July 5, 2011 - Mickey's WONDERful Alaskan Adventure

[WDWLVR]

Tracy,

Thanks for sending me your pictures. I have added them to our picture site.

http://mickeyswonderfulalaskanadventure.shutterfly.com/

-Lisa

Thanks for doing that for us Lisa. I agree with Teresa that it is great to be able to put faces to names.







PDFG and all our friends who need it.

 

[WDWLVR]

Hope you don't mind a little Chicago pride:

Congrats to the Blackhawks 2010 Stanley Cup Champions!​

 

[tksbaskets]

Hope you don't mind a little Chicago pride:

Congrats to the Blackhawks 2010 Stanley Cup Champions!​

Of course we don't. Congratulations! We are a bit sad in Red Wing country that our season ended so soon.

Did you go to any of the games Mary?

 

[WDWLVR]

Of course we don't. Congratulations! We are a bit sad in Red Wing country that our season ended so soon.

Did you go to any of the games Mary?

Nope - no games for me. I used to be a season ticket holder but that was way back in the day before Mark and I were even dating. I've been a Hawks fan since the 70's. I will admit I haven't followed it as closely in the last 15 years or so but between the Winter Classic a few years ago, the Olympic and now this it has been fun reliving the memories.

 

[tksbaskets]

Nope - no games for me. I used to be a season ticket holder but that was way back in the day before Mark and I were even dating. I've been a Hawks fan since the 70's. I will admit I haven't followed it as closely in the last 15 years or so but between the Winter Classic a few years ago, the Olympic and now this it has been fun reliving the memories.

Did you run out to the corner gas station this morning to buy your car flag and t-shirts? That's what Walt and I have done after every Wings Stanley Cup victory. It's a family tradition we haven't enjoyed in a few years... We don't have Wings tickets either. We'd rather spend our money with the Mouse!

Enjoy the fun of being a champion fan!

 

[WDWLVR]

Did you run out to the corner gas station this morning to buy your car flag and t-shirts? That's what Walt and I have done after every Wings Stanley Cup victory. It's a family tradition we haven't enjoyed in a few years... We don't have Wings tickets either. We'd rather spend our money with the Mouse!

Enjoy the fun of being a champion fan!

I was at Dick's Sporting Goods at 7 am getting the official t-shirts and a sticker for Mark. Was hoping for a hat as well but they didn't have them. The store opened at 6 am and the place was hopping. Luckily it is right near where I work. We'll have the DVR going tomorrow for the parade and celebration.

You are right - our money goes to the Mouse. Still it is nice to see the cup come to Chicago.

 

[BLTOH]

hi all, i think i fell off the face of the earth for awhile. they have decided to work us 6 day weeks. as much as i hate it i am also liking it as its extra money for vacation i just don't get alot done otherwise

i am finishing up dd travel blanket today. its pretty darn large (4ft x 5 ft) but i like how it turned out. will post a picture when i get it done. i also have a new toy to play with. my mom got me a cricut to do some stuff for her business windows so been learning all the neat things it can do.

my mom gave me some of her books and videos she had from alaska so i have some more stuff to drool over. wanting to book our hotel and all but darn places wont let me till i am a year to date out so i have to sit and be impatient for another couple weeks.

anyone here any rumors for excursions yet?
What's everyone else up too?
How's everyone planning on celebrating the 4th next year? we will be in route traveling to canada on the 4th so i know we will miss all fireworks on both sides since canada does theirs on the 1st.
anyone know if disney will be doing the fireworks off the ship in alaska?

 

[tksbaskets]

hi all, i think i fell off the face of the earth for awhile. they have decided to work us 6 day weeks. as much as i hate it i am also liking it as its extra money for vacation i just don't get alot done otherwise

i am finishing up dd travel blanket today. its pretty darn large (4ft x 5 ft) but i like how it turned out. will post a picture when i get it done. i also have a new toy to play with. my mom got me a cricut to do some stuff for her business windows so been learning all the neat things it can do.

my mom gave me some of her books and videos she had from alaska so i have some more stuff to drool over. wanting to book our hotel and all but darn places wont let me till i am a year to date out so i have to sit and be impatient for another couple weeks.

anyone here any rumors for excursions yet?
What's everyone else up too?
How's everyone planning on celebrating the 4th next year? we will be in route traveling to canada on the 4th so i know we will miss all fireworks on both sides since canada does theirs on the 1st.
anyone know if disney will be doing the fireworks off the ship in alaska?

Hi Tracy,
I'm looking forward to seeing your travel blanket. Sounds great! I think we are going to try and fly in on 7/3 to Vancouver and stay a couple of nights near the port. My worst nightmare would be missing the ship!

I'm totally geeked about excursions. I have heard rumors that there may be an Adventures by Disney add-on for the Alaskan cruises. We went on an ABD trip last summer and LOVED it. We'd do that if it is offered.

Happy Father's Day to everyone!

