Alaska on July 19th, 2011 "Where a good tan is hard to find"

[Schachteles]

Wouldn't worry about it. The turnaround time after submission is pretty quick these days, usually 2-3 weeks. Even with a short shutdown (and it won't be long, if it happens at all), there should be plenty of time.

I sure hope you are right (which I know you are, but my anxiety issues don't fully allow me to believe you )!!

 

[mrtobias]

Tom,
For you every year is truly a Disney Year!
When are you headed to Aulani?
Margot

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Tom,
For you every year is truly a Disney Year!
When are you headed to Aulani?
Margot

Not really interested in Hawaii....of course I wasn't interested in Alaska until Disney Cruise Line announced they were going there.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

102 days to go!! Maybe we should have a party on Sunday!!

That is....IF we get our Passports in time. We've been putting it off and finally decided to go apply on Saturday (special hours this Saturday), but if the goverment shuts down, we're in BIG trouble.

Dangit!!! They cancelled the special Passport Day.

 

[Schachteles]

Dangit!!! They cancelled the special Passport Day.

Oh no, hope you guys can get in soon. Still have time. Just don't wait too long, because you don't want to have to pay for it to be expedited.

 

["Got Disney"]

102 days to go!! Maybe we should have a party on Sunday!!

That is....IF we get our Passports in time. We've been putting it off and finally decided to go apply on Saturday (special hours this Saturday), but if the goverment shuts down, we're in BIG trouble.

Dangit!!! They cancelled the special Passport Day.

They cancelled us for tomorrow....hard to get a Sat as it is we had to wait 8 weeks for this Sat for the kids...we have one for DH and I on the the 22nd and just in case we had also made an appt for the boys on another Sat on the 16th at a different place...wow sure glad I did that.

My concern is that this will also back up the ones that are already waiting to be sent out...making it longer for us. That will still give us almost 3 months to get them back.

what a mess all this is.

 

["Got Disney"]

double post

 

[Meskamooska]

Hi All,

Got Disney and I'm Too Excited - I feel your pain! The DH and I just got our passport apps in yesterday but overall it was actually a pleasant and in truth, rather fun experience, and we waited about a whopping ten minutes (because there was one family ahead of us) to process our apps. We were in and out of there in under 1/2 hour total (and that included having them take our pics and having them make the copies of our driver's licenses because I totally forgot to do that before we got there - duh!)

I know this won't help you if you are in Fresno, but for the folks in San Diego, it might be worth driving up to Upland and going to the Upland Post Office to apply as they don't need an appointment and can even do your pics there ($15/ea.) if need be.

In lieu of that, if you check the Passport information on the website you can find locations nearest you (where ever you may be) which offer Saturday hours without the need of an appointment, onsite photos, etc. You don't have to apply for your passport in the City or County in which you reside as it is a State document not a local one.

Also on this website, http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html you have the option of filling out and then printing your complete application speeding up the process when you do go to apply and also helping to ensure that you are less likely to encounter spelling errors owing to someone's inability to accurately decipher your handwriting.

Oh, and one more thing on the subject... According to the information I got on the website and at the Post Office, if you are wanting to get expedited service, that is only available for the Passport book or book and card combo but not for the card alone (and it costs an additional $72 per application). So, if, like me, you elected to only get the card and not the book, you can't speed up the delivery with the extra fee but you can make it cost a whole lot more.

Regarding the card, yes, I knew that it was not good for any foreign air travel and only works in Canada and Mexico when crossing by land or sea. But, since we will be driving to Vancouver and leaving our car parked at the cruise port, and since the bulk of our trip is within the United States, I decided to save the extra $ this go 'round. Of course, I do plan on doing additional DCL trips so I see a book in our not too distant future, but that will be another purchase for another day.

On another front, I am really bummed out (wow, there's an old expression for you, huh?) because when I called the White Pass Yukon Railroad to try to book directly with them (and thus save the $100+ on the trip) they told me that they were all sold out as Disney has the bulk of their reservations already. Since we can't book our excursions or do our online checkin until 4/20 (we are also the dreaded Silver status), I am really worried that we won't be able to get reservations for the steam train and the DH has his widdle heart set on that.

So I will be trying my luck on 4/20 and hoping for the best.

Some dear friends of ours who have taken several trips to Alaska highly recommended doing any of the glacier dog mushing expeditions since that is something that you truly can't do anywhere else. They said it is truly once in a lifetime and worth every penny.

They also recommended packing long underwear, waterproof outer gear (it apparently rains unexpectedly and frequently) and suggested getting Nikon Travelite binoculars (8x25). Since they are both amateur astronomers (but he did discover a super nova so I think he knows whereof he speaks , I take their recommendations regarding optical gear extremely seriously.

The advantage to these binocs is that they are extremely accurate, clear, bright and most of all VERY light and compact making carrying them much less of a chore.

Oh, and another thing... I just had a thought, is anyone else interested in forming a photo sharing pool. We could set up a Flickr account or something similar that we could all post our pics to in order to share with others. I just remember that on my first Disney Cruise we had a fairly large meet thread and we had a couple of get together's on the ship where tons of pictures were taken and I only saw the ones I took. I still have pictures I took of some other folks at our 4th of July party that I never go to the subjects and that was six years ago. Just a thought...

Well, I need to do some additional research to try to get a handle on what else we might want to do if we can't ride the choo-choo.

I will be holding good thoughts for everyone who has applied for, or is about to apply for their passport for swift processing and a speedy receipt of their documents. Hopefully, the two to three week schedule that folks have been enjoying will continue.

Take care all, help lots of people and have a "Wonder"ful day!

Tisza

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

100 days!!!!

 

[mouseclick1]

100 days!!!!

Yay!!

I had a great experience with Delta yesterday. They had previously changed my flight from one with a 2 hour layover to one with a half hour layover. For me, that is cutting it too close. I able to get on a non-stop flight that wasn't available when I originally booked with the help of a very nice customer assistance employee!

 

[jship210]

Any plans for a quick get together during the cruise? I owe Tom a beer or two for the door magnets over the years




.

 

[twinmom108]

OOOOOOH, ONLY 99 DAYS - DOUBLE DIGITS!

 

[twinmom108]

Any plans for a quick get together during the cruise? I owe Tom a beer or two for the door magnets over the years




.

