Official Seattle information thread Updated 5/28/2014-Oso update

[NWmom]

Ditto on the Ducks and Underground tour. Both very good. I don't know though if younger kids would like the Underground tour.

Based on our school field trips (K-12 school homeschool co-op) Kids as young as 7 or 8 like the Underground Tour. In my experience it is because they get to learn about toilets as part of the tour, which seems to fascinate them. (clean potty humor)

Teens really seem to like it. (It is one of their most requested field trips.)

I love the Duck Tour and Underground Tour as two of the best ways to see Seattle.

Add in the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park and you have a great well rounded and enjoyable idea of what made Seattle.

 

[Bunless]

The Duck tour is also locally owner and operated, it is not a part of the national group.

 

[pixie08]

Trip Advisor has an excellent list of tours and other fun things to do in Seattle.

Thanks..I do always go to Trip advisor but I like reading some literature as well.

For Hawaii we love the revealed series and in Europe we used Rick Steves and a few others, so i am looking for a book like this. Something that can help come up with itineraries, cafes, things off the beaten path, restaurants etc. I'll do some research and post if anyone is interested.

 

[lucky1]

I'll keep posting things as I think of them. For dining, I would also put out a general suggestion of staying away from chain restaurants. Seattle is known as a food town. I was talking to a chef friend on Friday night (we went to Harvest Vine, amazing Tapas in Madison Park, one would need a bus and/or taxi to get there), and we were comparing the food in Seattle to different cities in Europe. Meaning, you can wander into any tiny place that you've never heard of before, and get an amazing meal of locally sourced food and drink. Most have a great early happy hour (not just in the bar, but the entire restaurant, so kids can eat at the great prices). Maybe I should put together a local eats post by neighborhood?

This past Summer we at at the Palace Kitchen on 5th ave in downtown Seattle. It was really good and would recommend, plus their kitchen stays open late.

http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=palace-kitchen

The Duck tour is also locally owner and operated, it is not a part of the national group.

We did this on a whim this Summer and had a blast. It is very well run!

 

[pixie08]

I've also heard the coffee bars with tasting, kind of like we have wine bars here in NYC but with coffee, I am so excited for this. I have to locate one of these

 

[pixie08]

The Duck tour is also locally owner and operated, it is not a part of the national group.

That's good to know. We have them here in NYC but they are coporate... Not the same.

I wound up getting frommers on my ibooks and its pretty good if anyone needs a quick read.

Do we know for sure that dcl is using Sheraton? I looked on the site but didn't see any info posted yet

 

[NWmom]

Disney has posted some port adventures for Seattle post cruise. Just a heads up in case anyone wanted to look at them.

 

[mellers]

How much time would you allow to visit the space needle? Are there any other hotels near it besides a Best Western?

There is also a Holiday Inn and some others, but the Holiday Inn is the only other one I remember. Depending upon the crowds, it could take between 1-4 hours.

 

[mellers]

I am going to presume that most activities families are interested in (in Seattle) will include the Seattle Center, Waterfront/Pike Street Market and possibly Pioneer Square areas.

Being as many that go on Disney cruises are families, and most families are on budgets . . .

I am asking the others to suggest/share their best thoughts on family friendly hotel stay for a family with say 2-4 kids with:

1- Inexpensive or some ability to cut expenses on meals by either having free breakfasts or cooking abilities in the room.

2- that are close to Westlake Center, Seattle Center for ease of transportation as these seem to be the hub of downtown for connecting to one place or another.

3- Safe walking

Thanks in advance

This might be a good thought:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43632629&postcount=14

 

[mellers]

Just dug a little deeper--there is also a deal which will give AAA members either 10% off of the rate with a code, or a free breakfast for two with a code at the Four Points Sheraton Downtown Seattle Center. Might be worth a look:

http://deals.fourpoints.com/Four-Points-Seattle-Hotel-3638/so.htm?IM=PP_LHN_SOP_US_4P_3638

 

[caitlinsdad]

You're welcome. As for CT. I used to go there in summers. Clinton, CT

If you can figure out your driving time from Ct to Toledo, OH. I can help with the drive from Toledo, Oh to Seattle. I've done that several times. It's a great way to teach your child "America the Beautiful" as you encounter new things from the verses.

