August 16, 2011 – 7 Night Alaska Sailing

[kgsmith]

No competition from us newbies either! Our excursions are covered by the ABD add-on. I'm hoping to book a Palo brunch and some spa appointments when the window opens this week.

Aby, I hope you get all of the excursions you want!

 

[godalejunior]

So that is tomorrow at 9 pm PST that we can book?! Im all messed up...can you tell Im a first timer?


Im struggling with Juneau now that the excursion we wanted is full. Leaning towards rafting but outside of Disney as DS is 9 and not 10.

Can someone refer me to the post of our docking times? Thanks!!

Thanks alot G'sMaman!

Again, another excursion on my list has sold out, but it isn't my top choice for that port, so I still have lots of hope! I've realized that I would really love to have my 1st choices for all the ports, so I'm going to go ahead and book excursions first instead of Palo.

Godalejr, I believe you are correct that us west coasters should be able to book at 9pm PST, but I believe it would be on June 1st, since June 2nd at 12am EST is 9pm PST on that day. So we should be good on Wednesday night. I'll be planted here in front of my computer probably all evening until it opens! I hope there are no website issues!

Thanks again for all those posting updates for sold out excursions! I'm sure everyone here appreciates the help. I'll probably beg one more update late Tuesday night or Wednesday during the day just to get my last bit of planning in before the window opens.

Aby

 

[kgsmith]

So that is tomorrow at 9 pm PST that we can book?! Im all messed up...can you tell Im a first timer?


Im struggling with Juneau now that the excursion we wanted is full. Leaning towards rafting but outside of Disney as DS is 9 and not 10.

Can someone refer me to the post of our docking times? Thanks!!

1 Vancouver, Canada - 4:00 p.m. (Onboard)
2 At Sea - -
3 Tracy Arm, Alaska - -
4 Skagway, Alaska 7:15 a.m. (Ashore) 7:30 p.m. (Onboard)
5 Juneau, Alaska 7:45 a.m (Ashore) 4:30 p.m. (Onboard)
6 Ketchikan, Alaska 1:40 p.m. (Ashore) 7:30 p.m. (Onboard)
7 At Sea - -
8 Vancouver, Canada 8:00 a.m. (Ashore) -

 

[godalejunior]

Thank You! Now back to overplanning!

 

[G'sMaman]

For those first timers planning Palo reservations, in my opinion I would say the shows not to miss are the Golden Mickeys and Remember the Magic. They have highlights from several Disney classics and are really fun, well produced shows. Once you’re onboard and are looking to book Palo reservations during your assigned dinner time, you’ll get your dining rotation for the regular menus and I would say Parrot Cay is the least interesting of the 3. That's just my opinion, but I'm sure others will have their own opinions. You definitely don’t want to miss the show at Animator’s Palate. BTW – there is some talk that the Captain’s Gala menu (which includes lobster tails) may be switched to the last night because people were getting in late from their excursions in Ketchikan (departure time is 7:30pm) and missing the Captain’s Gala. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that happens so we don’t have to rush back to make dinner.

Someone mentioned that they’re interested in spa appts and I have found that massage appointments tend to go fast. But as someone pointed out earlier, don’t despair if there’s no availability online since you can always try once you’re onboard. Here’s the schedule again for the week so you’ll have that handy when you book your reservations. However, keep in mind that the schedule may be modified in the coming months depending on guest feedback, but there probably won’t be major changes.

Menus/Themes:

Day 1: The Restaurant menu (Island Dinner for Parrot Cay, French
Dinner for Triton's and Show Dinner for Animator's Palate). Dress is Cruise Casual.
Show: Let the Magic Begin

Day 2: (At Sea) Formal Night, with the Golden Mickeys menu.
Show: Golden Mickeys

Day 3: (At Sea - Tracy Arm) The Restaurant menu, Cruise Casual.
Show: One of the cruise entertainers
BBQ Lunch at Deck 9 (includes Venison Sausage & Pretzel Roll)
Tracy Arm Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm

Day 4: (Skagway) The new Taste of Alaska Menu (Crab legs), Cruise Casual.
Show: Movie
Port Time: 7:15am - 7:30pm

Day 5: (Juneau) Restaurant menu, Pirate Attire or Cruise Casual.
Show: Toy Story The Musical
Port Time: 7:45am - 4:30pm

Day 6: (Ketchikan) Captain's Gala menu (Lobster tail night), Semi-Formal attire.
Show: One of the cruise entertainers
Port Time: 1:40pm - 7:30pm

Day 7: (A Sea) 'Til we Meet Again menu, Cruise Casual.
Show: Remember the Magic

 

[poohj80]

BTW – there is some talk that the Captain’s Gala menu (which includes lobster tails) may be switched to the last night because people were getting in late from their excursions in Ketchikan (departure time is 7:30pm) and missing the Captain’s Gala. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that happens so we don’t have to rush back to make dinner.

Thanks for mentioning that! I owudl prefer they move the gala earlier instead of the last night since we'll need to be packing up to get our bags out that night. I'll make a back-up Palo reservation in case this does happen before we cruise in August.

