2015 DVC Alaska Member Cruise 5/25-5/31/15

[Johnny Quest]

The king crab meal is a great idea. Maybe some baked Alaska for dessert!

 

[xlxo]

You can get some crab legs to boil and butter for starters. Are you happy with boil 'n butter? Baked Alaskan? Ginger w/ Garlic? Deep Fried? Spiced? Why not order a whole crab and do ALL OF THE ABOVE? If you can't do it at home, consider restaurants for their expertise. If you local restaurants can't do it.... make sure to set aside some extra days to look for a crab dinner in the departure port of Vancouver.
http://www.followmefoodie.com/2014/04/dynasty-seafood-restaurant-alaskan-king-crab-dinner-vancouver/

Other ideas? Ice Wine? Gelato dessert? Chocolates? These are award winning local Cascadia experiences pre/post cruise trip.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_wine
• http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2012/07/bella-gelateria-wins-worlds-largest-gelato-competition/
• http://www.westender.com/eat-drink/...late-wins-world-s-top-chocolate-bar-1.1344959
• http://www.rogerschocolates.com/products.php?product_id=51984

If the family are soccer fans and you are staying a week in Vancouver after the cruise, FIFA women's in playing with Germany and Ivory Coast on June 7. I assume it will be held at the convertable stadium near the cruise terminal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_FIFA_Women's_World_Cup#Group_B

Maybe watch Frozen again (sorry wrong country).

 

[Jay Kat]

Keep 'em coming! Great minds here....glad I am in FE with you guys, too!

 

[xlxo]

If crab is unrealistic... here's more ideas...

• Books on Alaska?
  http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Cruise-Handbook-Mile---Mile/dp/0979491576/ref=sr_1_1
  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...4?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=Tlingit
• Knives?
  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=ulu+knife
• Salmon
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olye1M0AwV4
• Skagway is the start of the Klondike Gold Rush.... Gold themed products
  http://www.amazon.com/Goldkenn-Fine-Swiss-Chocolate-10-58oz/dp/B0060N8XAU/ref=sr_1_4
• Get some appropriate clothing for a Red Onion visit in Skagway? Who wants VS wings?
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHGYTZBqIFc
• train whistle for White Pass?
  http://www.amazon.com/Toysmith-6194-Wooden-Train-Whistle/dp/B000ID1E0O/ref=sr_1_9

 

[Johnny Quest]

Jay Kat,

these are Poison Ivy's Ideas

give a few mystery clues as gifts.

such as:

"The Bourne Legacy" DVD
a great set of binoculars
winter socks

and finally -
a small metal bucket (if it's on his bucket list) with:
something DVC - could be a magnet or sticker on the metal bucket
something DCL

 

[Jay Kat]

Oh, you guys are on to it. I will do several little things that alone, don't make much sense. LIke, a train whistle, then something gold, then binoculars. THen maybe lastly some salmon. He will be too sweet to say, "what the heck" when he opens the stuff that don't mean much to him, and I will have some lame explanation. But he will TOTALLY get it when he gets the salmon! This is FUN! Thanks!!!!!

 

[xlxo]

I think a gold Red Onion outfit would be more perfect (I wonder if it would qualify for formal night?)...

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnb_jHSxgBs

Remember Vancouver has the 2nd largest VS store in the World. Who doesn't want to be an angel?

What about sitting down to movies and TV around the area.....

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrqy_Xj5PvE (filmed just off Vancouver Island)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPLSpmAtc1Q (final scenes next to cruise terminal)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi2_ZJ3FGm4
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrSPuBYm-Cw
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Films_shot_in_Vancouver

Maybe check out some Olympic souveniors?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIF_1THig0E&t=9s

 

[stitchyfigment]

Late to the party, but me and my mom are in for the adult FE.

 

[goff1029]

This is my wife's account but I thought I would post. I booked airfare back in October through Air Canada but codesharing with United. On the way out (May 23) it's Jacksonville, FL>Houston>Calgary>Vancouver leaving JAX at 6:30 am and arriving at YVR at 2:44 PM. On the way back (June 2) it's YVR>Chicago>JAX leaving at 6:40 am and arriving at 4:45 pm. The rate was only $352 pp rt. I thought this was an awesome deal. I looked yesterday, and while not as good, I did see where Air Canada and AA had some decent rates.

This will be our 2nd DCL cruise, our first being in January 2008 on the Wonder. That was also our first ever cruise. We have since cruise CCL twice and are getting ready to cruise with them again next month. We do not have children, just enjoy Disney. I am 32 and my wife is 31. We have been DVC members since 2007.

