess and adding time on land so as not to miss Denali, etc. For us, it is an "inbetween" trip, an extra. We'll go back with Princess again in 2013 (every 5 years is our plan.)

[disneymath]

Hi ... booked today for my parents and I. This will be our first cruise ever! I'm a teacher, so this date will be a great way to wind down the summer break. Having never been to Vancouver we plan to spend a few days there pre-cruise.

To the PP who commented about flights from Toronto ... I feel your pain - we first need to get to TO before heading out to Vancouver. (Let me tell you, if Air Canada has an executive first deal like they did this spring/summer, we are all over it! Oh yes, AC is our only option into Toronto.)

[MrsJobba1]

Hi and welcome all :)

it's just my dh and myself . I'm Helen and dh is Dave . I teach yr1 here in the uk. It looks like there are other teachers too. This cruise will be our7 th Disney cruise. I will also be celebrating my birthday on the cruise.:)

Is anyone else celebrating?

I'm really starting to enjoy planning and fact finding!

If anyone has any tips or finds any good info please post it on the thread

thanks :)

[Inkmahm]

Hi and welcome all :)

it's just my dh and myself . I'm Helen and dh is Dave . I teach yr1 here in the uk. It looks like there are other teachers too. This cruise will be our7 th Disney cruise. I will also be celebrating my birthday on the cruise.:)

Is anyone else celebrating?

I'm really starting to enjoy planning and fact finding!

If anyone has any tips or finds any good info please post it on the thread

thanks :)

It's just me and my DH, too. Karen and Douglas. We'll be celebrating his birthday on the 20th. Also celebrated his birthday in Alaska in 2008. This year we were in Disneyland for it.

Best planning tip I can give is this site: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=55

I've used it for my previous Alaska cruisetours and it has wonderful advice.

[3mmm]

Hi all. As of today we are in, but we are unexpectently doing the Panama Canal cruise (long story), so we may postpone a year if Disney is doing it in 2012. But for now, we are in!!!! I can't wait to go back to Alaska. I was there when I was 13 and my oldest turns 13 during this cruise!! Maybe we'll have to go after all - we probably will. We are a big family - me, DH, DS 12 turning 13, DS 11, DD9, DS7 and DS 4 (in 2011) and our nanny and possibly another family friend.

[pops711]

HI All

My DW and I booked this cruise and are very excited about it. We were going to do the northern capital cruise but employment has that hard so just transfered our cruise to this one.

It is just my Dw and I in our cabin but we have some dis friends and their family coming also. We are also trying to get some other dis friends to book this cruise aswell.

We have done 2 other Disney cruises our first a short (too short) 3 day and we did the westward bound Panama cruise (longer ones are better). We are very much looking forward to this cruise!!!:)

[nickcapp]

Hello all!

We are joining your crew.

Right now its me, DW and DS (1) in one cabin. We have my in-laws joining as well. So far three cabins in all. I have a feeling my parents and sisters will be coming.

We booked this date due to school as my wife is a teacher. It's still far away...but I can hardly wait.

Hey 3mmm....we did a fish extender with you folks last April! Small world after all!

[3mmm]

Hello all!

We are joining your crew.

Right now its me, DW and DS (1) in one cabin. We have my in-laws joining as well. So far three cabins in all. I have a feeling my parents and sisters will be coming.

We booked this date due to school as my wife is a teacher. It's still far away...but I can hardly wait.

Hey 3mmm....we did a fish extender with you folks last April! Small world after all!

Hi

I remember. That was a great cruise. Congrats on the babe on the way. I tried to post when you posted your question about cruising with a baby, but my computer kept signing out on me and I gave up. I highly recommend cruising with an infant. I hope you have as good of an experience as we did - we first cruised when #3 was an infant, and we cruised again when #4 and #5 were infants. In 2011, our youngest will be 4 1/2!! It seems so far away, but I know it will be here in a flash. We are leaning towards doing both the Panama Canal cruise and Alaska both in 2011. We feel like we have five really good years to travel starting then when the youngest will be 4 before the oldest goes to college and gets a job, so we are going to try to pack lots of big trips in. Hope to see you in Alaska.

[nickcapp]

Thanks for the advice! We are are taking the baby and can't wait. It will be new... but we are up for the challenge.

I highly recommend the Panama Canal cruise. We did the east bound last August. One of the best experiences of my life so far. We were very sad to leave the ship!

[momtoaboo]

Hi,

We are also booked on this cruise. There will be myself, DH and DS(who will be 8 when we go). My husband always wanted to see Alaska and I'm happy to go anywhere if it's with Disney. I'll be celebrating my birthday on this cruise. This will actually be our first holiday during school vacation as we usually go to Disneyworld in Jan. or Feb. We are very excited!

:banana::banana::banana:

[3mmm]

Hi,

We are also booked on this cruise. There will be myself, DH and DS(who will be 8 when we go). My husband always wanted to see Alaska and I'm happy to go anywhere if it's with Disney. I'll be celebrating my birthday on this cruise. This will actually be our first holiday during school vacation as we usually go to Disneyworld in Jan. or Feb. We are very excited!

:banana::banana::banana:

Welcome aboard. We will be celebrating DS's 13 Bday on the 20th. It's why we chose this cruise over the others in August,

[megakat]

I just changed to this cruise from the one sailing on the 23rd as my oldest will be starting college and it would be too close to her start date.
It's me, DH, DD18 and DD14...also my friend and her DH, DD13 and DD12.
Can't wait. I've always wanted to go to Alaska:):)
jackie

[MrsJobba1]

Hi all and welcome :welcome::welcome::welcome:

Its great to have so many people from all over!

I got a second hand copy of Alaska by Cruise ship by Anne Vipond so I be reading that this weekend.

I've also had visitors packs sent from Seattle along with a free map of washington state.

Yesterday our confirmation letter also arrived

I'm also very excited to find out what they have done to the Wonder during dry dock to get ready for Alaska

Take care x:flower3:

[IrishCowboy]

I have added a link to your thread on the main index page. Have a great cruise!

[godalejunior]

I am ready to board the ship!!! Do we really have 22 months to wait?

It will be me (DW, 40 and will be celebrating), (DH 39 and worried the ship will sink or we will be attacked by pirates) and (DS 9). We booked a 9B room. Possible friends and maybe family coming too....I told them they better book soon because our trip was booked yesterday and it has already increased!!

I see there are other Oregonians and Washingtonians on here. We live in Longview, WA.

[disneymath]

<snip>
I got a second hand copy of Alaska by Cruise ship by Anne Vipond so I be reading that this weekend.

I've also had visitors packs sent from Seattle along with a free map of washington state.

Yesterday our confirmation letter also arrived

I'm also very excited to find out what they have done to the Wonder during dry dock to get ready for Alaska

Take care x:flower3:

Wow ... you're way ahead of me on the planning side of things! Then again, as I type this we are experienced our first "real" snowfall of the year. The temps have been below freezing since mid-September, but actual snow on the ground has held off until now. 22 more months until Alaska also means another two long winters to deal with here at home before we leave - at the moment, I'm finding it much easier to dream of a warm WDW vacation than one in the icy Arctic! :)

Our cruise confirmation, and DCL DVD, arrived on Monday when I was home from school with the flu ... so that was definitely a nice pick-me-up!

[Dancing Mickey's]

Our friends already posted but I just wanted to give a shout out to everyone!:cheer2:

We are so excited but it is a little sad too. Our oldest will be going off to college 3 days after this cruise.

DH always promised when Disney goes to Alaska we will too...so here we are!!! :banana::banana::banana: Me, DH, DS 17, DS 10, DD 4 at cruise time.

I know it is jump starting this but maybe a year out we can see who wants to participate in FE exchange or get togethers. I am really in the Disney Cruise Line mood as I am planning a House Party on the 14th. First time doing so but I am excited to Bring the Magic home!

Well, I am babbling so I am off. Hope to meet and see you all REAL SOON!

[godalejunior]

I'm in for the FE thing too!:thumbsup2

[godalejunior]

I noticed there are a few other Disers on here that have boys that are 8-9 years old. DS (Elias) will be 9 on this trip and is very excited about he Lab.

My dad and his wife are now booked on this cruise as well as my best friend and her husband. They will be sailing on their first cruise as well and bringing their 2 year old.

I purchased the same Alaska by Cruise Ship book and have been reading it on and off for a few days. I love the history portion of the book.

[bekkio]

Just booked this morning! This will be an adults-only trip for us, we're leaving our two DDs at home. My DH and I haven't had a trip away from the kids since before our 11-year-old DD was born.

We have always wanted to go to Alaska - we were initially planning to do this for our honeymoon, but were offered a mostly-free trip to Maui instead and too that. So this cruise will be only 17 years late, but better late than never!

[godalejunior]

I have convinced additional friends to come with us on this trip...my friend, her DH, DS 10, and DD 12. So that is 12 in my party so far!:cool1:

[joycsk]

Congratulations, Helen!! My family will be on the Wonder two weeks before you. :sad1:

Hope you have a great time!



Hi all,

I cant believe I've went and done this I've booked :cool1:

I only found out DCL was going to Alaska this morning.

I've transferred our 2010 med cruise.

Anyone else joining me?

Come and share in the excitement:dance3:

[MonicaW]

We are sitting in the Tampa airport and it is freezing outside. Just got off the Magic after a 7-day Eastern Carribean cruise :cool1:(our first cruise ever) and are booked for Alaska!

Monica :woohoo:

[MonicaW]

We live 20 minutes from the airport and we are also flying to Vancouver from Toronto's Pearson Airport (date TBD). Let me know your plans!

[mellers]

I'm traveling with DH, DD (15), and both my parents, however, we're not flying--we live in Bellevue, across the Lake from Seattle.

[mellers]

I think I sent this to one person (not quite sure), but I thought I'd post some general information about Seattle and Vancouver, since I live outside Seattle, and frequently visit Vancouver.

If you're coming to Seattle before your cruise, I would recommend the Best Western Executive Inn for a decent, basic place to stay. It also has one big advantage--it is a stop on the route of the Quick Shuttle (http://www.quickcoach.com/). For those of you who are wheelies (I am), they have a wheelchair accessible service which will take you straight from Seattle to the downtown hotels in Vancouver, as well as the Vancouver cruise terminals--for that reason (and because I hate to wait forever for a wheelchair cab), I prefer it to the train. Their seats are very comfortable, both for wheelies and non-wheelies, but be sure to bring a lunch because they don't make meal stops. The Quick Shuttle will also take you easily from the Seattle airport to those downtown Vancouver hotels, so if it's cheaper to fly to Seattle than Vancouver, you might want to look into it.

That being said, I would recommend arriving the night before the cruise from Seattle. I have never had a problem getting across the border, but I have heard of the border crossing at Peace Arch being closed because somebody decided to be stupid.

The Best Western is also near the Space Needle, which has a lot of the region's best stuff for kids--the Children's Museum (http://thechildrensmuseum.org/) is wonderful, and so is the Pacific Science Center (with its TWO IMAX theaters) (http://www.pacsci.org), and the Experience Music Project (also the Sci Fi museum, which I prefer) (http://www.empsfm.org/) and, of course, the Space Needle (if you go to the Space Needle restaurant (which is very expensive), you can ride the Space Needle elevator free. If you want to try to do this, go to Restaurant.com--they have discounted gift certificates) (http://www.spaceneedle.com/visit/). If you take the Monorail from there, you can get to the Westlake Center, which is right around the corner from Pike Place Market (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org). From Pike Place, you can take the elevator down to the waterfront, where there is a nice aquarium (although Vancouver's is better) (http://www.seattleaquarium.org).

A little further afield there is the Museum of Flight (http://www.museumofflight.org/)--a must for airplane lovers, and the Woodland Park Zoo (http://www.zoo.org). Across Lake Washington in Bellevue, there is the Bellevue Collection (http://www.bellevuecollection.com/), the high-end shopping center for the Seattle area, including a LEGO store, and a place called Oh! Chocolate (http://www.ohchocolate.com/blog). If enough people would be interested in a pre-cruise chocolate class, I know the owner does special classes, and kids are welcome. Just around the corner is the Rosalie Whyel Doll Museum (http://www.dollart.com/), a great place for doll-loving little girls, and down the road is the Microsoft museum (http://www.microsoft.com/about/companyinformation/visitorcenter/default.aspx).

Also, a note--if you know a Microsoftie in the area who can act as tour guide, they get HUGE discounts on tourist attractions in Seattle.

In Vancouver, nothing beats the Vancouver Aquarium, in my opinion (http://www.vanaqua.org/). Taking the SeaBus over to West Vancouver can also be fun (The SeaBus and the public busses in Vancouver have very good accessiblity--I've never taken the SkyTrain, so I don't know about it.)

If you're up for a little adventure, stay in Richmond near the airport. It is, essentially, Chinatown. Many people from Hong Kong (including some of my relatives) came to Richmond when Hong Kong reverted to China in the '90s. If you stay at the La Quinta or the Four Points Sheraton, you'll be near the Lansdowne shopping centre and the SkyTrain (be prepared, however, for Bad Karaoke Night at the Four Points). It's pretty easy to get a taxi from Richmond to the Cruise Terminal, and if you have more than one or two people, quite a bit cheaper than taking the cruise transfers from YVR.

At any rate, that's my $0.02 on Seattle. Hope it was helpful!

DH, DD (15 in 2011), Me and my parents all hoping to be on the August 16th Alaska cruise (cancer permitting)

[godalejunior]

I think I sent this to one person (not quite sure), but I thought I'd post some general information about Seattle and Vancouver, since I live outside Seattle, and frequently visit Vancouver.

If you're coming to Seattle before your cruise, I would recommend the Best Western Executive Inn for a decent, basic place to stay. It also has one big advantage--it is a stop on the route of the Quick Shuttle (http://www.quickcoach.com/). For those of you who are wheelies (I am), they have a wheelchair accessible service which will take you straight from Seattle to the downtown hotels in Vancouver, as well as the Vancouver cruise terminals--for that reason (and because I hate to wait forever for a wheelchair cab), I prefer it to the train. Their seats are very comfortable, both for wheelies and non-wheelies, but be sure to bring a lunch because they don't make meal stops. The Quick Shuttle will also take you easily from the Seattle airport to those downtown Vancouver hotels, so if it's cheaper to fly to Seattle than Vancouver, you might want to look into it.

That being said, I would recommend arriving the night before the cruise from Seattle. I have never had a problem getting across the border, but I have heard of the border crossing at Peace Arch being closed because somebody decided to be stupid.

The Best Western is also near the Space Needle, which has a lot of the region's best stuff for kids--the Children's Museum (http://thechildrensmuseum.org/) is wonderful, and so is the Pacific Science Center (with its TWO IMAX theaters) (http://www.pacsci.org), and the Experience Music Project (also the Sci Fi museum, which I prefer) (http://www.empsfm.org/) and, of course, the Space Needle (if you go to the Space Needle restaurant (which is very expensive), you can ride the Space Needle elevator free. If you want to try to do this, go to Restaurant.com--they have discounted gift certificates) (http://www.spaceneedle.com/visit/). If you take the Monorail from there, you can get to the Westlake Center, which is right around the corner from Pike Place Market (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org). From Pike Place, you can take the elevator down to the waterfront, where there is a nice aquarium (although Vancouver's is better) (http://www.seattleaquarium.org).

A little further afield there is the Museum of Flight (http://www.museumofflight.org/)--a must for airplane lovers, and the Woodland Park Zoo (http://www.zoo.org). Across Lake Washington in Bellevue, there is the Bellevue Collection (http://www.bellevuecollection.com/), the high-end shopping center for the Seattle area, including a LEGO store, and a place called Oh! Chocolate (http://www.ohchocolate.com/blog). If enough people would be interested in a pre-cruise chocolate class, I know the owner does special classes, and kids are welcome. Just around the corner is the Rosalie Whyel Doll Museum (http://www.dollart.com/), a great place for doll-loving little girls, and down the road is the Microsoft museum (http://www.microsoft.com/about/companyinformation/visitorcenter/default.aspx).

Also, a note--if you know a Microsoftie in the area who can act as tour guide, they get HUGE discounts on tourist attractions in Seattle.

In Vancouver, nothing beats the Vancouver Aquarium, in my opinion (http://www.vanaqua.org/). Taking the SeaBus over to West Vancouver can also be fun (The SeaBus and the public busses in Vancouver have very good accessiblity--I've never taken the SkyTrain, so I don't know about it.)

If you're up for a little adventure, stay in Richmond near the airport. It is, essentially, Chinatown. Many people from Hong Kong (including some of my relatives) came to Richmond when Hong Kong reverted to China in the '90s. If you stay at the La Quinta or the Four Points Sheraton, you'll be near the Lansdowne shopping centre and the SkyTrain (be prepared, however, for Bad Karaoke Night at the Four Points). It's pretty easy to get a taxi from Richmond to the Cruise Terminal, and if you have more than one or two people, quite a bit cheaper than taking the cruise transfers from YVR.

At any rate, that's my $0.02 on Seattle. Hope it was helpful!

DH, DD (15 in 2011), Me and my parents all hoping to be on the August 16th Alaska cruise (cancer permitting)

So the BW Executive will take you into Vancouver the morning of the cruise? How far is it to the port from there? I am not sure if I am good with not being in Canada already the morning of the cruise in case there were border issues...
I have been looking at hotels by the ship and the are very expensive!!!!

[godalejunior]

I'm traveling with DH, DD (15), and both my parents, however, we're not flying--we live in Bellevue, across the Lake from Seattle.

We live in Longview, WA, and also a semi short drive way from port.

[dee47]

I'm traveling with DH, DD (15), and both my parents, however, we're not flying--we live in Bellevue, across the Lake from Seattle.

Hey, my DS and I live in Bellevue too! DIS MEET!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2 He'll be 14 almost 15 at cruise time.

We're taking the train the day before. We love Vancouver, and plan to spend some time before and after the cruise there. We splurged on the Empress the night before (it's right at the port), and afterward we'll stay at our favorite hotel, The Pacific Palisades (http://www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com/).

At least that's the plan at the moment.

[godalejunior]

Hey, my DS and I live in Bellevue too! DIS MEET!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2 He'll be 14 almost 15 at cruise time.

We're taking the train the day before. We love Vancouver, and plan to spend some time before and after the cruise there. We splurged on the Empress the night before (it's right at the port), and afterward we'll stay at our favorite hotel, The Pacific Palisades (http://www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com/).

At least that's the plan at the moment.

Does the Pacific Palisades allow children? Do you have any advice for a decent hotel close to port?

[mellers]

My suggestion to the person who found the waterfront hotels expensive--I did too. Don't bother staying in downtown Vancouver, it's not worth the money. If you're looking for a decent, comfortable place to stay, stay at the Four Points Sheraton Airport or La Quinta Airport hotels in Richmond, BC. They're not stops on the Quick Shuttle, but both have free shuttles from YVR (Vancouver Airport) where the Quick Shuttle stops, and both are MUCH CHEAPER than the downtown hotels. The Four Points also has a wheelchair shuttle from the airport. You can take the SkyTrain from the Lansdowne shopping center across the street into Vancouver proper without too much trouble (although I'm not sure about wheelchair accessibility--we were visiting family last time, when it opened, and we didn't have time to check it out), and you can take a taxi to the waterfront for less than the Disney transfers, if you've got two or more people. If enough people want to leave from that hotel, maybe we could all get something bigger and share the ride.