 

[WDWLVR]

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been absent as well. We sail on the Wonder in three weeks and I'm still in planning mode for that and making FE gifts.

We plan on flying in a few days early as well. Didn't hear about an ABD but don't think we could afford to do that and the cruise too. They do sound amazing though.

 

[tksbaskets]

[QUOTED WLVR;37074984]Hi everyone! Sorry I've been absent as well. We sail on the Wonder in three weeks and I'm still in planning mode for that and making FE gifts.

We plan on flying in a few days early as well. Didn't hear about an ABD but don't think we could afford to do that and the cruise too. They do sound amazing though.[/QUOTE]

I bet you're excited about your upcoming cruise. If you do a trip report let me know. I would love to hear all about the wedding.

You'll have to share what you made for the FE (and perhaps received) so we can come up with great ideas for our Alaskan cruise.

We'll have to see how much the ABD will be (if it will be). Too bad Walt and I have such great Disney taste...we are spoiled for other cruise lines and travel companies now...

Anyone leaning towards a particular hotel in Vancouver?

 

[BLTOH]

Anyone leaning towards a particular hotel in Vancouver?

we are still hammering out which one but looking for something close to the terminal. would like to do the one right there but with us needing two rooms and the cost being way high i don't see that happening. but looking at the days inn and one other one that is close by and is around $179 a nite.

I'm jealous Mary. i wish we was cruising that soon already. i am itching to go somewhere but keep telling myself no you can't or you won't get to see alaska so i am throwing myself into my crafts and such to try and make time go faster.

here's a couple pics of the blanket i just finished for dd. the one side has mickey heads with the princesses in them as well as some of dd's other favorites and the print fabrics was things that was dd's favs. looks pretty neat. picture doesnt really give a good view of it.

on the state's side we are considering letting dd collect peoples signatures from people in the states but not sure how well the marker will work on the fleece. might just have to print a map out and have people sign that. thinking would be a neat thing to do since we are going from ohio to washington plus all of us are all over as well.

 

[WDWLVR]

Tracy the blanket is adorable! What a great idea!

We're thinking of doing the Pan Pacific which is right at the cruise terminal. $$$ but it is going to be a once in a lifetime trip for us. We'll see as things get closer. Want to book the air first and of course pay off the cruise.

 

[tksbaskets]

Tracy, thanks for posting your pictures. It is ADORABLE and educational . Who doesn't need to memorize the princesses! (Just kidding, I love the USA map!)

Mary, I'll have to look into that hotel. Sounds like it is nice and in a great spot.

 

[BLTOH]

thanks guys.. sad part is dd knows all the princesses by heart and can put them in an order by which one she likes best to least.


i am thinking we might just fly into vancouver the day before and go ahead with the pan pacific. either way it goes the cost will be the same but my dad is freaking out with the cost of this trip so not sure what we will end up doing. i told them i want to book the hotel as soon as i am able too so i know we have it and the same with airline. i think they are seriously considering driving out there and meeting us still. time wil tell though.

 

[Mouseskis]

Hello Everyone! We have booked this cruise and are so excited to sail to Alaska. Please sign us up for the FE exchange. Our group will include:

Kristi (me)
My husband, Brian
Matthew (age 9 at the time of the cruise) and
Andrew (age 5 at the time of the cruise).

My MIL, FIL, BIL and SIL are also sailing, but I don't know if they will want to participate in the FE exchange yet.

Thanks to all for posting such great info. This will be our third Disney cruise. Also, my husband and I sailed with Princess to Alaska in 2001. We have been waiting and waiting for our boys to get old enough to take on an Alaskan cruise. We are so thrilled that Disney is sailing there. Our first Disney cruise was in April of this year and now I just can't see sailing with any other cruise line.

 

[WDWLVR]

Welcome aboard Kristi! Nice to see more people joining us.

I see you have BLT in your signature so I'm assuming you own there. We stayed there in November and loved it!








PDFG and all our friends who need it.

 

[tksbaskets]

Welcome Kristi! I don't know if we have a FE planned but it sounds like fun. We were holding out for Disney sailing to Alaska. I feel like you that DCL has spoiled us for any other cruise line.

 

[BLTOH]

Welcome Kristi. i have added you to the FE list. if you know your stateroom number i will need that too if not let me know when you do get it.

my daughter will be 8 at time of sailing so its nice to see some more kids her age on this cruise


Anyone know about what time we would be boarding with us leaving port at 3pm..my fax confirmation said everyone must be onboard by 1pm so i am wondering if we will be getting a brunch buffet instead of lunch.


On a side note...we are going to go ahead and book with the Pan Pacific the nite before. they do have a room tat will fit all 5 of us or we can do two connecting rooms for about the same price as the one so we are going to go for it.

 

["Got Disney"]

We're in My DH & I ( Mark & Patricia ) from New Jersey will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary.
Shh.......I copied this from another thread, looked interesting & had the need to share:

Tuesday Vancouver, Canada — 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday At Sea — —

Thursday Tracy Arm, Alaska — —

Friday Skagway, Alaska 7:15 a.m. 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Juneau, Alaska 7:45 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

Sunday Ketchikan, Alaska 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m 7:30 p.m.