 

[Aby]

So that is tomorrow at 9 pm PST that we can book?! Im all messed up...can you tell Im a first timer?


Im struggling with Juneau now that the excursion we wanted is full. Leaning towards rafting but outside of Disney as DS is 9 and not 10.

Can someone refer me to the post of our docking times? Thanks!!

I'm a first timer too, but I think that's right! Booking opens right up at midnight EST, but since we are 3 hours behind them we should be able to book at 9pm! I hope I'm right - if I'm not, I apologize in advance!!

Aby

 

[Inkmahm]

I'm a first timer too, but I think that's right! Booking opens right up at midnight EST, but since we are 3 hours behind them we should be able to book at 9pm! I hope I'm right - if I'm not, I apologize in advance!!

Aby

You're correct. It is midnight EST. A tip though, don't sign in ahead of time because that won't work. You need to sign in exactly at midnight EST.

 

[disneymath]

kgsmith ... thanks for the ashore times. (I just noticed your BLT banner ... we own there too!)

G'sMaman ... thanks for the "daily line up" and the Palo and Spa advice.

Inkmahm ... thanks for the "not a moment before midnight" reminder.


If it's not too much to ask, could someone check if there are any Palo Brunches available for a party of 3 on any of the sea days? (Or, since there is only the one opening for a party of 2, does that mean that no party of 3s are available?) Thanks in advance.

 

[dkmjgal]

When I tried just now to check Palo for you it said that reservations are only available for parties of 1 -2.

Kelly

 

[kgsmith]

kgsmith ... thanks for the ashore times. (I just noticed your BLT banner ... we own there too!)

I just added the banner this weekend. We joined DVC last week -- We were going to wait and join while we were on the cruise, but it looks like Bay Lake Tower will be sold out by then. Our papers arrived today!

Our first visit as members will be during my son's spring break. We've invited some extended family, so everyone is quite excited.

 

[mellers]

Thanks to everyone for all the new information!

 

[kgsmith]

Thank you for checking the brunch times, Inkmahm.

I appreciate the heads up on the massages, G'sMaman. That's what DH wants, so I'll try for that first tomorrow night.

 

[disneymath]

When I tried just now to check Palo for you it said that reservations are only available for parties of 1 -2.

Kelly

Thank you for checking ... now I don't feel obligated to stay up til midnight tomorrow night ... but if I'm still up marking, I will most likely check anyway.

I just added the banner this weekend. We joined DVC last week -- We were going to wait and join while we were on the cruise, but it looks like Bay Lake Tower will be sold out by then. Our papers arrived today!

Our first visit as members will be during my son's spring break. We've invited some extended family, so everyone is quite excited.

I joined last September (2010). I was hoping to take my parents and sister's family down for our first trip home over Canadian Thanksgiving (Columbus Day), but that didn't work out so we will be going over New Years!

(I'm thinking I should be safe from add-on-itis onboard the Wonder since I've not actually used any points yet ... but with my luck they will still have "just a few BLT points left" and some great incentive and I will then need to fight temptation!)

 

[aunursa]

I just read through 57 pages of this thread. Boy are my eyes tired!!!

* * * * *​

This will be my sixth cruise, and second to Alaska -- but my first one sailing with Disney.

I am 44, DW is 42, and DD is 10. Our stateroom is #2639. We'll be flying in on Monday and we'll be joined by 12 other family members to celebrate my niece as she becomes a bat mitzvah -- the ceremony will take place Thursday morning onboard the ship!!!

We've been looking forward to this cruise for almost a year. I'm so glad that I found this group.

-- Andy

 

[mellers]

I just read through 57 pages of this thread. Boy are my eyes tired!!!

* * * * *​

This will be my sixth cruise, and second to Alaska -- but my first one sailing with Disney.

I am 44, DW is 42, and DD is 10. Our stateroom is #2639. We'll be flying in on Monday and we'll be joined by 12 other family members to celebrate my niece as she becomes a bat mitzvah -- the ceremony will take place Thursday morning onboard the ship!!!

We've been looking forward to this cruise for almost a year. I'm so glad that I found this group.

-- Andy

Congratulations and welcome! You must be very proud of your niece--I went to a friend's Bat Mitzvah when I was about 13--I know it's a lot of hard work to prepare for it.

Do you want to be added to the FE list, the pre-cruise meet list, or the night-before lodging list? If you want to add to the FE list, you'll want to do that soon, as it closes on 6/18.

 

[Aby]

Does anyone care to post a final last day update on sold out excursions for us new cruisers that get to book tonight? Just curious if I have to change my game plan at all - any heads up can help. I promise..this is the last time I'll ask!

Aby

 

[aunursa]

Congratulations and welcome! You must be very proud of your niece--I went to a friend's Bat Mitzvah when I was about 13--I know it's a lot of hard work to prepare for it.

Do you want to be added to the FE list, the pre-cruise meet list, or the night-before lodging list? If you want to add to the FE list, you'll want to do that soon, as it closes on 6/18.