Honestly, if you want to spend a couple of days before the cruise, the Best Western Executive is a good choice, because it will allow you to easily get up to Vancouver after you're done in Seattle, but I would get across the border the day before. That way, if anything goes wrong at the crossing, you would have time to deal with it.

[mellers]

Hey, my DS and I live in Bellevue too! DIS MEET!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2 He'll be 14 almost 15 at cruise time.


That would be fun! My daughter will be the same age as your son when she takes the cruise.

[dee47]

That would be fun! My daughter will be the same age as your son when she takes the cruise.

So do we need chaperons? :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

[mellers]

My suggestion to the person who found the waterfront hotels expensive--I did too. Don't bother staying in downtown Vancouver, it's not worth the money. If you're looking for a decent, comfortable place to stay, stay at the Four Points Sheraton Airport or La Quinta Airport hotels in Richmond, BC. They're not stops on the Quick Shuttle, but both have free shuttles from YVR (Vancouver Airport) where the Quick Shuttle stops, and both are MUCH CHEAPER than the downtown hotels. The Four Points also has a wheelchair shuttle from the airport. You can take the SkyTrain from the Lansdowne shopping center across the street into Vancouver proper without too much trouble (although I'm not sure about wheelchair accessibility--we were visiting family last time, when it opened, and we didn't have time to check it out), and you can take a taxi to the waterfront for less than the Disney transfers, if you've got two or more people. If enough people want to leave from that hotel, maybe we could all get something bigger and share the ride.

Honestly, if you want to spend a couple of days before the cruise, the Best Western Executive is a good choice, because it will allow you to easily get up to Vancouver after you're done in Seattle, but I would get across the border the day before. That way, if anything goes wrong at the crossing, you would have time to deal with it.
One more quick note--if you have a Starwood American Express card, you can earn Starwood points for free stays, and the Richmond Four Points is one of the cheaper point categories: 3,000-4,000 points for a room. If you apply for the Starwood Amex Card, you usually get a point bonus which is large enough to cover several nights at the Four Points Vancouver Airport, and 10,000 points (or 4,000 points + $60) will cover the Westin Waterfront.

[mellers]

Do we need chaperones?
Nope--she has a boyfriend at Newport--as she will tell anyone who will listen :-)

[3mmm]

Unfortunately, we are no longer on this cruise - transferred our reservation.

Fortunately, we are still on the Panama Canal cruise. Just can't swing both. We are still going to Alaska - this June on NCL - much cheaper and more space - great room set up. i know it's not Disney, but it is Alaska and it does go to Glacier Bay.

Enjoy your cruise.

[msnoble]

We're just off the Wonder today, and while onboard we booked this Alaska cruise :thumbsup2. The Bahamas cruise we just completed was our first Disney Cruise and we loved it! Sadly DH wasn't able to cruise with us, but for the Alaskan cruise it will be me, DH, DS (age 10 at time of sail) and DD (age 12 (almost 13) at time of sail).

Can't believe we have so long to wait though!

[godalejunior]

We're just off the Wonder today, and while onboard we booked this Alaska cruise :thumbsup2. The Bahamas cruise we just completed was our first Disney Cruise and we loved it! Sadly DH wasn't able to cruise with us, but for the Alaskan cruise it will be me, DH, DS (age 10 at time of sail) and DD (age 12 (almost 13) at time of sail).

Can't believe we have so long to wait though!

That's great!!! Another Dis'er with a DS about the same age as mine....he will be 9 at time of sailing.

The Alaska will be our first cruise. What info. did you learn, wish you would have known, etc. that you would care to share? Thanks!!!

[msnoble]

That's great!!! Another Dis'er with a DS about the same age as mine....he will be 9 at time of sailing.

The Alaska will be our first cruise. What info. did you learn, wish you would have known, etc. that you would care to share? Thanks!!!

Well, I spent what seemed like hours scouring these boards ahead of time :rotfl: Seriously though I was glad to have been able to look up some recent Personal Navigators before we left. There won't be any available for the Alaska cruises until those start happening and someone uploads one, but I found it really helpful to have a sense of what to expect before leaving. It also helped to know where to find stuff before I even got on the boat (I am somewhat directionally impaired :hippie: ), so I looked over the deck plans a bit ahead of time. I bought a Passporters Guide for Disney Cruise Line which was a nice resource, but again it won't really be helpful for this cruise in specific before it's time for us to go. It does have a lot of helpful stuff about the cruises in general.

If you've ever been to the Disney Parks, I found the planning/strategizing to be much less for the cruise than for a typical vacation to WDW. I found the cast/crew to be phenomenal, and they really helped everything to go smoothly. The only other thing I was really glad for was to have the Main Dining--my kids would have really struggled to make it to the late dining; probably it would have ended up me eating alone with the other folks at our table if we'd had the 2nd seating for dinner. But that might just be my kids. Given the time change we'll be dealing with, I'm going to request main dining again for the Alaska cruise.

[godalejunior]

We have main dining scheduled as well. I have been perusing Navigators and just trying to get educated on what to expect. I have looked at excursions offered by other cruise lines and I can see that Alaska is going to be spendy....
How was the quality of food? What did your kids like best about the clubs?

[msnoble]

We have main dining scheduled as well. I have been perusing Navigators and just trying to get educated on what to expect. I have looked at excursions offered by other cruise lines and I can see that Alaska is going to be spendy....
How was the quality of food? What did your kids like best about the clubs?

I thought the food was really quite good. I'm not the foodie in our family (that would be my DH) but I thought that the food in the main dining rooms especially was quite good. The food during the morning/afternoon buffets was typical buffet stuff, with a fairly good variety of foods. We never made it to any of the "sit down" restaurants for lunch, and only for breakfast on the very last day. My only complaint with the food was that the scrambled eggs at the buffets were often runny--we like them quite dry here at my house :). The counter-service food on Deck 9 was typical fried stuff, but there was a counter where you could get salads and wraps, and fresh fruit, which was nice. We had brought along metal water bottles so that the kids could get a bigger drink at the beverage station (filling the water bottles from a clean throw away cup), but we never ended up using them.

My DD wasn't that thrilled with the Lab, though she did venture in a few times to play on the computers. She had a friend from school who was also cruising on that cruise, so they hung out together at the pools. My guess is it might have been different if her friend wasn't there. My DS spent as much time as he could in the lab, but again, it was mostly to play on the Wii or on the computers. He also spent a fair amount of time up on Deck 10 in the sports area, playing pick up soccer games. He also really enjoyed something called "GaGa ball" which they played in the lab (I think), but which he stated was "way too complicated" to explain to me ;).

Both my kids had 'sign in/sign out' privileges and it worked out well for us. They enjoyed the little bit of freedom, and were very responsible about it.

[MrsJobba1]

Hi all,

Sorry I've not been on for a long time- however due to a change in circumstances we have changed our reservation and will now be sailing on the Dream Aug 2011 - it will work out so much cheaper for us.

We still hope to visit Alaska some day.

I hope you have a fanastasic cruise and I will be thinking of you:goodvibes

:flower3:

[disneymath]

Hi all,

Sorry I've not been on for a long time- however due to a change in circumstances we have changed our reservation and will now be sailing on the Dream Aug 2011 - it will work out so much cheaper for us.

We still hope to visit Alaska some day.

I hope you have a fanastasic cruise and I will be thinking of you:goodvibes

:flower3:

Enjoy your cruise on the Dream and thank you for starting the thread for those of us on the Wonder, Alaska, Aug. 16, 2011!

[drizzt117]

Checking in. My DW and I booked this cruise while onboard the Magic this past Christmas. This will be our 5th cruise, which will make us Gold members. :yay:

Can't wait!!!

Thomas

[CubCatsK&D]

We will be sailing on this cruise too. Third Disney cruise for my partner and I.
First for our nephew - he will be 12 at cruise time.:cool2:

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

I am very excited to say that we will be sailing with you to Alaska! Myself, DH and DSIL are fresh from the EBTA Repo, and excited to start planning our next adventure.

DH and I will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary on this trip.

For DH and I, this will be our 3rd sailing and DSIL's second. I am trying to talk them into joining in on the boards.


P.S. Hi there, Dee47! Nice to see you here!

[dee47]

LAUREN!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!! I'm on this cruise with my DS. 2 EBTA alums!

[pops711]

GREAT NEWS!!! I Already posted once before that my DW and I were coming but now we have more people in our cabin. We just added 2 more people to our cabin> We are expecting TWINS:) so now it will be me, my DW (we don't now the sexes yet) and our DKs (Disney Kids) Kinda nerves about our first cruise with kids, and that those kids will be just under a year. Any advise???

[disneymath]

GREAT NEWS!!! I Already posted once before that my DW and I were coming but now we have more people in our cabin. We just added 2 more people to our cabin> We are expecting TWINS:) so now it will be me, my DW (we don't now the sexes yet) and our DKs (Disney Kids) Kinda nerves about our first cruise with kids, and that those kids will be just under a year. Any advise???


First of all ... CONGRATS! If a baby changes everything, well let's just say that twins change it double! (My sister's twin boys are just over a year old. They are a joy and a blessing ... and a lot of work! And that's just my view as an aunt! She also has a son who is turning three, so it's nonstop action at her house!)

For what it's worth, my sis and her dh have agreed to bring the boys to WDW this summer (it will be the 3rd trip for the oldest, 1st for the twins who will be 16months old then). They have flat out refused to join us on this Alaska trip as they feel the boys would be too young (I'm holding out hope that our summer trip to WDW will change their minds).

That said, I can't really think of any advice to give you about cruising with twin infants. It's going to seem like a lifetime will pass between now and August 2011. Right now, my best advice to you would be to take things as they come - and gets lots of rest! Even the most well-mannered babies take a lot of work and you're going to have TWO bundles of joy!

A year from now, this cruise may not seem like such a great thing to do with the babies ... but it might - way too soon to say. The good news is that you'll have a pretty good idea of how things are going before the final deposit for this cruise is due ... if your gut at that time tells you it's a go, then great (I'll sure people will have given you tons of advice for cruising with babies by then). If not, don't hesitate to cancel this cruise - there will be plenty of opportunities for great family vacations down the road. (A third option is that you and mom may decide you are ready for a holiday by yourselves - hopefully you're in a position where relatives and close friends could make this happen by watching the kids.)

If you do opt to cruise with the babies, you may want to seriously consider bringing along a third person, or another couple on the cruise. It's always a good thing when there are more adults than babies. (I still spend many an evening at my sister's house helping with bath and bedtime and just being an extra set of hands.)

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

One of the things I am very curious about this trip is the inclusion of Pirate Night. During an imagineering lecture on the EBTA we were told the DCL didn't have fireworks releases for the Baltic or Alaska.

I know we are mostly guessing, but do you think they will keep the Pirates IN the Caribbean party without the fireworks? If it is replaced, what would YOU like to see it replaced with?

I am glad that we chose one of the later sailings on this itinerary so that we can get the scoop from those sailing in May and beyond.

Also....

Congrats to you, pops711! That is wonderful news!

[disneymath]

One of the things I am very curious about this trip is the inclusion of Pirate Night. During an imagineering lecture on the EBTA we were told the DCL didn't have fireworks releases for the Baltic or Alaska.

I know we are mostly guessing, but do you think they will keep the Pirates IN the Caribbean party without the fireworks? If it is replaced, what would YOU like to see it replaced with?

I am glad that we chose one of the later sailings on this itinerary so that we can get the scoop from those sailing in May and beyond.

Also....

Congrats to you, pops711! That is wonderful news!

Hmm ... I didn't know that Disney didn't have releases for fireworks in Alaska. :sad1: I was looking forward to that, but then I'm a fireworks kind of girl!

I'm sure they'll have some sort of theme party ... would be kinda cool if they could like to to the old-time prospectors/goldrush etc.

I'm with you about glad to be on a later sailing so we can get the scoop from those who "venture North" before us. :goodvibes

[missmulan]

i'm on this cruise, just poppin' in to say hellllooooo!! :)

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Anyone up for a little Alaskan inspiration? Here are some photos to dream on (snagged from flickr):

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/627095390_3c97f449d9.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3787895214_22e175cc84.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/3025460808_30ea239f98.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2085/1777429635_2b7b124f8d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/3011331700_b8de14bf01.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/75/200611310_0c26d5a1f6.jpg

[pops711]

449 days or 1 year 2 months and 23 days to go. I made the mistake of looking at the picture of the day thread and now I want to go NOW;)

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

449 days or 1 year 2 months and 23 days to go. I made the mistake of looking at the picture of the day thread and now I want to go NOW;)

I hear you! Lets go!

[emilyann415]

We haven't even taken our next cruise yet, 5 day Key West in Aug and I just rebooked for Alaska....hoping that I can get it a bit cheaper rebooking on the cruise this Aug but we'll see. We've been on a 3 night and this next will be a 5 night and Alaska will be 7....so we're getting the hang of this cruising thing!
Just wondering if any of you have done an Alaska cruise before? Wondering weather wise what to expect, I wanted an verandah to take in the beautiful scenery but now am worried with it not getting dark at night if an inside would be better. Also, we have a 5 year old. I am hoping to see other kids on the cruise....

Can't wait for 2011!
If there is a FE list...count us in.

Emily, DH, DD (3) in 2010

[godalejunior]

This will be our first cruise ever....we opted for category 9b with the ocean view. Upgrading more to the verandah was quite a bit and I thought we could use the money for excursions. Keeping my fingers crossed for an upgrade.

I think it would be great to do a dis meet and greet and fe exchange...I'm in!

[Inkmahm]

We haven't even taken our next cruise yet, 5 day Key West in Aug and I just rebooked for Alaska....hoping that I can get it a bit cheaper rebooking on the cruise this Aug but we'll see. We've been on a 3 night and this next will be a 5 night and Alaska will be 7....so we're getting the hang of this cruising thing!
Just wondering if any of you have done an Alaska cruise before? Wondering weather wise what to expect, I wanted an verandah to take in the beautiful scenery but now am worried with it not getting dark at night if an inside would be better. Also, we have a 5 year old. I am hoping to see other kids on the cruise....

Can't wait for 2011!
If there is a FE list...count us in.

Emily, DH, DD (3) in 2010 DH and I have cruised Alaska twice wit Priincess. We definitely have the verandah for the scenery. Don't worry, we're going in August when the days are getting shorter already. It DOES get dark at night. I've been there in late August and had no trouble at all. Where it stays light longer is the land portion of a cruisetour when you get to Fairbanks, Denali, etc. That's not where we're going though so don't worry.

For weather, expect very cold and wet and then be pleasantly surprised if the weather is nicer.

[wisegal]

We are booked on this trip as well, this is our 1st cruise as well.We are myself, Nicole, my husband Dave and our kids Brooklyn (5 at the time of the cruise) and Michael (4 at the time of the cruise). We will be joined by my sister and her family (3 kids aged 9,6,2 turning 3 while on board the ship), my parents, a family friend, my aunt, my cousin and her family (2 kids aged 13 and 11 i think) and my cousins inlaws.

i am intrested in the FE exchange

Nicole

[pops711]

Just out of curiosity how many Cruises has everyone taken and what were they?

My DW and I have taken 2: A 3 day & the western bound Panama Canal:)

[Inkmahm]

Just out of curiosity how many Cruises has everyone taken and what were they?

My DW and I have taken 2: A 3 day & the western bound Panama Canal:)

Alaska with DCL will be our 8th cruise. We've done Alaska twice with Princess and with DCL we've donethe 4 night Bahama 3 times, Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean (Dec '10)

[bekkio]

Just out of curiosity how many Cruises has everyone taken and what were they?



This will be the 2nd cruise for DH and myself. We went on a 3-day DCL cruise last November (it was our incentive for adding on DVC points at GCV) and had a great time.


Mrs. Gumdrop, thanks for the pictures, so beautiful!

[mmouse37]

Hey, my DS and I live in Bellevue too! DIS MEET!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2 He'll be 14 almost 15 at cruise time.

We're taking the train the day before. We love Vancouver, and plan to spend some time before and after the cruise there. We splurged on the Empress the night before (it's right at the port), and afterward we'll stay at our favorite hotel, The Pacific Palisades (http://www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com/).

At least that's the plan at the moment.

Hey There....we are also on this cruise with a fairly large group. We booked the day it was open for bookings.....it will be our 21st DCL cruise...(we are going on 18 in October and then 19 and 20 will be the Dream MV and the one after that.....can't wait. Always wanted to see Alaska....

I just wanted to let you know that I tried the link for the Pacific Palisades and sadly it says that they have closed their doors.....so it looks like that won't be a hotel option...says something about them being apartments in the future....just wanted to give you a heads up.

MJ

[dee47]

I just wanted to let you know that I tried the link for the Pacific Palisades and sadly it says that they have closed their doors.....so it looks like that won't be a hotel option...says something about them being apartments in the future....just wanted to give you a heads up.

MJ

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:sad1::sad1::sad1::sad2::sad2::sad2::mad:

[jel0511]

Hi everyone!!! we'll be joining your little group! We're myself, DH, DD13 and DS 10. We have a cat 5c and 11b across the hall from each other on deck 5. We were booked on the aug 23rd sailing, but just switched to this one because of school schedules. Can't wait to catch up with everyone!!!!

[scothen]

Hi everyone,

I just switched from the Transatlantic Cruise to this one, as I cannot take 2-1/2 weeks off of work at one time.

It is just myself(for now), and I am looking forward to this. Looking forward to meeting all of you.

Scot
Chicago, IL

[Inkmahm]

Hi everyone,

I just switched from the Transatlantic Cruise to this one, as I cannot take 2-1/2 weeks off of work at one time.

It is just myself(for now), and I am looking forward to this. Looking forward to meeting all of you.

Scot
Chicago, IL
Is this the same Scot that was on the Caribbean eastern in Dec 2009? How's the new job going?

[scothen]

Is this the same Scot that was on the Caribbean eastern in Dec 2009? How's the new job going?
It sure is. I am doing great! The new job is going pretty good.

How are you? I hope everything is going well for you and your family! I hope to see you on board!

Scot

[MercoBear]

Hi all!

We are booked for Alaska too! It will be DH and myself, along with my parents, brother and SIL, and possibly MIL and nephew. It will be our 2nd DC and the first for everyone else. We talked them all into doing Disney instead of another cruise line, and we hope not to be disappointed.

:goodvibes

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I'm booked for this one too.

[supernatural2222]

Hey Everyone!!!!
My name is Kaitlin and I live in Toronto, Canada :D
This will be my third DC and I can't wait :) I am 18 now and will be turning 19 at the end of the cruise :P My mom Jackie, my dad Larry, and my 14 year old sister Megan will be coming along too :banana:

any other teens going?

Kaitlin :cool1:

[kgsmith]

We are booked on this cruise, too! This will be our first cruise and we're so excited! We're booked in a 5A on deck 7.

We got the DCL DVD yesterday, and now my DS (age 9 at the time of the cruise) can't wait to spend some time in the Lab.