We are about 10 hrs from Toledo, oh. will make a descion in March if we fly, drive or don't go this year. Like most things depends on money.
I would love to drive, but being the only person doing the driving, not sure if I want to do 8 to 10hrs a day behind the wheel for 8 to 10 days

 

[Keurigirl]

I'm a lifetime Seattle resident, so I'm happy to help anyone who has questions! I'll give my advice for stuff below.

I do NOT suggest Seattle Center and the Space Needle. There is WAY better stuff to do in Seattle than go here. If you can see the needle from the ground you've seen it - it's really not a big deal. If it is sunny and you want to see the view from the top of the needle, then go - but otherwise, you'll have more fun elsewhere.

Must Do's of any Seattle visit:
You have to visit Pike Place Market, obviously! http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
Do the Ride the Ducks Tour to see a lot of Seattle and get some history: http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/
Seattle Underground tour is an awesome way to get history of the city as well as see some really cool stuff in Pioneer Square: http://www.undergroundtour.com/

Additional stuff:

If you want to see a spectacular view of the city and a beautiful neighborhood, head to Kerry Park: http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/seattle/viewpoints/kerry.htm
If you are a huge music fan go to the EMP (Experience Music Project) at the Seattle Center. A fantastic and interactive museum: http://www.empmuseum.org/index.asp

Hotels I recommend: (linking you to the reviews at trip advisor for them):

Inn at the Market: For the quintessential Seattle experience! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ews-Inn_at_the_Market-Seattle_Washington.html
The Sorrento Hotel: Lovely, amazing hotel. We stayed here for our wedding http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ws-The_Sorrento_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
The Alexis Hotel: Another beautiful hotel close to the Market: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...Hotel_a_Kimpton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
Hotel Monaco: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...attle_a_Kimpton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
The Fairmont Olympic: A Seattle Classic. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...rmont_Olympic_Seattle-Seattle_Washington.html
The Arctic Club Seattle: This is an awesome hotel that was recently built from a building that was originally a gentleman's club during the Gold Rush area. It's an awesome building with historical architecture, and a beautiful hotel: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...eTree_by_Hilton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
Suite type hotels such as the Embassy are not as easy to find in good locations here in Seattle. If you must have one I suggest the Homewood Suites on Pike Street: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...on_Center_Pike_Street-Seattle_Washington.html


I trust trip advisor in general for hotel recommendations: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60878-Seattle_Washington-Hotels.html


Websites about Seattle:

http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/seattle/Seattle.htm
http://www.downtownseattle.com


Places to Eat:
Wild Ginger: http://www.wildginger.net/
The Pink Door: http://thepinkdoor.net/
Palisades: http://palisaderestaurant.com/
Metropolitan Grill: http://www.themetropolitangrill.com/
Ray's Boathouse: http://www.rays.com/
Purple Cafe and Wine Bar: http://www.thepurplecafe.com/
Palace Kitchen: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=palace-kitchen
Icon Grill: http://www.icongrill.com/
Dahlia Lounge: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=dahlia-lounge

Top Pot Donuts is amazing: http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/

 

[AquaDuck1]

Thanks for all of the Seattle info!!! Can't wait to cruise now!!!

 

[mellers]

I totally agree with you, Keurigirl, with a couple of caveats:

While, like you, I don't necessarily suggest the Space Needle, Ride the Ducks, The Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center and the EMP are all at Seattle Center, and it's pretty easy to take the Monorail over to Westlake and walk to Pike Place Market, or take the monorail and then the light rail to the Seattle Underground Tour and Safeco (or whatever it is now) Field, so I don't think it's necessarily essential to stay downtown--although I've heard good things about every hotel you mentioned, some may be a little high-priced for families. (A good deal at any hotel she recommended, however, should definitely be considered.)

Top Pot donuts is great, and their maple bars are the best.

