May 24, 2014 Alaskan 9 night Wonder

[RweTHEREyet]

I didn't either! I used the term "meet killer", but all I meant was the activity on the DIS meet thread was reduced to very little conversation. I'm sorry if this was taken as heated debate/war, I assure everyone I didn't mean anything heated. That's why I started with the "no offense to FB" part.

I'm feeling like I should crawl under a rock now.

Oh my, I don't think anything was aimed at this thread or at you at all. It sounds to me as if those heated discussions have happened on other threads at other times.

I think your term "meet killer" is a good one. I saw it happen to my last cruise, and since I joined the FB group late, I never felt a part of the group and didn't attend the meet when we got on the ship. I was always more comfortable on the meets thread.

Come out from underneath your rock, you have nothing to feel bad about and I hope you don't give all this another thought.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

It seems like I keep adding to my gotta pack list.

Gotta get something for the characters to sign, gotta get something for the FE(think we are gonna do it, just gotta convince DH ), layers, hats, camera......

Time for OverPlanner to kick in and make a list

I feel ya! I live by spreadsheets.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I feel ya! I live by spreadsheets.

I do too, live by spreadsheets, work in accounting, do the payroll, etc. so it comes naturally to me. I am doing my best right now to figure out how to start sorting out the excursions and I haven't figured out how I am going to set that one up yet.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

I do too, live by spreadsheets, work in accounting, do the payroll, etc. so it comes naturally to me. I am doing my best right now to figure out how to start sorting out the excursions and I haven't figured out how I am going to set that one up yet.

We only have our "favorites" picked so far. But I'm waiting to narrow them down until around Thanksgiving or Christmas when I've gleaned a lot more info on what's worth it.

 

[chris31997]

We only have our "favorites" picked so far. But I'm waiting to narrow them down until around Thanksgiving or Christmas when I've gleaned a lot more info on what's worth it.

There was a thread on which you would not do again. It really did not seem very helpful. Okay, most people did not like the lumberjack show. They said it was corny, but than others chimed in and said they had a blasted corny and all

Train ride that took waaay too long with a speak that was monotoned

Stops that were not long enough

Stuff that seemed flip a coin and it could happen to you. Who would have thought a ferry boat Captain would abandon his passangers, but it happened and the company made it right. Enjoyed the excursion on St John.

Several people say to book outside of Disney

Another Gentleman said that, all the shops right by the dock or seasonal and not local workers according to locals at one of the stops He was all about supporting the local economy. But even if you bought just at those shops it would work out to the local economy, maybe not as much if you bought from a differant store.

 

[tryin]

first post on this meet
I think I'm going to change my dummy booking to this one. I only wish I could do the b2b from san diego. it would practically pay for itself instead of my flight to vancouver. My only problem is that pesky thing called work. I don't even know my calendar for 2014. Keep your fingers crossed that my school will be ending before the 19th and I will be able to do the b2b. If not, I may have to do JUne 2 as well, but that would be more costly.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Welcome, glad you found us.

Don't you just hate it when your job interferes with your "real" life. I hope it all works out for you, I think having the 9-days is going to add to much to the cruise, no rushing around to get everything done on the ship, time to relax, etc.

My only fear is we won't see any bears, too early in the season, but I guerss we can't have it all.

Again, welcome.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

There was a thread on which you would not do again. It really did not seem very helpful. Okay, most people did not like the lumberjack show. They said it was corny, but than others chimed in and said they had a blasted corny and all

Train ride that took waaay too long with a speak that was monotoned

Stops that were not long enough

Stuff that seemed flip a coin and it could happen to you. Who would have thought a ferry boat Captain would abandon his passangers, but it happened and the company made it right. Enjoyed the excursion on St John.

Several people say to book outside of Disney

Another Gentleman said that, all the shops right by the dock or seasonal and not local workers according to locals at one of the stops He was all about supporting the local economy. But even if you bought just at those shops it would work out to the local economy, maybe not as much if you bought from a differant store.

I agree with you, it seems you can find positives and negatives posted about all the excursions. I think I have decided to set up a spreadsheet and post pros and cons of each one and narrow it down by our interest. At this point, I don't know that cost is even a consideration as I don't know that we will get back there, so we might as well do what we want while we are there.

It does make it easier that we don't have little ones to consider.

 

[pequele]

I didn't either! I used the term "meet killer", but all I meant was the activity on the DIS meet thread was reduced to very little conversation. I'm sorry if this was taken as heated debate/war, I assure everyone I didn't mean anything heated. That's why I started with the "no offense to FB" part.

I'm feeling like I should crawl under a rock now.