You can add me to the lodging list. We'll be staying at the Aviawest Resort - a timeshare located two blocks from BC Stadium. Alas, I won't be able to participate in the FE. But we will join you at the onboard get-together.

 

[mellers]

Fish Extender List

Mickey Group CLOSED

Mellers, stateroom 7631, Mellers (41), DH (44), DD (15)
Mrs. Gumdrop (Happy Birthday and Anniversary!) & (DH) V.I.N.CENT, 6102, Lauren (32) & (DH) Rich (34)
DumboFan, Stateroom 6098, Debbie, Kenny, Kate (13)
BishopFamily, Stateroom 5524, Nancy, Richard, DS(13), DD(8)
msnoble, Stateroom 6034, Maureen, Brian, Erica (age 12 (2 weeks from 13 ) and Russell (age 10)
MonicaW, Stateroom 2629, Mike and Monica (adults), Kimberly (14)
CubCatsK&D (Happy Birthday!), Stateroom 7134, Kim and Deb (adults), Cameron (12)
Aby, Stateroom 7126, Kim and Chuck (30-somethings)
Elfinjojo, Stateroom 2134, Jojo (38), Rob (39), Holly (9) Evan (7)
Juldara, Stateroom 2090, Julie, Maya (9)
Pops711 (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 6613, Jerry, Melanie, Faith (10.5 months), Bella (10.5 months)
Imben (Happy Silver Anniversary and Happy Birthday Chrissy), Stateroom 6630, Lisa, David, Chrissy (13)
G'sMaman (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 7620, G'sMaman, DH, DD (3)
Siburdue (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 2588, Siburdue, DH
Hal001's DM, Stateroom 5509, DGM, DGD (10)

Pluto Group CLOSED

Godalejr (Happy Birthday!), Stateroom 2574, Jenn (40), Jeff (39), DS (9)
Wisegal (Happy Birthday to the little guys!), Stateroom 6111, Nicole (34), DH - Dave (40), DD - Brooklyn (5), DS - Michael (4)
Kgsmith (Happy Anniversary!), Stateroom 7092, Karen (40), Stuart (39), Bennett (9)
Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL, 6100, Melissa (30-something)
AppleGuy, Stateroom 5138, Gary and Donna (adults)
AppleGuy's Friends, Stateroom 5136, Lee and Sharon (adults)
Dancing Mickey's (Happy Birthday!), Stateroom ????, Dancing Mickey's, DH, DD (4) DS (10)
Pops711 (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 6613, Jerry, Melanie, Faith (10.5 months), Bella (10.5 months)
MercoBear, Stateroom 5462, Gretchen, Dustin (30-Something)
Nickcapp, Stateroom ????, Nick (30), Kristin (27), Joey (1)
Juldara, Stateroom 2090, Julie, Maya (9)
Imben's Parents (Happy Golden Anniversary), Stateroom 6632, Ted, Julie
Imben's Parents' Kids, Stateroom 6145, Erin (20), Eric (18)
G'sMaman (Happy Anniversary), Stateroom 7620, G'sMaman, DH, DD (3)
Hal001, Stateroom 5508, Hal001, DH, DD (7)

No sticky, chewy candy for Erica, Kate, Julie or Maya, and no food, please, for Mellers or G's Maman's family

And here's the Day-Before Meet List:

Mellers (5 people)
Scothen (1 person)
ALawley (11 people)
Mrs. Gumdrop (2 people, maybe)

Here's the First Seating List:

Mellers
Mrs. Gumdrop
Mrs. Gumdrop's DSIL
Wisegal
CubCatsK&D
Godalejr
Inkmahm
Imben
Imben's Parents
Imben's Parents' Kids
Siburdue

Here's the Second Seating List

MercoBear
Appleguy
Appleguy's Friends
Dkmjgal
Kgsmith
Disneymath
Pops711
Aby
Dumbofan
Juldara

Here's the night-before lodging list:


Hilton Metrotown (Burnaby)

mmouse37

FourPoints Sheraton Vancouver Airport (Richmond)

Mellers

Fairmont Vancouver Airport (Richmond)

Scothen

Aviawest Resort

aunursa

Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown

dkmjgal

Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside Hotel

Mrs. Gumdrop

The Landis Hotel

msnoble

Fairmont Waterfront

Kgsmith
Aby

Pan Pacific

Godalejr
Inkmahm

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Welcome Andy and your family! You on going to have an amazing time on your first Disney Cruise!

Does anyone care to post a final last day update on sold out excursions for us new cruisers that get to book tonight? Just curious if I have to change my game plan at all - any heads up can help. I promise..this is the last time I'll ask!

Aby

I will go take a look for you. Be back in a mo!

And....I'm back!

Here is what is sold out:

All the 3 Port Packages
Disney Exclusive Glacier Dog Musher for a Day
Exclusive Whale Encounter and Mendenhall Glacier
Glacier View Bike and Hatchery
Private Boat - Salmon Fishing Charter
Whale Watching and Salmon Bake
Exclusive Private Air Tour
Private Skiff – Touring by Sea
All Aboard Steam Train