04/27/11 DCL's WONDERful LA-VANCOUVER REPO ON THE WAY TO ALAKSA

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi All,
I am back! I haven't been on this board for a long time, with everything else I have going on right now. But this week I bought tickets - we'll fly Bellingham to Los Angeles on Monday the 25th. We'll probably skip Disneyland this time; we have several friends and relatives in the area we haven't seen in a long time, and we need to visit a beach!

Unfortunately my daughter Kirstin won't be able to join us; here in Washington state the schools have a program called Running Start that permits High School juniors and seniors to take classes at a community college, and there's no way she'll be able to skip a week of college classes!

Ken - thank you for offering the lanyards; the names you have for the rest of us are correct.

I see Disney still hasn't published excursions. Our first day in San Fran we'll probably visit Alkatraz and maybe take a ferry to Sausalito. The other day take the F line streetcar to the museums around 3rd and Mission, take a cable car to Hyde & Beach, visit Ghirardelli Square, then make our way along the waterfront back to the ship.

I would love to do the sunset excursion to Alkatraz for the night tour, but my wife has seen a few too many stories about hauntings to go for that trip!

Wow! You have everything all figured out! I don't know what we're doing. I have a friend I've known since 4th grade in the bay area - haven't seen her since my grown boys were babies, so I hope she will at least meet us for dinner on the first night. I don't want to visit Alcatraz -Jim has done that , and prisons creep me out! I want to do the Pier and the trolleys and Chinatown - I am just worried we won't know how to do the transportation part.

Sorry Kirstin won't be able to sail - My nieces in Stanwood do that program, too. One is college age and one is a Sr - they were home schooled - sounds like a great program! Their younger sister is named Kirsten, BTW!

I'm waiting on plane tickets, as we still have 3 more big trips to take before then. - Thank goodness for Tax refunds!

P.S. I started looking at things to do, and found this reasonable Trolley tour that takes you all around http://www.viator.com/tours/San-Fra...r/d651-3565TROLLEY?SSAID=312218&aid=463295707

 

[trimix]

Wow! You have everything all figured out! I don't know what we're doing. I have a friend I've known since 4th grade in the bay area - haven't seen her since my grown boys were babies, so I hope she will at least meet us for dinner on the first night. I don't want to visit Alcatraz -Jim has done that , and prisons creep me out! I want to do the Pier and the trolleys and Chinatown - I am just worried we won't know how to do the transportation part.

Sorry Kirstin won't be able to sail - My nieces in Stanwood do that program, too. One is college age and one is a Sr - they were home schooled - sounds like a great program! Their younger sister is named Kirsten, BTW!

I'm waiting on plane tickets, as we still have 3 more big trips to take before then. - Thank goodness for Tax refunds!

P.S. I started looking at things to do, and found this reasonable Trolley tour that takes you all around http://www.viator.com/tours/San-Fra...r/d651-3565TROLLEY?SSAID=312218&aid=463295707

I've been to San Francisco many times, so I know enough to plan ahead. We've had three family weekend trips to San Fran, but have never been able to get to Alcatraz - protip: buy tickets online in advance. At busy times they sell out before the day of the tour.

For those of you who want to plan on your own, here's a good transit map showing tourist attractions. If you want to take a cable car, let me suggest doing so northbound. The waits southbound can be much longer, so I like to use the F line streetcar in that direction.

 

[milliesmum]

For those of you who want to plan on your own, here's a good transit map showing tourist attractions.

Thanks for the map info. I notice it says cruise ship terminal at pier 35, is this where The Wonder will dock?

 

[DMMarla07860]

I'm hoping to go to Japantown when is San Fran. I stayed in a hotel around there back in 2008 and loved it, best food I ever had and great little shopping mall

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I've been to San Francisco many times, so I know enough to plan ahead. We've had three family weekend trips to San Fran, but have never been able to get to Alcatraz - protip: buy tickets online in advance. At busy times they sell out before the day of the tour.

For those of you who want to plan on your own, here's a good transit map showing tourist attractions. If you want to take a cable car, let me suggest doing so northbound. The waits southbound can be much longer, so I like to use the F line streetcar in that direction.

Thanks for the map and tips! I'm really thinking we can get our touring done on our own and save $$ over booking excursions on the ship.

I'm hoping to go to Japantown when is San Fran. I stayed in a hotel around there back in 2008 and loved it, best food I ever had and great little shopping mall

I didn't know there was a Japantown - that sounds fun! We were stationed in Okinawa for 3 yrs - I would love to get a little taste of Japan!

 

[DMMarla07860]

I didn't know there was a Japantown - that sounds fun! We were stationed in Okinawa for 3 yrs - I would love to get a little taste of Japan!

yup there is one, it is great I loved it. My mom's family comes from Japan, so she love the culture so we had to stay at a hotel in Japantown, Sushi was some of the best I had and other food as well, and trust me I'm picky and only like the good stuff, no bad stuff for me

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Marla, I'm so glad you mentioned Japantown! I googled it, and found a store directory. They have a store just for Okinawa merchandise - I can't wait to visit that! I want to find my "cow soap" I loved the scent of that and haven't quite found it again in asian stores here!

