Disney is moving to my backyard!

[CupidsKiss]

I am Disney bound in 9 days and didn't think I would have more to plan but now they have announced Disney Alaska Cruises out of Vancouver! My girlfriend who is Disney employed called just before the announcement trying to talk me into the inaugeral cruise. How will I be able to say no!

Disney Cruise Line 7-Night Alaskan Cruise takes you and your family from Vancouver, Canada, along the Pacific Ocean's Inside Passage, to 3 picturesque Alaskan ports and back—with 3 full days at sea. The ports include Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. Breathtaking natural beauty awaits, including rugged mountains rising from the sea, tidewater glaciers and pristine fjords. This cruise will be available to book on September 28, 2009.

Sail aboard the magnificently appointed Disney Wonder to coastal towns, where fur traders and gold prospectors once walked and where land animals and sea life abound, from bald eagles and moose to whales and sea otters.

Adventure and comfort mix to provide an unforgettable vacation experience that begins in Vancouver—a sophisticated metropolitan center with awe-inspiring mountain and water views. The city offers both culture and history, with a definite British flavor your entire family is sure to love. Then, spend a full day at sea and taste the mouth-watering fare at the ship's unparalleled restaurants, Palo or Animator's Palate. Unwind in the many nightclubs and lounges onboard, such as Cove Café, a hideaway where grownups can relax with a drink, surf the Internet, or enjoy a good book.

The next day, cruise amazing Tracy Arm, a long narrow fjord that boasts two glaciers—the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Many visitors to Alaska considered the Sawyer Glaciers to be the most dramatic glaciers in the 49th state. From there, make your way to the port town of Skagway, where you can stroll through the downtown streets or hike along the White Pass Trail that gold prospectors used during the famous Klondike Gold Rush of the 19th century.

Afterward, travel to Juneau, Alaska's capital, which is rich in frontier tradition. Visit the city's historic sites—including the capitol building, the state's oldest operating church and a saloon built during the city's mining era—or spend an unforgettable afternoon whale watching.

Arrive the next day at Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," and enjoy several outdoor adventures, such as scenic walking tours and kayaking. While kayaking, don't be surprised if you glimpse all kinds of native animals, including bald eagles, bears and whales.

During a second exciting day at sea, enjoy all the amenities onboard the Disney Wonder, including fine dining at Triton's the many rejuvenating services at the Vista Spa & Salon. Finally, on the last day, return to where you began your vacation: Vancouver, Canada.

Romance, adventure and the inimitable Disney style come together on the exciting 7-Night Alaska Cruise. It's a trip that you and your family will always remember and cherish, with its unparalleled sight-seeing and newfound discoveries, both on and off the cruise ship.

[squirrel]

I found an e-mail in my inbox this morning about it.

[BitsnBearsMom]

We did Alaska on NCL this year - I think doing it on a Disney ship would proove to be very expensive. The shore excursions in Alaska cost a small fortune - I don't think we had even one under $175 pp and we didn't do anything extravagant like the heli tours which were $400 to $600 per person. We just did whale watching in Juneau and a yukon horseback adventure out of Skagway.

[ronandannette]

Originally Posted by CupidsKiss

How will I be able to say no!

[/i]

You may discover an untapped reserve of willpower once you see the prices!

Annette

[mlenz]

Might be expensive but sure sounds like fun

[Cdn Gal]

We just gpt back from a 2 1/2 week vacation in Alaska! It was totally awesome! I highly recommend it! We used our Airmiles for our flights and hotel before and after the cruise. We also rented a condo for $99 a night in Anchorage. Our car rental we used the codes off of mousesavers and they actually worked! We sailed with Carnival and yes the shore excursions were expensive but we figured it would be the only time we ever went there. (we thought anyway but... my DH is Haida and met family in EVERY port!) Who knew there were so many Haida in Alaska? So... we will go back to Ketchikan at least. We snorkeled, did the white water rafting, took a helicopter to the glacier and hiked on it. By far the best thing that I have ever done. To be on the glacier is a very humbling experience. We didn't do bear watching (b/c the past two years we have been out to the Queen Charlotte Islands- Haida Gwaii) and to be honest we were trying not to see bears. When on Haida Gwaii we helped save a baby humpback on the beach and it survived So we didn't do the whale thing either, but you saw lots of them from the cruise itself. It is beautiful out there and if anyone wants to PM me about it I'll answer all of your questions!

[disneymath]

Got the email in the inbox and are seriously considering doing it - especially since the cruise is roundtrip to Vancouver. Thinking of flying out to Vancouver, doing the WDW Alaska cruise and then taking The Canadian (train) back home to Ontario. Yes, I know it will be expensive but we do have almost two years to save up and, unlike trips to WDW, I think Alaska would be a once-in-a-lifetime thing for us.

[BitsnBearsMom]

Originally Posted by disneymath

I think Alaska would be a once-in-a-lifetime thing for us.

I thought Alaska would be a once in a lifetime for us too (just like WDW and now we're DVC people ) but we are already talking about going back again and what we'll do different and what we'd still like to do.
Alaska was truly amazing!

[disneymath]

Originally Posted by BitsnBearsMom

I thought Alaska would be a once in a lifetime for us too (just like WDW and now we're DVC people ) but we are already talking about going back again and what we'll do different and what we'd still like to do.
Alaska was truly amazing!

Glad to hear you had such a good experience in Alaska. It's one place I've wanted to see since I was fairly little. Since we live with the great outdoors literally in our backyard (and have about 8 months of winter), I just can't see Alaska have quite the same "let's go again and again" lure that WDW has had for us. You never know though ... knowing my family's vacation history, we will likely end up wanting to go back.

[aristocat65]

We've done Alaska cruises the last 2 years in a row (Holland America) so I don't think I'll be rushing to do another one. With my DS now 16, I think we've also outgrown the idea of a Disney Cruise. I sure will be going down to Canada Place to see the ship though. Disney ships are really beautiful and classic looking. Maybe I'll even stay to see it leave and see if I can hear them playing "When You Wish Upon a Star"