May 19 - 24, 2014 San Diego to Vancouver

[spacecanada]

We're researching our port excursions this week. A few friends have recommended various things to do, and Muir Woods seems to be most exciting for us, followed by the maritime museum and Exploratorium (both within walking distance of the pier).

The only DCL excursion going to Muir Woods only stops for 90 minutes and then goes to Sausalito. Does anyone know if there is a way to go hiking in Muir Woods without going to Sausalito? Is there much to do in Sausalito other than shopping and galleries? (Google isn't helping me answer that.)

Are there many other places to go hiking in San Francisco? Particularly ones within walking distance of the ship...

 

[RweTHEREyet]

When I need to look at my reservation, I go to the DCL site, select Castaway Club and then "review your cruises" or something like that. How do first-time cruisers get to their reservation? I need to help my SIL, and I am not sure how the newbies do it.

 

[Calfan]

Hello Calfan:

Since you are interested in the hike only let me suggest this. Hike with me to the museum and then you go on your own. I will be stopping by AAA later this week and can pick up two copies of a San Francisco street map, one for each of us, so you can feel confident you can get back to the ship (I'm assuming you are a casual visitor to San Francisco, like me).

Let me know if this works for you.

That could be a plan. I will check with CaliforniaGirl09 to see if she is interested. Meanwhile, if you could pick up an extra AAA map, that would be great. I actually live in the San Francisco Bay Area so I am definitely a casual visitor on this cruise. That being said, not sure I would trust myself to find my way back to the ship from the Presidio on foot without a map.

 

[Huney]

When I need to look at my reservation, I go to the DCL site, select Castaway Club and then "review your cruises" or something like that. How do first-time cruisers get to their reservation? I need to help my SIL, and I am not sure how the newbies do it.

I just go to retrieve my reservation. You need to sign in with your email and birthdate. You also need your reservation number.

 

[lilpooh108]

Hi everyone! Long time no post. We'd like to join the FE and here's our updated roll call info

Lilpooh108 (mom)
Kevin (grandpa)
DD -- age 5.

Looking forward to seeing if others are interested in a pre-K playdate on the first night so the kids can get to know each other prior to going to the kids' club.

 

[RayOfRedondo]

That could be a plan. I will check with CaliforniaGirl09 to see if she is interested. Meanwhile, if you could pick up an extra AAA map, that would be great. I actually live in the San Francisco Bay Area so I am definitely a casual visitor on this cruise. That being said, not sure I would trust myself to find my way back to the ship from the Presidio on foot without a map.

Will do. See you on the ship.

 

[scottrob]

In reading trip reports where people have done a B2b in Vancouver, they had to leave the ship, go thru customs and then could either do an excursion and board later or wait a bit to get back on the ship as soon as possible. Those that went right back on the ship said that they were coralled in Cove Cafe with no other option. I am leaning more towards doing something in Vancouver, but my DH and nephew are joining us there and I kind of want to be at the ship when they arrive. So I dunno. I sure don't want to be stuck in Cove Cafe for several hours--would rather be in my own cabin.

Thanks for the information. I agree about being stuck in the Cove Cafe. Will have to see what we can come up with the kill the time. Too bad we are not docking at Canada Place as I think there are more options from there. Thank you for the information.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Thanks for the information. I agree about being stuck in the Cove Cafe. Will have to see what we can come up with the kill the time. Too bad we are not docking at Canada Place as I think there are more options from there. Thank you for the information.

I probably should have added that often the procedure for doing the B2B changes, even from sailing to sailing. DCL will put a letter in your cabin the night before you get into port explaining where and what time they want you to meet in the morning.

I also remember reading of one party that said that when they got off the ship, they were given a letter that gave them a "front of the line" pass when they got back to the ship.

 

[hamm1207]

Not sure what we're going to do when we get into Vancouver. We might get off and go walk around Vancouver for a little bit before heading back to the ship. We'll probably just play it by ear and see what the other B2Bers are doing.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Not sure what we're going to do when we get into Vancouver. We might get off and go walk around Vancouver for a little bit before heading back to the ship. We'll probably just play it by ear and see what the other B2Bers are doing.

I am very torn, but will probably play it by ear as well. My SIL will be moving into the connecting cabin to mine for that cruise, and my DH and her son are joining us in Vancouver. I would like to get off and see some of the city, but I also would like to be on the ship when my DH gets there.

For me it is another Port to explore, for DH it is embarkation day, so I am just not sure. If we stay on board, my SIL could get all her stuff moved and we could probably get some laundry done. If she and I get off, we could have an adventure. If they make everyone that remains on board stay in Cove Cafe' (which I have read in other Alaskan trip reports), then we will probably get off.

 

[IleneF]

Trying to figure port of Vancouver out. I think we will be traveling on to Seattle on Sunday via Greyhound coach. Looking for hotel recommendations for the one night in Vancouver. We are planning to do Granville Island on Saturday. What time do we arrive? Do you know if there is a way to get to Granville Island via bus etc or will we need to rent a car? Thanks for any help you can offer. I'm usually a great planner but I'm having trouble with this port. Thanks!

 

[Double Trouble]

We're researching our port excursions this week. A few friends have recommended various things to do, and Muir Woods seems to be most exciting for us, followed by the maritime museum and Exploratorium (both within walking distance of the pier).

The only DCL excursion going to Muir Woods only stops for 90 minutes and then goes to Sausalito. Does anyone know if there is a way to go hiking in Muir Woods without going to Sausalito? Is there much to do in Sausalito other than shopping and galleries? (Google isn't helping me answer that.)

Are there many other places to go hiking in San Francisco? Particularly ones within walking distance of the ship...