I'm in & I'll try to drag DH there too.

 

["Got Disney"]

Sure I'm also in for a meet drink

 

["Got Disney"]

okay so I have changed my excursions somewhat ....here it goes...

Juneau : Helicopter Glacier walk about(similar as the Glacier Trek but 1 hr
instead of 2)

Ketchican: Sea crab fishermans tour(without the Disney dinner)

Skagway: White Pass Rail and Trial Camp(so DH and pan for Gold )

This save us around $200 from our before choice, and I like this choice better. By the way any idea how rough the sea gets on the Crab boat?

what about everyone else....we will also be doing the later parts of the excursions...like around 12 ish or so....nothing in the early mornings.

and have I said WOW on the prices....lol ..O know, I know....just had to say it again

 

[mouseclick1]

Hi All,

Oh, and another thing... I just had a thought, is anyone else interested in forming a photo sharing pool. We could set up a Flickr account or something similar that we could all post our pics to in order to share with others. I just remember that on my first Disney Cruise we had a fairly large meet thread and we had a couple of get together's on the ship where tons of pictures were taken and I only saw the ones I took. I still have pictures I took of some other folks at our 4th of July party that I never go to the subjects and that was six years ago. Just a thought...

Take care all, help lots of people and have a "Wonder"ful day!

Tisza

That's a good idea! Those of us on Facebook could even use that as a way to share pictures.

 

[Meskamooska]

Hi All!

Regarding the photosharing idea, I am not sure the best way to set this up. I can set up a gallery on my MobileMe account which others could view and post to. Alternatively, we can set up a flickr account with a group shared password to post and share. If others have thoughts please send them forth!

Regarding the drink meetup, count me in! Just let me know where and when. I know plans have been afoot to set up an official gathering but it has been a few months since it has been discussed so, since we are now only double didgets away from our trip it might be time to reserect the discussion in earnest.

Also, was there ever any forward progress on setting up a meet thread brunch at Palo? My earliest booking date is April 20th so I can try to set something up but there are others who should be able to handle this (assuming there is still interest in doing so sooner and better than I can.

On other topics, the DH and I have signed up for a series of classes on how to better utilize our dslr cameras. Since I am an avid shutterbug, I will put this offer on the table for all of my meet thread friends... If you see me on the cruise or out and about on an excursion or in port and if I have my big camera with me (which I probably always will have) feel free to hit me up for pics. All I will ask is that if I take shots for you I am allowed to use them on my website portfolio. Also, if you bring me a blank cdrom or dvd I will give you copies of the shots taken.

I hope everyone is having a nice start to their week. My DH is currently down for the count with the self same bug that felled me last week. Hopefully, he will rebound quickly.

Take care all, help lots of people and have a "Wonder"ful day!

Tisza

 

["Got Disney"]

hope your in to some reading...this is incase you want to venture out on your own or the excursion you want gets all booked up.

Mellers" - has prepared an analysis of port excursions on the August 16, 2011 Cruise Meet thread She has done an exhaustive comparison of the Disney excursions to the approporiate independents and showed you how they are different (if at all) and the difference in cost.

Skagway - Juneau - Ketchikan -



Shore Excursion Comparison List for Skagway. Read all of the websites CAREFULLY, and before you give anyone any money, make sure you know the cancellation policies, whether or not taxes are paid, whether or not you will need to pay for additional transporation to/from the cruise docks, etc.

Also, one important note: if you plan to do the book-it-yourself option on the "All Aboard Steam Train" excursion (recommend--$50/person for a guide, a champagne toast, a Christmas Tree Ornament and a dock departure seems a bit steep), apparently, they are starting to fill up--a poster on another board mentioned that he could not get reservations, so if that is your plan, you may want to step lively. reserved the self-book version of the White Pass Scenic Railway

Excursions not offered by Disney:
Walking Tour: http://www.skagway.com/skagwaywalkingtour.pdf
ShoreTrips triple tour: $545/person, includes a Crab Fisherman Tour in Ketchikan, the Taku Glacier Lodge Flight and Feast in Juneau, and the White Pass Summit Rail and Bus in Skagway: https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=039109
ShoreTrips triple tour: $150/person, includes the Ketchikan City Tour and Totem Bight tour, Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau City Tour by Bus, White Pass Summit Tour by bus in Skagway:
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=039106
ShoreTrips triple tour: $305/person, includes the Tongass Rainforest Hiking Expedition in Ketchikan, the Canopy Zip Line excursion in Juneau, and the Yukon U-Drive Jeep Stampede in Skagway:
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=039463

Shore Excursions/Self-Book Options:

Liarsville Gold Rush Tour, Salmon Bake and Exclusive Disney Character Experience:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...d-salmon-bake/
http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/al..._gold_rush.htm

Differences: Best of Alaska Travel does not include a Disney Character. Best of Alaska is $49/adult and $33/child, taxes not included, Disney’s is $89/adult and $49/child, taxes unclear

White Pass Scenic Railway with Exclusive Youth Activity:

http://www.wpyr.com/summitexcursion.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...outh-activity/

Differences: White Pass direct book does not include the separate car for kids to do I Spy and sing railway songs. With the White Pass direct book, you need to walk (or take a bus), the .5-.75 miles from the dock to the station. (Note: If you take the Disney option, you MAY NOT take the train from the station, you must take it from the dock—food for thought, if you plan to explore the town first.) White Pass is $112/adult, $56/child (child age not specified, double-check, but the usual for self-book seems to be 12 and under is a child.) Disney is $169/10+, $99/under 10.

(One further note—if you are first-time cruisers, and have somebody in a wheelchair with you who can get to the station, I would recommend self-book for another reason. You have last priority to get reservations, and wheelchair seats are limited.)

Alaska Nature and Wildlife Expedition:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...fe-expedition/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=001500

Differences: Disney’s is $168/10+, $114 for 5-9. ShoreTrips is $156/12+, $126/under 12. I think this is the same tour as Disney’s. Check if taxes are included; that might swing the needle more towards Disney, depending on the age of your kids.


All Aboard Steam Train:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...d-steam-train/
http://www.wpyr.com/frasermeadows.html

Differences: Disney puts you in a car with other cruisers, includes an attendant, a champagne or cider toast, and a Christmas tree ornament. With Disney, you also depart from the dock rather than the station, .5-.75 miles away. Disney is $214/10+, $105/under 10. The White Pass is $155/12+, $77.50/under 12, and taxes are included.

