June 28, 2011 Disney Wonder 7-day Alaska

[cozit]

I figured they might do it on board, but I need tip money for the baggage handlers and cab fare.

Parrothead, are you US, or elsewhere (I know we've got at least three from outside the US on here)?

If you're US, Vancouver, like the other main "almost border" cities will generally take US money most places - and definitely for tips. Of course, the fact that the US dollar is still a *couple* of pennies more than the Canadian dollar helps there - and be aware, that your change will pretty much always be in Canadian currency, even if you pay with US currency.

http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/vancouver/fast_facts/fast_facts

And obviously, on the ship, it doesn't matter so much, as it is going in and out of Canada and the US (among other places).

 

[buddywesley]

Parrothead, are you US, or elsewhere (I know we've got at least three from outside the US on here)?

If you're US, Vancouver, like the other main "almost border" cities will generally take US money most places - and definitely for tips. Of course, the fact that the US dollar is still a *couple* of pennies more than the Canadian dollar helps there - and be aware, that your change will pretty much always be in Canadian currency, even if you pay with US currency.

I think the US dollar is worth a little less right now.
1.00 USD = 0.977022 CAD when I just checked it. Does anyone know if they take $ US as a straight exchange in stores? You'll be tipping a little less too...

 

[Pocahantas]

Priceline finally came through for our night in Seattle on June 25th. I won the Grand Hyatt for $123 per room (2 rooms). I am pretty excited about the win since this is only my 3rd time using Priceline. And now that I have that finalized I went ahead and booked an SUV with Already There Towncar Service to take us from the airport to the Hyatt, from the Hyatt to the train station on the 26th and from the train station to our airport hotel (which is still to be determined) on July 7th.

 

[mybelle01]

Last cruise, my dh was'nt into the FE until we started getting candy. He ate all the candy out of the FE gifts

Okay good to know.. so definately need candy

My two boys have waterproof hiking boots. They are 7 and 9 and although they would love to be pushed in a stroller they will most definately be walking!! We were able to use them for scouts during the winter so I got my money's worth out of them. My older son was able to wear them on the one day in Southern California it snowed!

 

[ozdisneyfan]

Priceline finally came through for our night in Seattle on June 25th. I won the Grand Hyatt for $123 per room (2 rooms). I am pretty excited about the win since this is only my 3rd time using Priceline. And now that I have that finalized I went ahead and booked an SUV with Already There Towncar Service to take us from the airport to the Hyatt, from the Hyatt to the train station on the 26th and from the train station to our airport hotel (which is still to be determined) on July 7th.

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Seattle in 2008 - great hotel, fantastic location, you won't be disappointed!

 

[daisy112878]

Are you guys packing rain boots for the kids? DS doesn't have any, and I don't know if I should get some. He does have a rain coat. I figure, if it's raining in port, he will stay in the stroller anyway. Also, has anyone ever used "Babies Travel Lite" for diapers and stuff? Kind of pricey but convenient. I think we are going to pass, but what a great service! It out probably cheaper than checking a bag full of diapers and stuff.

Bailey (my 2yo) will just wear tennis shoes. He likes to ride in the stroller 90% of the time anyways so I'll just stick him in. We're bring our maclarens for the boys since they are the only stroller we have that have a good rain cover.

We were going to use Babies Travel Lite until I saw the shipping charges. The shipping charges alone were $75 plus the diapers/supplies would have cost us like $200. If we by chance have over 4 bags we'll just pay the baggage charge which is cheaper. I'm just thankfully Bryce (8mth old) has decided he doesn't like baby food and is eating table foods. I was so worried I was going to have to find a grocery store in Seattle to buy baby food to take with us.

 

[buddywesley]

Bailey (my 2yo) will just wear tennis shoes. He likes to ride in the stroller 90% of the time anyways so I'll just stick him in. We're bring our maclarens for the boys since they are the only stroller we have that have a good rain cover.

We were going to use Babies Travel Lite until I saw the shipping charges. The shipping charges alone were $75 plus the diapers/supplies would have cost us like $200. If we by chance have over 4 bags we'll just pay the baggage charge which is cheaper. I'm just thankfully Bryce (8mth old) has decided he doesn't like baby food and is eating table foods. I was so worried I was going to have to find a grocery store in Seattle to buy baby food to take with us.

My DD has rain boots but my DS only snow boots so I'll just bring hiking boots for him.

The dining room staff is sooo great with kids just starting table foods. When we went on the Magic several years ago just before my daughter turned a year they had a bowl of steamed veggies waiting for her EVERY night!!! (She happened to LOVE veggies) When they help you figure out what works for your child, they make sure and have it specially cooked every night!

 

[crazydayz]

Hi everyone
Thought I would take a break from the laundry and read the DIS boards for awhile. It is a great escape from my hectic day. My youngest is "graduating" from preschool tomorrow and they are going all out like a real graduation. He has a cap and gown and they have to walk across a small stage. I had to help decorate this morning. Then my oldest has a fifth grade graduation next Thursday. We are so ready for school to be over for Summer.

Anyway back to cruise stuff, Just wondering how is everyone delivering their FE gifts? Do we do it all in one day? Or do some do half one day and half another day? I have never done it before and the thought of 30 cabins is a little overwhelming. Oh well I was concerned that I was going to put on some pounds during our cruise with all that food and drinks but now it looks like I will be getting some exercise delivering to all the different rooms.

