May 24, 2014 Alaskan 9 night Wonder

[hygienist999]

I highly agree on the base layers. I'm always amazed that such thin material can keep me warm. Fortunately we have some from another trip a few years ago. I only have one set of the really good camping ones and the rest are substitutes I found at Big Lots. Each of us has packing cubes and in 1 small cube I was able to fit 5 long sleeve undershirts and 5 pairs of cold weather leggings and still have a bit of room to spare in the cube. But I also roll really tight so that always helps enable my over packing because of the room to spare and light weight.

I have a set of cuddle duds and a set of warmer ones that I bought at the Jockey Store at Tanger Outlets. My husband has a set of Under Armour, and he swears by them. I have many, many packing cubes. We love, love these things. I too roll my clothes. We also have the Mother Lode bags from Ebags. They are the absolute best for travel. We can get an unbelievable amount of clothing into these things.

I ordered last night a pair of Arm Warmers. They are like a cable knit sweater, the fingers are out, there is a thumb hole and the material covers up to the base of your fingers and the material goes up to your elbow. I thought this would be great for when I'm taking photo's and need my fingers free, but need some warmth as well.

Can't wait. Getting so excited.

 

[pequele]

I got another letter from DCL last weekend - basically the same one from a couple months ago when we first learned about the change with a little more detail. It talked about the shuttle service from Canada Place (starts at 10:30). So even if people show up at the wrong pier - they should be fine...

Must remember 10:30! We have a 11am PAT

I'm with RweTHEREyet! I'm cool if the ship is delayed as long as I'm on it. But the shopping part...I'm going to be stalking Mickey's Mates until it opens. There is one thing I'm hoping the Wonder has in stock and that it's not just on the Fantasy and Dream ships. I MUST get this item day 1 so I can feel better. Not sharing what in case it's on someone else's list too. I'm not into confrontation.

"Free" ponchos would be cool. I can re use them at Disneyland if we get them on this sailing.

I was pretty bummed when on my Med cruise last summer some of the "free" stuff delivery was delayed and missed the ship. At least we did get some "free" stuff. I know there's more important things to worry about, yet it's still kinda hard to swallow when the "free" stuff is missing and I know I've already paid for it. But I was sure to eat plenty of extra "free" food and "free" H2O products to make up for some of it.

No fair!!! What do you want hahaha...I sure hope ALL of the Alaska stuff is on the ship for us. Hope the person in charge of that is far more organized than the person who has been working on this cruise's schedule and port arrangements! Heck, the person delivering the Alaska goodies will probably go to Canada Place, too, like the rest of our cruise!

BTW I am loving the FREE in quotes haha. I was telling Melissa last night about all the "free" food/room service with Disney and said "I will love eating the thousands of dollars worth of food on this cruise that I paid for" haha.

I don't know just what we will do, but I am leaning towards staying on the ship and doing some laundry and getting my SIL moved into her adjoining cabin. We will be waiting around for my DH and my nephew to join us, and it would be nice to be able to welcome them when they get on board.

But I have read trip reports that say when doing a B2B on the West Coast they were required to stay in Cove Cafe' until new passengers boarded. I guess we will find out what our options are when we get our letter the night before.

Jail, you must stay in jail!

OK, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here, but contrary to what SheIsGoingToDisney found out, my neighbor just called Embarkation Services at DCL and was told that unless you have a parking reservation at Canada Place, you will not be provided shuttle service to Ballantyne Pier. The only way to get DCL transfers is to pay $25 each and catch the shuttle at the Fairmont across the street.

If anybody has any other information or has talked to DCL, please let us know.

I swear this is getting ridiculous haha. My travel agent said it was confirmed by her with Disney that the free shuttle will be provided. Someone on here a few pages (ok way more than a few) contacted the head of DCL and got a response back saying the shuttle was provided for everyone.

Who's on first?

Hello everyone,

I am new to the forum.

We are on the 9 night Alaska cruise and are getting so excited. We fly to Vancouver from London on !8th May so will have a while in Vancouver first.