Glacier Flightseeing and Dogsledding:

http://touralaska.com/daytourssgy.htm
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=032902
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-flightseeing/

Differences: Be sure to check to see if Tour Alaska includes transportation from the docks—it’s implied, but not explicitly stated. Shore Trips is substantially less expensive, and includes the White Pass, but DOES NOT include the floatplane tour. Tour Alaska is $489/person, including tax. Shore Trips is $243/12 and over, $167/2-11, $0 under 2 (in lap). Disney’s is $549/10+, $495/under 10.

Best of Skagway

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=001458
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=009030
(be careful—this requires 10 people to book AT THE SAME TIME, so this is for a large group)
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...st-of-skagway/

Differences: The first ShoreTrips excursion DOES NOT TAKE THE TRAIN! It follows the same approximate route be road. The second ShoreTrips excursion, I suspect is part of the one Disney is taking, but it requires 10 people to book at the same time—probably worth it if there’s 10 of us who want to take that one, or you are traveling with a very large group. The first ShoreTrips excursion is $81/12+, $73/12 and under, The second ShoreTrips excursion is $167/+12, $115/3-11, $0/under (on lap), Disney’s is $220/person, minimum age of 16, and includes a bit more of a tour of the more risqué aspects of Skagway.

Eagle Preserve Float Adventure and Lynn Fjord Cruise:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=004036
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-fjord-cruise/

I think these are both the same excursion. Shoretrips is $176/+12, $156/7-11. Disney’s is $198, minimum age of 10. (Check for taxes; depending upon who’s charging what, and people’s ages, this may shift it towards Disney)

Experience Yukon by Bike/White Pass Train and Bike Tour:

http://cyclealaska.com/yukonbybike.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...yukon-by-bike/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...and-bike-tour/

Cycle Alaska is $183.71 for the motorcoach tour, and $264.75 for the tour with the White Pass included. They seem like very similar (if not the same) tour. Height minimum of 4’6”. Minimum age is 14. Disney’s is $239, minimum age of 16, for the standard Yukon by Bike, and $199 for the White Pass Train and Bike Tour, which seems like the best deal of them all, to me.

Glacier Discovery by Helicopter:

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/gla...s_landings.asp
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...by-helicopter/

How much the Skagway Adventures tour costs depends upon how many are traveling. If it’s 1 person, it will be $282.45, 2 will be $564.90, 3 will be $847.36, and 4 will be $1,129.80. Disney’s is $309/10+, and $289 under 10. This is another case where taxes may make one more or less expensive than another; be sure to see if they are included.

White Pass Railway and Heli-Hike

http://www.alaskaheritage.com/Excurs...-Hike-WPYR.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...oad-adventure/

This doesn’t look like a good excursion for kids—more for very athletic teens and adults. Alaska Heritage’s is $275/person, and it does not explicitly state whether or not it includes transportation to the helipad—you’ll want to check on that. Disney’s is $425/person. Otherwise it looks like the same excursion. If both prices are still correct at this time, that’s such a large price differential, it might be worth it to figure out what transportation to the helipad would cost, even if they don’t provide it. Again, however, check it out carefully before booking—either way.

Historical City Tour and Salmon Bake:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...d-salmon-bake/
http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/al..._gold_rush.htm
http://www.alaskaheritage.com/Excurs...CCTSKGTour.htm

Best of Alaska does not include a city tour, and it does not include taxes, and it is $49/Adults, and $33/children under 12. Disney’s includes a city tour, and it is $72/10 and up, and $42/under 10. If you want to add a city tour, there is a city tour which includes gold panning which is $25/Adults, and $12.50/Children under 12. Which way is a better deal depends upon how many adults are traveling, and how many kids between 10-12.

City Tour, Gardens and Glass:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ens-and-glass/
http://www.discoverskagway.com/our_tours.php?tour_id=1

Disney’s is 2.5-3 hours, Discover Skagway’s is 3-3.5 hours. Disney’s goes to the Jewell Gardens and Historic Skagway, Discover Skagway’s goes to the Jewell Gardens, the White Pass Summit, and Historic Skagway. Disney specifically includes the Glass Theatre, that is not specifically included in Discover Skagway’s tour. Discover Skagway is $45 for adults and $29 for children, Disney’s is $94 for 10+ and $49 under 10. (I am not sure what the child age is for Discover Skagway’s tour—you may want to ask.)

Klondike Gold Dredge and White Pass Railway:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-pass-railway/
http://www.wpyr.com/summitexcursion.html
http://www.alaskaheritage.com/Excurs...CCTSKGTour.htm

By putting two excursions together, you come up with something very similar to Disney’s: The White Pass railroad has a summit excursion for $112/12+, $56/12 and under, and Alaska Heritage Tours has a City Tour and panning at the Gold Dredge for $25/12+, and $12.50/under 12. While I am not sure about the Alaska Heritage tour, I know that taxes are included on the White Pass Railway. The two tours combined are then $136/12+ (plus possible taxes on $25), and $68.50 for 12 and under (plus possible taxes on 12.50). You will have to walk ½ to ¾ mile from the docks to the station to take this tour, or pay about $5 for a day pass on the bus. Disney’s is $175/10+, and $99/for 9 and under. Disney’s would total 4.5-5 hours, these two tours together would total 4.5-5 hours.


Klondike Bicycle Tour:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-bicycle-tour/
http://cyclealaska.com/klond.html

The Cycle Alaska tour is 2.75 hours, and requires a minimum of 4 people. Minimum age is 12, and minimum height is 4’6”. It costs $82.95, including tax. Disney’s tour is 2.5-3 hours, and also requires a minimum age of 12. It costs $87, I am unsure of tax. I suspect they are the same tour.


Rainforest Bicycle Tour:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-bicycle-tour/
http://www.cyclealaska.com/rain.html

The Cycle Alaska tour requires a minimum of 4 people, and a maximum of 12. Minimum age is 10. Cost is $82.95/person including tax, Disney’s is $94, taxes unclear. I suspect this to be the same tour.

