Disney Wonder Alaska

[She Taz]

What a great TR. Thank you for taking the time to write it. We are headed to Alaska Jun 30. So excited to see everything. Still trying to decide what excursions to book.

 

[CT15]

Thanks for the great trip report! We are going in July week of the 13th and I can't wait- I just hope that the weather will cooperate!
Just three questions
1- the formal/semiformal nights are alwasy the 2nd and 5th? and "HOW" formal is formal?
2-you went in July and the temp wasn't too cold?
3-If we go to Palo what night would you recommned skipping? we LOVE seafood- so not a night that would miss any of that!

THANKS!

!


QUOTE=EeyoreIsMyName;50092008]No unfortunately, there is no princess breakfast on this cruise. There is a character breakfast, however. It runs very smoothly. The waiters bring your order to your table, so there is no way you will miss the characters unless you leave to use the bathroom. The characters come to your table in icrements so you have some time in between characters. The character's handler is happy to take pictures using your camera. If you have little ones, they will definitely enjoy this character experience.

[/QUOTE]

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

What a great TR. Thank you for taking the time to write it. We are headed to Alaska Jun 30. So excited to see everything. Still trying to decide what excursions to book.

Have a wonderful time! There are lots of great excursions in Alaska. We did different ones on each of our trips and enjoyed them all. I think there is a nice variety of active and more mild excursions as well as adult and family type of excursions. Enjoy!

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

Thanks for the great trip report! We are going in July week of the 13th and I can't wait- I just hope that the weather will cooperate!
Just three questions
1- the formal/semiformal nights are alwasy the 2nd and 5th? and "HOW" formal is formal?
2-you went in July and the temp wasn't too cold?
3-If we go to Palo what night would you recommned skipping? we LOVE seafood- so not a night that would miss any of that!

THANKS!

!


The formal and the semi-formal nights were the 2nd & 5th nights on both of our trips. We were not dressed in long evening gowns and tuxes for "formal" night, but we did wear dresses and dress suits ( I thought we cleaned up pretty well!). You will see everything from very formal dress to church type clothes to those individuals who do not dress up at all.

We went both times during the month of July. We had slightly better, warmer weather in 2011, but the weather was pretty good in 2013. We did not need winter gear as we did not do the glacier in 2013. I thought the temperature was warm in 2011 and pleasant in 2013-not too cold. But be sure to bring something warm to wear if you are planning to be outside on Tracy Arm Day. It can get very cold close the the glacier.

I can't really recommend a night to go to Palo. It depends on your dinner rotation. On Day 5 is the Toy Story Menu with seafood and Day 6 is the Taste of Alaska Menu with seafood. Hope that helps!

 

[*Flower*]

Thanks so much for posting this TR!
We're hoping to go on the last cruise of the season, and I now know more than I did before reading your very informative report.

How much customs delay was there? Did you go through customs on debarkation or were you inspected at the airport?

Did you find the excursion prices to be reasonable? Or were you prepared to pay more because it was Alaska?

TIA!

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

Thanks so much for posting this TR!
We're hoping to go on the last cruise of the season, and I now know more than I did before reading your very informative report.

How much customs delay was there? Did you go through customs on debarkation or were you inspected at the airport?

Did you find the excursion prices to be reasonable? Or were you prepared to pay more because it was Alaska?

TIA!

You're welcome. Glad it was helpful. We were "selected" for a standard hourly Canadian customs inspection at the airport. I was actually surprised how fast it went. We were escorted into a holding area and they pulled ALL our luggage out (we had checked it all). The customs official called me over and asked a question, then called my parents over and asked them the same question. They ran one suitcase through the screener and away we went.

I thought the excursion prices were reasonable. We did not do any of the excursions involving flying...I do think they are rather expensive. But if it is the only time you are going to Alaska, I wouldn't let the price stop me from having the experience of a lifetime.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[ckquan]

Thank you for taking the time to write such a great TR! So much helpful information. I am planning my family's first cruise to Alaska in 2015. I am debating between the July 6th and July 13th sail dates. What are your thoughts on either sail dates? TIA!

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

Thank you for taking the time to write such a great TR! So much helpful information. I am planning my family's first cruise to Alaska in 2015. I am debating between the July 6th and July 13th sail dates. What are your thoughts on either sail dates? TIA!

You are so welcome! I'm glad the information was helpful. We went the middle of July both years. The weather was fabulous the first time and good the second time. If you are hoping to see salmon and bears, the later you go the better.