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Welcome MercoBear, EastYorkDisneyFan, supernatural2222 and kgsmith!

We sail in less than a year! Whoo Hoo! :cool1:

[MonicaW]

Hi Kaitlin!

We are also in your area, just outside of Toronto and 20 minutes from the airport and my daughter Kimberley will be 14 at cruise time so they might be able to connect!!!
We are leaving on the Aug 26 for a DCL B2B!!!! DId you see the 25% off for Canadians who want to cruise the Carribean in Feb/March (don't know the exact dates)?!?!?!

Monica

[DumboFan]

Just off the wonder 3 hours ago. Booked this one on-board. It will be myself, DH & DD. DD will be 13 when we sail. It will be 3rd DCL for me & DD, 2nd for DH.

Now to change my signatures....

[dkmjgal]

Hello Dumbofan...we rebooked this cruise on the ship as well! I also saw as I was scrolling thru that Emilyann415 who was part or our FE is on this cruise too!

On this cruise will be myself, DH, DD 15 and DS 12! We are hoping that many of the wonderful cruise staff that that we had on our 5 Day 8/17/10 Key West Wonder cruise will be back from vacation and on the Wonder!

We are very excited to be going to Alaska!

[Inkmahm]

It sure is. I am doing great! The new job is going pretty good.

How are you? I hope everything is going well for you and your family! I hope to see you on board!

Scot

Glad to hear it. I'm still unemployed but hopefully will be employed by the time we are on the Alaska cruise! We are cruising again in December but doing the Western this time and bringing my inlaws. If by some miracle I get a job before then it will have to be with the understanding that I need two weeks off for WDW and a cruise!

Look forward to seeing you again next year.

[wisegal]

11 months and we will be heading north:cool1::thumbsup2:goodvibes

[disneymath]

11 months and we will be heading north:cool1::thumbsup2:goodvibes

Oh my, I hadn't even realized this! I remember trying to book this cruise the day it was released back in Fall 2009. I think I was on hold for about 2hours ... while trying to get my work done too. It seemed so far away then ... and to think we're well under a year now! :)

[DumboFan]

Has anybody else looked @ the link for the excursions yet? Found it last week & my DD has already started planning what she wants to do!!

[godalejunior]

Has anybody else looked @ the link for the excursions yet? Found it last week & my DD has already started planning what she wants to do!!

What link are you talking about? I have not been on DCL for awhile...do they have excursions posted?

[DumboFan]

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1186

[disneymath]

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1186

Thanks for the link ... we knew from friends who sailed Alaska on other lines that the excursions would be pricey ... definitely a case of ony doing the ones that really intererest you.

I'm also glad to be on one of the later cruises since we'll benefit from the trip reports and opinions of those on the earliest ones before we can even book excursions.

[Inkmahm]

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1186

I will likely book my own excursions since this is our 3rd trip to Alaska. I booked through Princess the first trip and then mostly on my own last time. I'd suggest going to Cruise Critic and checking out the board for Alaska there. Many of the best excursions are discussed there quite often.

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1186

Thanks for this great link DumboFan!

[wisegal]

I have started to make autograph books for my kids (age 5 and 4 at cruise time). I know it is a long time aeay but neede to so something to kill the time and i have to do it while the creativity is flowing. Has anyone eles started anything or planning on making anything for the cruise?

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Hi Wisegal!

I have been brain storming ideas for door magnets and fish extender gifts. Northern, cold climate ideas are a little harder to come up with then warm climate ideas. Brother Bear? Bambi? I am just not sure yet.

[cathicool]

sorry fellow 8/16 cruisers.....we're now booked on the 8/23 sailing. DH freaked out over the price and the 8/23 sailing was way less money for us. Have a great trip!

[supernatural2222]

Hi Kaitlin!

We are also in your area, just outside of Toronto and 20 minutes from the airport and my daughter Kimberley will be 14 at cruise time so they might be able to connect!!!
We are leaving on the Aug 26 for a DCL B2B!!!! DId you see the 25% off for Canadians who want to cruise the Carribean in Feb/March (don't know the exact dates)?!?!?!

Monica

no I didn't. Haha yes my sister will be 14 :D For sure we should set a time for them to meet in the teen club or something :D I did that on my first disney cruise and it was loads of fun!

[supernatural2222]

Oh thanks for the link! Hopefully I can convince my mom to do something involving a sled team :D

[scothen]

It's just me and my DH, too. Karen and Douglas. We'll be celebrating his birthday on the 20th. Also celebrated his birthday in Alaska in 2008. This year we were in Disneyland for it.

Best planning tip I can give is this site: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=55

I've used it for my previous Alaska cruisetours and it has wonderful advice.
My birthday is about a week after the cruise on 8/31.

[wisegal]

We are celebrating my daughters 5th and sone 4th birthdays on the 17th. Their actual birthdays are on the 12th and 1st so I figure it is close enough. We are then celbrating my nephews 3rd and dads 63 (I think) on the 22, their actual birthday.

[Inkmahm]

My birthday is about a week after the cruise on 8/31.

Are you doing this cruise solo again? If so (and even if not) you're more than welcome to join DH and me at whatever table we're assigned to for dining. We can celebrate your birthday a bit early!

Inkmahm (aka Karen)

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

My birthday is about a week after the cruise on 8/31.

My birthday is 8/30! My DH and I will also be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary.

This is going to be a special cruise.

[kgsmith]

My birthday is 8/30! My DH and I will also be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary.

This is going to be a special cruise.

My DH and I will be celebrating our anniversary, too.

[Aby]

Hi All,

My husband and I will be joining you all on this cruise to Alaska!

We are from Prince George, BC, and this will be our very first cruise!

Can't wait to talk to you all over the next 300 or so days while we all get ready for an exciting trip!

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Hi All,

My husband and I will be joining you all on this cruise to Alaska!

We are from Prince George, BC, and this will be our very first cruise!

Can't wait to talk to you all over the next 300 or so days while we all get ready for an exciting trip!

Welcome Aby! :cheer2:

[wisegal]

I am a day late but in 10 months - 1 day we will be leaving Vancouver:goodvibes

[pops711]

Well it is official my DW and I will be joined by our 2 new DDs. the Twins are excited for the cruise. So now there will be 4 of us :goodvibes

side note: This will be our first cruise and probably our first vacation with the twins. Any advise?

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Congrats, that's great news Pops!

[DumboFan]

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe & happy holiday season!

Can't wait until August!!

[disneymath]

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe & happy holiday season!

Can't wait until August!!


Happy Holidays to you too! -:santa:

We're well into winter up here in Northern Ontario ... it will definitely be a White Christmas and Baby, It's Cold Outside! :)

(Funny how living in winterland for over 6 months of the year hasn't deterred my enthusiasm for heading even further north to Alaska. :goodvibes)

[disneymath]

Not sure if everyone here has heard, but the pre-cruise and during cruise add-on packages through Adventures By Disney are now availalbe for booking. (There is also a pre-cruise train trip to Whistler available - it is through a Canadian provider and not ABD.) Check out the DCL website!

The Vancouver pre-trip and the during cruise add-on both sounded fantastic. So much so that my parents and I decided to do the cruise add-on. :upsidedow:dance3:

It looks like our port days will be very full - but it also seems like we will maximize our Alaskan DCL experience with plenty of time on the sea days to explore the ship. There are also some nice inclusions on the ship- such as a Palo dinner with wine, first day and last day receptions, inclusion of all gratuities (including those for ship staff, but not for the adventure guides), plus a photo package (including CD) of all onboard and offshore photos.

It seems a bit weird to have added this on before DCL listed their official excursions, but at the same time it's nice to know that our first ever cruise vacation is now pretty much completely "worry free". (Well, except for booking flights and our pre-cruise stay ... but I like hunting for air and hotel deals, so that's more than manageable. :))

[MercoBear]

The Adventures by Disney excursions sound awesome. And just the fact that you don't have to wait until 180 days out is great!

Just bought our plane tickets. I feel like we are on our way now!

[mellers]

Not sure if everyone here has heard, but the pre-cruise and during cruise add-on packages through Adventures By Disney are now availalbe for booking. (There is also a pre-cruise train trip to Whistler available - it is through a Canadian provider and not ABD.) Check out the DCL website!

The Vancouver pre-trip and the during cruise add-on both sounded fantastic. So much so that my parents and I decided to do the cruise add-on. :upsidedow:dance3:

It looks like our port days will be very full - but it also seems like we will maximize our Alaskan DCL experience with plenty of time on the sea days to explore the ship. There are also some nice inclusions on the ship- such as a Palo dinner with wine, first day and last day receptions, inclusion of all gratuities (including those for ship staff, but not for the adventure guides), plus a photo package (including CD) of all onboard and offshore photos.

It seems a bit weird to have added this on before DCL listed their official excursions, but at the same time it's nice to know that our first ever cruise vacation is now pretty much completely "worry free". (Well, except for booking flights and our pre-cruise stay ... but I like hunting for air and hotel deals, so that's more than manageable. :))
How do you find the cruise add-ons? I went to both the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney sites and could not find them.

Thanks,

Stacey

[mellers]

I have started to make autograph books for my kids (age 5 and 4 at cruise time). I know it is a long time aeay but neede to so something to kill the time and i have to do it while the creativity is flowing. Has anyone eles started anything or planning on making anything for the cruise?
I've been gathering up goodies in after-Christmas sales, and figuring out whether we want to do prepackaged cruise excursions or "Make our own". I also collected points and made reservations to stay in Richmond (just outside Vancouver) for a few days to have fun in Vancouver and visit family there.

[disneymath]

How do you find the cruise add-ons? I went to both the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney sites and could not find them.

Thanks,

Stacey

(Funny, it took me a minute to find them again too!)

On the ABD site, they are under the North America tab:

Alaskan Wonders with Disney Cruise Line (the one we are doing):
http://abd.disney.go.com/abd/en_US/destination?name=AlaskaCruiseDatesPage

Vancouver Escape with Disney Cruise Line (pre-cruise)
http://abd.disney.go.com/abd/en_US/destination?name=VancouverLandingPage

This one is one the DCL site.
Vancouver/Whistler pre-cruise package through Rocky Mountaineer:
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/packages/best-of-both-escape-rocky-mountaineer/

Hope this helps! :goodvibes

[nickcapp]

Good Morning all!

Just wanted to let everyone know that the port adventures for alaska are up.

[godalejunior]

Good Morning all!

Just wanted to let everyone know that the port adventures for alaska are up.

On the website?

[nickcapp]

Yes. They are up under port adventures at disneycruise.com:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/

[godalejunior]

Thanks for the info. I am freaking out right now as ALL of the adventures that we want to do required our son to be 10 and he will be 9 years and 8 months. He exceeds the height requirements now.... We are travelling with others that have kids 10 and up.
This is not good.

[godalejunior]

So...after my initial freak out:lmao:...and talking to my TA...im going to book the excursion that we wanted to do outside of Disney. Now im not sure what to do about dining. We have early dining now....
So two of the theefamilies going with us have now cancelled. So it will be DS 9 and no other kids in our group.

[disneymath]

So...after my initial freak out:lmao:...and talking to my TA...im going to book the excursion that we wanted to do outside of Disney. Now im not sure what to do about dining. We have early dining now....
So two of the theefamilies going with us have now cancelled. So it will be DS 9 and no other kids in our group.

At this point, you could probably easily switch to late dining ... from what I've read on these boards it seems that early dining is what typically books up first. Would your DS be okay going to bed late?

Another option is to keep your early dining and on the port days take your chances - there are only 3 afterall. (If you get back to the ship too late for early dining, you could always eat at one of the quick service places or order room service. You might also inquire if it's possible to do late dining for just that night ... I've never cruised before, so don't know it that's possible, but it can't hurt to ask.)

Maybe someone else with chime in with other suggestions.

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Thanks for posting this! And Happy New Year!

Yes. They are up under port adventures at disneycruise.com:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/

[mellers]

Would anyone be interested in a pre-cruise meet in Vancouver, perhaps a day or two before the cruise

[mellers]

Would anybody like to be part of an FE group?

[godalejunior]

Im interested in an FE exchange...we are first time cruisers...so we are in if someone wants to organize one. We booked our hotel for the night before in BC. The Red Sox are playing the Mariners the weekend before the cruise so we are going to hit the Sunday game....stay the night in the cushy hotel across the street from the field and then cruise up to BC on Monday.

We also decided on our excursions...just hoping since we are low man on the rung that we will get the ones we want and at least a Palo ressie.

[mellers]

Sounds good! I'll update this as we get more:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)

Interests: Mellers and DD--all things Disney, DD also loves all things Celtic and yoga, DH--loves sci-fi, computers, gaming and origami

Godalejr, ???, ???
Interests: Baseball and Disney--but you'll need to fill in any others

[mellers]

Would anybody be interested in ridepooling to/from any of the cities and/or hotels? I'm thinking that if we're in a few, relatively close by hotels, or even in three or four "neighborhoods" of the city, it might be worth it to share taxi/transportation rides.

What does everyone think?

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

We would like to participate in the fish extender exchange

Troutons, 6102, Mrs. Gumdrop (32) & (DH) V.I.N.CENT (34)

We may be interested in getting together before sailing, but we haven't yet decided which day we will arrive in Vancouver.

Thanks for organizing Mellers!

[mellers]

Sounds great! You're on the list--I'll post the full list as we get more!

[scothen]

Sounds good! I'll update this as we get more:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)

Interests: Mellers and DD--all things Disney, DD also loves all things Celtic and yoga, DH--loves sci-fi, computers, gaming and origami

Godalejr, ???, ???
Interests: Baseball and Disney--but you'll need to fill in any others
Hi,

I am booked in cabin 7119(just myself), and I have booked a room at the Fairmont at the Airport, that way I can use DCL transportation. I would be game for a get together the day before the cruise, as that is the day of my flight.

Thanks,

Scot Henderlong
Chicago, IL

[mellers]

Sounds good! I'll add you to the list

[wisegal]

Hello Everyone

We are intrested the Fish Extender exchange. We are myself - Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4). I am not sure of our stateroom. Will look it up and let you know.

Don't think that we are able to get together before as we are working the day before we leave. Joys of the cruise leaving from home -- No travel

[mellers]

Hello Everyone

We are intrested the Fish Extender exchange. We are myself - Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4). I am not sure of our stateroom. Will look it up and let you know.

Don't think that we are able to get together before as we are working the day before we leave. Joys of the cruise leaving from home -- No travel
You're on the list! Let me know what your stateroom is.

[godalejunior]

Jenn (celebrating turning 40), DH Jeff (39) and DS (9) Elias
We are going to try and upgrade at port for a verandah...room to follow...

[kgsmith]

We are interested in participating in the FE exchange.

Karen (40)
DH Stuart (39)
DS Bennett (9)

Our stateroom is 7092.

[mellers]

Jenn (celebrating turning 40), DH Jeff (39) and DS (9)
We are going to try and upgrade at port for a verandah...room to follow...
Sounds good--you're on the list. If you find out what your stateroom is before sailing, let me know.

[mellers]

We are interested in participating in the FE exchange.

Karen (40)
DH Stuart (39)
DS Bennett (9)

Our stateroom is 7092.
You are also on the list now

[wisegal]

Just popping in to post our room number 6111. Have a great day

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Hi everyone!

I am wondering if anyone on our thread has traveled to Alaska in the past, and if you would be willing to share what excursions or activities you enjoyed the most.

Thanks!

[DumboFan]

Count us in for the FE!

Myself - Debbie
DH - Kenny
DD - Kate (13)

If I remember correctly, we're in 6090. I'll let you know if I'm wrong!!

[mellers]

Count us in for the FE!

Myself - Debbie
DH - Kenny
DD - Kate (13)

If I remember correctly, we're in 6090. I'll let you know if I'm wrong!!
You're on the list.

[mellers]

Hi everyone!

I am wondering if anyone on our thread has traveled to Alaska in the past, and if you would be willing to share what excursions or activities you enjoyed the most.

Thanks!

I can't say this from personal experience, but our friends (who visitied Alaska four years ago) emailed us yesterday and said that they really loved the White Pass Railroad. (We were glad to hear it because we had already booked the excursion with the White Pass!)

For the excursion to the summit:

http://www.wpyr.com/summitexcursion.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/white-pass-scenic-railway/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/white-pass-scenic-railway-featuring-exclusive-youth-activity/

For the excursion to Fraser Meadows:

http://www.wpyr.com/frasermeadows.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/all-aboard-steam-train/

Disney also has several custom and combination excursions with the White Pass that I didn't list here.

If you are not in a wheelchair, I doubt you will have any problems booking the White Pass Summit Excursion, regardless of whether or not you book through Disney (that is the only wheelchair-accessible excursion, unfortunately).

If, however, you are in a wheelchair, I'd recommend booking your excursion through White Pass if you are a first-time cruiser, because I was told that there would be limited space for wheelchairs--apparently, it's about a 15-20 minute walk or roll to the station from the dock. I've also read (although you should confirm this with the White Pass) that there is an accessible van that will take you from the dock for about $1-$1.50, if you don't want to walk or roll to the station.

I'm interested to know whether or not anyone has taken the Duck Tour in Ketchikan (My family really likes Duck Tours, so we signed up for this). Disney doesn't offer the excursion, so we bought tickets for it on our own:

http://www.akduck.com/

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Thanks Mellers! I have been advised by family members that the White Pass Railroad is a must-do.

[godalejunior]

We are interested in participating in the FE exchange.

Karen (40)
DH Stuart (39)
DS Bennett (9)

Our stateroom is 7092.

Happy to see another Dis family with a DS the same age as ours!:thumbsup2

[MonicaW]

We are REALLY looking forward to the excursions. Many of our friends and family members have previously traveled to Alaska (train/rail one way, and ship the other), but this will be our first time!

As the excursions can be QUITE costly, and over the last two years, tourists have spent 15-20% less than in previous years, AND we are only in each port for a day, here are some more budget minded activities....

---------------------------------------------------------------------
JUNEAU:
Some of the finest hiking around Juneau is found in the old gold mining areas up beyond the end of Basin Road, a pleasant half-hour walk from town. The area is amazingly quiet and scenic, particularly given its proximity to hectic downtown Juneau. For those that might not be up to the hike, I know there are 2 for 1 tickets available for the Tram at http://www.toursaver.com/index.php/mount-roberts-tramway/
For those looking for a Walmart in Juneau, it opened in 2009 and is 6-7 miles up the street.

SKAGWAY:
Skagway has a neat walking tour as you can easily walk around town, see all of the historical sites along our back streets and stroll down historic Broadway. Here's the link http://www.skagway.com/walkingtour.html - you can scroll over the map and it will automatically hi-lite the spots your cursor is over.

For coffee enthusiasts, there are 4 coffee shops (EXCELSIOR CAFE is a STARBUCKS). There are also two ice cream shops, 3 liquor stores, and LOTS of gift and clothing shops and galleries.