Skagway by Bike

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...agway-by-bike/
http://www.cyclealaska.com/skagwaybybike.html

Cycle Alaska’s tour requires a minimum height of 4’6” to ride a bike, and under 7 may ride free in carrier. Adults are $45, Kids 7-12 are $30 for the regular tour, or there is a Jewell Gardens option, which includes lunch, which is $63 for adults and $41 for kids. Disney’s is $59/10+, and $36/under 10—it appears to be the “Non-Jewell-Gardens” tour. Disney does not offer a Jewell Gardens addition.

Sawtooth Mountain Nature Hike:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...n-nature-hike/
http://www.skagwayadventures.com/saw...ature-hike.asp


I think these are the same hike, but I would check to make sure full transportation to the cruise docks is included, and I don’t know about taxes—I suspect both transportation and taxes are included, by the description, but I wouldn’t want to steer someone wrong. Skagway Adventures hike is $120/person, and Disney’s is $135/person.

Sled Dog Adventures and Musher’s Camp:

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/sle...shers-camp.asp
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...og-experience/

Skagway Adventures is $109/adults, and $89/children, and I would double-check about transportation from the docks and taxes, as it’s implied but not explicitly stated. Disney’s is $132/adult, $125/children, and appears to be more or less the same tour.

Chilkoot Horseback Adventures:

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/chi...adventures.asp
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ack-adventure/

These appear to be, more or less, the same tour, but again, I would double-check about transportation and taxes. Disney’s is $174 for 12 and up, and Skagway Adventures is $163. Definitely check into taxes, cancellation policies, and transportation, because these are very close in price, and a little bit one way or the other could make the difference as to which is the better deal.

Skagway Triple Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ple-adventure/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=004514

The ShoreTrips excursion is $181/12+, and $162/10-12 (minimum age of 10). Not sure if this includes taxes or not. Disney’s is $210 for everybody. Otherwise, I’m pretty sure it’s the same tour.

Takshanuk Trail 4x4/Yukon Jeep Klondike Adventures:

http://www.skagwayadventures.com/yuk...p_stampede.asp
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ike-adventure/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ain-trail-4x4/

These are not the same excursion, but they both seem to be “along the same lines”. The Yukon Jeep Stampede is 4 hours, and it is $109.20/person, and the Takshanuk Trail 4x4 is $198/person, and is 6-6.5 hours. Disney’s Yukon Jeep Klondike Adventure is 5-5.5 hours, and it is $164/10+, and $96/8 and 9 year olds. If this is the kind of thing you want to do, you might want to give them all a look and see which would be best for you.


White Pass Scenic Railway:

http://www.wpyr.com/summitexcursion.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...cenic-railway/

Disney’s is $122/10+, $59/9 and under, and it leaves directly from the docks, rather than requiring a ½ mile-3/4 mile walk to the station. The White Pass is $112/12+, $56/under 12. Other than that, there Is no significant difference.

Yukon Expedition:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...on-expedition/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=025140

These look like the same trip. ShoreTrips is $119/12+, and $86 for 12 and under. Disney’s is $202/10+, and $104/9 and under

White Pass Railway and Trail Camp Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...nd-trail-camp/
http://www.alaskacoachtours.com/skag...-pass-rail.htm

These appear to be the same tour—check for child ages and taxes for Alaskan coach tours—that may push it one way or the other for your family. Disney’s is $168/10+, and $85/under 10. Alaskan Coach Tours is $156/adult and $89/child.

Shore Excursion Comparison-Juneau
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the shore excursion comparison, as promised, for Juneau.

As before, please read all of the websites CAREFULLY! Make sure you know where tour busses pick up, and if you need to get transportation to a meeting point, and how much that will be. Also what child ages are, and whether or not tax is included.

Another thing to consider is that, if you are ill and quarantined on ship, Disney will automatically cancel and refund your shore excursions, but the same is NOT true of the ones you have booked yourself. Please be aware of cancellation policies--particularly with the more expensive excursions. Missing a $25 tour bus ride would elicit an "Oh, darn." Mising a $500 helicopter ride would be more like . Also remember that there are websites, such as http://www.insuremytrip.com, where you can buy trip insurance, but be sure to buy it ON THE SAME DAY YOU BOOK YOUR EXCURSION! That way, you will get the best coverage.

Unfortunately, booking with Disney will also carry its own set of risks, from the looks of an earlier post. It seems that our cruise is totally sold out, which means that those with Platinum or Concierge-level rooms will get the first crack at the best excursions--some may well be sold out by the time they get down to first-time cruisers like me. This should figure into your plans as well, unless you are a platinum or Concierge Club member.

Whatever you decide to do, or not do, on the cruise, have a wonderful time!

Not offered by Disney:
Walking Tour (unlike Skagway and Ketchikan, this is guided and NOT free) http://www.juneau.org/parkrec/museum/walkingtour.php
Glacier Gardens (alone; it is available as part of a tour): http://www.glaciergardens.com/
The Alaska State Museum (inexpensive, walking distance from docks, supposedly): http://www.museums.state.ak.us/asm/asmhome.html
ShoreTrips triple tour: $545/person, includes a Crab Fisherman Tour in Ketchikan, the Taku Glacier Lodge Flight and Feast in Juneau, and the White Pass Summit Rail and Bus in Skagway: https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=039109
ShoreTrips triple tour: $150/person, includes the Ketchikan City Tour and Totem Bight tour, Mendenhall Glacier and Juneau City Tour by Bus, White Pass Summit Tour by bus in Skagway:
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=039106
ShoreTrips triple tour: $305/person, includes the Tongass Rainforest Hiking Expedition in Ketchikan, the Canopy Zip Line excursion in Juneau, and the Yukon U-Drive Jeep Stampede in Skagway:
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...A&tcode=039463

Disney/Self-Book:

Deluxe Tour of Juneau:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=004244
http://juneaulimo.com/rates.aspx
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...our-of-juneau/

The ShoreTrips excursion is less expensive, but also shorter (3-3.5 hours, as opposed to 5-5.5 hours). It goes to the Alaskan Brewery rather than the Salmon Hatchery. ShoreTrips requires a minimum of 4 people to book, and it is $88/person. It allows for a flexibility of time at the Mendenhall Vistor’s Center which Disney does not. Disney’s is $125/10+, and $69/under 9. My read is that the ShoreTrips excursion might be a good choice for adults, and Disney’s might be better for kids. With 5 or more people 10 and over, it also might be worth it to pay $110/hr (about $110/person) for Juneau Limo’s 5 hour limo service. You would, however, have to pay the admission fees for the various places, so that probably wouldn’t be much, if any savings. With 6 people you would probably be better off going the limo route. With 7, the prices go up to $130/hr, working out to about $93/apiece. At this point, you’re almost certainly better off. With 10 people, it would be $65/apiece for a limo tour, and even when you figure in admission, you would certainly be better off taking this route.


