This was posted by another Robin in the
DCL board...so thought I would share.
Why Vancouver?
I was so happy that to hear the DCL was going to Alaska
but was kinda uncertain to hear where we would board on to DCL
.Vancouver BC, and once I did some research, I was right. Being from the East Coast, it is going to a bit pricey to fly there. OK yes we are spoiled being on the East coast (Virginia) fly to WDW.
I was curious why Vancouver, so I went to the source; DCL. I thought that the DIS board would like to know why. Here is DCL response: (sorry it is a little long, but this is their reply)
Dear Robin,
Thank you for choosing a
Disney Cruise Line vacation!
I am happy to assist you.
We here at
Disney Cruise Line felt that the city of Vancouver would
serve as a beautiful starting point for our 7-Night Alaskan Cruises.
Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada located on a peninsula in
southwestern British Columbia between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast
Mountains. Also, it is located 30 miles from the United States/Canadian
Border.
Vancouver also has several points of interest and/or attractions for
those Guests who would like to book pre- or post- nights onto their
cruise vacation.
Below are some examples of the different types of points of interest or
attractions available:
1. Stanley Park is located a few miles northwest of the cruise terminal
and borders downtown Vancouver's western side. It is a 1,000-acre
evergreen oasis surrounded by a 5.5-mile paved seawall with numerous
attractions such as the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Kids
Water Park, a miniature train, a children's farmyard, rose gardens,
totem poles, miles of wooded hiking trails, beaches, playgrounds, and
picnic areas.
2. Capilano Suspension Bridge was originally built in 1889 and is
Vancouvers oldest tourist attraction. The suspension bridge spans 450
feet across a canyon, 230 feet above the Capilano River and is located
in a 27-acre park. The park also includes other activities such as
Treetops Adventure which consists of seven suspension bridges through
the evergreens that rise 100 feet above the forest floor, guided nature
tours, Kids Rainforest Explorer program and Living Forest exhibit.
3. Grouse Mountain Skyride is located approximately 15 minutes from
downtown and is North Americas largest aerial tramway system. The
Skyride provides breathtaking views of the city of the Vancouver and the
surrounding area. The ride starts at the base of the mountain and climbs
3,700 feet in approximately 12 minutes. At the top of the mountain
guests will find hiking, lumberjack shows, video presentations,
restaurants, a scenic chairlift ride to the summit and a refuge for
endangered wildlife.
4. Vancouver Aquarium is located in Stanley Park and is approximately a
15 20 minute walk from Downtown. It is Canadas largest aquarium with
over 70,000 animals including beluga whales, sea lions, dolphins, seals,
sharks and more. The aquarium includes dolphin and whale shows, sea
otter feeds and shark dives.
5. Steam Clock was built in 1977 to muffle steam from underground lines
that were used to heat local buildings and is now considered a famous
landmark. The clock is located on a street corner in Gastown and is the
most photographed structure in Vancouver. On every quarter a steam
whistle rings out the Westminster Chimes and every hour a huge cloud of
steam gushes out of the timepiece.
6. Chinatown was declared a historic district in 1971 and is one of the
largest Chinatowns in North America. It is filled with photogenic
Chinese structures, lamps, gates and open-air markets. The biggest draw
is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, named for The Father of Modern China
and is the first full-scale Classical Chinese Garden built outside of
China.
7. Granville Island is a 35-acre peninsula in False Creek and is one of
the most successful former-industrial-park revitalizations in North
America. It is a small island and shopping district home to performing
arts, art education, dining, artists studios and workshops, art
galleries and a public market. Passenger ferry service is available from
Downtown Vancouver.
Therefore, you can see Vancouver has a lot to offer to our Guests and it
is also convenient to our ship Disney Magic. The Vancouver International
Airport is approximately 9 miles south of downtown and approximately 30
minutes to the Canada Place dock in Vancouver.
I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.
We look forward to sailing with you!
Have a Magical Day!
Stephanie
Reservations Department
Disney Cruise Line
, I switched hotel rooms again today! I have finally settle on L'Hermitage, and am very happy with my choice and refuse to even look at another hotel! We booked a 2 bedroom suite with the AAA rate. It is a little pricier than our Pan Pacific rate, but is still a great value. It has a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, fireplace, balcony, and a washer and dryer. The washer and dryer is what really sold me, since it will be nice to be able to wash everything before boarding the Wonder. The regular rooms also seemed very nice and very reasonably priced if anyone is still looking around at hotels. Definitely worth checking out!
...for the 50th time at least
...but know that the cruise is booked it is a definite go. 
