Alaska Excursions--post your reviews here!

[DL1957]

We did Liaarsville through a Disney tour but on our tour there were no Disney Characters. I must say the performance there was just ok. Not bad but something we don't have to do again.

[Smileneyes]

Originally Posted by jlwhitney

We booked it through Coastal Helicopters. look them up, it will save you a hundred bucks a person for the same thing.

I believe, based on my comparisons, that this is truly a savings IF you are under the 250 pound limit. At least a couple of the Disney excursions (if I am looking at the same ones) do not have the "additional half seat surcharge" if you weigh above that 250 pound limit...while booking separately through Coastal Helicopters does have the surcharge.

Just my beginner's observations....

[staffieri]

Did you do it with the train?
Did you eat there?

I have a DS 12 and DD5

[Cerberus9]

We did Liarsville with the train (no Disney Characters)

The train ride itself took about an hour and a half or so (I kind of lost track of time). It was a great trip--you pass through 4 different climate zones (tundra, rainforest, etc.). You could go out of the cars (in the areas between them) and take pictures. In Fraser BC, a customs agent borded and checked passports (you'll need those), then we got on a bus and went back via the highway. Every so often, the driver would stop and we'd get out for a picture opportunity.

The bus stopped in Liarsville for an hour. They had hot apple juice and animal crackers to eat. We missed out on the animal crackers because we had to go to the bathroom (I recommend going using the facilities on either the bus or the train as opposed to Liarsville). There wasn't a whole lot to Liarsville... they put on a short musical show, and then a poetry reading (which was fantastic, and I don't like poetry). We then panned for (Canadian) gold, which the kids loved.

After that, we browsed Liarsville a bit (not much there, actually), and bought a few things in the gift shop.

I'm not sure what to make of the Liarsville experience. I want to say it was underwhelming, but I actually quite enjoyed it. Could have used another half hour there to take in all the sites.

The train is a don't miss, though. It was great!

[jlwhitney]

Originally Posted by Smileneyes

I believe, based on my comparisons, that this is truly a savings IF you are under the 250 pound limit. At least a couple of the Disney excursions (if I am looking at the same ones) do not have the "additional half seat surcharge" if you weigh above that 250 pound limit...while booking separately through Coastal Helicopters does have the surcharge.

Just my beginner's observations....

The would be true if everyone in your party weighed more than 250, a family of 4 with only one person would still save some. Plus, when you do things more independtly you tend to get a more personal experience.

We we went we were the only two on the helicpoter and on the glacier (we even had an extra mile on the sledding portion since there was time and he felt like it)

[jilljill]

Originally Posted by staffieri

Would love to hear more reviews?

Did you do the Disney Liasrville with characters?
Did you do any of this on your own?

Love to hear about it....

I merged your thread with the longer thread on excursions so there aren't too many excursion info/review threads.

[nanaguide]

Originally Posted by jlwhitney

The would be true if everyone in your party weighed more than 250, a family of 4 with only one person would still save some. Plus, when you do things more independtly you tend to get a more personal experience.

We we went we were the only two on the helicpoter and on the glacier (we even had an extra mile on the sledding portion since there was time and he felt like it)

You know I checked coastal and I believe it was $450 per seat but if I went with Disney my 8 year old grandson was $100 cheaper so for the 2 of us it was only $20 more to go with Disney and that is why I did it that way. DH isn't going because he is over 250. Last time we went to Alaska I didn't do the helicopter/dog sled because it was so expensive. It is still really expensive - oh most $1,000 for a 3 hour excursion but I decided this is something I've always wanted to do - so we're going for it. Everyone that does it - just raves about the experience. I certainly hope it lives up to the hype. Thanks for your input.

[staffieri]

Originally Posted by DL1957

We did Liaarsville through a Disney tour but on our tour there were no Disney Characters. I must say the performance there was just ok. Not bad but something we don't have to do again.

Originally Posted by Cerberus9

We did Liarsville with the train (no Disney Characters)

The train ride itself took about an hour and a half or so (I kind of lost track of time). It was a great trip--you pass through 4 different climate zones (tundra, rainforest, etc.). You could go out of the cars (in the areas between them) and take pictures. In Fraser BC, a customs agent borded and checked passports (you'll need those), then we got on a bus and went back via the highway. Every so often, the driver would stop and we'd get out for a picture opportunity.