Disney Exclusive Glacier Dog Musher for a Day:

http://www.juneautours.net/?event=of...l&offerId=4928
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...her-for-a-day/

These are very different excursions, with correspondingly different prices. Juneau Tours’ is much shorter—only 1.5 hour. Disney’s is much longer, 5.5 hours, with more time to spend with the dogs. Disney’s tour is $699/10+, and $499/4-9. Juneau Tours is $478.95, unless you are over 250 lbs, in which case, it is $678.95.

The Enchanted Taku Lodge Flight and Feast:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=001794
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ght-and-feast/

These appear to be exactly the same tour. Disney’s is $345/10+, and $265/2-9. ShoreTrips is $286/12+, and $225/2-11. In both tours, under 2 is free. ShoreTrips also has a bundle with further discounts that includes this tour, a Crab Fishing tour in Ketchikan, and the White Pass/Bus Tour in Skagway for $545/person.

Alaska Custom Hummer Excursion/Private Jeep Excursion:

http://alaskatraveladventures.com/al...ska_hummer.htm
http://juneaulimo.com/rates.aspx
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-private-jeep/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=033598
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...mer-excursion/

These are all, more or less, in the same vein. Disney’s Hummer is $649, and Alaska Travel Adventures’ Hummer is $549, taxes not included, Juneau Limousine’s Hummer is $110/hr, I assume taxes not included. ShoreTrips Jeep excursion is $160/person, minimum of 2, and Disney’s is $750 for the whole jeep, up to 4 people. (4 people for 4 hours on the ShoreTrips excursion would be $640.)

Alaska Whales and Rainforest Trails:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...forest-trails/
http://juneausbestours.com/Alaska_Whales.php
http://www.juneautours.org/whale.html

I think Juneau’s Best Tours is the same tour as Disney’s, but it’s price is adults/$189, and children/$136. Disney’s is $199/10+, and $127/5-9. Definitely check to see if taxes are included in either Disney or Juneau’s best—that and child ages will really determine which is the best deal. Juneau Tours does not include the rainforest hike, and it is $125/adults and $100/children.

Whales and Science Adventure:

http://www.stepintoalaska.com/tour_s...rchexploration
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...nce-adventure/

I think this is the same excursion. Disney’s is $196/10+, and $124/5-9. Step Into Alaska’s tour is $195/adults, and $99/for kids. It would be worth checking if Disney’s includes tax, and Step Into Alaska’s does not, because that might swing things one way or the other. Also, the website is not specific about child ages—if you have 10-12 year olds, that might make a big difference.

Alpine Zipline and Glacier Adventure:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=057059
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=047174
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ier-adventure/

Combining the ShoreTrips zipline and glacier tours costs $192/12+ and $158/10-12, and lasts 6 hours. Disney’s is $204 for everyone, and lasts 4.5-5 hours. If you have 10-12 year olds, the edge probably goes to ShoreTrips, but if not, check with both ShoreTrips and Disney to see what the tax would be—that could make a difference as to what is actually cheaper. You also want to check tour departure times to make sure you have time to get back to the ship.

Best of Juneau:

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/al..._of_juneau.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...est-of-juneau/

These are both the same tour, as best as I can tell. Best of Juneau costs $169/12+, and $139/12 and under. Disney’s costs $199/10+, and $122/9 and under, so the age of your kids definitely makes a difference on this tour. Best of Juneau does not include taxes; I’m not sure about Disney.

Bike and Tram Adventure:

http://www.cycleak.com/bike__tram.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ain-adventure/

These both appear to be the same excursion, as best I can tell. Cycle Alaska’s is $119/12+, and $73/10-12 year olds. Disney’s is $124/everyone. Child ages make a big difference here—I’m also not sure whether or not Cycle Alaska and/or Disney include taxes—that could make a difference as to which is cheaper.

Helicopter and Dog Sled Tour/Dogsledding and Mendenhall Glacier:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=001393
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...by-helicopter/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...by-helicopter/


This is another one where child ages make a big difference. If you have children who are 2-9, the edge is probably Disney’s. If you have 10+ kids, the edge is almost certainly ShoreTrips. These excursion all seem very, very similar, and if there are differences, they seem to be slight. ShoreTrips is $479/person, regardless of age, and Disney’s is $569/10+, and $285/2-9 for the Dog Sled Adventure by Helicopter, and $579/person for the Dog Sledding and Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter.


Dog Sled Summer Camp:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...d-summer-camp/
http://juneau-guide.com/trDogSled.land.htm

These appear to be the same tour. Disney’s is $154/10+ and $142/9 and under. Juneau Guide and Tours is $124/everyone. I’m not sure about taxes.

Whale Quest and Orca Point Lodge Tour:

http://www.alaskacoachtours.com/whal...orca-point.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...a-point-lodge/

These appear to be, more or less, the same tour. Alaska Coach Tours is $149/adults, and $79/kids (no ages listed, and I don’t know if tax is included). Disney’s is $168/10+, and $110/9 and under.

Exclusive Whale Encounter

http://www.dolphintours.com/content/...eau-Alaska.php
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ale-encounter/

These are very similar tours, but the Dolphin Tours tour leaves from the Tram Parking Area—you’ll want to make sure you know where to pick it up. Dolphin Tours is $105-$110/12+, and $85-$90/2-12. Infants are free. Disney is $129/10+, and $74/9 and under. Dolphin Tours includes all taxes and fees—not sure about Disney. Again, the best deal seems to depend on the age of the kids. Dolphin Tours also offers further discounts for 8+ people—food for thought for large groups.