KETCHIKAN:
Stop at the visitor/tour center, right at the dock and pick up a walking tour map of the town. Check out the Creek Street area, and take lots of pictures of the shops, attractions, and scenery! There are many jewelry stores and tacky tourist shops.
The Totem Heritage Center had a small but significant collection of traditional totem poles.
The Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery & Eagle Center is located next to the Totem Heritage Center. Some folks have told me that it's not worth the admission as you can still wander and see whatever is inside (someone pls check this out and let us know).
There is also a 55-minute LumberJack show. I've heard both positive and negatives about it. It's $35 at the window - check for 2 for 1 coupons on the web.
Go and see the view from the top of the hill. There is a resort at the top of Creek Street which you can get access to by a trolley-type car for $2.
--------------------------------------------------------
Hope this helps!
I will begin my investigations later in the year.... want to see what the May and June cruisers have to say!!!

Monica :):dance3:

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

unfortunitly I am no longer going on this cruise, I wish all of you on it bon voyage and safe travels. Also look after the Wonder for me.

[mellers]

unfortunitly I am no longer going on this cruise, I wish all of you on it bon voyage and safe travels. Also look after the Wonder for me.

Sorry to hear it--hope you get another chance someday soon.

[megakat]

Just booked the flight and hotel in Vancouver:woohoo:. We are arriving on the Saturday before the cruise so we can get in a few days of sightseeing.
Checked out some of the shore excursions...sure are expensive:eek:....oh well, this will likely be the only time we go to Alaska so I'm trying not to look too closely at the prices.

[Inkmahm]

Hi everyone!

I am wondering if anyone on our thread has traveled to Alaska in the past, and if you would be willing to share what excursions or activities you enjoyed the most.

Thanks!

DH and I have been there twice before with land and sea packages with Princess. We will go with Princess again in the future (every 5 years) so we are considering this DCL cruise as an inbetween trip. I would NOT pick DCL if this was the only time I would ever be planning to go to Alaska.

On previous trips, we were able to spend time on land in Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, etc. Missing the interior of Alaska is rough for me as I love it as much or more than the ports we will be visiting on the DCL cruise. Favorite excursions from the past include fying over the summit of Denali, the 10 hour excursion into Denali park to see wildlife, White Pass railroad trip all the way to the end of the line and a bus ride back (that was 9 hours I think), helicopter trip to walk on a glacier, small boat trip out of Whitier to see many many glaciers close up, etc.

As for the cities we will visit:

Vancouver- we have done the trolley tour of the city twice and visited the aquarium both trips, too. We stay at the Pan Pacific and walk to the Gas Light area. Great little shops and restaurants. We are staying at the Pan Pacific again on 8/15 for this trip and then again on 8/23.

Ketchikan: On our May trip we did a speed boat tour out of a fishing camp. Saw wildlife from the boat and heard great stories about the area. I'd do that one again. I would NOT do the lumberjack show in Ketchikan again. It really wasn't very good. On our August trip, we loved flying to Traitors Cove on a float plane to hike in to a bear viewing platform to watch bears fishing in the salmon run. That was probably my favorite tour. We also toured Misty Fjords with that trip on the way back to Ketchikan. My parents did the totem pole tour when they were in Ketchikan and hated it, said it was really really boring.


Juneau: On our May trip we did the pilot's choice helicopter tour of glaciers. We got out and walked on Mendenhall. If you've never walked on a glacier, I highly recommend this tour. On our August trip we did whale watching from a smaller boat. That was great, too. We were supposed to do the dog sledding on a glacier but that was canceled due to weather. That excursion is supposedly the MOST canceled excursion there is. Weather often does not cooperate to allowe the helicopters to get you to the dog camp.

Skagway: Both trips, we did the White Pass rail trip. I can't imagine going to Skagway and not doing the rail trip. Our first trip we did the Princess excursion with the bus ride up and shorter rail trip back. The second trip we booked on our own and took the train to the end of the line, stopping in Bennet for lunch and seeing the town there from the gold rush days. I don't know if we have enough time for that trip on this DCL cruise but I highly recommend it.

[mellers]

Just booked the flight and hotel in Vancouver:woohoo:. We are arriving on the Saturday before the cruise so we can get in a few days of sightseeing.
Checked out some of the shore excursions...sure are expensive:eek:....oh well, this will likely be the only time we go to Alaska so I'm trying not to look too closely at the prices.

Megakat--you can cut the cost of a lot of the excursions by booking them yourselves. You have to walk or take the bus to the station (about 1/2-3/4 miles away from the docks), but you can book the White Pass at Skagway directly:

http://www.wpyr.com

There's also a fair number of posters who've booked floatplane, helicopter and fishing tours separately that have ranged from somewhat less expensive to much less expensive (unfortunately, glaciers don't like wheelchairs, so we didn't :( )

Also, there are some smaller, less elaborate tours that are very inexpensive that Disney doesn't offer--we're fans of Duck tours, and there's one out of Ketchikan that's only about $40/person.

[megakat]

Thanks Mellers.:thumbsup2 My oldest daughter has a phobia about the Duck buses, but I will definitely look into booking things seperately from Disney. There's 10 of us travelling together so it'll be a challenge to get something that everyone likes. We'll probably end up doing our own things ashore.

[mellers]

Thanks Mellers.:thumbsup2 My oldest daughter has a phobia about the Duck buses, but I will definitely look into booking things seperately from Disney. There's 10 of us travelling together so it'll be a challenge to get something that everyone likes. We'll probably end up doing our own things ashore.

With 10 of you, if you do find something you want to do, you'll have a lot of buying power with a group that large! Have a wonderful time!

(also, if you want to join the FE group, I've got a list going)

[Stitchs buddy]

hi,i am 14 years old, i am looking for other kids oround my age to meet and hang out with! :) if u do chat back with me!

[Stitchs buddy]

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: i am sooo exited cant wait!!

[mellers]

hi,i am 14 years old, i am looking for other kids oround my age to meet and hang out with! :) if u do chat back with me!

Stitchs Buddy--My daughter is 14 years old and will be on the cruise. If you'd like to chat with her, you can PM me (Mom's rules--you have to go through my account--evil, cruel Mom ;) ) with the subject line, FOR DD. She can't answer back until Monday, however, because she is grounded from the computer until then.

[DumboFan]

hi,i am 14 years old, i am looking for other kids oround my age to meet and hang out with! :) if u do chat back with me!

PM your email address & I'll give it to my 13 year old daughter.

[Stitchs buddy]

PM your email address & I'll give it to my 13 year old daughter. my mom is megakat and she sent u my email! :):banana:

[Stitchs buddy]

Stitchs Buddy--My daughter is 14 years old and will be on the cruise. If you'd like to chat with her, you can PM me (Mom's rules--you have to go through my account--evil, cruel Mom ;) ) with the subject line, FOR DD. She can't answer back until Monday, however, because she is grounded from the computer until then.

cant pm yet not enough postings but when i get enough i will pm u back! :banana:

[mellers]

Hi All,

Here's a repost of the FE list--if I missed you, or if you want on, please let me know!

While I'm not going to do any hard and fast rules, please, nobody should feel like they have to break the bank, either in purchasing stuff or in luggage fees. We're all here to have fun.

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9
Troutons, 6102, Mrs. Gumdrop (32) & (DH) V.I.N.CENT (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)

[Stitchs buddy]

i cant wait for the cruise i wish it was tomorrow!

[Dancing Mickey's]

Well our family is booked for this cruise but things may change...our DS may be going to college earlier than planned as he may play football. Great and exciting but we were hoping this would be our last big family vacation before he goes. First one off to college sad2: Now, I am really happy that we booked a surprise DREAM cruise in Feb. We will all be together then:love:

So now the debate...keep the date...go without him. We have a DS 10 and a Princess 4.

I really want to go on the Glacier and Mush dogs. Bucket list item...so we will see. I will check in later as we would enjoy the FE group. Always fun.

Hope to meet you all...Pops twins are super CUTE!

[mellers]

i cant wait for the cruise i wish it was tomorrow!

Me too!:banana:

[mellers]

Actually, some of the recent talk of excursions (and being VERY excited to go on the cruise :) ) brings up a thought--do we want to post some of the excursions we are taking, so that we can find others who will be on the same excursions/want to do the same things? (If you booked separately from Disney, please post links.)

I'll start:

Skagway--We plan to take the 12:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Summit Excursion White Pass train:

http://www.wpyr.com , 12:45 Summit Excursion

Juneau--if the weather is nice, we plan to take a taxi to the the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure. If it's yucky, we plan to go to the Alaskan State Museum (unfortunately, glacier walking in a wheelchair ain't happening, and we're not big fans of fishing)

http://www.glaciergardens.com/
http://www.museums.state.ak.us/

In Ketchikan, we plan to take the Alaska Duck Tour:

http://www.akduck.com

[disneymath]

Hi Mellers! Thanks for taking the time to organize all this information for our cruise! :goodvibes

Right now my dad, mom, and I (aged 61, 58, and 34 at cruise time) are signed up for the Adventures By Disney add-on package. Our shore days are pretty much packed, but I think we will have a lot of fun.

(I say right now as I do need to get my parents to sit down and look at the other excursions offered through DCL to make sure that they won't be missing out on something they really want to do. If so, we may end up dropping the ABD. I hope not though, this is one trip I'm more than willing to let someone else handle the logistics of.)

As far as the FE Exchange, I'll get back to you on that. I think it would be great (and have an idea for the gift I would give), but I need to check that they want to participate.

Wow, first cruise (any line), first trip to Vancouver and Alakas, first ABD, and possible first FE Exchange ... this is shaping up to be quite the experience! :)

[mellers]

Hi Mellers! Thanks for taking the time to organize all this information for our cruise! :goodvibes

Thank you--I'm happy to do it; I've learned a lot on these boards!


Right now my dad, mom, and I (aged 61, 58, and 34 at cruise time) are signed up for the Adventures By Disney add-on package. Our shore days are pretty much packed, but I think we will have a lot of fun.


You should have a great time!


(I say right now as I do need to get my parents to sit down and look at the other excursions offered through DCL to make sure that they won't be missing out on something they really want to do. If so, we may end up dropping the ABD. I hope not though, this is one trip I'm more than willing to let someone else handle the logistics of.)


Honestly, even if they do find something else they would like to do, or even something non-DCL, I've been surprised at how much information there is out there, and how easy it is to book yourself. One book I'd recommend you take a look at (either at the library or the bookstore) is the PassPorter Guide to the Disney Cruise Line--the latest edition, which should include Alaska, is coming out in April--they usually compile links to the individual providers. I did all of our shore excursions with a credit card and the internet.

It sounds like your parents are pretty hardy folks, but if you have people in wheelchairs, and it's your first cruise with DCL (it's also my first cruise ever!), and you want to do the White Pass Summit Excursion, I would recommend you book online through them--it's a short distance to the depot, and you can book now. There are limited seats for wheelies on the train, and I would hate for a wheelie to miss out because he or she waited to book.


As far as the FE Exchange, I'll get back to you on that. I think it would be great (and have an idea for the gift I would give), but I need to check that they want to participate.

No problem--there's no hurries, and nobody should feel like they have to do the FE exchange.

Wow, first cruise (any line), first trip to Vancouver and Alakas, first ABD, and possible first FE Exchange ... this is shaping up to be quite the experience! :)

We live outside Seattle, and have relatives in Richmond (by the Vancouver airport) so I have spent a great deal of time in Vancouver.

Two beautiful, out-of-the way things to see which most people don't are the gardens of the International Buddhist Temple in Richmond:

http://www.buddhisttemple.ca/

(A few years ago, my husband's uncle (who is a member of the temple) took us through the gardens--it is truly amazing!)

and the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens:

http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website/

Also, one quick note for those who are taking kids to Vancouver--if you have a membership with your local science museum, check and see--it may also be good at Telus Science World: http://www.scienceworld.ca/

This place is so much fun--my husband, his uncle, and I took the kidlet to it, and watching them it was hard to say who had more fun--our daughter or the grownups!

[BishopFamily]

Hi All,

Here's a repost of the FE list--if I missed you, or if you want on, please let me know!

While I'm not going to do any hard and fast rules, please, nobody should feel like they have to break the bank, either in purchasing stuff or in luggage fees. We're all here to have fun.

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9
Troutons, 6102, Mrs. Gumdrop (32) & (DH) V.I.N.CENT (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)

You can add us to the list...

BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)

[mellers]

You can add us to the list...

BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)

You are on the list:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9)
Troutons, 6102, Mrs. Gumdrop (32) & (DH) V.I.N.CENT (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

You are on the list:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9)
Troutons, 6102, Mrs. Gumdrop (32) & (DH) V.I.N.CENT (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)

HI! Thanks again for compiling this list. I just realized I provided our information strangely. So the revised version is:

Mrs. Gumdrop & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)

Also, once we have a clearer idea of how many people are exchanging, my DSIL who is in an adjoining room my join the group as well.

[mellers]

HI! Thanks again for compiling this list. I just realized I provided our information strangely. So the revised version is:

Mrs. Gumdrop & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)

Also, once we have a clearer idea of how many people are exchanging, my DSIL who is in an adjoining room my join the group as well.

Sounds good! New list:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9
Mrs. Gumdrop & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)

[womanredress]

Hello!

I was originally scheduled for the June 14th cruise but am no longer able to go on that one. I think we are going to reschedule for this cruise and I wanted to pop in and say hello!

I've been looking at some of the port adventures and they look like a lot of fun. Definitely different than the Mexican Riviera cruise adventures on my last Disney cruise.

[mellers]

Hello!

I was originally scheduled for the June 14th cruise but am no longer able to go on that one. I think we are going to reschedule for this cruise and I wanted to pop in and say hello!

I've been looking at some of the port adventures and they look like a lot of fun. Definitely different than the Mexican Riviera cruise adventures on my last Disney cruise.

Welcome!

[mellers]

Actually, some of the recent talk of excursions (and being VERY excited to go on the cruise :) ) brings up a thought--do we want to post some of the excursions we are taking, so that we can find others who will be on the same excursions/want to do the same things? (If you booked separately from Disney, please post links.)

I'll start:

Skagway--We plan to take the 12:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Summit Excursion White Pass train:

http://www.wpyr.com/summitexcursion.html , 12:45 Summit Excursion

Juneau--if the weather is nice, we plan to take a taxi to the the Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure. If it's yucky, we plan to go to the Alaskan State Museum (unfortunately, glacier walking in a wheelchair ain't happening, and we're not big fans of fishing)

http://www.glaciergardens.com/
http://www.museums.state.ak.us/

In Ketchikan, we plan to take the Alaska Duck Tour:

http://www.akduck.com

I also should add--we are taking Seattle Green Limo from the Seattle area to the Richmond Four Points the Saturday before the cruise (hanging out in the Vancouver area for a few days), and we're taking them back to the Seattle area at 11 o'clock the day the cruise comes into port.

We're also taking the Ridebooker van from the Four Points to the cruise at 9 a.m. the morning of the cruise.

[mellers]

Since somebody was worried about the costs associated with the shore excursions, I thought I would try to put together a comparison of some self-book and Disney options. Some of these are exactly the same excursion, some are "along the same lines". Please, please, PLEASE! Look carefully at all of the websites, make sure you know the fine print, cancellation policies, and whether or not transportation to the activity is included in the self-book options. Also, if you've had a bad experience with a provider, or a good one with one I haven't mentioned, by all means, let us know! I've done this for Ketchikan, and if people like it, I'll probably do Skagway next:

Cruise Excursions not offered by Disney:

Please also see post #230--thanks llkoolj40!

Ketchikan:

Alaska Duck Tour: http://www.akduck.com/
Ketchikan Walking Tour Map (free!) Downtown: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/support-files/ketchikan_maps_downtown.pdf
Ketchikan Walking Tour Map (free!) West End: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/support-files/ketchikan_maps_west.pdf

Cruise Excursion offered by Disney/Similar, self-book options (please note that this on cursory glance, late at night— so check the websites carefully!):

Ketchikan:

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour:
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/bering-sea-crab-fishermens-tour-and-dinner/
http://56degreesnorth.com/

Major differences: The self-book tour does not include dinner with the crew, and is shorter—Disney’s includes a dinner with the crew. The self-book option is wheelchair accessible; Disney’s is not. Self-book allows you to purchase child tickets for 5-12 year olds for a lower price. On Disney’s, everybody’s ticket is the same price. Self-book is $159 for adults, and $99 for kids 5-12 (minimum age is 5). Disney’s has a minimum age of 8, and everybody is $265.

Totem Traditions and Potlatch Park with Exclusive Youth Activity:

http://northerntoursofalaska.com/tours.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/totem-traditions-and-potlatch-park/

Northern Tours of Alaska offers a tour of Totem Bight State Park, the Russian Museum, and various city highlights, for $35 for adults, and $25 for children 5-12 (under 5 is free) if you book online. Disney offers tours of Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, and a special youth activity for $89 for those over 10, and $69 for those 5 and up (minimum age for Disney’s is 5). Northern Tours is 2.25-2.5 hours long, Disney’s is 2.5-3 hours long. These are definitely not the same tour, and may not have the same provider, but they both covered the area’s totem poles, so I added them both.

Alaska Bear Adventures:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/alaska-bear-adventure/
https://secure51.inmotionhosting.com/~alaska26/bearpage.htm


Differences:
Alaska Seaplane Tours, Bears of the Misty Fjords: Minimum of two people: $289/adult, $239/child 12 and under, after the first two people. Tour time is two hours, and the cost includes pick-up and drop-off by the visitors center near the cruise ship. I’m not sure how the time would work out with the time we have in port. May not be the same company used by Disney; About says they have a perfect safety rating, however.

Disney’s tour is 3-3.5 hours (but this may include the transfer time, so bear that in mind). It seems to include a visit to the Tongass National Forest, whereas the Alaska Seaplane Tours visits the Misty Fjords. The charge for ages 9 and up is $372, under 9 is $299.

Alaska Hummer Adventures:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/alaska-hummer-adventure/
http://gdyn.akhummer.com/

Differences: Disney’s costs $605, self-book is $559

Back Country Jeep and Canoe Safari:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/back-country-jeep-and-canoe-adventure/
http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/k_jeep_canoe_safari.htm

Differences: Disney’s says that it is 4-4.5 hours, self-book says it is approximately 4 hours. Self-book is Adult $149/Child $99, not including taxes, child is 12 and under, Disney’s is $178, ages 10 and up, and $100 ages 8 to 9, taxes unckear. Minimum age for Disney’s is 8; Minimum age for self-book is 5.

Bear Country Wildlife Expedition:

http://www.alaskarainforest.com/Tours/Wildlife-Expedition.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/bear-country-and-wildlife-expedition/

Differences: Minimum age for Disney tour is 5; for self-book, it’s 12. Disney’s is $192 for those 12 and over, and $129 for ages 5-9. Self-book tour is $199 per person. Self-book tour is 3.25 hours, Disney’s is 3-3.5 hours. Self-Book tour is supposed to have a “limited” group size (not specific). Please also see message #198 with many thanks to SanDiegoSteph

Bear Creek Zipline Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/bear-creek-zipline-adventures/
http://www.alaskarainforest.com/Tours/Zipline-Rainforest-Ketchikan.html

Differences: Self-book: $179/person, Disney, $178/person

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour:

http://56degreesnorth.com/

Differences: Self-book is $159 for 13+, $99 for 5-12. Disney’s is $179 for 10+, $99 for for 5-9.

Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea:

No self-book option, but a note:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/best-of-ketchikan-by-land-and-sea/

Duck tours are available for $38 for 13+, and $24 for 3-12, under 3 are free, and they are 90 minutes long:
http://www.akduck.com
Northern tours offer a city tour that is 2.25-2.5 hours long, for $35 for 13+ and $25 for 5-12, under 5 are free:
http://northerntoursofalaska.com/tours.html

If you can coordinate the time (it looks like they leave from about the same location—the visitor’s center), that would give you a 3.75-4 hour long land and sea tour for about $73 for adults and $58 for kids up to 12.

The Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea tour is $118 for 10+ and $70 for 9 and under. It’s 3.5-4 hours long. It goes to different parts of Ketchikan than the two tours above—I would recommend looking at all three tours to see what would suit your family—and budget—the best.

City Highlights, Totems, and Creek Street by Trolley

http://aksourdoughtours.com/saxman_tour.php
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/city-highlights-totems-and-creek-street-by-trolley/

Self-book: $40/person, any age. Disney: $42/10+, $19 for under 10.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing:

http://www.alaskaseaplanetours.com/mistyfjords.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/classic-misty-fjords-flightseeing/

Self-Book: $229/13+, $189/12 and under. Disney: $263/10+, $202/9 and under. Please also see #207 with many thanks to SanDiegoSteph

First City Deluxe Tour:

http://northerntoursofalaska.com/wildlife.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/first-city-deluxe-totems-salmon-hatchery-and-eagle-center/

Differences: Disney goes to Potlatch Park, while Northern Tours goes to the Saxman Native Village. Northern Tours goes to the Black Bear Area, while Disney’s goes to the Salmon Hatchery. Northern Tours goes to Creek Street, and Disney goes to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Since the two have different itinteraries, I would look at both closely to see which best fit your family’s interests and budget. Northern Tours is $42 for 13+, $22 5-12, free under 5. Disney’s is $82 for 10+, $45 for 9 and under. Disney’s is also much longer; 4-4.5 hours, whereas Northern Tours of Alaska’s is only 2.25-2.5 hours.

Hunting for Halibut:

http://wefishalaska.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/hunting-for-halibut/

Self-Book: According to their website, 4 hour fishing trips can be booked for about $175/person, but you should call and check to make sure that’s true. Disney’s are $394 for 10+, and $319 for 8 and 9 year olds. Disney’s are 5.5-6.5 hours long. For a more accurate comparison, you might specifically ask about Halibut fishing for that time period. I am quite sure that self-book option is not the same company Disney uses.

Knudson Cove Salmon Fishing:

http://wefishalaska.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/knudson-cove-salmon-fishing/

Again, I don’t think the Self-Book option is the same company Disney uses, but again, according to their website, 4 hour fishing trips can be booked for about $175/person—again, I would call and check. Disney’s is $202 for 10+, and $190 for ages 8 and 9. Disney’s is about 4.5-5.5 hours long.

Lighthouse, Totems and Eagles:

http://lighthouseexcursion.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/lighthouse-totems-and-eagles/

These two appear to be the exact same excursion; Disney lists prices as $102 for 10+, and $49 for 9 and under. I could not see a price listing for a direct book, but there was a link to click where you could email for booking information. Probably worth an email for a price check, since the two excursions appear to be done by the same company. Please also see message #209 by SanDiegoSteph

Misty Fjords Boat and Floatplane Adventure:

http://www.promechair.com/Alaskan-Package/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/misty-fjords-boat-and-floatplane-adventure/

I think these are both the same package. Disney lists it as $359/10+, $310 under 9. Promech Air does not list prices—you might want to call and check, also, make sure Promech Air includes transporation to/from the docks.

Neets Bay Bear Watch by Floatplane:

http://www.promechair.com/Beartour/
http://www.alaskaseaplanetours.com/bearpage.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/neets-bay-bear-watch-by-floatplane/

Differences: Promech Air is $339 per person, and I do not know if that includes transportation to the airport—I suspect they run Disney’s tour. Disney lists prices as $360 for 10+, and $302 for 9 and under. Disney’s excursion is 3-3.5 hours long. Alaska Seaplane Tours goes bear watching on Prince of Wales Island, and does include transportation to the departure area. They list prices as $339/adult (at least 2), and $289/child 12 and under (after the first 2 people)—they do not specify times, but they do specify that they include transportation to/from the cruise dock.

Rainforest Canoe Adventure and Nature Trail:

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/k_rain_forest_canoe.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/rain-forest-canoe-adventure-and-nature-trail/

Differences: Best of Alaska Tour: $89/12+, $59/12 and under, Disney Tour: $112/9+, $69/5-9. I suspect this to be the same tour as Disney’s.

Rainforest Island Adventure:

http://www.alaskaadventures.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/k_rainforest_island_adv.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/rain-forest-island-adventure/

Differences: I suspect this is the same tour. Alaska Adventures is $119/12+, and $79 for 12 and under. Disney’s is $130/10+, and $72 for ages 5-9.

Saxman Native Village:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/saxman-native-village/
http://www.northerntoursofalaska.com/wildlife.html

Disney’s cruise tends to focus more on Saxman Native Village alone, whereas Northern Tours of Alaska seems to sprinkle in some more wildlife viewing. Northern Tours is $42/adults (12+), and $22 for kids (12 and under). Disney’s is $72/adult (10+), and $29/kid (9 and under)

[mellers]

Well our family is booked for this cruise but things may change...our DS may be going to college earlier than planned as he may play football. Great and exciting but we were hoping this would be our last big family vacation before he goes. First one off to college sad2: Now, I am really happy that we booked a surprise DREAM cruise in Feb. We will all be together then:love:

So now the debate...keep the date...go without him. We have a DS 10 and a Princess 4.

I really want to go on the Glacier and Mush dogs. Bucket list item...so we will see. I will check in later as we would enjoy the FE group. Always fun.

Hope to meet you all...Pops twins are super CUTE!

My DD's starting to approach that college age--I can understand wanting to take your DS along.

[godalejunior]

Mellers...you rock for all your work on the excursion post. :cool1::thumbsup2

[mellers]

Mellers...you rock for all your work on the excursion post. :cool1::thumbsup2

Thanks!

[scothen]

DH and I have been there twice before with land and sea packages with Princess. We will go with Princess again in the future (every 5 years) so we are considering this DCL cruise as an inbetween trip. I would NOT pick DCL if this was the only time I would ever be planning to go to Alaska.

On previous trips, we were able to spend time on land in Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, etc. Missing the interior of Alaska is rough for me as I love it as much or more than the ports we will be visiting on the DCL cruise. Favorite excursions from the past include fying over the summit of Denali, the 10 hour excursion into Denali park to see wildlife, White Pass railroad trip all the way to the end of the line and a bus ride back (that was 9 hours I think), helicopter trip to walk on a glacier, small boat trip out of Whitier to see many many glaciers close up, etc.

As for the cities we will visit:

Vancouver- we have done the trolley tour of the city twice and visited the aquarium both trips, too. We stay at the Pan Pacific and walk to the Gas Light area. Great little shops and restaurants. We are staying at the Pan Pacific again on 8/15 for this trip and then again on 8/23.

Ketchikan: On our May trip we did a speed boat tour out of a fishing camp. Saw wildlife from the boat and heard great stories about the area. I'd do that one again. I would NOT do the lumberjack show in Ketchikan again. It really wasn't very good. On our August trip, we loved flying to Traitors Cove on a float plane to hike in to a bear viewing platform to watch bears fishing in the salmon run. That was probably my favorite tour. We also toured Misty Fjords with that trip on the way back to Ketchikan. My parents did the totem pole tour when they were in Ketchikan and hated it, said it was really really boring.


Juneau: On our May trip we did the pilot's choice helicopter tour of glaciers. We got out and walked on Mendenhall. If you've never walked on a glacier, I highly recommend this tour. On our August trip we did whale watching from a smaller boat. That was great, too. We were supposed to do the dog sledding on a glacier but that was canceled due to weather. That excursion is supposedly the MOST canceled excursion there is. Weather often does not cooperate to allowe the helicopters to get you to the dog camp.

Skagway: Both trips, we did the White Pass rail trip. I can't imagine going to Skagway and not doing the rail trip. Our first trip we did the Princess excursion with the bus ride up and shorter rail trip back. The second trip we booked on our own and took the train to the end of the line, stopping in Bennet for lunch and seeing the town there from the gold rush days. I don't know if we have enough time for that trip on this DCL cruise but I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the great advice, as I want to make the most of this trip. Look forward to seeing you again.

[DisneyDDS]

Hi,

I just found this thread! We booked this cruise last January when we were on the Magic. We couldn't pass up Alaska. We will be traveling with my husband's mom, dad, brother and sister-in-law. No Kids. It looks like most of you have really done a lot of planning already. (I'm behind!!!)

We were thinking of flying into Vancouver or Seattle on the 13th.

Does anyone know if there will be a pirate night?pirate:

[mellers]

Hi,

I just found this thread! We booked this cruise last January when we were on the Magic. We couldn't pass up Alaska. We will be traveling with my husband's mom, dad, brother and sister-in-law. No Kids. It looks like most of you have really done a lot of planning already. (I'm behind!!!)

We were thinking of flying into Vancouver or Seattle on the 13th.

Does anyone know if there will be a pirate night?pirate:

Glad to have you join us! There's a lot that's been posted about various excursions, Vancouver, and Seattle, but I don't know if there's going to be a pirate night--we may not find out until after the May cruisers post their trip reports.

If you want to join the FE exchange, I've been keeping the list--let me know.

[mellers]

Hi all--as promised, here is the Shore Excursion Comparison List for Skagway. As before, please read all of the websites CAREFULLY, and before you give anyone any money, make sure you know the cancellation policies, whether or not taxes are paid, whether or not you will need to pay for additional transporation to/from the cruise docks, etc.

Also, one important note: if you plan to do the book-it-yourself option on the "All Aboard Steam Train" excursion (which I would recommend--$50/person for a guide, a champagne toast, a Christmas Tree Ornament and a dock departure seems a bit steep), apparently, they are starting to fill up--a poster on another board mentioned that he could not get reservations, so if that is your plan, you may want to step lively. I reserved the self-book version of the White Pass Scenic Railway about 2 weeks ago, and had no problems.

Again, if people like this, let me know and I'll see what I can do for Juneau:

Excursions not offered by Disney:

Please also see post #230--thanks llkoolj40!

Walking Tour: http://www.skagway.com/skagwaywalkingtour.pdf
ShoreTrips triple tour: $545/person, includes a Crab Fisherman Tour in Ketchikan, the Taku Glacier Lodge Flight and Feast in Juneau, and the White Pass Summit Rail and Bus in Skagway: https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=039109
ShoreTrips triple tour: $150/person, includes the Ketchikan City Tour and Totem Bight tour, Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau City Tour by Bus, White Pass Summit Tour by bus in Skagway:
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=039106
ShoreTrips triple tour: $305/person, includes the Tongass Rainforest Hiking Expedition in Ketchikan, the Canopy Zip Line excursion in Juneau, and the Yukon U-Drive Jeep Stampede in Skagway:
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=039463

Shore Excursions/Self-Book Options:

Liarsville Gold Rush Tour, Salmon Bake and Exclusive Disney Character Experience:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/liarsville-gold-rush-trail-camp-and-salmon-bake/
http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/liarsville_gold_rush.htm

Differences: Best of Alaska Travel does not include a Disney Character. Best of Alaska is $49/adult and $33/child, taxes not included, Disney’s is $89/adult and $49/child, taxes unclear

White Pass Scenic Railway with Exclusive Youth Activity:

http://www.wpyr.com/summitexcursion.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/white-pass-scenic-railway-featuring-exclusive-youth-activity/

Differences: White Pass direct book does not include the separate car for kids to do I Spy and sing railway songs. With the White Pass direct book, you need to walk (or take a bus), the .5-.75 miles from the dock to the station. (Note: If you take the Disney option, you MAY NOT take the train from the station, you must take it from the dock—food for thought, if you plan to explore the town first.) White Pass is $112/adult, $56/child (child age not specified, double-check, but the usual for self-book seems to be 12 and under is a child.) Disney is $169/10+, $99/under 10.

(One further note—if you are first-time cruisers, and have somebody in a wheelchair with you who can get to the station, I would recommend self-book for another reason. You have last priority to get reservations, and wheelchair seats are limited.)

Alaska Nature and Wildlife Expedition:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/alaska-nature-and-wildlife-expedition/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=001500

Differences: Disney’s is $168/10+, $114 for 5-9. ShoreTrips is $156/12+, $126/under 12. I think this is the same tour as Disney’s. Check if taxes are included; that might swing the needle more towards Disney, depending on the age of your kids.


All Aboard Steam Train:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/all-aboard-steam-train/
http://www.wpyr.com/frasermeadows.html

Differences: Disney puts you in a car with other cruisers, includes an attendant, a champagne or cider toast, and a Christmas tree ornament. With Disney, you also depart from the dock rather than the station, .5-.75 miles away. Disney is $214/10+, $105/under 10. The White Pass is $155/12+, $77.50/under 12, and taxes are included.

Glacier Flightseeing and Dogsledding:

http://touralaska.com/daytourssgy.htm
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=032902
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/dog-sledding-and-glacier-flightseeing/

Differences: Be sure to check to see if Tour Alaska includes transportation from the docks—it’s implied, but not explicitly stated. Shore Trips is substantially less expensive, and includes the White Pass, but DOES NOT include the floatplane tour. Tour Alaska is $489/person, including tax. Shore Trips is $243/12 and over, $167/2-11, $0 under 2 (in lap). Disney’s is $549/10+, $495/under 10.

Best of Skagway

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=001458
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=009030
(be careful—this requires 10 people to book AT THE SAME TIME, so this is for a large group)
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/best-of-skagway/

Differences: The first ShoreTrips excursion DOES NOT TAKE THE TRAIN! It follows the same approximate route be road. The second ShoreTrips excursion, I suspect is part of the one Disney is taking, but it requires 10 people to book at the same time—probably worth it if there’s 10 of us who want to take that one, or you are traveling with a very large group. The first ShoreTrips excursion is $81/12+, $73/12 and under, The second ShoreTrips excursion is $167/+12, $115/3-11, $0/under (on lap), Disney’s is $220/person, minimum age of 16, and includes a bit more of a tour of the more risqué aspects of Skagway.

Eagle Preserve Float Adventure and Lynn Fjord Cruise:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=004036
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/eagle-preserve-float-adventure-and-lynn-fjord-cruise/

I think these are both the same excursion. Shoretrips is $176/+12, $156/7-11. Disney’s is $198, minimum age of 10. (Check for taxes; depending upon who’s charging what, and people’s ages, this may shift it towards Disney)

Please see Cycle Alaska post #208 with many thanks to SanDiegoSteph
Experience Yukon by Bike/White Pass Train and Bike Tour:

http://cyclealaska.com/yukonbybike.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/experience-yukon-by-bike/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/white-pass-train-and-bike-tour/

Cycle Alaska is $183.71 for the motorcoach tour, and $264.75 for the tour with the White Pass included. They seem like very similar (if not the same) tour. Height minimum of 4’6”. Minimum age is 14. Disney’s is $239, minimum age of 16, for the standard Yukon by Bike, and $199 for the White Pass Train and Bike Tour, which seems like the best deal of them all, to me.

Glacier Discovery by Helicopter:

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/glacier_helicopter_tours_landings.asp
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/glacier-discovery-by-helicopter/

How much the Skagway Adventures tour costs depends upon how many are traveling. If it’s 1 person, it will be $282.45, 2 will be $564.90, 3 will be $847.36, and 4 will be $1,129.80. Disney’s is $309/10+, and $289 under 10. This is another case where taxes may make one more or less expensive than another; be sure to see if they are included.

White Pass Railway and Heli-Hike

http://www.alaskaheritage.com/Excursions/SKG-Heli-Hike-WPYR.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/heli-hike-and-railroad-adventure/

This doesn’t look like a good excursion for kids—more for very athletic teens and adults. Alaska Heritage’s is $275/person, and it does not explicitly state whether or not it includes transportation to the helipad—you’ll want to check on that. Disney’s is $425/person. Otherwise it looks like the same excursion. If both prices are still correct at this time, that’s such a large price differential, it might be worth it to figure out what transportation to the helipad would cost, even if they don’t provide it. Again, however, check it out carefully before booking—either way.

Historical City Tour and Salmon Bake:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/historical-city-tour-and-salmon-bake/
http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/liarsville_gold_rush.htm
http://www.alaskaheritage.com/Excursions/SKG-CCTSKGTour.htm

Best of Alaska does not include a city tour, and it does not include taxes, and it is $49/Adults, and $33/children under 12. Disney’s includes a city tour, and it is $72/10 and up, and $42/under 10. If you want to add a city tour, there is a city tour which includes gold panning which is $25/Adults, and $12.50/Children under 12. Which way is a better deal depends upon how many adults are traveling, and how many kids between 10-12.

City Tour, Gardens and Glass:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/city-tour-gardens-and-glass/
http://www.discoverskagway.com/our_tours.php?tour_id=1

Disney’s is 2.5-3 hours, Discover Skagway’s is 3-3.5 hours. Disney’s goes to the Jewell Gardens and Historic Skagway, Discover Skagway’s goes to the Jewell Gardens, the White Pass Summit, and Historic Skagway. Disney specifically includes the Glass Theatre, that is not specifically included in Discover Skagway’s tour. Discover Skagway is $45 for adults and $29 for children, Disney’s is $94 for 10+ and $49 under 10. (I am not sure what the child age is for Discover Skagway’s tour—you may want to ask.)

Klondike Gold Dredge and White Pass Railway:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/klondike-gold-dredge-and-white-pass-railway/
http://www.wpyr.com/summitexcursion.html
http://www.alaskaheritage.com/Excursions/SKG-CCTSKGTour.htm

By putting two excursions together, you come up with something very similar to Disney’s: The White Pass railroad has a summit excursion for $112/12+, $56/12 and under, and Alaska Heritage Tours has a City Tour and panning at the Gold Dredge for $25/12+, and $12.50/under 12. While I am not sure about the Alaska Heritage tour, I know that taxes are included on the White Pass Railway. The two tours combined are then $136/12+ (plus possible taxes on $25), and $68.50 for 12 and under (plus possible taxes on 12.50). You will have to walk ½ to ¾ mile from the docks to the station to take this tour, or pay about $5 for a day pass on the bus. Disney’s is $175/10+, and $99/for 9 and under. Disney’s would total 4.5-5 hours, these two tours together would total 4.5-5 hours.


Klondike Bicycle Tour:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/klondike-bicycle-tour/
http://cyclealaska.com/klond.html

The Cycle Alaska tour is 2.75 hours, and requires a minimum of 4 people. Minimum age is 12, and minimum height is 4’6”. It costs $82.95, including tax. Disney’s tour is 2.5-3 hours, and also requires a minimum age of 12. It costs $87, I am unsure of tax. I suspect they are the same tour.


Rainforest Bicycle Tour:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/rain-forest-bicycle-tour/
http://www.cyclealaska.com/rain.html

The Cycle Alaska tour requires a minimum of 4 people, and a maximum of 12. Minimum age is 10. Cost is $82.95/person including tax, Disney’s is $94, taxes unclear. I suspect this to be the same tour.