The bus stopped in Liarsville for an hour. They had hot apple juice and animal crackers to eat. We missed out on the animal crackers because we had to go to the bathroom (I recommend going using the facilities on either the bus or the train as opposed to Liarsville). There wasn't a whole lot to Liarsville... they put on a short musical show, and then a poetry reading (which was fantastic, and I don't like poetry). We then panned for (Canadian) gold, which the kids loved.

After that, we browsed Liarsville a bit (not much there, actually), and bought a few things in the gift shop.

I'm not sure what to make of the Liarsville experience. I want to say it was underwhelming, but I actually quite enjoyed it. Could have used another half hour there to take in all the sites.

The train is a don't miss, though. It was great!

Thanks for the reviews. Enjoy hearing about it. Kim

[llkoolj40]

We have been to Alaska twice, once in Sept. 2008 with Carnival Spirit and this year in May on DCL. Here are the excursions we did.
Skagway-
2008-Private tour with Chilkoot Charters. White pass railway and the bus out to the Yukon. This was a long day but great fun and incredible scenery. We had lunch and were able to see the musher dogs as well. Great tour company!

2011. We did the DCL adult tour of Yukon suspension bridge and white pass railway. This was much different views on the train from Sept to May. A lot of snow this go-round. This was a shorter excursion but gave us time to walk around Skagway this time.

Juneau - Both times we did whale watching with Harv and Marv. Great experience both times. The whole tour team is so kind, helpful and friendly. The boat is immaculate and well maintained.In 2008 we saw many whales and killer whale breached right near the boat! This year, as it was the beginning of the season, we only saw 2 whales but "Harv" took out to see the glaciers, seals eagles, and porpoise. I can't recommend this tour company enough!!

Ketchikan- Both times we booked with Island Wings for a Misty Fjords float plane excursion.This was the trip of a lifetime.
In 2008 the weather was very bad. Although, planes were flying, Michelle,the pilot, did not feel we would get our money's worth as there would be nothing to see. She held off our tour for awhile to see if the weather would clear, but it didn't. Our money was refunded that day! The professionalism and integrity by this whole team is why I booked again this year. Well, it was well worth the wait. The day could not be clearer and we could see for miles. Island Wings tour is the only tour where you land on a small lake and get out of the plane on land. The others allow you to stand on the floats, or just land and then take off again. Michelle is an experienced Alaskan pilot and is the kindest person, as well as her whole team. We had a young boy on our trip and she was so great with him. When we landed, she sat him in the pilot seat and showed him the controls. I could go and on..LOL but for me this was the tour I will never forget!!

[Doingitagain]

How large are the floatplanes for Misty Fjords? I read one post that said pilot plus five guests, but some of the photos look like larger planes.

[disneypoor]

Thank you for posting your reviews of the excursions you did. I just sent in a request form to Island Wings to see if they have availability for when we're there. It sounds like a great company, and the cost isn't much more than what we're already paying to see the Fjords. However, I thought from the beginning that seeing the Fjords on a sea plane would be much more exciting!

[kendzee94]

We are doing Magnificent Misty Fjords by Floatplane in Ketchikan, Exclusive Whale Encounter and Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, and Klondike Gold Dredge and WHite Pass Railway in Skagway.

Any reviews for the gold dredge or floatplane? I'm hoping for good reviews as I have already changed excursions once!

[staffieri]

Originally Posted by llkoolj40

We have been to Alaska twice, once in Sept. 2008 with Carnival Spirit and this year in May on DCL. Here are the excursions we did.
Skagway-
2008-Private tour with Chilkoot Charters. White pass railway and the bus out to the Yukon. This was a long day but great fun and incredible scenery. We had lunch and were able to see the musher dogs as well. Great tour company!

2011. We did the DCL adult tour of Yukon suspension bridge and white pass railway. This was much different views on the train from Sept to May. A lot of snow this go-round. This was a shorter excursion but gave us time to walk around Skagway this time.