One major warning with the Seattle Underground Tour--wheelchairs ARE NOT welcome. Every time relatives come into town, I'm "benched" for that particular tour

I'm a lifetime Seattle resident, so I'm happy to help anyone who has questions! I'll give my advice for stuff below.

I do NOT suggest Seattle Center and the Space Needle. There is WAY better stuff to do in Seattle than go here. If you can see the needle from the ground you've seen it - it's really not a big deal. If it is sunny and you want to see the view from the top of the needle, then go - but otherwise, you'll have more fun elsewhere.

Must Do's of any Seattle visit:
You have to visit Pike Place Market, obviously! http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/
Do the Ride the Ducks Tour to see a lot of Seattle and get some history: http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/
Seattle Underground tour is an awesome way to get history of the city as well as see some really cool stuff in Pioneer Square: http://www.undergroundtour.com/

Additional stuff:

If you want to see a spectacular view of the city and a beautiful neighborhood, head to Kerry Park: http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/seattle/viewpoints/kerry.htm
If you are a huge music fan go to the EMP (Experience Music Project) at the Seattle Center. A fantastic and interactive museum: http://www.empmuseum.org/index.asp

Hotels I recommend: (linking you to the reviews at trip advisor for them):

Inn at the Market: For the quintessential Seattle experience! http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ews-Inn_at_the_Market-Seattle_Washington.html
The Sorrento Hotel: Lovely, amazing hotel. We stayed here for our wedding http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ws-The_Sorrento_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
The Alexis Hotel: Another beautiful hotel close to the Market: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...Hotel_a_Kimpton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
Hotel Monaco: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...attle_a_Kimpton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
The Fairmont Olympic: A Seattle Classic. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...rmont_Olympic_Seattle-Seattle_Washington.html
The Arctic Club Seattle: This is an awesome hotel that was recently built from a building that was originally a gentleman's club during the Gold Rush area. It's an awesome building with historical architecture, and a beautiful hotel: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...eTree_by_Hilton_Hotel-Seattle_Washington.html
Suite type hotels such as the Embassy are not as easy to find in good locations here in Seattle. If you must have one I suggest the Homewood Suites on Pike Street: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...on_Center_Pike_Street-Seattle_Washington.html


I trust trip advisor in general for hotel recommendations: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g60878-Seattle_Washington-Hotels.html


Websites about Seattle:

http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/seattle/Seattle.htm
http://www.downtownseattle.com


Places to Eat:
Wild Ginger: http://www.wildginger.net/
The Pink Door: http://thepinkdoor.net/
Palisades: http://palisaderestaurant.com/
Metropolitan Grill: http://www.themetropolitangrill.com/
Ray's Boathouse: http://www.rays.com/
Purple Cafe and Wine Bar: http://www.thepurplecafe.com/
Palace Kitchen: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=palace-kitchen
Icon Grill: http://www.icongrill.com/
Dahlia Lounge: http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=dahlia-lounge

Top Pot Donuts is amazing: http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/

 

[Keurigirl]

I tried to suggest hotels that were a bit more "Seattle" and less "corporate"... (or like the Olympic, the hotel may be run by corporations now, but the buildings are old Seattle). They are definitely not low-end places, but I also wouldn't consider them overly expensive. We are a family of four (with a 4 & 1 year old) and I'd stay in any of these places.

 

[mellers]

I tried to suggest hotels that were a bit more "Seattle" and less "corporate"... (or like the Olympic, the hotel may be run by corporations now, but the buildings are old Seattle). They are definitely not low-end places, but I also wouldn't consider them overly expensive. We are a family of four (with a 4 & 1 year old) and I'd stay in any of these places.

They are all beautiful hotels, and no mistake.

 

[NWmom]

We are about 10 hrs from Toledo, oh. will make a descion in March if we fly, drive or don't go this year. Like most things depends on money.
I would love to drive, but being the only person doing the driving, not sure if I want to do 8 to 10hrs a day behind the wheel for 8 to 10 days

When we drive from Toledo I do an 8-5 "workday" with an hour break for lunch plus a 15 minute everytime we have to gas up-usually at lunch.
We also plan on being in hotels by 5-6 to take advantage of the pool to release any driving kinks and tire the kids out. ( I have neck back issues to work around, having the workday makes it still feel okay)

You can drive from Toledo to Rapid City or Custer, SD in 2 1/2 days without any sightseeing. We spend the other half day sightseeing as we need the break.