Skagway by Bike

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/skagway-by-bike/
http://www.cyclealaska.com/skagwaybybike.html

Cycle Alaska’s tour requires a minimum height of 4’6” to ride a bike, and under 7 may ride free in carrier. Adults are $45, Kids 7-12 are $30 for the regular tour, or there is a Jewell Gardens option, which includes lunch, which is $63 for adults and $41 for kids. Disney’s is $59/10+, and $36/under 10—it appears to be the “Non-Jewell-Gardens” tour. Disney does not offer a Jewell Gardens addition.

Sawtooth Mountain Nature Hike:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/sawtooth-mountain-nature-hike/
http://www.skagwayadventures.com/sawtooth-mountains-nature-hike.asp


I think these are the same hike, but I would check to make sure full transportation to the cruise docks is included, and I don’t know about taxes—I suspect both transportation and taxes are included, by the description, but I wouldn’t want to steer someone wrong. Skagway Adventures hike is $120/person, and Disney’s is $135/person.

Sled Dog Adventures and Musher’s Camp:

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/sled-dog-dventures-and-mushers-camp.asp
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/mushers-camp-and-sled-dog-experience/

Skagway Adventures is $109/adults, and $89/children, and I would double-check about transportation from the docks and taxes, as it’s implied but not explicitly stated. Disney’s is $132/adult, $125/children, and appears to be more or less the same tour.

Chilkoot Horseback Adventures:

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/chilkoot-horseback-adventures.asp
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/chilkoot-horseback-adventure/

These appear to be, more or less, the same tour, but again, I would double-check about transportation and taxes. Disney’s is $174 for 12 and up, and Skagway Adventures is $163. Definitely check into taxes, cancellation policies, and transportation, because these are very close in price, and a little bit one way or the other could make the difference as to which is the better deal.

Skagway Triple Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/skagway-triple-adventure/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=004514

The ShoreTrips excursion is $181/12+, and $162/10-12 (minimum age of 10). Not sure if this includes taxes or not. Disney’s is $210 for everybody. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure it’s the same tour.

Takshanuk Trail 4x4/Yukon Jeep Klondike Adventures:

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/yukon_jeep_stampede.asp
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/yukon-jeep-klondike-adventure/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/takshanuk-mountain-trail-4x4/

These are not the same excursion, but they both seem to be “along the same lines”. The Yukon Jeep Stampede is 4 hours, and it is $109.20/person, and the Takshanuk Trail 4x4 is $198/person, and is 6-6.5 hours. Disney’s Yukon Jeep Klondike Adventure is 5-5.5 hours, and it is $164/10+, and $96/8 and 9 year olds. If this is the kind of thing you want to do, you might want to give them all a look and see which would be best for you.


White Pass Scenic Railway:

http://www.wpyr.com/summitexcursion.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/white-pass-scenic-railway/

Disney’s is $122/10+, $59/9 and under, and it leaves directly from the docks, rather than requiring a ½ mile-3/4 mile walk to the station. The White Pass is $112/12+, $56/under 12. Other than that, there Is no significant difference.

Yukon Expedition:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/yukon-expedition/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=025140

These look like the same trip. ShoreTrips is $119/12+, and $86 for 12 and under. Disney’s is $202/10+, and $104/9 and under

White Pass Railway and Trail Camp Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/white-pass-railway-and-trail-camp/
http://www.alaskacoachtours.com/skagway-white-pass-rail.htm

These appear to be the same tour—check for child ages and taxes for Alaskan coach tours—that may push it one way or the other for your family. Disney’s is $168/10+, and $85/under 10. Alaskan Coach Tours is $156/adult and $89/child.

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Mellers! That post is remarkable! I haven't been through the whole thing yet, but thank you for all the work that I am sure went into it.

[mellers]

Mellers! That post is remarkable! I haven't been through the whole thing yet, but thank you for all the work that I am sure went into it.

You're welcome! I'll do Juneau next, when I get time.

[msnoble]

Oh WOW Mellars! Your post is so helpful--thanks a million :goodvibes

I have been absent from this thread for a while, but am starting to check back now that the cruise is beginning to feel like a reality hahaha. I think we would like to be signed up for the FE; the kids and I did one on the Wonder last February and it was a lot of fun. I am glad to see you are keeping it to a reasonable number (did I see you were going to limit to 15 families in a group?)...that was the one kind of intimidating factor.

Anyway, we'll be:
Maureen, Brian, Erica (age 12 (2 weeks from 13 ;)) and Russell (age 10); Room 6034. No gum or sticky/chewy candy for Erica please, she has braces. Otherwise no food allergies or issues.

Thanks again for all of your organizational skills Mellars!

[Inkmahm]

Must book and pay by Feb 4th:

http://www.panpacific.com/en/specialoffers.html#23465

These rates for the Travelzoo special were better than my booked AAA rates so I have switched. We love the Pan Pacific hotel and look forward to staying there again in August.

[disneymath]

I was just on the DCL site checking to see if prices had dropped and, searching for a party of 3 adults resulted in every other date in August EXCEPT the 16th being available! The cruises on either side of ours have gone up significantly in the lowest available fares too.

For those experienced cruises - what, if anything, does this mean for us?

[mellers]

Oh WOW Mellars! Your post is so helpful--thanks a million :goodvibes

I have been absent from this thread for a while, but am starting to check back now that the cruise is beginning to feel like a reality hahaha. I think we would like to be signed up for the FE; the kids and I did one on the Wonder last February and it was a lot of fun. I am glad to see you are keeping it to a reasonable number (did I see you were going to limit to 15 families in a group?)...that was the one kind of intimidating factor.

Anyway, we'll be:
Maureen, Brian, Erica (age 12 (2 weeks from 13 ;)) and Russell (age 10); Room 6034. No gum or sticky/chewy candy for Erica please, she has braces. Otherwise no food allergies or issues.

Thanks again for all of your organizational skills Mellars!

Thank you for the nice note! New list:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9)
Mrs. Gumdrop & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)
Maureen, Brian, Erica (age 12 (2 weeks from 13 ) and Russell (age 10); Room 6034

Please, no sticky/chewy candy for Erica, and please, no food for Mellers family (2 with hypertension--including DD!, and one with gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)--a cruel, cruel fate for a foodie ;) )

[mellers]

I was just on the DCL site checking to see if prices had dropped and, searching for a party of 3 adults resulted in every other date in August EXCEPT the 16th being available! The cruises on either side of ours have gone up significantly in the lowest available fares too.

For those experienced cruises - what, if anything, does this mean for us?

I am not an experienced cruiser, but I suspect "first-timers", like myself, would do better to book shore excursions outside of Disney (that is what I did)--I suspect a lot of the most popular ones will be booked up before we even get a chance at them, if the cruise is totally full.

[mellers]

Here is the shore excursion comparison, as promised, for Juneau.

As before, please read all of the websites CAREFULLY! Make sure you know where tour busses pick up, and if you need to get transportation to a meeting point, and how much that will be. Also what child ages are, and whether or not tax is included.

Another thing to consider is that, if you are ill and quarantined on ship, Disney will automatically cancel and refund your shore excursions, but the same is NOT true of the ones you have booked yourself. Please be aware of cancellation policies--particularly with the more expensive excursions. Missing a $25 tour bus ride would elicit an "Oh, darn." Mising a $500 helicopter ride would be more like :scared1:. Also remember that there are websites, such as http://www.insuremytrip.com, where you can buy trip insurance, but be sure to buy it ON THE SAME DAY YOU BOOK YOUR EXCURSION! That way, you will get the best coverage.

Unfortunately, booking with Disney will also carry its own set of risks, from the looks of an earlier post. It seems that our cruise is totally sold out, which means that those with Platinum or Concierge-level rooms will get the first crack at the best excursions--some may well be sold out by the time they get down to first-time cruisers like me. This should figure into your plans as well, unless you are a platinum or Concierge Club member.

Whatever you decide to do, or not do, on the cruise, have a wonderful time!

Not offered by Disney:

Please also see post #230--thanks llkoolj40!

Walking Tour (unlike Skagway and Ketchikan, this is guided and NOT free) http://www.juneau.org/parkrec/museum/walkingtour.php
Glacier Gardens (alone; it is available as part of a tour): http://www.glaciergardens.com/
The Alaska State Museum (inexpensive, walking distance from docks, supposedly): http://www.museums.state.ak.us/asm/asmhome.html
ShoreTrips triple tour: $545/person, includes a Crab Fisherman Tour in Ketchikan, the Taku Glacier Lodge Flight and Feast in Juneau, and the White Pass Summit Rail and Bus in Skagway: https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=039109
ShoreTrips triple tour: $150/person, includes the Ketchikan City Tour and Totem Bight tour, Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau City Tour by Bus, White Pass Summit Tour by bus in Skagway:
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=039106
ShoreTrips triple tour: $305/person, includes the Tongass Rainforest Hiking Expedition in Ketchikan, the Canopy Zip Line excursion in Juneau, and the Yukon U-Drive Jeep Stampede in Skagway:
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=SKA&tcode=039463

Disney/Self-Book:

Deluxe Tour of Juneau:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=004244
http://juneaulimo.com/rates.aspx
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/deluxe-tour-of-juneau/

The ShoreTrips excursion is less expensive, but also shorter (3-3.5 hours, as opposed to 5-5.5 hours). It goes to the Alaskan Brewery rather than the Salmon Hatchery. ShoreTrips requires a minimum of 4 people to book, and it is $88/person. It allows for a flexibility of time at the Mendenhall Vistor’s Center which Disney does not. Disney’s is $125/10+, and $69/under 9. My read is that the ShoreTrips excursion might be a good choice for adults, and Disney’s might be better for kids. With 5 or more people 10 and over, it also might be worth it to pay $110/hr (about $110/person) for Juneau Limo’s 5 hour limo service. You would, however, have to pay the admission fees for the various places, so that probably wouldn’t be much, if any savings. With 6 people you would probably be better off going the limo route. With 7, the prices go up to $130/hr, working out to about $93/apiece. At this point, you’re almost certainly better off. With 10 people, it would be $65/apiece for a limo tour, and even when you figure in admission, you would certainly be better off taking this route.


Disney Exclusive Glacier Dog Musher for a Day:

http://www.juneautours.net/?event=offer.detail&offerId=4928
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/disney-exclusive-glacier-dog-musher-for-a-day/

These are very different excursions, with correspondingly different prices. Juneau Tours’ is much shorter—only 1.5 hour. Disney’s is much longer, 5.5 hours, with more time to spend with the dogs. Disney’s tour is $699/10+, and $499/4-9. Juneau Tours is $478.95, unless you are over 250 lbs, in which case, it is $678.95.

The Enchanted Taku Lodge Flight and Feast:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=001794
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/the-enchanted-taku-glacier-lodge-flight-and-feast/

These appear to be exactly the same tour. Disney’s is $345/10+, and $265/2-9. ShoreTrips is $286/12+, and $225/2-11. In both tours, under 2 is free. ShoreTrips also has a bundle with further discounts that includes this tour, a Crab Fishing tour in Ketchikan, and the White Pass/Bus Tour in Skagway for $545/person.

Alaska Custom Hummer Excursion/Private Jeep Excursion:

http://alaskatraveladventures.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_alaska_hummer.htm
http://juneaulimo.com/rates.aspx
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/juneau-by-private-jeep/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=033598
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/alaska-custom-hummer-excursion/

These are all, more or less, in the same vein. Disney’s Hummer is $649, and Alaska Travel Adventures’ Hummer is $549, taxes not included, Juneau Limousine’s Hummer is $110/hr, I assume taxes not included. ShoreTrips Jeep excursion is $160/person, minimum of 2, and Disney’s is $750 for the whole jeep, up to 4 people. (4 people for 4 hours on the ShoreTrips excursion would be $640.)

Alaska Whales and Rainforest Trails:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/alaska-whales-and-rainforest-trails/
http://juneausbestours.com/Alaska_Whales.php
http://www.juneautours.org/whale.html

I think Juneau’s Best Tours is the same tour as Disney’s, but it’s price is adults/$189, and children/$136. Disney’s is $199/10+, and $127/5-9. Definitely check to see if taxes are included in either Disney or Juneau’s best—that and child ages will really determine which is the best deal. Juneau Tours does not include the rainforest hike, and it is $125/adults and $100/children.

Whales and Science Adventure:

http://www.stepintoalaska.com/tour_shore_excursion_details.cfm?tourid=researchex ploration
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/alaska-whales-and-science-adventure/

I think this is the same excursion. Disney’s is $196/10+, and $124/5-9. Step Into Alaska’s tour is $195/adults, and $99/for kids. It would be worth checking if Disney’s includes tax, and Step Into Alaska’s does not, because that might swing things one way or the other. Also, the website is not specific about child ages—if you have 10-12 year olds, that might make a big difference.

Alpine Zipline and Glacier Adventure:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=057059
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=047174
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/apline-zipline-and-glacier-adventure/

Combining the ShoreTrips zipline and glacier tours costs $192/12+ and $158/10-12, and lasts 6 hours. Disney’s is $204 for everyone, and lasts 4.5-5 hours. If you have 10-12 year olds, the edge probably goes to ShoreTrips, but if not, check with both ShoreTrips and Disney to see what the tax would be—that could make a difference as to what is actually cheaper. You also want to check tour departure times to make sure you have time to get back to the ship.

Best of Juneau:

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_best_of_juneau.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/best-of-juneau/

These are both the same tour, as best as I can tell. Best of Juneau costs $169/12+, and $139/12 and under. Disney’s costs $199/10+, and $122/9 and under, so the age of your kids definitely makes a difference on this tour. Best of Juneau does not include taxes; I’m not sure about Disney.

Bike and Tram Adventure:

http://www.cycleak.com/bike__tram.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/bike-and-tram-mountain-adventure/

These both appear to be the same excursion, as best I can tell. Cycle Alaska’s is $119/12+, and $73/10-12 year olds. Disney’s is $124/everyone. Child ages make a big difference here—I’m also not sure whether or not Cycle Alaska and/or Disney include taxes—that could make a difference as to which is cheaper.

Helicopter and Dog Sled Tour/Dogsledding and Mendenhall Glacier:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=001393
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/dog-sled-adventure-by-helicopter/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/dog-sledding-on-the-mendenhall-glacier-by-helicopter/


This is another one where child ages make a big difference. If you have children who are 2-9, the edge is probably Disney’s. If you have 10+ kids, the edge is almost certainly ShoreTrips. These excursion all seem very, very similar, and if there are differences, they seem to be slight. ShoreTrips is $479/person, regardless of age, and Disney’s is $569/10+, and $285/2-9 for the Dog Sled Adventure by Helicopter, and $579/person for the Dog Sledding and Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter.


Dog Sled Summer Camp:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/dog-sled-summer-camp/
http://juneau-guide.com/trDogSled.land.htm

These appear to be the same tour. Disney’s is $154/10+ and $142/9 and under. Juneau Guide and Tours is $124/everyone. I’m not sure about taxes.

Whale Quest and Orca Point Lodge Tour:

http://www.alaskacoachtours.com/whale-watching-orca-point.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/whale-quest-and-orca-point-lodge/

These appear to be, more or less, the same tour. Alaska Coach Tours is $149/adults, and $79/kids (no ages listed, and I don’t know if tax is included). Disney’s is $168/10+, and $110/9 and under.

Exclusive Whale Encounter

http://www.dolphintours.com/content/tours/Whale-Watching-Tours-Juneau-Alaska.php
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/exclusive-whale-encounter/

These are very similar tours, but the Dolphin Tours tour leaves from the Tram Parking Area—you’ll want to make sure you know where to pick it up. Dolphin Tours is $105-$110/12+, and $85-$90/2-12. Infants are free. Disney is $129/10+, and $74/9 and under. Dolphin Tours includes all taxes and fees—not sure about Disney. Again, the best deal seems to depend on the age of the kids. Dolphin Tours also offers further discounts for 8+ people—food for thought for large groups.

Exclusive Whale Encounter and Mendenhall Glacier Tour:

http://www.dolphintours.com/content/tours/Mendenhall-Glacier-Juneau-Alaska.php
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/exclusive-whale-encounter-and-mendenhall-glacier/

These two look like very similar tours, but I can’t say for sure that Dolphin Tours has the salmon tasting or the snacks—if that’s important to you, you should call and ask. Otherwise, they seem to be about the same tour. Dolphin Tours is $130/12+, $110/2-12, and under 2 is free, tax included. Disney’s is $139/10+, $89/9 and under. Again, this seems to be one where the ages of the kids really matter. Also, it’s worth checking with Disney to see if their excursion includes taxes.

Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/extended-helicopter-glacier-trek/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=001820

This appears to be the same excursion. ShoreTrips is $517/person, 16 year age minimum, and Disney’s is $527/person, 15 year age minimum. Check for taxes—that may make a substantial difference in these two prices; otherwise, they are very close.

Glacier Adventure by Helicopter:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/glacier-adventure-by-helicopter/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=001392

This appears to be the same excursion. ShoreTrips is $267/person, taxes unclear. Disney’s is $355/10+, and $179/2-9. This shifts rather decisively in one direction or the other, depending upon the ages of the participants.

Glacier Flightseeing Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/glacier-flight-seeing-adventure/
http://www.juneau-guide.com/trJuneauIcefield.htm

Juneau Adventure and Tours is $199/person, and Disney’s is $225/10+, and $185/2-9. Again, it seems that the best deal depends upon the ages of the travelers.

Glacier View Bike and Hatchery:

http://cycleak.com/bike_&_hatchery.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/glacier-view-and-bike-hatchery/

There is no information available to compare on these two tours, but I rather suspect that Cycle Alaska is running Disney’s tour, and I would call for independent booking rates.

Glacier View Sea Kayaking

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/glacier-view-sea-kayaking/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=024415

Disney’s is both shorter and cheaper than ShoreTrips excursion. It is 3.5-4 hours, and $119/person. ShoreTrips is $132/adult, and $111/8-12, and it is 5.5 hours long. ShoreTrips also does not have a minimum age of 10. It’s minimum age is 8.

Gold Creek Salmon Bake

http://www.alaskaadventures.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_gold_creek_salmon.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/gold-creek-salmon-bake/

Disney’s is $48/10+ and $27/9 and under. Alaska Adventures is $42/12+ and $28/12 and under; taxes are not included for Alaska Adventures, not sure about Disney.

Helicopter Glacier Trek

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/helicopter-glacier-trek/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=001812

ShoreTrips is $407/person, Disney’s is $429. Disney’s minimum age is 12, and so is ShoreTrips. I think this is the same excursion.

Helicopter Glacier Walkabout

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/helicopter-glacier-walk-about/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=004079

ShoreTrips is $366/person, and Disney is $379/10+, and $310/8-9. Disney’s minimum age is 8, and ShoreTrips minimum age is also 8.

Historic Gold Mining and Panning Excursion:

http://alaskatraveladventures.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_gold_mining_panning.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/historic-gold-mining-and-panning-adventure/

I think these two are the same excursion. Disney’s is $64/10+, and $38/9 and under. Alaska Travel Adventures is $55/12+ and $37/12 and under; this does not include tax—I’m not sure about Disney.