Oh gosh no!!! I don't think the war was about us and the term meet killer (vs meat killer ahaha) I think describes the situation perfectly. That's what I hope wouldn't happen if we could share info between the threads. Even this board alone I think some of us will be more visible than others but I'd hope the people who only post a few times would still like to join us for a meet. People should do what they are comfy with by all means.

Don't feel that way. It's not like you or anyone here or on FB stirred the pot and led an attack towards either site. At least I didn't take any comments that way. I actually found "meet killer" funny because it does happen sometimes.

I'm Switzerland in the whole FB/DIS issue and I definitely cannot I speak for anyone, but it was my impression people merely stated their preference of DIS over FB. There is nothing wrong with that. Everybody has their reasons for one over the other or both.

I think the ambiguity of posting on any site without hearing a voice behind it many times causes the wrong impression of what was actually being said. I don't think you or anyone else should feel guilty about stating your preference.

As I said in my last post, DIS/FB discussions can get pretty nasty on other threads. Just as they can with DCL vs RCCL vs Carnival. I didn't see anything nasty from anyone here. And I hope it never comes to that because I like this thread.

Sorry everyone for my Pollyana moment. And now for my Forrest Gump: "That's all I have to say about that."

If I get flamed for this post...so be it.

Haha Switzerland and Polyanna! Just as long as we don't have any North Korea going on here, I'm still happy to sail with all of you whether you like DIS or FB or both

I agree with you, it seems you can find positives and negatives posted about all the excursions. I think I have decided to set up a spreadsheet and post pros and cons of each one and narrow it down by our interest. At this point, I don't know that cost is even a consideration as I don't know that we will get back there, so we might as well do what we want while we are there.

It does make it easier that we don't have little ones to consider.

Yup I think we will be looking at which best we would like to do. My son is 4 or will be 5 at this point so corny probably won't affect us ahaha. I already plan on doing the gold digging with the character one (what is that Liarsville?) and while it may be a once in a lifetime thing going to Alaska (or at least a long time before we go back perhaps) I still can't convince myself to pay the big bucks to take a float plane or helicopter to a glacier...that and those things scare the bajeezus outta me .

 

[MousseauMob]

Out from under my rock.

Welcome, glad you found us.

My only fear is we won't see any bears, too early in the season, but I guerss we can't have it all.

Again, welcome.

I second this Welcome!!!! Also, don't give up hope, the one and only time we saw a bear was May and in Sitka, so it's possible!

I still can't convince myself to pay the big bucks to take a float plane or helicopter to a glacier...that and those things scare the bajeezus outta me .

I think you should do what you are most comfortable with, especially with a young one. I found Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau an easy trip and just as spectacular without the fear.

 

[MousseauMob]

I'm playing with some more images, these aren't done by any means, but I'd appreciate some opinions! Thanks!

 

[ppartekim]

I'm playing with some more images, these aren't done by any means, but I'd appreciate some opinions! Thanks!

Like this one... Some how I keep thinking of the lyrics - "Ice, Ice, Mickey"

 

[MoonDaughter23]

There was a thread on which you would not do again. It really did not seem very helpful. Okay, most people did not like the lumberjack show. They said it was corny, but than others chimed in and said they had a blasted corny and all

I was debating on seeing the lumberjack show in Vancouver or Alaska. I have a thing for lumberjacks and tend to enjoy corny shows (unless I'm paying Broadway prices) so hopefully I will enjoy it.

Several people say to book outside of Disney

Another Gentleman said that, all the shops right by the dock or seasonal and not local workers according to locals at one of the stops He was all about supporting the local economy. But even if you bought just at those shops it would work out to the local economy, maybe not as much if you bought from a differant store.

If I can find a better deal I might book outside of Disney. Like the Harvs and Marvs excursion ThreeBritts mentioned looks fun. Or if what I plan to do is in close enough proximity, I may explore on my own. But so far I'm liking what DCL has.

As far as the shops I agree. Even if the workers are seasonal, the shop itself would have to pay some sort of rent or property taxes to the local town, right? That to me supports local economy if I buy something in one of those shops. I don't know anything about Alaska state laws so I'm just guessing.

I agree with you, it seems you can find positives and negatives posted about all the excursions. I think I have decided to set up a spreadsheet and post pros and cons of each one and narrow it down by our interest. At this point, I don't know that cost is even a consideration as I don't know that we will get back there, so we might as well do what we want while we are there.

It does make it easier that we don't have little ones to consider.