Exclusive Whale Encounter and Mendenhall Glacier Tour:

http://www.dolphintours.com/content/...eau-Alaska.php
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...nhall-glacier/

These two look like very similar tours, but I can’t say for sure that Dolphin Tours has the salmon tasting or the snacks—if that’s important to you, you should call and ask. Otherwise, they seem to be about the same tour. Dolphin Tours is $130/12+, $110/2-12, and under 2 is free, tax included. Disney’s is $139/10+, $89/9 and under. Again, this seems to be one where the ages of the kids really matter. Also, it’s worth checking with Disney to see if their excursion includes taxes.

Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-glacier-trek/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=001820

This appears to be the same excursion. ShoreTrips is $517/person, 16 year age minimum, and Disney’s is $527/person, 15 year age minimum. Check for taxes—that may make a substantial difference in these two prices; otherwise, they are very close.

Glacier Adventure by Helicopter:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...by-helicopter/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=001392

This appears to be the same excursion. ShoreTrips is $267/person, taxes unclear. Disney’s is $355/10+, and $179/2-9. This shifts rather decisively in one direction or the other, depending upon the ages of the participants.

Glacier Flightseeing Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ing-adventure/
http://www.juneau-guide.com/trJuneauIcefield.htm

Juneau Adventure and Tours is $199/person, and Disney’s is $225/10+, and $185/2-9. Again, it seems that the best deal depends upon the ages of the travelers.

Glacier View Bike and Hatchery:

http://cycleak.com/bike_&_hatchery.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...bike-hatchery/

There is no information available to compare on these two tours, but I rather suspect that Cycle Alaska is running Disney’s tour, and I would call for independent booking rates.

Glacier View Sea Kayaking

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-sea-kayaking/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=024415

Disney’s is both shorter and cheaper than ShoreTrips excursion. It is 3.5-4 hours, and $119/person. ShoreTrips is $132/adult, and $111/8-12, and it is 5.5 hours long. ShoreTrips also does not have a minimum age of 10. It’s minimum age is 8.

Gold Creek Salmon Bake

http://www.alaskaadventures.com/alas...eek_salmon.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...k-salmon-bake/

Disney’s is $48/10+ and $27/9 and under. Alaska Adventures is $42/12+ and $28/12 and under; taxes are not included for Alaska Adventures, not sure about Disney.

Helicopter Glacier Trek

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-glacier-trek/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=001812

ShoreTrips is $407/person, Disney’s is $429. Disney’s minimum age is 12, and so is ShoreTrips. I think this is the same excursion.

Helicopter Glacier Walkabout

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...er-walk-about/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=004079

ShoreTrips is $366/person, and Disney is $379/10+, and $310/8-9. Disney’s minimum age is 8, and ShoreTrips minimum age is also 8.

Historic Gold Mining and Panning Excursion:

http://alaskatraveladventures.com/al...ng_panning.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ing-adventure/

I think these two are the same excursion. Disney’s is $64/10+, and $38/9 and under. Alaska Travel Adventures is $55/12+ and $37/12 and under; this does not include tax—I’m not sure about Disney.

Historic Gold Mining and Panning Excursion with Gold Creek Salmon Bake:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...k-salmon-bake/
http://www.alaskaadventures.com/alas...bake_combo.htm

I think these two are the same excursion. Disney’s is $95/10+ and $58/9 and under, and Alaska Travel Adventures is $85/12+ and $57/12 and under; this does not include tax—I’m not sure about Disney.

Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-glacier-tour/
http://www.juneautours.org/purchase_tours.php

These tours are similar, but Disney’s tour is an hour longer. Juneau Tours picks up in the parking lot of the Mount Roberts Tramway, so you need to make sure you know where this is (It is near the cruise ships). Juneau Tours tour is $27/12+, $23/4-11, and free for 3 and under. Disney’s tour is $50/10+, $26/9 and under.

Glacier Adventure Hike

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=009036
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...dventure-hike/

These two are very similar. ShoreTrips is $85/12 and under, $56/8 to 12. Disney’s is $89/10+, and $49/8-9.

Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...d-whale-quest/
https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=034442

These two are very similar. ShoreTrips is $153/12+ and $90/12 and under. Disney’s is $165/10+ and $94/9 and under.

Mendenhall Glacier By Helicopter and Guided Walk:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...d-guided-walk/
http://www.juneautours.org/helicopter.html

These two are very similar, but Juneau Tours is twice as long, owing to the transportation to the helicopter. Juneau tours is $250/seat, and Disney’s is $305/seat. The actual flight and glacier part seems to be the same.

Mendenhall Glacier Explorer:

http://www.juneautours.org/city_glacier.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...cier-explorer/

These look like similar tours—Juneau Tours departs from the Mount Roberts Tramway parking lot, and costs is $27/12+, $23/4-11, and free for 3 and under. Disney’s is $49/10+ and $25/9 and under.

Mendenhall Glacier Explorer and Mount Roberts Tramway

http://www.juneautours.org/city_glacier.html
http://www.goldbelttours.com/mount-roberts-tramway
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...berts-tramway/

It’s very easy to combine the Glacier Explorer Tour on your own with the Mount Roberts Tramway—Juneau Tours departs from, and returns to, the Tramway parking lot. The tramway is $27/12+, $13.50/6-12, and 5 and under are free, so combining the two tours gives you $54/12+, $40.50/12 year olds, $36.50/6-11 year olds, $23/4-5 year olds, and free for three and under. Disney’s is $89 for everyone. The “self-book” combo tour does not include a wine and cheese tasting.


Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip:

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/al...cier_float.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...er-float-trip/

It looks like pretty much the same trip. Disney’s is $149/person, minimum age of 10. Best of Alaska’s is $119/12+ and $79/under 12; not including tax.

Mount Roberts Tramway:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ay-at-leisure/
http://www.goldbelttours.com/mount-roberts-tramway

Disney’s is $27/10+, $13/9 and under. Gold Belt Tours is $27/12+, $13.50/12 and under.

“Pilot’s Choice” Glacier Explorer

http://www.portpromotions.com/index....=1&exc=277#277
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...cier-explorer/

Disney’s takes the edge as far as richness of the tour goes—you will stop twice on the glacier and get out—but you will pay steeply for the privilege. Disney’s is $437/10+ and $416/9 and under, and Port Promotions is $277/11+ and $268/11 and under.