Historic Gold Mining and Panning Excursion with Gold Creek Salmon Bake:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/historic-gold-panning-adventure-and-gold-creek-salmon-bake/
http://www.alaskaadventures.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_gold_mining_bake_combo.htm

I think these two are the same excursion. Disney’s is $95/10+ and $58/9 and under, and Alaska Travel Adventures is $85/12+ and $57/12 and under; this does not include tax—I’m not sure about Disney.

Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/juneau-city-and-mendenhall-glacier-tour/
http://www.juneautours.org/purchase_tours.php

These tours are similar, but Disney’s tour is an hour longer. Juneau Tours picks up in the parking lot of the Mount Roberts Tramway, so you need to make sure you know where this is (It is near the cruise ships). Juneau Tours tour is $27/12+, $23/4-11, and free for 3 and under. Disney’s tour is $50/10+, $26/9 and under.

Glacier Adventure Hike

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=009036
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/mendenhall-glacier-adventure-hike/

These two are very similar. ShoreTrips is $85/12 and under, $56/8 to 12. Disney’s is $89/10+, and $49/8-9.

Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/mendenhall-glacier-and-whale-quest/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=034442

These two are very similar. ShoreTrips is $153/12+ and $90/12 and under. Disney’s is $165/10+ and $94/9 and under.

Mendenhall Glacier By Helicopter and Guided Walk:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/mendenhall-glacier-by-helicopter-and-guided-walk/
http://www.juneautours.org/helicopter.html

These two are very similar, but Juneau Tours is twice as long, owing to the transportation to the helicopter. Juneau tours is $250/seat, and Disney’s is $305/seat. The actual flight and glacier part seems to be the same.

Mendenhall Glacier Explorer:

http://www.juneautours.org/city_glacier.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/mendenhall-glacier-explorer/

These look like similar tours—Juneau Tours departs from the Mount Roberts Tramway parking lot, and costs is $27/12+, $23/4-11, and free for 3 and under. Disney’s is $49/10+ and $25/9 and under.

Mendenhall Glacier Explorer and Mount Roberts Tramway

http://www.juneautours.org/city_glacier.html
http://www.goldbelttours.com/mount-roberts-tramway
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/mendenhall-glacier-explorer-and-mount-roberts-tramway/

It’s very easy to combine the Glacier Explorer Tour on your own with the Mount Roberts Tramway—Juneau Tours departs from, and returns to, the Tramway parking lot. The tramway is $27/12+, $13.50/6-12, and 5 and under are free, so combining the two tours gives you $54/12+, $40.50/12 year olds, $36.50/6-11 year olds, $23/4-5 year olds, and free for three and under. Disney’s is $89 for everyone. The “self-book” combo tour does not include a wine and cheese tasting.


Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip:

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_mendenhall_glacier_float.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/mendenhall-glacier-float-trip/

It looks like pretty much the same trip. Disney’s is $149/person, minimum age of 10. Best of Alaska’s is $119/12+ and $79/under 12; not including tax.

Mount Roberts Tramway:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/mount-roberts-tramway-at-leisure/
http://www.goldbelttours.com/mount-roberts-tramway

Disney’s is $27/10+, $13/9 and under. Gold Belt Tours is $27/12+, $13.50/12 and under.

“Pilot’s Choice” Glacier Explorer

http://www.portpromotions.com/index.php?region=Alaska&port=1&exc=277#277
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/pilots-choice-glacier-explorer/

Disney’s takes the edge as far as richness of the tour goes—you will stop twice on the glacier and get out—but you will pay steeply for the privilege. Disney’s is $437/10+ and $416/9 and under, and Port Promotions is $277/11+ and $268/11 and under.

Private Fishing Boat-Salmon Fishing Charter/Salmon Sportfishing Adventure

http://alaskatrophyfishing.com/alaskatrophyfishing.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/private-boat-salmon-fishing-charter/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/salmon-sportfishing-adventure/

Disney’s boat is $1,299, totally private, and will take up to 6 people. Alaska Trophy Fishing is $199/person for 4 hours of fishing (1 hour of travel time), and does not promise a private experience. It’s closest to the Salmon Sportfishing Adventure, which Disney sells for $225/10+ and $205/9 and under.

Canopy and Zipline Adventure:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common/search4.asp?rcode=PNW&lcode=JUN&tcode=057059
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/rainforest-canopy-and-zipline-adventure/

These look to be about the same tour. Disney’s is $184/person, and ShoreTrips is $149/12+, and $111/10-12. Both have a minimum age of 10.
Underground Juneau Gold

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/underground-juneau-gold/
http://www.juneau-guide.com/trJuneauGold.htm

Alaska adventure and tours is $65/person. Disney’s is $72/10+ and $39/9 and under. Otherwise, this looks to be the same tour.

Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_whale_cruise.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/whale-watching-and-salmon-bake/

Best of Alaska’s is $149/12+ and $119/12 and under. Disney’s is $169/10+ and $129/9 and under. Otherwise, it looks like the same thing.

Whale Watching, Salmon Bake, and Mendenhall Glacier (Disney’s is Adults Only)

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/j_best_of_juneau.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/juneau-alaska/whale-watching-salmon-bake-and-mendenhall-glacier-adult-only/

Disney’s tour is adults only, but Best of Alaska’s is open to kids as well. Disney’s is $189/adult, and Best of Alaska’s is $169/12+, and $139/under 12.

[mellers]

(did I see you were going to limit to 15 families in a group?)

Just realized--I didn't answer your question. Yes--I am keeping it to 15 families in an FE group. If we get more, I'll break us up into groups.

[mellers]

One final thing (then, I promise, I'll shut up ;) )

Remember, this is a cruise to have fun, and if you really feel you can't afford the excursions, you won't have fun. While you can spend an almost unlimited amount of money on Shore Excursions, you can also do the Ketchikan walking tours (free), The Skagway Walking tour (free), and the Alaska State Museum in Juneau ($5/adults, free for kids), get a feel for the places we visit, and pay very little.

I hope we all have a great time on the cruise!

[SanDiegoSteph]

Bear Country Wildlife Expedition:

http://www.alaskarainforest.com/Tours/Wildlife-Expedition.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/bear-country-and-wildlife-expedition/

Differences: Minimum age for Disney tour is 5; for self-book, it’s 12. Disney’s is $192 for those 12 and over, and $129 for ages 5-9. Self-book tour is $199 per person. Self-book tour is 3.25 hours, Disney’s is 3-3.5 hours. Self-Book tour is supposed to have a “limited” group size (not specific).

Just an update for folks interested specifically in the Bear Country and Wildlife Expedition...I spoke to the folks at Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary today about whether we could book directly with them since we are lowly Silver members and may not get a chance to book this trip through Disney.

Our DS is only 5 (actually will be 6 days shy of 5 when we arrive in Ketchikan) and they said they could probably still accomodate us, but on a "private tour" of just the 5 of us. Their reason for having an age 12 minimum is that little kids are often too noisy and scare away the bears so the rest of the folks on the tour would miss out if there was one noisy kid along.

So, I guess my advice to anyone interested in this trip, that has kids under 12, is to call directly especially if you have a decent size group and they may be able to set something up for you..of course you'd have to be willing to duct tape your kids' mouth (just kidding of course!!)

[mellers]

Just an update for folks interested specifically in the Bear Country and Wildlife Expedition...I spoke to the folks at Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary today about whether we could book directly with them since we are lowly Silver members and may not get a chance to book this trip through Disney.

Our DS is only 5 (actually will be 6 days shy of 5 when we arrive in Ketchikan) and they said they could probably still accomodate us, but on a "private tour" of just the 5 of us. Their reason for having an age 12 minimum is that little kids are often too noisy and scare away the bears so the rest of the folks on the tour would miss out if there was one noisy kid along.

So, I guess my advice to anyone interested in this trip, that has kids under 12, is to call directly especially if you have a decent size group and they may be able to set something up for you..of course you'd have to be willing to duct tape your kids' mouth (just kidding of course!!)

Great info!

[mellers]

Must book and pay by Feb 4th:

http://www.panpacific.com/en/specialoffers.html#23465

These rates for the Travelzoo special were better than my booked AAA rates so I have switched. We love the Pan Pacific hotel and look forward to staying there again in August.

Good to know!

[mellers]

Today's Groupon for Seattle is a deal on Whale Watching in Anacortes--you'd need to rent a car to get there, but this is a good deal on a whale watching tour:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/mystic-sea-charter?utm_campaign=mystic-sea-charter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&c=btn&addx=nobody@nowhere.com&utm_content=seattle_deal_feed_with_updates_and_ema il_subject_titles_2011-01-07

[mellers]

With our final payment date coming up in a couple of months, I encourage everyone to read this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2654664

A few of us found some cruise insurance which you could purchase within 24 hours of your final payment that will cover pre-existing conditions. Apparently, if you have DCL cruise insurance, you can cancel it now and take a different policy. I just found that out when I read this thread (and a previous one, which directed me to the link I posted.)

Most people think of serious things, like cancer and heart disease, as pre-existing conditions, but what they don't realize is that asthma, eye issues, or basically anything for which you've been treated or for which you've taken medicine in the past year is a pre-existing condition. If, for example, your husband with high blood pressure has a heart attack on board the ship, and must be airlifted off, if the insurance company can make the case that his high blood pressure contributed significantly to the heart attack, they can deny your claim.

Unfortunately, Disney's insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions--period. You can't even get a rider on their policy. Also, it seems that there are many plans which are less expensive and offer better coverage.

Hopefully, we all have a wonderful cruise, everything is great and nobody gets sick or has an emergency, but if something does happen, I hope everybody has insurance that will take care of them.

[mellers]

If you want to add your family to the FE list, go ahead and post, but I won't be able to add you between 2/18-2/26. I'm going to Disneyland! :woohoo: I'll add you as soon as I get back :moped:

[Aby]

Have fun at Disneyland!!! :yay:

[mellers]

Have fun at Disneyland!!! :yay:

Thanks!--it's a mother-daughter trip--the daughter's growing up so fast!

[kgsmith]

If you want to add your family to the FE list, go ahead and post, but I won't be able to add you between 2/18-2/26. I'm going to Disneyland! :woohoo: I'll add you as soon as I get back :moped:

Have a great trip!!:yay:

[SanDiegoSteph]

Misty Fjords Flightseeing:

http://www.alaskaseaplanetours.com/mistyfjords.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/classic-misty-fjords-flightseeing/

Self-Book: $229/13+, $189/12 and under. Disney: $263/10+, $202/9 and under


Can I also offer another self-book suggestion...

I have been having a WONDERFUL experience with Lesley and Steve Kamm of Seawind Aviation (www.SeawindAviation.com); 1-877-225-1203

They are providing us with a Misty Fjords Flightseeing trip that is 1 1/4 hours with a lake landing for an additional 15 minutes to shoot photos.

They are having an "early bird" sale on this tour of just $199/person if you book by March 16th and only require a 50% payment at time of booking.

AND, if you tell them you are a Disney Cruiser family, they will work with you on special kids' rates based on their size. In fact, they NEVER charge for kids 2 and under and they recently gave a deal to a family with a 5 year old girl of 1/2 price for her since their family's combined weights were so low! :thumbsup2

Happy Booking!

[SanDiegoSteph]

Experience Yukon by Bike/White Pass Train and Bike Tour:
http://cyclealaska.com/yukonbybike.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/experience-yukon-by-bike/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/white-pass-train-and-bike-tour/

Cycle Alaska is $183.71 for the motorcoach tour, and $264.75 for the tour with the White Pass included. They seem like very similar (if not the same) tour. Height minimum of 4’6”. Minimum age is 14. Disney’s is $239, minimum age of 16, for the standard Yukon by Bike, and $199 for the White Pass Train and Bike Tour, which seems like the best deal of them all, to me.

Klondike Bicycle Tour:
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/klondike-bicycle-tour/
http://cyclealaska.com/klond.html

The Cycle Alaska tour is 2.75 hours, and requires a minimum of 4 people. Minimum age is 12, and minimum height is 4’6”. It costs $82.95, including tax. Disney’s tour is 2.5-3 hours, and also requires a minimum age of 12. It costs $87, I am unsure of tax. I suspect they are the same tour.

Rainforest Bicycle Tour:
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/rain-forest-bicycle-tour/
http://www.cyclealaska.com/rain.html

The Cycle Alaska tour requires a minimum of 4 people, and a maximum of 12. Minimum age is 10. Cost is $82.95/person including tax, Disney’s is $94, taxes unclear. I suspect this to be the same tour.

Skagway by Bike
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/skagway-alaska/skagway-by-bike/
http://www.cyclealaska.com/skagwaybybike.html

Cycle Alaska’s tour requires a minimum height of 4’6” to ride a bike, and under 7 may ride free in carrier. Adults are $45, Kids 7-12 are $30 for the regular tour, or there is a Jewell Gardens option, which includes lunch, which is $63 for adults and $41 for kids. Disney’s is $59/10+, and $36/under 10—it appears to be the “Non-Jewell-Gardens” tour. Disney does not offer a Jewell Gardens addition.


Just an update on the Cycle Alaska trips:

Here is their email response to my request to book their Experience Yukon by Bike/White Pass Train and Bike Tour for our cruise in August...:sad2:

"Our space is alloted to the cruise line. At this time, we are unable to take your reservation. We have added another afternoon tour which will make more space available through Disney. If you are unsuccessful at booking through the cruise line, you may call us the day of the tour and we will know if there is any additional space available.
We appreciate your inquiry.

Thank you,
Becky Hunt, Office Manager"

So, I guess we'll just have to take our chances and try to book when our DCL booking window opens up...

[SanDiegoSteph]

Lighthouse, Totems and Eagles:
http://lighthouseexcursion.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/lighthouse-totems-and-eagles/

These two appear to be the exact same excursion; Disney lists prices as $102 for 10+, and $49 for 9 and under. I could not see a price listing for a direct book, but there was a link to click where you could email for booking information. Probably worth an email for a price check, since the two excursions appear to be done by the same company.

Unfortunately, this company won't book with you independently either. Here is their email response to my request to make a reservation...:sad2:

"Thanks for your interest in Lighthouse, Totems and EAGLES Excursion.

It appears that you are traveling with Disney Wonder. We have a contract with them. You must book through Disney. Your child is 1/2 price and will receive a free stuffed Alaskan animal.

We serve salmon spread, cheese, crackers, fresh fruit and cookies plus all hot & cold beverages, so if you miss lunch with Disney you can make up for it with us.

Let me know if there are any other questions you may have that I can answer. Our dog Princess should be on board with us, a special treat for dog lovers. It will be my pleasure to welcome you on board.
Capt. Rob"

Oh well, we booked the Bering Sea Crab boat trip instead! :yay:

[mellers]

Can I also offer another self-book suggestion...

I have been having a WONDERFUL experience with Lesley and Steve Kamm of Seawind Aviation (www.SeawindAviation.com); 1-877-225-1203

They are providing us with a Misty Fjords Flightseeing trip that is 1 1/4 hours with a lake landing for an additional 15 minutes to shoot photos.

They are having an "early bird" sale on this tour of just $199/person if you book by March 16th and only require a 50% payment at time of booking.

AND, if you tell them you are a Disney Cruiser family, they will work with you on special kids' rates based on their size. In fact, they NEVER charge for kids 2 and under and they recently gave a deal to a family with a 5 year old girl of 1/2 price for her since their family's combined weights were so low! :thumbsup2

Happy Booking!

GREAT info!!!! Thank you! (and thank you to everyone who wished me well on the Disney trip)

[mellers]

Unfortunately, this company won't book with you independently either. Here is their email response to my request to make a reservation...:sad2:

"Thanks for your interest in Lighthouse, Totems and EAGLES Excursion.

It appears that you are traveling with Disney Wonder. We have a contract with them. You must book through Disney. Your child is 1/2 price and will receive a free stuffed Alaskan animal.

We serve salmon spread, cheese, crackers, fresh fruit and cookies plus all hot & cold beverages, so if you miss lunch with Disney you can make up for it with us.

Let me know if there are any other questions you may have that I can answer. Our dog Princess should be on board with us, a special treat for dog lovers. It will be my pleasure to welcome you on board.
Capt. Rob"

Oh well, we booked the Bering Sea Crab boat trip instead! :yay:

Thank you for all of these updates! This is really good information. I booked the White Pass Summit Excursion (wheelchair accessible) from the White Pass railroad and the Ketchikan Duck Tour--we're planning to play it by ear in Juneau. I didn't have any trouble self-booking,

[disneymath]

mellers ... enjoy your trip to disneyland. I'm hoping that my DVC points will one day get me to see that part of Walt's empire!

thanks also for your info on trip insurance ... I need to figure this out - originally I was thinking of going with DCL but our flights are looking so ridiculous that I would want them covered too ... plus there is the pre-existing conditions issue to consider.

[mellers]

Thanks to everybody for the nice notes on all subjects, and for the great info recently posted! My suitcase is zipped up, my boarding passes are printed out, and I am on my way to Disneyland tomorrow. :banana: :moped:

[scothen]

Thanks to everybody for the nice notes on all subjects, and for the great info recently posted! My suitcase is zipped up, my boarding passes are printed out, and I am on my way to Disneyland tomorrow. :banana: :moped:
I was just there in September and did the "Walk in Walt's Footsteps" tour. Met a cast member named Cheryl, who arranged for me to be in the VIP viewing area for Fantasmic! I hope you have a great time!

[dkmjgal]

My DD, almost 16 at the time of the cruise and my DS 12 1/2 at the time of the cruise are looking for any other kids their age that will be traveling with us. If the other kids are interested in connecting before the cruise perhaps we could start a separate thread for them.

Kelly

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

A lovely cruiser heading to Alaska in May gathered the excursion times for her sailing. Not all will pertain to us, but I am sure this will be helpful.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2666085

[mellers]

My DD, almost 16 at the time of the cruise and my DS 12 1/2 at the time of the cruise are looking for any other kids their age that will be traveling with us. If the other kids are interested in connecting before the cruise perhaps we could start a separate thread for them.

Kelly

My DD will be 15 at the time of the cruise and would love to connect with another kid her age. I've been running it through my account, but if your daughter is interested, have her PM me with "Minnie" in the subject line.

[mellers]

A lovely cruiser heading to Alaska in May gathered the excursion times for her sailing. Not all will pertain to us, but I am sure this will be helpful.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2666085


Great info! Thanks for reposting it!

[mellers]

Somebody posted the cruise arrival schedule for the Ketchikan port--we are a late arrival--1:30 p.m.

http://www.claalaska.com/pdf/2011/KTN_2011.pdf

[poohj80]

Wanted to add my thanks to mellers for posting all the excursion price comparisons! I was surprised that, for the most part, Disney's excursion prices aren't that much different in most cases. Yes, there are some with large differences (especially when considering ages of children) but I was always of the opinion that booking through a cruiseline was always SO much more expensive and it doesn't seem to be too much (at least for the excursions we are considering).

[mellers]

Somebody just posted information on a deal for photographs at Shutters:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40170819&posted=1#post40170819

Also, to PoohJ--thanks for the nice note!