Yay spreadsheets! I've done the same as you for every vacation. My OCD brain functions better that way (not a joke). I started my Alaska spreadsheet on Feb 14 and have 3 worksheets in it so far. For my excursion worksheet I have the descriptions and the cost to help me narrow down at the end of the year so I don't have to look it up again on the website. Unfortunately for me cost is a factor, but I'm finding the DCL excursions reasonable so it's not that bad. I know I won't be able to do any of the float plane PAs though and I'm sure those are awesome.

Haha Switzerland and Polyanna! Just as long as we don't have any North Korea going on here, I'm still happy to sail with all of you whether you like DIS or FB or both

Definitely no North Korea please. This thread would get closed so fast and I do not want to see that happening.

Yup I think we will be looking at which best we would like to do. My son is 4 or will be 5 at this point so corny probably won't affect us ahaha. I already plan on doing the gold digging with the character one (what is that Liarsville?) and while it may be a once in a lifetime thing going to Alaska (or at least a long time before we go back perhaps) I still can't convince myself to pay the big bucks to take a float plane or helicopter to a glacier...that and those things scare the bajeezus outta me .

The Liarsville is on my "favorites" list. Again I like corny...and am a sucker for character interaction. That's the only panning experience I'm interested in actually.

first post on this meet
I think I'm going to change my dummy booking to this one. I only wish I could do the b2b from san diego. it would practically pay for itself instead of my flight to vancouver. My only problem is that pesky thing called work. I don't even know my calendar for 2014. Keep your fingers crossed that my school will be ending before the 19th and I will be able to do the b2b. If not, I may have to do JUne 2 as well, but that would be more costly.

Hi!

I've actually started contemplating about adding on the June 2 cruise as well. I think we can make it back in time before my daughter has to get back to school (she'll be in a year round program starting fall of 2013). I might get my first B2B, everybody! While sailing under the Golden Gate bridge would have been beautiful I think one more round through Alaska could be really great. Since I still have a few months before I'll know for sure I probably would not get my same stateroom, but I wouldn't mind.

Out from under my rock.

I'm playing with some more images, these aren't done by any means, but I'd appreciate some opinions! Thanks!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "Shivering Me Timbers" one. AMAZING!!!

I'm still wondering why DCL doesn't change the name if the itinerary is not actually in the Caribbean. Like our Med cruise will still in "in the Caribbean" instead of the Mediterranean. Not that I want them to say Pirates in Alaska, but it would be nice if it was something like Pirates in the Last Frontier or something else witty I'm having no luck of thinking of right now. And have something different for the Repo and California cruises as well. Maybe they don't want to print new menus for each specialty cruise, but IMO it would make it more special.

Sorry for my tangent. Pirate Night is seriously one of my favorites.

Like this one... Some how I keep thinking of the lyrics - "Ice, Ice, Mickey"

Damn, that's NEVER getting out of my head now. Nice one!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Ellen inspired me to do a couple more designs today.

I love Shivering me timbers, but the pirate theme just doesn't fly in Alaska, does it?

 

[MousseauMob]

Like this one... Some how I keep thinking of the lyrics - "Ice, Ice, Mickey"

That's hilarious! Here you go! Just need that bass line playing.

I was debating on seeing the lumberjack show in Vancouver or Alaska. I have a thing for lumberjacks and tend to enjoy corny shows (unless I'm paying Broadway prices) so hopefully I will enjoy it.

There's a lumberjack show in Vancouver? I had no idea! We did Ketchikan show the first time we went. It's kind of fun, I wouldn't do it again, but I don't regret it, I'm glad we did it.

The Liarsville is on my "favorites" list. Again I like corny...and am a sucker for character interaction. That's the only panning experience I'm interested in actually.

I need to go look at this.

I might get my first B2B, everybody!

Crossing my fingers for you! I'd LOVE to do a B2B, but it's just not in the cards for us at this time.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the "Shivering Me Timbers" one. AMAZING!!!

I'm still wondering why DCL doesn't change the name if the itinerary is not actually in the Caribbean. Like our Med cruise will still in "in the Caribbean" instead of the Mediterranean. Not that I want them to say Pirates in Alaska, but it would be nice if it was something like Pirates in the Last Frontier or something else witty I'm having no luck of thinking of right now. And have something different for the Repo and California cruises as well. Maybe they don't want to print new menus for each specialty cruise, but IMO it would make it more special.

I know - we've done 2 Mexico and 1 Hawaiian and the name is the same. My guess is all the materials they would have to reprint/recreate is too cost prohibited. I've been trying to find a way to do a Lumber "Jack" -- "there should be a captain in there somewhere" - but I haven't quite hit on the images I like. Of course if they do away with pirate night for alaska...

Ellen inspired me to do a couple more designs today.

I love Shivering me timbers, but the pirate theme just doesn't fly in Alaska, does it?