 

[buddywesley]

Hi everyone
Thought I would take a break from the laundry and read the DIS boards for awhile. It is a great escape from my hectic day. My youngest is "graduating" from preschool tomorrow and they are going all out like a real graduation. He has a cap and gown and they have to walk across a small stage. I had to help decorate this morning. Then my oldest has a fifth grade graduation next Thursday. We are so ready for school to be over for Summer.

Anyway back to cruise stuff, Just wondering how is everyone delivering their FE gifts? Do we do it all in one day? Or do some do half one day and half another day? I have never done it before and the thought of 30 cabins is a little overwhelming. Oh well I was concerned that I was going to put on some pounds during our cruise with all that food and drinks but now it looks like I will be getting some exercise delivering to all the different rooms.

How fun!!! I bet the little caps n gowns are TOO cute
My DD graduates preschool next week but they just wear "their Sunday best" My son doesn't get out from school until June 24th (he's in 3rd) so we've got a bit to go before we're done with school

I'm thinking as far as the FE goes, we'll divide and conquer. The girls will take half and the boys will take the other half (we're traveling with friends so we'll drop off both of ours at the same time) Whatever we dont finish, we'll do the next day. (or later) Correct me if I'm wrong but we aren't assigned days right? we can do it whenever?

 

[cryssi]

Bailey (my 2yo) will just wear tennis shoes. He likes to ride in the stroller 90% of the time anyways so I'll just stick him in. We're bring our maclarens for the boys since they are the only stroller we have that have a good rain cover.

We were going to use Babies Travel Lite until I saw the shipping charges. The shipping charges alone were $75 plus the diapers/supplies would have cost us like $200. If we by chance have over 4 bags we'll just pay the baggage charge which is cheaper. I'm just thankfully Bryce (8mth old) has decided he doesn't like baby food and is eating table foods. I was so worried I was going to have to find a grocery store in Seattle to buy baby food to take with us.

We are going to rent a stroller on the boat. They look like they are good ones.

 

[mybelle01]

We didn't have to rent a stroller when our little ones were young. We went to guest services when we got on the ship and they gave us one to use for the week.. of course things may have changed since then, my youngest is almost 7!

That's a good idea to split up to distribute gifts... I think we will do that too!!

I don't think anyone is assigned to any particular days for FE gifts but we probably want to try and space them out.

The different happy faces are so cute I'm going to have to start using all of them so if some of them seem weird...

 

[buddywesley]

Hey Everyone. In case you're looking for something to do in Vancouver this looks fun (but your kids have to at least be 6) Today's Living Social Deal gets you a deal on it http://livingsocial.com/deals/33317-walking-tour-of-gastown-and-chinatown-for-two

 

[atunon]

New to this site and to any of this blogs. I am not sure if I am doing this right.
Hello Eveyone...traveling June 28 to Alaska. We are all HAPPY
Will like to join the Fish Extenders. My son is 11 and is my MOM and myself Arlene
Please let me know if this is possible...Thanks!

 

[Balmacara]

Have I missed something? I have registered my DD 12 for the Oceaneers Club/Lab during the cruise as that was the only eligibility offered. I now see from the DCL website and the "Navigators" posted online that these clubs are for kids up to 10 and "The Edge" is for tweens 11 - 13. Can someone maybe help clear this up? DD seems far more excited about The Edge but I don't want to get her hopes up!

 

[buddywesley]

Very excited that we'll be making our actual fish extenders this weekend. My friend is sewing the fabric tonight and then we're gonna let the kids decorate them themselves (could end up looking pretty crazy...or BAD) but hey, they'll have fun and they'll be excited when we hang them. It's getting closer!!!

 

[cryssi]

I have my fish extender idea in my head. Will try to construct it this weekend out of materials I have at hand...as well as figure out the FE gifts!

 

[daisy112878]

We are going to rent a stroller on the boat. They look like they are good ones.

We didn't have to rent a stroller when our little ones were young. We went to guest services when we got on the ship and they gave us one to use for the week.. of course things may have changed since then, my youngest is almost 7!

We need the strollers for the airport and for the 2 1/2 days we're staying in Seattle before the cruise. We're going to be walking quite a bit since we do not have a rental car.

 

[cryssi]

We need the strollers for the airport and for the 2 1/2 days we're staying in Seattle before the cruise. We're going to be walking quite a bit since we do not have a rental car.

Ah. Makes sense! We are flying in and out of vancouver on the first and last day of the cruise. I think DS well be ok walking thru the airport, or he will have plenty of arms to carry him. I was thinking of bringing the cheap umbrella but now I don't think so.

 

[buddywesley]

New to this site and to any of this blogs. I am not sure if I am doing this right.
Hello Eveyone...traveling June 28 to Alaska. We are all HAPPY
Will like to join the Fish Extenders. My son is 11 and is my MOM and myself Arlene
Please let me know if this is possible...Thanks!

Looks like you're doing it right You had until May 31st if I'm not mistaken, to join FE so you made it under the wire I guess

Nordkin is keeping track of everything for the FE and I think you'll need to post your cabin # and PM your DS name to Iluvjimny cause she is making personalized gifts for the kids...

 

[mybelle01]

buddywesley- just noticed we live sorta close.. we are in Santa Clarita!