[mellers]

Hi all--I set up a separate thread for kids and teens who want to post before the cruise (after my daughter talked me into it :) )

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=40171054#post40171054

However, in the interests of internet security, I've set some ground rules (largely because said daughter will be using the thread as well)

Da Rules:

1. You can give your screen name, your age, and your hometown, but not your school or school mascot information.

2. You can give out your first name, but not your last name. (Only if you want to, and only if it's okay with your parents. Do not feel like you must.)

3. ABSOLUTELY NO phone numbers, addresses, or individual email addresses should be posted to this board.

4. Moms, Dads or other adult care providers, and the kids on the board can post, but please, no others. Moms, Dads and ACPs are welcome to (and encouraged to) read the thread.

5. Kids and teens--if you get any posts or PMs which make you uncomfortable, please report them to an adult you trust.

[mellers]

My DD, almost 16 at the time of the cruise and my DS 12 1/2 at the time of the cruise are looking for any other kids their age that will be traveling with us. If the other kids are interested in connecting before the cruise perhaps we could start a separate thread for them.

Kelly

Kelly--I just realized that I did not credit you with the idea for starting the teen group--I'm sorry about that. It is a good idea.

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

DH and I purchased our airfare today. I am so excited to be one step closer to Alaska. We got (what I think is) a great deal with Southwest from BWI to Seattle. We will head out on Saturday, and rent a car and drive from Seattle to Vancouver. We'll enjoy Sunday and Monday in Vancouver and then out to sea. :boat: After disembarking Tuesday, we will drive back to Seattle and overnight there before flying out at o' dark thirty.

[mellers]

DH and I purchased our airfare today. I am so excited to be one step closer to Alaska. We got (what I think is) a great deal with Southwest from BWI to Seattle. We will head out on Saturday, and rent a car and drive from Seattle to Vancouver. We'll enjoy Sunday and Monday in Vancouver and then out to sea. :boat: After disembarking Tuesday, we will drive back to Seattle and overnight there before flying out at o' dark thirty.

We just paid off the cruise yesterday. It really does feel more real now, doesn't it! :banana:

[dkmjgal]

Kelly--I just realized that I did not credit you with the idea for starting the teen group--I'm sorry about that. It is a good idea.

No problem at all! I'm hoping the kids have an opportunity to connect. I love the ground rules that you set up.
As I told you my daughter had a great experience on our last cruise and a lot of that had to do with "meeting" some kids her age thru the boards. She is still very close with one of the girls and they are hoping to get together this summer.

Thanks for setting up the thread.
Kelly

[mellers]

Somebody just posted information about a cheap place to rent a car in Juneau:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2653569

It sounds like it has a good reputation with the local people.

(P.S.--Thanks Kelly; I hope the kids have a great time.)

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

My DSIL would also like to join in on the fish extender fun as well.

Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL, 6100, Melissa (30-something)

[mellers]

My DSIL would also like to join in on the fish extender fun as well.

Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL, 6100, Melissa (30-something)

Sounds good! New list:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9)
Mrs. Gumdrop & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)
Maureen, Brian, Erica (age 12 (2 weeks from 13 ) and Russell (age 10); Room 6034
Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL, 6100, Melissa (30-something)

No sticky, chewy candy for Maureen, and no food, please, for Mellers family (all 3 have MAJOR dietary issues)

[llkoolj40]

Mellers
Great info on this thread. Thanks for posting a link to it.
I will be on the May 3rd Alaska cruise. This is my 2nd time to Alaska, 1st time was in 2008 on Carnival Spirit. may I also suggest some tours I have used.
Juneau:
Harv and Marv Whale watching
http://www.harvandmarvs.com/
Skagway:
Chilkoot Charters
http://www.chilkootcharters.com/
Ketchikan:
Island Wings (Misty Fjords Float plane tour)
http://www.islandwings.com/

Also, here is a web site with the cruise ship port schedules so you can see how many ships are in port for your trip.http://www.claalaska.com/schedules.html

Have a great trip all.

L J

[mellers]

Mellers
Great info on this thread. Thanks for posting a link to it.
I will be on the May 3rd Alaska cruise. This is my 2nd time to Alaska, 1st time was in 2008 on Carnival Spirit. may I also suggest some tours I have used.
Juneau:
Harv and Marv Whale watching
http://www.harvandmarvs.com/
Skagway:
Chilkoot Charters
http://www.chilkootcharters.com/
Ketchikan:
Island Wings (Misty Fjords Float plane tour)
http://www.islandwings.com/

Also, here is a web site with the cruise ship port schedules so you can see how many ships are in port for your trip.http://www.claalaska.com/schedules.html

Have a great trip all.

L J

Thank you! That's great info!

[mellers]

richmo just posted that YVR (http://www.yvr.ca/ ) has a $45/week parking coupon. It would mean that at least one family member would have to go back and forth to YVR, but as long as you're not hauling luggage, that's not hard on the SkyTrain, and it is a lower price than parking at Canada Place.

He said to look for the link to "Long Term Parking Coupon".

[AppleGuy]

My wife Donna and I will be joining all of you on the cruise. Also joining us will be our friends from NY, Lee and Sharon. We are in room #5138 and our friends are next to us. Haven't posted before now although we booked last year on the Med cruise--we have been too busy planning for the Mex Riviera cruise on 3/27!! Donna and Sharon want to be added to the FE list. Will be our first time in Alaska--can't wait

Gary-Apple Guy. :banana::yay::thumbsup2:banana:

[mellers]

Welcome! Here's the new list:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9)
Mrs. Gumdrop & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)
Maureen, Brian, Erica (age 12 (2 weeks from 13 ) and Russell (age 10); Room 6034
Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL, 6100, Melissa (30-something)
AppleGuy, Stateroom 5138, Gary and Donna (adults)
AppleGuy's Friends, Stateroom next to AppleGuy, Lee and Sharon

No sticky, chewy candy for Maureen, and no food, please, for Mellers family (all 3 have MAJOR dietary issues)

[mellers]

Does anyone know if there will be a pirate night?pirate:

Apparently, there will be a pirate night. Somebody posted that they called Disney and they said there would be pirate night on the Alaska cruise, but that it would be indoors and there would be no fireworks. pirate:

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

I just called DCL and the CM said that Pirate Night will on the 5th night in Juneau.

[PURTYPAT1]

Since somebody was worried about the costs associated with the shore excursions, I thought I would try to put together a comparison of some self-book and Disney options. Some of these are exactly the same excursion, some are "along the same lines". Please, please, PLEASE! Look carefully at all of the websites, make sure you know the fine print, cancellation policies, and whether or not transportation to the activity is included in the self-book options. Also, if you've had a bad experience with a provider, or a good one with one I haven't mentioned, by all means, let us know! I've done this for Ketchikan, and if people like it, I'll probably do Skagway next:

Cruise Excursions not offered by Disney:

Please also see post #230--thanks llkoolj40!

Ketchikan:

Alaska Duck Tour: http://www.akduck.com/
Ketchikan Walking Tour Map (free!) Downtown: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/support-files/ketchikan_maps_downtown.pdf
Ketchikan Walking Tour Map (free!) West End: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/support-files/ketchikan_maps_west.pdf

Cruise Excursion offered by Disney/Similar, self-book options (please note that this on cursory glance, late at night— so check the websites carefully!):

Ketchikan:

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour:
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/bering-sea-crab-fishermens-tour-and-dinner/
http://56degreesnorth.com/

Major differences: The self-book tour does not include dinner with the crew, and is shorter—Disney’s includes a dinner with the crew. The self-book option is wheelchair accessible; Disney’s is not. Self-book allows you to purchase child tickets for 5-12 year olds for a lower price. On Disney’s, everybody’s ticket is the same price. Self-book is $159 for adults, and $99 for kids 5-12 (minimum age is 5). Disney’s has a minimum age of 8, and everybody is $265.

Totem Traditions and Potlatch Park with Exclusive Youth Activity:

http://northerntoursofalaska.com/tours.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/totem-traditions-and-potlatch-park/

Northern Tours of Alaska offers a tour of Totem Bight State Park, the Russian Museum, and various city highlights, for $35 for adults, and $25 for children 5-12 (under 5 is free) if you book online. Disney offers tours of Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, and a special youth activity for $89 for those over 10, and $69 for those 5 and up (minimum age for Disney’s is 5). Northern Tours is 2.25-2.5 hours long, Disney’s is 2.5-3 hours long. These are definitely not the same tour, and may not have the same provider, but they both covered the area’s totem poles, so I added them both.

Alaska Bear Adventures:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/alaska-bear-adventure/
https://secure51.inmotionhosting.com/~alaska26/bearpage.htm


Differences:
Alaska Seaplane Tours, Bears of the Misty Fjords: Minimum of two people: $289/adult, $239/child 12 and under, after the first two people. Tour time is two hours, and the cost includes pick-up and drop-off by the visitors center near the cruise ship. I’m not sure how the time would work out with the time we have in port. May not be the same company used by Disney; About says they have a perfect safety rating, however.

Disney’s tour is 3-3.5 hours (but this may include the transfer time, so bear that in mind). It seems to include a visit to the Tongass National Forest, whereas the Alaska Seaplane Tours visits the Misty Fjords. The charge for ages 9 and up is $372, under 9 is $299.

Alaska Hummer Adventures:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/alaska-hummer-adventure/
http://gdyn.akhummer.com/

Differences: Disney’s costs $605, self-book is $559

Back Country Jeep and Canoe Safari:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/back-country-jeep-and-canoe-adventure/
http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/k_jeep_canoe_safari.htm

Differences: Disney’s says that it is 4-4.5 hours, self-book says it is approximately 4 hours. Self-book is Adult $149/Child $99, not including taxes, child is 12 and under, Disney’s is $178, ages 10 and up, and $100 ages 8 to 9, taxes unckear. Minimum age for Disney’s is 8; Minimum age for self-book is 5.

Bear Country Wildlife Expedition:

http://www.alaskarainforest.com/Tours/Wildlife-Expedition.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/bear-country-and-wildlife-expedition/

Differences: Minimum age for Disney tour is 5; for self-book, it’s 12. Disney’s is $192 for those 12 and over, and $129 for ages 5-9. Self-book tour is $199 per person. Self-book tour is 3.25 hours, Disney’s is 3-3.5 hours. Self-Book tour is supposed to have a “limited” group size (not specific). Please also see message #198 with many thanks to SanDiegoSteph

Bear Creek Zipline Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/bear-creek-zipline-adventures/
http://www.alaskarainforest.com/Tours/Zipline-Rainforest-Ketchikan.html

Differences: Self-book: $179/person, Disney, $178/person

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour:

http://56degreesnorth.com/

Differences: Self-book is $159 for 13+, $99 for 5-12. Disney’s is $179 for 10+, $99 for for 5-9.

Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea:

No self-book option, but a note:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/best-of-ketchikan-by-land-and-sea/

Duck tours are available for $38 for 13+, and $24 for 3-12, under 3 are free, and they are 90 minutes long:
http://www.akduck.com
Northern tours offer a city tour that is 2.25-2.5 hours long, for $35 for 13+ and $25 for 5-12, under 5 are free:
http://northerntoursofalaska.com/tours.html

If you can coordinate the time (it looks like they leave from about the same location—the visitor’s center), that would give you a 3.75-4 hour long land and sea tour for about $73 for adults and $58 for kids up to 12.

The Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea tour is $118 for 10+ and $70 for 9 and under. It’s 3.5-4 hours long. It goes to different parts of Ketchikan than the two tours above—I would recommend looking at all three tours to see what would suit your family—and budget—the best.

City Highlights, Totems, and Creek Street by Trolley

http://aksourdoughtours.com/saxman_tour.php
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/city-highlights-totems-and-creek-street-by-trolley/

Self-book: $40/person, any age. Disney: $42/10+, $19 for under 10.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing:

http://www.alaskaseaplanetours.com/mistyfjords.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/classic-misty-fjords-flightseeing/

Self-Book: $229/13+, $189/12 and under. Disney: $263/10+, $202/9 and under. Please also see #207 with many thanks to SanDiegoSteph

First City Deluxe Tour:

http://northerntoursofalaska.com/wildlife.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/first-city-deluxe-totems-salmon-hatchery-and-eagle-center/

Differences: Disney goes to Potlatch Park, while Northern Tours goes to the Saxman Native Village. Northern Tours goes to the Black Bear Area, while Disney’s goes to the Salmon Hatchery. Northern Tours goes to Creek Street, and Disney goes to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Since the two have different itinteraries, I would look at both closely to see which best fit your family’s interests and budget. Northern Tours is $42 for 13+, $22 5-12, free under 5. Disney’s is $82 for 10+, $45 for 9 and under. Disney’s is also much longer; 4-4.5 hours, whereas Northern Tours of Alaska’s is only 2.25-2.5 hours.

Hunting for Halibut:

http://wefishalaska.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/hunting-for-halibut/

Self-Book: According to their website, 4 hour fishing trips can be booked for about $175/person, but you should call and check to make sure that’s true. Disney’s are $394 for 10+, and $319 for 8 and 9 year olds. Disney’s are 5.5-6.5 hours long. For a more accurate comparison, you might specifically ask about Halibut fishing for that time period. I am quite sure that self-book option is not the same company Disney uses.

Knudson Cove Salmon Fishing:

http://wefishalaska.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/knudson-cove-salmon-fishing/

Again, I don’t think the Self-Book option is the same company Disney uses, but again, according to their website, 4 hour fishing trips can be booked for about $175/person—again, I would call and check. Disney’s is $202 for 10+, and $190 for ages 8 and 9. Disney’s is about 4.5-5.5 hours long.

Lighthouse, Totems and Eagles:

http://lighthouseexcursion.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/lighthouse-totems-and-eagles/

These two appear to be the exact same excursion; Disney lists prices as $102 for 10+, and $49 for 9 and under. I could not see a price listing for a direct book, but there was a link to click where you could email for booking information. Probably worth an email for a price check, since the two excursions appear to be done by the same company. Please also see message #209 by SanDiegoSteph

Misty Fjords Boat and Floatplane Adventure:

http://www.promechair.com/Alaskan-Package/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/misty-fjords-boat-and-floatplane-adventure/

I think these are both the same package. Disney lists it as $359/10+, $310 under 9. Promech Air does not list prices—you might want to call and check, also, make sure Promech Air includes transporation to/from the docks.

Neets Bay Bear Watch by Floatplane:

http://www.promechair.com/Beartour/
http://www.alaskaseaplanetours.com/bearpage.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/neets-bay-bear-watch-by-floatplane/

Differences: Promech Air is $339 per person, and I do not know if that includes transportation to the airport—I suspect they run Disney’s tour. Disney lists prices as $360 for 10+, and $302 for 9 and under. Disney’s excursion is 3-3.5 hours long. Alaska Seaplane Tours goes bear watching on Prince of Wales Island, and does include transportation to the departure area. They list prices as $339/adult (at least 2), and $289/child 12 and under (after the first 2 people)—they do not specify times, but they do specify that they include transportation to/from the cruise dock.

Rainforest Canoe Adventure and Nature Trail:

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/k_rain_forest_canoe.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/rain-forest-canoe-adventure-and-nature-trail/

Differences: Best of Alaska Tour: $89/12+, $59/12 and under, Disney Tour: $112/9+, $69/5-9. I suspect this to be the same tour as Disney’s.

Rainforest Island Adventure:

http://www.alaskaadventures.com/alaska_day_tours/pages/k_rainforest_island_adv.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/rain-forest-island-adventure/

Differences: I suspect this is the same tour. Alaska Adventures is $119/12+, and $79 for 12 and under. Disney’s is $130/10+, and $72 for ages 5-9.

Saxman Native Village:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/shore-excursions/ketchikan-alaska/saxman-native-village/
http://www.northerntoursofalaska.com/wildlife.html

Disney’s cruise tends to focus more on Saxman Native Village alone, whereas Northern Tours of Alaska seems to sprinkle in some more wildlife viewing. Northern Tours is $42/adults (12+), and $22 for kids (12 and under). Disney’s is $72/adult (10+), and $29/kid (9 and under)

Great information, thank you so much for sharing, I'm going to share it with my July thread. We will be traveling before you, will report to you all on the excursions;)

[mellers]

Great information, thank you so much for sharing, I'm going to share it with my July thread. We will be traveling before you, will report to you all on the excursions;)

Sounds great--we can't wait to hear all about them. Save us your navigators!

[mellers]

I just called DCL and the CM said that Pirate Night will on the 5th night in Juneau.

Good to know! Thanks!

[poohj80]

I just called DCL and the CM said that Pirate Night will on the 5th night in Juneau.

Woo Hoo! I had read previous reports of no pirate night in Alaska.

[mellers]

I finally got around to making a signature--testing it out (I love the little ECV!)

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Very Nice Mellers! I have requested from Milliepie (a Dis-igner), that she add out sail date to the postcard style Alaska graphic currently in my sig. Once I have it I will post it hear for anyone to use.

We are getting closer every day!

[mellers]

Very Nice Mellers! I have requested from Milliepie (a Dis-igner), that she add out sail date to the postcard style Alaska graphic currently in my sig. Once I have it I will post it hear for anyone to use.

We are getting closer every day!

That would be great! I might even be able to use it in my FE gift.

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

So I asked Milliepie (a very talented and generous dis-signer) to add the date of out trip to one of her designs. I liked her work so much that I borrowed a few of her other dis-signes and embellished them a bit. Feel free to use any and all as you like.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5529627700_46c73a71c8.jpg
Find larger image here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wishtosee/5529627700/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5529627622_574971f37c.jpg
Find larger image here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wishtosee/5529627622/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5529627314_9943b58b48.jpg
Find larger image here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wishtosee/5529627314/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5529039263_db93b34ee2.jpg
Find larger image here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wishtosee/5529039263/sizes/l/in/photostream/

[kgsmith]

Mrs. Gumdrop --
These designs are great!

Thank you so much for sharing!:goodvibes

[mellers]

So I asked Milliepie (a very talented and generous dis-signer) to add the date of out trip to one of her designs. I liked her work so much that I borrowed a few of her other dis-signes and embellished them a bit. Feel free to use any and all as you like.

Those are great! Thank you so much for posting them!

[disneymath]

Awesome graphics! Thanks for posting them Mrs. Gumdrop!

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

My pleasure :hug:

[Aby]

My hubby and I would like to participate in the FE too please! Can you add us to the list?
Me - Kim
Hubby - Chuck
We are both 30 somethings :)

Can't wait to get working on this stuff, although I'm sure I'll do most of the work and my hubby will just reap the benefits!

Aby

[mellers]

Welcome! Be sure to send your stateroom when you know where it is.

New List:

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Godalejr, Stateroom????, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9)
Mrs. Gumdrop & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)
Wisegal, Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith, Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6090, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)
Maureen, Brian, Erica (age 12 (2 weeks from 13 ) and Russell (age 10); Room 6034
Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL, 6100, Melissa (30-something)
AppleGuy, Stateroom 5138, Gary and Donna (adults)
AppleGuy's Friends, Stateroom next to AppleGuy, Lee and Sharon (adults)
Aby, Stateroom????, Kim and Chuck (30-somethings)

No sticky, chewy candy for Maureen, and no food, please, for Mellers family (all 3 have MAJOR dietary issues)