Monday At Sea — —

Tuesday Vancouver, Canada 8:00 a.m.



Final Payment Due for Alaska Cruises: suites 150 days; non-suites 120 days before sailing.

Alaska pre-cruise hotel stays:

Fairmon Pacific Rim ($345 for 3 people, $294 for 2 people)
Fairmont Airport ($300 for 3 people, $249 for 2 people)
Fairmont Waterfront ($325 for 3 people, $274 for 2 people)

DVC Hotel Stays: Club Intrawest ; Vancouver Resort
Also if want to go up to Whistler for a few days there is Club Intrawest ;Whistler Resort ...Intrawest bookings are depending on availability and days of stay.


Best family friendley hotels in Vancouver
http://cruiseislandtravel.suite101....ovancouver.about.com/od/fami...dly-Hotels.htm





**** Vancouver FAQ Thread **** Info on Vancouver , sites, transportation, and more....http://www.disboards.com/showthread....histler+canada

Info on Whistler Canada....http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/

Vancouver is the Jewel in Canadas Southwest( info on some of the sites and sounds).....http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stori...n-canadas-nor/

Vancouver Information for Alaska Cruise Ship Passengers: http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-...uise-info.aspx

Rental Cars in Vancouver ....... http://rentalcarmomma.com/cities/vancouver


Port Vancouver info/webpage.......http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/

Facebook group for our cruise. Search "Disney Wonder Cruise to Alaska 07/19/2011" or try this link:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=137501178524





PLAN YOUR TRIP.....http://www.tourismvancouver.com/
Maps of Vancouver
Order your free Visitors Guide
Download Discount Coupons
View our Vancouver virtual guides
Visit our Visitor Centre
Half-price entertainment tickets
Passport requirements for U.S visitors


http://www.sealetter.com/Aug-98/yvrtips.html
Sealetter Cruise Tips: Alan Walker's Vancouver Airport Tips For any of you who will be leaving from Vancouver by air to the ... Tip #3: (actually, a warning): Once you go through the "check-in" procedure, you can't get back to the rest ... As you leave Vancouver, you will be passing through U.S. Customs (so that ... I have heard a rumour that your plane will finally arrive. ...


http://www.al-cruise.com/FAQ.php
What is the best time to go on an Alaskan Cruise?
What are good side trips/land excursions for various ports?
What is the temperature on an Alaska cruise? Is it quite cold, given the glaciers and icebergs?
What will I need to wear on an Alaska cruise? Will I need to pack my winter clothes and a cold weather jacket?
What is the best pre or post cruise tour out of Vancouver?
Where is the best place to view bald eagles in Alaska?
Where is the best place to view bears on other wildlife in Alaska?
I don’t have much extra in my budget for shore excursions (and some run over $300 per person!) What are some fun yet inexpensive things to do while in port?
Is it true that not all cruise ships stop in Glacier Bay National Park? I heard that this was one of the most beautiful spots in Alaska and want to see it.
My favorite cruise line does not stop in glacier Bay. What is a good alternative destination?
What about icebergs? Aren’t they dangerous? Will we see any?

Can never get to much info.....so

1. Spend time reading the Alaska board at Cruise Critic - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

2. Read books. My top two recommendations are:

- Frommer's Alaska by Charles Wohlforth: http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-Alask...4226021&sr=8-1 This is the 2010 edition coming out in December. I prefer this to the Frommer's or Fodor's "ports of call" books.

- Alaska By Cruise Ship by Anne Vipond: http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Cruise-...4226208&sr=1-1


SIDE NOTES AND TIPS:

1). When checking out hotels be sure to ask them to give you the US rate because when they give you a price it will be in Canadian prices. Also be sure to ask how much in taxes...in other words be sure to ask for the full price in American $$$$$

2) If you have a Disney rewards Visa use it for everything so you can get the reward $$$$. You can use the earned reward dollars for your ship excursions, merchandise, and at guest services to pay anything Disney on the ship. We use ours for everything that we would use the cash that we have for than I go online in a couple days and transfer the funds from my checking account to the card. No CC balance. But lots of reward $$$$. You will be surprised how fast it all adds up.

Hi everyone...lol...I came here to see if anyone had any extra info to add to my research and found this above....seems that others are doing the same. Keep an eye on my list because I started my research again and will be adding to more info. most of the info on my thread has come from my researching the Internet and phone calls to Canada....will be calling some numbers in Alaska to see what is going on if DCL has started adding them for excursions. We have free long distance so it wont cost me anything.


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2294276

 

[nascar8820]

For the new members of our cruise group I wanted to let you know that we have a site where I am putting together pictures of everyone so we can "meet" each other before our cruise. Send me (lkc103@yahoo.com) your picture and I will add them. Don't forget to include your screen name and the names of the people in your picture.