Private Fishing Boat-Salmon Fishing Charter/Salmon Sportfishing Adventure

http://alaskatrophyfishing.com/alaskatrophyfishing.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...shing-charter/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ing-adventure/

Disney’s boat is $1,299, totally private, and will take up to 6 people. Alaska Trophy Fishing is $199/person for 4 hours of fishing (1 hour of travel time), and does not promise a private experience. It’s closest to the Salmon Sportfishing Adventure, which Disney sells for $225/10+ and $205/9 and under.

Canopy and Zipline Adventure:

https://secure.shoretrips.com/common...N&tcode=057059
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ine-adventure/

These look to be about the same tour. Disney’s is $184/person, and ShoreTrips is $149/12+, and $111/10-12. Both have a minimum age of 10.
Underground Juneau Gold

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...d-juneau-gold/
http://www.juneau-guide.com/trJuneauGold.htm

Alaska adventure and tours is $65/person. Disney’s is $72/10+ and $39/9 and under. Otherwise, this looks to be the same tour.

Whale Watching and Salmon Bake

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/al...ale_cruise.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...d-salmon-bake/

Best of Alaska’s is $149/12+ and $119/12 and under. Disney’s is $169/10+ and $129/9 and under. Otherwise, it looks like the same thing.

Whale Watching, Salmon Bake, and Mendenhall Glacier (Disney’s is Adults Only)

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/al..._of_juneau.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...er-adult-only/

Disney’s tour is adults only, but Best of Alaska’s is open to kids as well. Disney’s is $189/adult, and Best of Alaska’s is $169/12+, and $139/under 12.

Shore Excursion Comparison-Ketchikan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since somebody was worried about the costs associated with the shore excursions, I thought I would try to put together a comparison of some self-book and Disney options. Some of these are exactly the same excursion, some are "along the same lines". Please, please, PLEASE! Look carefully at all of the websites, make sure you know the fine print, cancellation policies, and whether or not transportation to the activity is included in the self-book options. Also, if you've had a bad experience with a provider, or a good one with one I haven't mentioned, by all means, let us know! I've done this for Ketchikan, and if people like it, I'll probably do Skagway next:

Cruise Excursions not offered by Disney:

Ketchikan:

Alaska Duck Tour: http://www.akduck.com/
Ketchikan Walking Tour Map (free!) Downtown: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/s...s_downtown.pdf
Ketchikan Walking Tour Map (free!) West End: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/s..._maps_west.pdf

Cruise Excursion offered by Disney/Similar, self-book options (please note that this on cursory glance, late at night— so check the websites carefully!):

Ketchikan:

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour:
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ur-and-dinner/
http://56degreesnorth.com/

Major differences: The self-book tour does not include dinner with the crew, and is shorter—Disney’s includes a dinner with the crew. The self-book option is wheelchair accessible; Disney’s is not. Self-book allows you to purchase child tickets for 5-12 year olds for a lower price. On Disney’s, everybody’s ticket is the same price. Self-book is $159 for adults, and $99 for kids 5-12 (minimum age is 5). Disney’s has a minimum age of 8, and everybody is $265.

Totem Traditions and Potlatch Park with Exclusive Youth Activity:

http://northerntoursofalaska.com/tours.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...potlatch-park/

Northern Tours of Alaska offers a tour of Totem Bight State Park, the Russian Museum, and various city highlights, for $35 for adults, and $25 for children 5-12 (under 5 is free) if you book online. Disney offers tours of Totem Bight State Park, Potlatch Park, and a special youth activity for $89 for those over 10, and $69 for those 5 and up (minimum age for Disney’s is 5). Northern Tours is 2.25-2.5 hours long, Disney’s is 2.5-3 hours long. These are definitely not the same tour, and may not have the same provider, but they both covered the area’s totem poles, so I added them both.

Alaska Bear Adventures:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ear-adventure/
https://secure51.inmotionhosting.com...6/bearpage.htm


Differences:
Alaska Seaplane Tours, Bears of the Misty Fjords: Minimum of two people: $289/adult, $239/child 12 and under, after the first two people. Tour time is two hours, and the cost includes pick-up and drop-off by the visitors center near the cruise ship. I’m not sure how the time would work out with the time we have in port. May not be the same company used by Disney; About says they have a perfect safety rating, however.

Disney’s tour is 3-3.5 hours (but this may include the transfer time, so bear that in mind). It seems to include a visit to the Tongass National Forest, whereas the Alaska Seaplane Tours visits the Misty Fjords. The charge for ages 9 and up is $372, under 9 is $299.

Alaska Hummer Adventures:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...mer-adventure/
http://gdyn.akhummer.com/

Differences: Disney’s costs $605, self-book is $559

Back Country Jeep and Canoe Safari:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...noe-adventure/
http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/al...noe_safari.htm

Differences: Disney’s says that it is 4-4.5 hours, self-book says it is approximately 4 hours. Self-book is Adult $149/Child $99, not including taxes, child is 12 and under, Disney’s is $178, ages 10 and up, and $100 ages 8 to 9, taxes unckear. Minimum age for Disney’s is 8; Minimum age for self-book is 5.

Bear Country Wildlife Expedition:

http://www.alaskarainforest.com/Tour...xpedition.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...fe-expedition/

Differences: Minimum age for Disney tour is 5; for self-book, it’s 12. Disney’s is $192 for those 12 and over, and $129 for ages 5-9. Self-book tour is $199 per person. Self-book tour is 3.25 hours, Disney’s is 3-3.5 hours. Self-Book tour is supposed to have a “limited” group size (not specific). Please also see message
Bear Creek Zipline Adventure:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ne-adventures/
http://www.alaskarainforest.com/Tour...Ketchikan.html

Differences: Self-book: $179/person, Disney, $178/person

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour:

http://56degreesnorth.com/

Differences: Self-book is $159 for 13+, $99 for 5-12. Disney’s is $179 for 10+, $99 for for 5-9.

Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea:

No self-book option, but a note:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-land-and-sea/

Duck tours are available for $38 for 13+, and $24 for 3-12, under 3 are free, and they are 90 minutes long:
http://www.akduck.com
Northern tours offer a city tour that is 2.25-2.5 hours long, for $35 for 13+ and $25 for 5-12, under 5 are free:
http://northerntoursofalaska.com/tours.html

If you can coordinate the time (it looks like they leave from about the same location—the visitor’s center), that would give you a 3.75-4 hour long land and sea tour for about $73 for adults and $58 for kids up to 12.