Toledo to Iowa,
Iowa to either Mitchell, SD (Corn Palace is free and a good chance to stretch the legs and get dinner) or to Chamberlain, SD if you can.

On the drive from Mitchell/Chamberlain --We either stop and see Minuteman Missile Site or go through the Badlands(have to choose), then go to Grasslands National Park see the movie and use the bathroom, Wall Drug to eat and gas up. Then drive to Custer (The half day from Mitchell to Custer, SD takes a whole day with all the stops)

Drop off luggage and see the evening program at Mt Rushmore.
We also usually make a 2 night stop at Mt Rushmore at the halfway mark because one of my kids has usually not been there before. We stay in Custer, SD when we do this as it is much closer.
If you are not doing this -stay in Rapid City, SD on the highway. See the night program either way.

Next day drive through the pigtails and do the day program at Mt Rushmore(go early to see the mountain goats in the parking lot) and drive around Custer State Park to see the bison.

Custer, SD to Bozeman, MT. We try to get an early start but do not always succeed. We also do not go back to Rapid City to head west- we know a short cut learned by sis when she lived there that makes the time the same as starting from Rapid City. (Going past Jewel Cave and cutting through Wyoming on nice roads- no traffic no amentities)

We have gone as far as Missoula, MT before we stopped for the night, but it was a really long day.
Bozeman, MT to Seattle, WA. We sometimes stop around Moses Lake, WA or the town before it if we got too late of a start to avoid driving into the sunset then driving through the pass in the dark. (I have an eye problem driving at night).

There is a faster way that goes through Chicago and Minneapolis and then through North Dakota. We did lose cell coverage in ND. I can drive Seattle rush hour, but Chicago toll booths starting and stopping scares me with the busy traffic and aggressive drivers (and this was at noon). There is a way to go farther west of the city before turning north and we will try that next time we go that route.

Our preferred route is through South Dakota as there are more less expensive options for where to stop for the night and more gas stations, places to eat. Also consistent cell phone coverage.

 

[NWmom]

I totally agree with you, Keurigirl, with a couple of caveats:

While, like you, I don't necessarily suggest the Space Needle, Ride the Ducks, The Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center and the EMP are all at Seattle Center, and it's pretty easy to take the Monorail over to Westlake and walk to Pike Place Market, or take the monorail and then the light rail to the Seattle Underground Tour and Safeco (or whatever it is now) Field, so I don't think it's necessarily essential to stay downtown--

Just want to clarify, you are not recommending the Space Needle, but you are pointing out the other attractions you do recommend are all located at the Seattle Center where the Space Needle is located.

You are recommending Ride the Ducks, The Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center and the EMP which are also all located at the Seattle Center?

 

[NWmom]

If you have to only pick two things to do and are not worried about HA:
Ride the Ducks and Seattle Underground Tour would be my picks.

If HA is a concern and others in your party are doing the above:
In place of Ride the Duck (Need tobe able to climb 5 stairs to enter) the Seattle Center is across the street

In place of Seattle Undergroound tour (have to be able to walk on uneven surfaces and climb stairs One flight up and down at a time. This is repeated every time you need to cross the street)

and you like history- Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is around the corner from the Underground Tour and completely HA
(this is Seattle Unit or part A, there is also a Skagway unit part B over several blocks)
I recommend Seattle uniyt over Skagway for HA displays. It is two story with elevator recently opened in the new location. Breathtaking and interactive scavenger fact hunt for kids.
They tie together nicely without repeating- both are free.

We took the train in Skagway followed by Liarsville and still had time to explore Skagway and the children's activity back pack walking tour. We could have spent more time there.

 

[MillauFr]

I do NOT suggest Seattle Center and the Space Needle

Agreed the space needle is a waste of time and money. The other attractions at Seattle Center, Children's Museum, Science Center, EMP, and Ducks are good.