LOVE em! Especially the Eagles, Otters, and Mice - Oh My. You're right the pirate theme in Alaska does seem a bit off, that's why I was trying the play on words with shivering and cold.. but I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it's fun playing around with it a bit anyway.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

LOVE em! Especially the Eagles, Otters, and Mice - Oh My. You're right the pirate theme in Alaska does seem a bit off, that's why I was trying the play on words with shivering and cold.. but I'm not sure how I feel about it, but it's fun playing around with it a bit anyway.

Oh yeah, it is fun!

 

[MoonDaughter23]

That's hilarious! Here you go! Just need that bass line playing.

Bass line yeeesss!!! And also missing the "Too Coooold!"
I hated that song when I was younger (much prefer the original "Under Pressure"), but this is too funny. Thanks ppartekim! Now whenever I hear it, I have new words to substitute. And I can substitute Alaska for Vanilla.

There's a lumberjack show in Vancouver? I had no idea! We did Ketchikan show the first time we went. It's kind of fun, I wouldn't do it again, but I don't regret it, I'm glad we did it.

I found it when I was looking at Grouse Mountain activities. http://www.grousemountain.com/lumberjack-show

But I think I may be mistaken on the dates. When I first looked at it I saw May - October but now I see it says "May long weekend-October long weekend". I have no idea how I missed the words long weekend, but to me that sounds like Memorial Weekend to Columbus Weekend. Which means I wouldn't be able to go in Vancouver anyway because our sail date would be too early.

Crossing my fingers for you! I'd LOVE to do a B2B, but it's just not in the cards for us at this time.

Thanks. We'll see what happens.

I know - we've done 2 Mexico and 1 Hawaiian and the name is the same. My guess is all the materials they would have to reprint/recreate is too cost prohibited. I've been trying to find a way to do a Lumber "Jack" -- "there should be a captain in there somewhere" - but I haven't quite hit on the images I like.

A Lumber "Jack" would be awesome. Maybe you could substitute axes for the swords?

Of course if they do away with pirate night for alaska...

Even if they cancel the activities I would still want a Pirate night to dress up. But that's just me. I don't mind "Shiverin' Me Timbers" for it.

 

[MousseauMob]

I found it when I was looking at Grouse Mountain activities. http://www.grousemountain.com/lumberjack-show

Thanks, I'll take a peek at it.

 

[ppartekim]

That's hilarious! Here you go! Just need that bass line playing.

Love this...

There's a lumberjack show in Vancouver? I had no idea! We did Ketchikan show the first time we went. It's kind of fun, I wouldn't do it again, but I don't regret it, I'm glad we did it.

We also saw the show in Ketchikan. It was fun and we did the Disney edition which basically meant they called up a couple of kids to help. We had a riot as they split the audience into to camps and you had to cheer yours on making it interactive. Are camp really took that to heart, we LOUDLY cheered ours on and BOO'd the other camp all in good fun. Our side won (mainly I think the Lumberjack/Actors pick which camp will win and well, we just played the cheer game really well).

Would we do it again... not really sure.. but probably go with "seen it, done it".. but definitely a see it once show just remember to join in the cheering fun as it adds to it.

Of Course, now all this talk of Lumberjacks is making "I'm a Lumberjack" song from Monty Python keeping popping back in my head.

Liarsville is Skagway was fun.. But I figured out, I do not have the patience for panning... Claim jumping would be the life for me... The salmon roast was fabulous and the story was ok... The best part is that we booked the Disney version so we got to pan with Chip & Dale which was the highlight.

What was really interesting was that Skagway literally opened for the season the day we got there and when we boarded the ship at All-Aboard time, if you looked back a downtown it was as if they had rolled up the sidewalks and gone home it was that deserted.

In Juneau, we did the Salmon Hatchery and the Glacier tour. The Hatchery was really interesting and the Glacier was nice but cold. Downtown Juneau reminds me of a really little SF.

Ketchikan has a much bigger downtown that would be nice to have more time to stroll thru..

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Yay spreadsheets! I've done the same as you for every vacation. My OCD brain functions better that way (not a joke). I started my Alaska spreadsheet on Feb 14 and have 3 worksheets in it so far. For my excursion worksheet I have the descriptions and the cost to help me narrow down at the end of the year so I don't have to look it up again on the website. Unfortunately for me cost is a factor, but I'm finding the DCL excursions reasonable so it's not that bad. I know I won't be able to do any of the float plane PAs though and I'm sure those are awesome.

And I have a word document that already has 9 pages of notes...

Don't get me wrong, cost is a factor, but I am going to do my best to not think about it and not let it be a deciding factor.