Did this last year and worked great...

Rent a car (there are some within walking distance of the pier, but reserve ahead of time and get there early). Drive across the bridge (awesome!). Continue on to Muir Woods and stay as long as you like...it's beautiful. You can continue on to the coast if you like as well but it will take extra time. Roads are a bit curvy too. Drive to/thru Saulsalito on the way back if you desire (we just drove thru...did not stop...would not do it again), or you could skip this altogether. Drive up into the hills northwest of the Golden Gate...numerous photo stops...go all the way to the top and stop at as many as you like for different and amazing perspectives! You get pictures of the bridge with the city in the background, ships going under, etc. Come back down and stop at the very North end of the Golden Gate bridge (there's a parking lot with stairs/trail under the bridge to the observation point on the east (other) side)...again, great photo op for bridge, city, and Alcatraz. You can also make this stop on the way to the Muir woods if you want, just after crossing the bridge northbound. Drive back to the city, drop off the car, and walk the Fisherman's wharf area or see whatever else you want near the pier (then you don't have to worry abouting missing the ship). Pier 39 is very touristy, but it's cool to see the sea lions on the docks immediately to the west (just follow the noise and the smell). No problem doing all this in a day if you get an reasonably early start.

Forgot one thing...if you have time, before you turn the car in, drive down Lombard street. It was pretty cool. You can park near the bottom and take pictures too.

Anyway, easy to do on your own with a little planning. We also got awesome pictures going under the bridge on the ship as we cruised into and out off San Fran, so make sure to go up on deck for that. We've actually done it a few times and it never gets old. Have fun!

P.S. For others looking at walking, we walked from the pier to Chinatown for DimSum and shopping (you can take a bus if you want), then walked from there to Telegraph Hill/Coit Tower (yes, it's UP hill, but managable...great exercise), then walk DOWN hill back to the pier. Again, very doable if you're a good walker.

 

[sherri675]

Hello All!

My hubby and I will be joining you on this cruise. We are also doing the 9-night Alaskan cruise. This will be our first B2B cruise experience, first visit to San Francisco/Alaska and first time on the Wonder. We can't wait! We've been on two previous Disney cruises together, on the Magic (Eastern Caribbean) and the Fantasy (Western Caribbean).

Please add us to the roster. I'm Sherri (38), and my DH is Chad (40). I also signed up for the FB page. We will be joining the FE exchange, so I will email our info to kew423. We will be flying instead of driving this time, so we are trying to keep our (my) luggage count to a minimum. Its encouraging to hear that the FE group sizes will be split. That will make it much more manageable. On our Fantasy cruise we had 48 cabins and I went a bit overboard - giving to each person, multiple days. It was exhausting delivering all those gifts. That's one BIG ship!

I was curious if anyone knew whether or not the Disney Cruise App will be working on the Wonder when we set sail. I've read that it is working on the other three ships, but I can't find any info about the Wonder. It would be nice to see the Navigator info on our phones instead of carrying around the paper versions. It has some really neat features. It gives all of the menu info, so you are able to decide what you wanted to eat that night. It also shows all of the Navigators for the entire cruise - no more waiting to plan your days. You can select favorites on the schedules for things you don't want to miss - no need for highlighters.

Looking forward to cruising with everyone!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Welcome to Sherri and Chad. I have you added to the roster, and I did put FE by your name, but KEW423 is the organizer and keeper of that list.

Lots of firsts for you on this cruise. B2B is a lot of fun, you get to snicker when everyone else is leaving in Vancouver. Unfortunately, there are others that will be doing that to us when it is our turn to get off in Vancouver.

Glad you are joining the cruise.

 

[kew423]

I was curious if anyone knew whether or not the Disney Cruise App will be working on the Wonder when we set sail. I've read that it is working on the other three ships, but I can't find any info about the Wonder. It would be nice to see the Navigator info on our phones instead of carrying around the paper versions. It has some really neat features. It gives all of the menu info, so you are able to decide what you wanted to eat that night. It also shows all of the Navigators for the entire cruise - no more waiting to plan your days. You can select favorites on the schedules for things you don't want to miss - no need for highlighters. Looking forward to cruising with everyone! [/QUOTE]

The app says it is only good on the Dream and Fantasy right now.

 

[sherri675]

The app says it is only good on the Dream and Fantasy right now.

That is the official word from Disney, but there are several Disers reporting that the app is working on the Magic. Check out this thread.

 

[nicolecook]

Does our cruise have a character breakfast? If so, do I need to make a reservation for it? Does it cost extra? Thanks!

 

[spacecanada]

Rent a car (there are some within walking distance of the pier, but reserve ahead of time and get there early). Drive across the bridge (awesome!). Continue on to Muir Woods and stay as long as you like...it's beautiful.

Great idea! Sadly, we don't hire cars in foreign countries because the laws and insurance are different and we don't want to be caught in a legal liability situation (which appears to happen a lot in America). Instead, we have set a walking tour for ourselves to visit a few museums, parks, and the beach. After being at sea, our legs could use a good stretch. We can always hire a taxi to take us back to the ship if needed.

Another thing we're looking into is CityPass and whether we can do enough in one day to make it worth the cost.

 

[N365PA]

Does our cruise have a character breakfast? If so, do I need to make a reservation for it? Does it cost extra? Thanks!

I cant say 100% that it does, but the classic ships usually do. If we do have one, it is free. It's usually held in Parrot Cay and there is a set character breakfast for each dining rotation. No reservations needed.

 

[spacecanada]

For those who have been able to book things already, what are the port arrival times to choose from? We're trying to decide if there will be enough time to do something in San Diego in the morning before we board.