 

[trimix]

I didn't know there was a Japantown - that sounds fun! We were stationed in Okinawa for 3 yrs - I would love to get a little taste of Japan!

I wasn't aware of Japantown either, but will add it to my list - my wife loves teriyaki and yakisoba.

I took a look at the transit maps and it is very easy to get there - take the F line streetcar to anywhere on Market Street between Fremont and Geary (two blocks apart) then take the 38L to Japantown.

 

[DL1957]

Hi
I haven't posted on this thread but I made a few comments on the Alaska part. I am a pretty good resource when is comes to SF. While now living in VA my husband and I lived over 40 years on the SF peninsula. When we were on the Baltic Cruise we spoke with the head of excursions for Disney and gave him two suggestions. The Walt Disney Museum at the Persido that is operated by the Disney Family and Pixard Studios. The Pixard studios are in Emeryville which is just across the SF/Oakland Bay Bridge.
I have to share my one disappointment. We have lived in VA for 10 years but I am still at season ticketholder of the SF Giants. My BFF and I have the tickets. I was hoping to get in a Friday night game while we are docked overnight. Well not only are the Giants not in town they will be in DC where we usually go see them play. DH is crushed He is not the baseball fan.
Looking forward to meeting everyone and I have to say we are very excited about bring the Wonder into SF Bay and going under the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. I am sure we will be met by fireboats. Sue

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I wasn't aware of Japantown either, but will add it to my list - my wife loves teriyaki and yakisoba.

I took a look at the transit maps and it is very easy to get there - take the F line streetcar to anywhere on Market Street between Fremont and Geary (two blocks apart) then take the 38L to Japantown.

Sounds like we just need to get F Street Trolley tickets for everything? I will definitely have to print all this info. Thanks

Hi
I haven't posted on this thread but I made a few comments on the Alaska part. I am a pretty good resource when is comes to SF. While now living in VA my husband and I lived over 40 years on the SF peninsula. When we were on the Baltic Cruise we spoke with the head of excursions for Disney and gave him two suggestions. The Walt Disney Museum at the Persido that is operated by the Disney Family and Pixard Studios. The Pixard studios are in Emeryville which is just across the SF/Oakland Bay Bridge.
I have to share my one disappointment. We have lived in VA for 10 years but I am still at season ticketholder of the SF Giants. My BFF and I have the tickets. I was hoping to get in a Friday night game while we are docked overnight. Well not only are the Giants not in town they will be in DC where we usually go see them play. DH is crushed He is not the baseball fan.
Looking forward to meeting everyone and I have to say we are very excited about bring the Wonder into SF Bay and going under the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. I am sure we will be met by fireboats. Sue

I'm so excited! I forgot about the GG Bridge! So cool you got to speak for all of us and put a bug in his ear about excursions! Sorry you'll miss your Giants. Isn't that the way it always goes? Looking forward to meeting you, too!

 

[trimix]

I'm so excited! I forgot about the GG Bridge! So cool you got to speak for all of us and put a bug in his ear about excursions! Sorry you'll miss your Giants. Isn't that the way it always goes? Looking forward to meeting you, too!

The Golden Gate Bridge reminds me of another option for those of you who are a bit more adventurous than my wife, and who don't have a child with them. It is something I would love to do but, due to an unwilling wife and a child who wouldn't want to participate, I won't be able to do on this trip.

There are several bicycle rental firms near Fisherman's Wharf. Rent a bike, and ride 10 miles or so to Sausalito, enjoy a little time in that charming town, then take a ferry back to San Fran. It looks like a fun ride, the ferry ride is beautiful, Sausalito is a great town to visit, and riding across the Golden Gate Bridge is probably a unique experience.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

The Golden Gate Bridge reminds me of another option for those of you who are a bit more adventurous than my wife, and who don't have a child with them. It is something I would love to do but, due to an unwilling wife and a child who wouldn't want to participate, I won't be able to do on this trip.

There are several bicycle rental firms near Fisherman's Wharf. Rent a bike, and ride 10 miles or so to Sausalito, enjoy a little time in that charming town, then take a ferry back to San Fran. It looks like a fun ride, the ferry ride is beautiful, Sausalito is a great town to visit, and riding across the Golden Gate Bridge is probably a unique experience.

That sounds awesome, too! I'm glad we have two days there!

 

[njprincess]

Hi
I haven't posted on this thread but I made a few comments on the Alaska part. I am a pretty good resource when is comes to SF. While now living in VA my husband and I lived over 40 years on the SF peninsula. When we were on the Baltic Cruise we spoke with the head of excursions for Disney and gave him two suggestions. The Walt Disney Museum at the Persido that is operated by the Disney Family and Pixard Studios. The Pixard studios are in Emeryville which is just across the SF/Oakland Bay Bridge.
I have to share my one disappointment. We have lived in VA for 10 years but I am still at season ticketholder of the SF Giants. My BFF and I have the tickets. I was hoping to get in a Friday night game while we are docked overnight. Well not only are the Giants not in town they will be in DC where we usually go see them play. DH is crushed He is not the baseball fan.
Looking forward to meeting everyone and I have to say we are very excited about bring the Wonder into SF Bay and going under the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. I am sure we will be met by fireboats. Sue

We were hoping that Disney would offer a tour of the Walt Disney Museum - thanks for mentioning that to the Disney excursion folks! Do they do tours at the Pixar Studio? That would be awesome!