The Best of Ketchikan by Land and Sea tour is $118 for 10+ and $70 for 9 and under. It’s 3.5-4 hours long. It goes to different parts of Ketchikan than the two tours above—I would recommend looking at all three tours to see what would suit your family—and budget—the best.

City Highlights, Totems, and Creek Street by Trolley

http://aksourdoughtours.com/saxman_tour.php
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...et-by-trolley/

Self-book: $40/person, any age. Disney: $42/10+, $19 for under 10.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing:

http://www.alaskaseaplanetours.com/mistyfjords.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-flightseeing/

Self-Book: $229/13+, $189/12 and under. Disney: $263/10+, $202/9 and under.
First City Deluxe Tour:

http://northerntoursofalaska.com/wildlife.html
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-eagle-center/

Differences: Disney goes to Potlatch Park, while Northern Tours goes to the Saxman Native Village. Northern Tours goes to the Black Bear Area, while Disney’s goes to the Salmon Hatchery. Northern Tours goes to Creek Street, and Disney goes to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Since the two have different itinteraries, I would look at both closely to see which best fit your family’s interests and budget. Northern Tours is $42 for 13+, $22 5-12, free under 5. Disney’s is $82 for 10+, $45 for 9 and under. Disney’s is also much longer; 4-4.5 hours, whereas Northern Tours of Alaska’s is only 2.25-2.5 hours.

Hunting for Halibut:

http://wefishalaska.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...g-for-halibut/

Self-Book: According to their website, 4 hour fishing trips can be booked for about $175/person, but you should call and check to make sure that’s true. Disney’s are $394 for 10+, and $319 for 8 and 9 year olds. Disney’s are 5.5-6.5 hours long. For a more accurate comparison, you might specifically ask about Halibut fishing for that time period. I am quite sure that self-book option is not the same company Disney uses.

Knudson Cove Salmon Fishing:

http://wefishalaska.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...almon-fishing/

Again, I don’t think the Self-Book option is the same company Disney uses, but again, according to their website, 4 hour fishing trips can be booked for about $175/person—again, I would call and check. Disney’s is $202 for 10+, and $190 for ages 8 and 9. Disney’s is about 4.5-5.5 hours long.

Lighthouse, Totems and Eagles:

http://lighthouseexcursion.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ms-and-eagles/

These two appear to be the exact same excursion; Disney lists prices as $102 for 10+, and $49 for 9 and under. I could not see a price listing for a direct book, but there was a link to click where you could email for booking information. Probably worth an email for a price check, since the two excursions appear to be done by the same company.

Misty Fjords Boat and Floatplane Adventure:

http://www.promechair.com/Alaskan-Package/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ane-adventure/

I think these are both the same package. Disney lists it as $359/10+, $310 under 9. Promech Air does not list prices—you might want to call and check, also, make sure Promech Air includes transporation to/from the docks.

Neets Bay Bear Watch by Floatplane:

http://www.promechair.com/Beartour/
http://www.alaskaseaplanetours.com/bearpage.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...by-floatplane/

Differences: Promech Air is $339 per person, and I do not know if that includes transportation to the airport—I suspect they run Disney’s tour. Disney lists prices as $360 for 10+, and $302 for 9 and under. Disney’s excursion is 3-3.5 hours long. Alaska Seaplane Tours goes bear watching on Prince of Wales Island, and does include transportation to the departure area. They list prices as $339/adult (at least 2), and $289/child 12 and under (after the first 2 people)—they do not specify times, but they do specify that they include transportation to/from the cruise dock.

Rainforest Canoe Adventure and Nature Trail:

http://www.bestofalaskatravel.com/al...rest_canoe.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...-nature-trail/

Differences: Best of Alaska Tour: $89/12+, $59/12 and under, Disney Tour: $112/9+, $69/5-9. I suspect this to be the same tour as Disney’s.

Rainforest Island Adventure:

http://www.alaskaadventures.com/alas...island_adv.htm
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...and-adventure/

Differences: I suspect this is the same tour. Alaska Adventures is $119/12+, and $79 for 12 and under. Disney’s is $130/10+, and $72 for ages 5-9.

Saxman Native Village:

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cr...ative-village/
http://www.northerntoursofalaska.com/wildlife.html

Disney’s cruise tends to focus more on Saxman Native Village alone, whereas Northern Tours of Alaska seems to sprinkle in some more wildlife viewing. Northern Tours is $42/adults (12+), and $22 for kids (12 and under). Disney’s is $72/adult (10+), and $29/kid (9 and under)
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[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

We just got our Passport applications turned in!!! Woo hoo!!!

 

[Meskamooska]

Hi All!

I'm Too Excited CONGRATS! I am wishing you and everyone else who is awaiting their passport delivery (including the DH and myself swift processing and rapid delivery. I know I for one will breathe a whole lot easier once I have that sweet, sweet little card in my hands.

Got Disney: Thanks for ferreting this info out for us. I can't speak for most of the other excursions but I can say with assurance that where the Steam Train is concerned the ONLY way to book reservations is through DCL. I spoke with the railroad directly and was told that they are sold out for the day we willbe there as all seats have been reserved by DCL.

Since this is the 1st choice, and actually pretty much the only choice for my DH guess who will be on the website at 12:01 AM on the 20th with credit card in hand. I haven't checked availability for the regular train ride but I am guessing that the situation will be the same. I hate having to wait to book... i understand that earlier booking is a perk of frequent cruising and I hope to someday be in that exaulted platinum Castaway Cay club, and at least I am silver and get about a thirty second jump on the folks who haven't cruised before but the waiting (added to the waiting to find out what cabin we will get since we are guarantee and the waiting for our passports to arrive ia almost one wait too many!) really sucks.

Well, time to go to the store. I have a birthday cake to bake for tomorrow and I am in need of lots of the basic ingredients. It is either going to be dark chocolate with a chocolate mousse filling and a chocolate buttercream frosting or dark chocolate with a chocolate raspberry mocha mousse filling. Either way it should be pretty good. I do most of my cakes completely from scratch.

I will let you know how it turns out.

Take care all, help lots of people and have a "Wonder" ful day!

Tisza