Juneau - Both times we did whale watching with Harv and Marv. Great experience both times. The whole tour team is so kind, helpful and friendly. The boat is immaculate and well maintained.In 2008 we saw many whales and killer whale breached right near the boat! This year, as it was the beginning of the season, we only saw 2 whales but "Harv" took out to see the glaciers, seals eagles, and porpoise. I can't recommend this tour company enough!!

Ketchikan- Both times we booked with Island Wings for a Misty Fjords float plane excursion.This was the trip of a lifetime.
In 2008 the weather was very bad. Although, planes were flying, Michelle,the pilot, did not feel we would get our money's worth as there would be nothing to see. She held off our tour for awhile to see if the weather would clear, but it didn't. Our money was refunded that day! The professionalism and integrity by this whole team is why I booked again this year. Well, it was well worth the wait. The day could not be clearer and we could see for miles. Island Wings tour is the only tour where you land on a small lake and get out of the plane on land. The others allow you to stand on the floats, or just land and then take off again. Michelle is an experienced Alaskan pilot and is the kindest person, as well as her whole team. We had a young boy on our trip and she was so great with him. When we landed, she sat him in the pilot seat and showed him the controls. I could go and on..LOL but for me this was the tour I will never forget!!

Thank you so much for taking the time. Love reading all the info. It was very helpful!!

[disneypoor]

Originally Posted by llkoolj40

We have been to Alaska twice, once in Sept. 2008 with Carnival Spirit and this year in May on DCL. Here are the excursions we did.
Skagway-
2008-Private tour with Chilkoot Charters. White pass railway and the bus out to the Yukon. This was a long day but great fun and incredible scenery. We had lunch and were able to see the musher dogs as well. Great tour company!

2011. We did the DCL adult tour of Yukon suspension bridge and white pass railway. This was much different views on the train from Sept to May. A lot of snow this go-round. This was a shorter excursion but gave us time to walk around Skagway this time.

Juneau - Both times we did whale watching with Harv and Marv. Great experience both times. The whole tour team is so kind, helpful and friendly. The boat is immaculate and well maintained.In 2008 we saw many whales and killer whale breached right near the boat! This year, as it was the beginning of the season, we only saw 2 whales but "Harv" took out to see the glaciers, seals eagles, and porpoise. I can't recommend this tour company enough!!

Ketchikan- Both times we booked with Island Wings for a Misty Fjords float plane excursion.This was the trip of a lifetime.
In 2008 the weather was very bad. Although, planes were flying, Michelle,the pilot, did not feel we would get our money's worth as there would be nothing to see. She held off our tour for awhile to see if the weather would clear, but it didn't. Our money was refunded that day! The professionalism and integrity by this whole team is why I booked again this year. Well, it was well worth the wait. The day could not be clearer and we could see for miles. Island Wings tour is the only tour where you land on a small lake and get out of the plane on land. The others allow you to stand on the floats, or just land and then take off again. Michelle is an experienced Alaskan pilot and is the kindest person, as well as her whole team. We had a young boy on our trip and she was so great with him. When we landed, she sat him in the pilot seat and showed him the controls. I could go and on..LOL but for me this was the tour I will never forget!!

I just want to thank you again for providing this information. I just got off of the phone with Island Wings Tours and was able to book a tour for our cruise next week. They were so kind! They even tweaked our tour because I was nervous that we wouldn't make it back to the ship in time for the show. I told them someone had written some very positive information about them on the DIS boards and that's how I got their information. They said they really appreciated it since the Wonder is a new ship for them. Again, I thank you and cannot wait to do this excursion!

Susan

[llkoolj40]

Originally Posted by disneypoor

I just want to thank you again for providing this information. I just got off of the phone with Island Wings Tours and was able to book a tour for our cruise next week. They were so kind! They even tweaked our tour because I was nervous that we wouldn't make it back to the ship in time for the show. I told them someone had written some very positive information about them on the DIS boards and that's how I got their information. They said they really appreciated it since the Wonder is a new ship for them. Again, I thank you and cannot wait to do this excursion!

Susan

i am soooo excited for you! i will send good vibes your way for excellent weather!.

The float plane holds 6 people, 7 if one is a small child,and everyone gets a window seat. I got to sit in the co-pilot seat...WOW!