I have to say that one of the things that drew me to this cruise was sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and spending the night in the harbor. The fireboats sound very cool as well!

We are staying at VGC for 3 nights before the cruise - I'm so excited because I've never been to Disneyland and my first visit will be on my birthday

 

[bonzie1]

Good Morning Cruisers!

Where is the time going!!! I've been MIA for the past week getting ready for a big Flea Market type Yard Sale. We have so many things which just have to go!!! This coming weekend is the date! Wish us luck in putting all of it together!

Thanks for all the great tour ideas! I will add them to our first page along with links!

ALSO... some reminders:

Please check the lanyard list from Ken when he posts it. It's a huge undertaking to get these made and handed out, and we want everyone to be included with correct spelling, etc.

Please send me a PM with your information so we can add you to the main roster. I still have some work to do to get everything updated. Details are on page one of our Thread.

THANKS!



UPDATED FIRST PAGE OF THE THREAD...

CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
* Official website The Port of LOS ANGELES
* Port of Los Angeles Lodging CLARION INN
* Misc Information PORT OF LOS ANGELES

SAN FRANCISCO
* Only in San Francisco VISITORS SITE
* San Francisco PLANNING GUIDE Note: Guide is FREE but there is a postage charge.
* TRANSIT MAP showing tourist attractions
* San Francisco TRANSPORTATION and Lombard Street
* Misc Information SAN FRANCISCO
* Information on VINYARDS
* TROLLEY TOUR of the city
* TIPS AND IDEAS FROM OUR THREAD
Cable Car: If you want to take a cable car, let me suggest doing so northbound. The waits southbound can be much longer, so I like to use the F line streetcar in that direction. Additionally, from the F line's Stockton stop you can get bus 39 which will take you to Coit Tower for a nice view of this part of the city.

Bicycle Riding: There are several bicycle rental firms near Fisherman's Wharf. Rent a bike, and ride 10 miles or so to Sausalito, enjoy a little time in that charming town, then take a ferry back to San Fran. It looks like a fun ride, the ferry ride is beautiful, Sausalito is a great town to visit, and riding across the Golden Gate Bridge is probably a unique experience.

 

[Robin"D"]

For those who have never been to San Fran. you must see three things:

1) Pier 39: we will been deck close to Pier 39, walking distance
2) Walt Disney Family Museum
3) Alcatraz, 1st timers during the day
or @ night....very cool.
here is a great web site for Alcatraz tours (walking from where the Wonder will be dock)
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/website/tour-comparison.aspx

we are very luck that we have 2 days in San Fran. It is a great, beautiful, fun city!

hint, as we approach San Fran, you should be on deck to see it all, and especially when we go under the Golden Gate Bridge...VERY COOL!

Angel & I are lloking so forward to meeting everybody on this advanture.

Bob, Ken and the others who are helping with all this....THANK YOU!

Robin & Angel "D"

less than 6 months....

 

[fitnessmouse]

Oh, getting excited for this trip!

just got back from a weekend trip to Disneyland Paris.

The more I am reading about Disneyland Anaheim for our upcoming trip, the more I am thinking it is more similar to Disneyland Paris, than WDW.

Love the suggestions for San Fransisco.

 

[DL1957]

For those who have never been to San Fran. you must see three things:

1) Pier 39: we will been deck close to Pier 39, walking distance
2) Walt Disney Family Museum
3) Alcatraz, 1st timers during the day
or @ night....very cool.
here is a great web site for Alcatraz tours (walking from where the Wonder will be dock)
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/website/tour-comparison.aspx

we are very luck that we have 2 days in San Fran. It is a great, beautiful, fun city!

hint, as we approach San Fran, you should be on deck to see it all, and especially when we go under the Golden Gate Bridge...VERY COOL!

Angel & I are lloking so forward to meeting everybody on this advanture.

Bob, Ken and the others who are helping with all this....THANK YOU!

Robin & Angel "D"

less than 6 months....

Hi fellow local Virginian we still need to get together and meet. Sue

 

[DL1957]

Please don't forget a ride on the cable cars. Those who like to hike Angel Island is great. It is the Ellis Island of the west were the immigants came in from the Far East.
If you want to go to a show off the ship Beach Blanket Babalon is great but for an adult audience.
Also you can spend an entire day in Golden Gate Park. The Japanese Tea Garden there is beautiful.
Sue

 

[DMMarla07860]

Here are some of my pictures from San Fran from my trip in November 2008, I can't wait to go back

 

[DL1957]

Great photos, looks like you had a great time. Sue