 

[judydvc]

Thank you for posting your trip report. I'm looking at a DCL trip to Alaska in 2015 so I loved all the details.

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

Thank you for posting your trip report. I'm looking at a DCL trip to Alaska in 2015 so I loved all the details.

You're welcome! You'll have a wonderful time-the best vacations I've ever been on.

 

[noahdove]

I am in the midst of planning an Alaskan cruise for July 2015. My husband and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary while on board, he turns 60 and our 2 friends are both retiring after many years in their fields. My friend and I are planning this as a surprise to our husbands...They will find out at Christmas time...can't wait to see pictures... How did you get back to the ship in Skagway after mushing? I don't want to miss the boat

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

I am in the midst of planning an Alaskan cruise for July 2015. My husband and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary while on board, he turns 60 and our 2 friends are both retiring after many years in their fields. My friend and I are planning this as a surprise to our husbands...They will find out at Christmas time...can't wait to see pictures... How did you get back to the ship in Skagway after mushing? I don't want to miss the boat

A van brought us back to the end of town closest to the ship (because we had a handicapped individual in our party). For this excursion, they typically drop you off in town and you walk back to the ship at your leisure. The sled dog experience has them running quite regularly. We had one driver going up and a different driver going back (one of the vans had to air conditioning, if I remember correctly and it was a little uncomfortable with everyone crowded into the van. There are a few seats at the front of the van reserved for handicapped individuals. And it is a short walk from the van parking area to the dog sled camp. You go over a little stream (which was teeming with salmon in mid-July--great picture opportunity!). Have a great cruise!

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

People have been asking what to pack for their vacations to Alaska. So, here goes (I try to pack light...)

PACKING LIST FOR ALASKA:

jeans
long sleeve tops
short sleeve tops
hooded sweatshirt
slacks/blouses/sweaters
formal dress/sweater
dress shoes
tennis shoes
pjs
Columbia jacket with fleece lining that zips out
hat

I wore jeans and tennis shoes for all our excursions in 2011 & 2013. The weather was very warm in mid-July of 2011 in Alaska, so I wore t-shirts a couple of days with my Columbia jacket over them in the morning. I could remove the jacket and was not hot later in the day. I packed with the intention of wearing layers but really only needed the warmer clothes at the glaciers. I wore slacks with blouses and sweaters on board the ship. I took my jacket to the theater since I am usually cold there. I watched the weather for 10 days prior to my trips and got the 10 day forecast for during my trip to also help me plan what to take.

 

[CT15]

Hello thanks much for the info- we are heading to Alaska this July and I am curious about Vancouver- we are getting into the Fairmont about noon-ish- do you think there will be time to do any sight seeing? Do you know if Stanley park is within walking distance of the Fairmont Waterfont? Also are there grocery stores near by? _ wanted to buy some water to take with me.. thanks!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Hello thanks much for the info- we are heading to Alaska this July and I am curious about Vancouver- we are getting into the Fairmont about noon-ish- do you think there will be time to do any sight seeing? Do you know if Stanley park is within walking distance of the Fairmont Waterfont? Also are there grocery stores near by? _ wanted to buy some water to take with me.. thanks!

There is a very pretty walk along the sea wall to Stanley Park. The walk will take about 30 minutes.

There are various small convenience stores located within walking distance of your hotel. Your concierge desk should be able to give you directions.

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

Hello thanks much for the info- we are heading to Alaska this July and I am curious about Vancouver- we are getting into the Fairmont about noon-ish- do you think there will be time to do any sight seeing? Do you know if Stanley park is within walking distance of the Fairmont Waterfont? Also are there grocery stores near by? _ wanted to buy some water to take with me.. thanks!

Yes, there will be more than ample time to visit Stanley Park. It is a 25 minute walk from the Fairmont Waterfront to Stanley Park's entrance. The aquarium is very nice there (for a hot Vancouver Day). I didn't pay attention to grocery stores, but there were lots of little shops and covenience stores that sold water (among other things-like Canada souvenirs). There are some shops under the Fairmont Waterfront where you can purchase breakfast, coffee, water, souvenirs, etc.

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

I will be adding photos to my trip report...check back later for more photos!

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The Disney Wonder docked at Canada Place July 2013

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

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The Disney Wonder docked at Canada Place July 2013

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

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Adventures Away Sail Away Party on the Disney Wonder July 2013

 

[EeyoreIsMyName]

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Birthday Dessert July 2013 This is when our troubles began on the cruise (you'll have to read the trip report to understand!).