 

[poison ivy]

xlxo - I can't believe I clicked on that first video.
but back to the cruise - how much does it typically cost and what's the best method of payment for a cab from the airport? We'll have a party of 5 so will need either a van or 2 cabs. I don't want to get over charged being from the US.

Late to the party, but me and my mom are in for the adult FE.

stichyfigment - to the DIS! You are more than welcome to join the Family FE as the adult FE is closed. Just post your cabin number and anything else you like to note (allergies / celebrations) right here on this meet thread and we'll add you to the list.


goff1029 - you got a great rate on that airfare. We are still shopping around and planning our return trip. If any good deals come along i'll let everyone know.

 

[xlxo]

Cabs are available at YVR arrivals for $35 to downtown. May cost more if you arrive late afternoon and get caught up in traffic congestion. I would just use a credit card. Some say there's a $8 surcharge for van's... others say there is none. You want to clarify this prior to boarding. Either way, taxi's max out at 4 passengers each... kinda tough with luggage. Budget for 2 taxi's. Otherwise you might as well get one of the limo's when you approach need two taxi's.
http://www.yvr.ca/en/getting-to-from-yvr/taxis.aspx

You can order larger limo's and vans... $45 to $81
http://www.yvr.ca/Libraries/PGT_documents/2012_-_2013_Aerocar_YVR_Curbside_Rates.sflb.ashx

The only transportation that would be a YVR premium are car rentals and the subway.
http://www.translink.ca/en/Fares-and-Passes/Canada-Line-YVR-AddFare.aspx

 

[poison ivy]

thanks xlxo - appreciate you being here to help with the Vancouver portion of our trip. I'm going to have to take some time to get this together. My SIL will need the convenience of a taxi so we'll plan for that. I know there's a rail link which is cheaper to the Pan Pacific but it's not a workable solution for our group.

So I'll check with my CC company to see how the exchange rate works - unless you're saying they're just going to charge me in US$.

 

[xlxo]

The Canada Line subway only work best for single passengers with minimal luggage ($50 for 5 passengers).

I recommend two taxis ($70 -$80) or limo ($81 - $90) for your large group. Limo stand is next to taxi's to US arrivals. You can make that decision after you land, no reservations required.

Check this link.... look left for the limo's.... look right for the taxi's.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=49....anoid=bGbbjI7VzByKIDe6Exs8uQ&cbp=12,2.75,,0,0

 

[Jay Kat]

I am trying to get to the FE lists at the bottom of Johnny Quest's posts, but it just keeps opening another window with that post. How do I get to the FE Adult List? I am already plotting! Oh, and countdown until Spouse gets the big reveal of his Christmas present...this wonderful cruise!

 

[goff1029]

Good rates on United right now from JAX to Vancouver. Might want to see if they have them in your area.

 

[Johnny Quest]

I am trying to get to the FE lists at the bottom of Johnny Quest's posts, but it just keeps opening another window with that post. How do I get to the FE Adult List? I am already plotting! Oh, and countdown until Spouse gets the big reveal of his Christmas present...this wonderful cruise!

Hi Jay Kat,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

Someone has to post the FE list right on our meet pages as we are not permitted to put it anywhere else. Was hoping someone would handle that, but if it's not done by New Years I guess I'll post it.

Good luck with the reveal... Let us know how it goes.

We are spending Christmas at VGF. Weather has been great so far.

 

[DisneyBelle99]

Hi Jay Kat, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. Someone has to post the FE list right on our meet pages as we are not permitted to put it anywhere else. Was hoping someone would handle that, but if it's not done by New Years I guess I'll post it. Good luck with the reveal... Let us know how it goes. We are spending Christmas at VGF. Weather has been great so far.

Nice! Enjoy! My favorite Christmas decorations! Love sitting in the Lobby, listening to the music, too!

 

[Jay Kat]

Thanks for the help with the FE list. Also, we are doing Christmas on Friday, so husband will find out then that we are on this cruise! SO excited!. If anyone wants to wish him a SURPRISE and Merry Christmas, please post and, of course, after the reveal I will direct him here. To those of you at our shared home right now, so jealous!

 

[Johnny Quest]

Wow,

Merry Christmas Mr. Jay Kat! What a great gift to receive for Christmas.

Welcome to our Member Cruise meet. We can't wait to experience Alaska.

 

[Micca]

Hi fellow DVC cruisers, "Mr. Jay Kat" here DW has given me plenty of great Christmas gifts over the years, but what can I say about this one?

Looking forward to exploring the wilderness of Alaska...and the lounges on board our cruise with you.