I have one worry though - the weather. Just how cold will it be, not sure what to pack.

Welcome!!! I would bet, weather will be fairly similar to London. Shouldn't be snowing, could be fairly cool and rainy, or warm and sunny (and anything in between!). I don't suspect hot and humid like August weather in places, but they have had a very warm winter up there this year and summer could come early for them because of that. Heck I live in New Hampshire and we have already hit 80 F degrees (27 C) once this year already and we had a BRUTAL winter, often colder and snowier than the places we are going in Alaska!

I have a set of cuddle duds and a set of warmer ones that I bought at the Jockey Store at Tanger Outlets. My husband has a set of Under Armour, and he swears by them. I have many, many packing cubes. We love, love these things. I too roll my clothes. We also have the Mother Lode bags from Ebags. They are the absolute best for travel. We can get an unbelievable amount of clothing into these things.

I have some silk long underwear. SUUUUUPER thin, so light yet soooo warm. Personally I HATE to be too warm (ie like on excursions in the bus/van/train) so I likely wouldn't wear them on those days, but very well a possibility of wearing them on Tracy Arm day. We shall see. They are so thin that they compact to something smaller than a pair of socks!




OMG look what I found!!!!

 

[Arizona Rita]

Welcome aboard Toffeecushion!

MoonDaughter~ Finally! Got around to reading the first page!
Everything looks so good and I stand by my saying, I just dont know how you stay so organized!
Thanks for doing all of this!

 

[Cinderbella27]

Hi everyone,

I have been a long time lurker of the boards but since this is my first Disney cruise I thought I would finally join. I will be traveling with my parents and my 11 year old nephew. I am so excited and I hope I can meet some other solo travelers.

Thanks everyone for all of the information you guys have provided. I don't know how I would have booked everything if it weren't for the boards.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I swear this is getting ridiculous haha. My travel agent said it was confirmed by her with Disney that the free shuttle will be provided. Someone on here a few pages (ok way more than a few) contacted the head of DCL and got a response back saying the shuttle was provided for everyone.

Who's on first?

I'm just over it! I have already made other transportation arrangements. If DCL cannot be more communicative about what they are providing, the heck with them. Disney never gives anything away for free and if you don't stay at their sanctioned hotel and are not paying for the transfer service, then you don't get transportation. The only reason they are shuttling over people that park at Canada Place s because Ballantyne has no parking.

 

[chris31997]

Yay! I'm a fan of old fashioned light switches.

Me too. Love flipping a switch and not having to worry about a card. Makes life easier

I'm just over it! I have already made other transportation arrangements. If DCL cannot be more communicative about what they are providing, the heck with them. Disney never gives anything away for free and if you don't stay at their sanctioned hotel and are not paying for the transfer service, then you don't get transportation. The only reason they are shuttling over people that park at Canada Place s because Ballantyne has no parking.

I just figured a taxi/train/ or shuttle from our hotel would work. I'm gonna skip the crazy at Canada Place. Figured that would be one crazy location And not something I wanted to deal with on embarkation day. My own transportation it is

 

[Maleficent59]

I read a trip report with pics of people sitting on deck with the blankets. I wish I could remember what the blankets might be Thin or thick. Now I can't find it

Somewhere there is a pic floating around. Sorry not very helpful

On our last Alaska cruise, throw blankets were available everywhere on deck on Tracy Arm day. They were dark blue and made of the same material as airline blankets, but about twice as thick. We brought a couple back to our cabin to use on the verandah.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I just figured a taxi/train/ or shuttle from our hotel would work. I'm gonna skip the crazy at Canada Place. Figured that would be one crazy location And not something I wanted to deal with on embarkation day. My own transportation it is

My sentiments exactly! It's going to be crazy!

 

[GNRMatt]

I'm just over it! I have already made other transportation arrangements. If DCL cannot be more communicative about what they are providing, the heck with them. Disney never gives anything away for free and if you don't stay at their sanctioned hotel and are not paying for the transfer service, then you don't get transportation. The only reason they are shuttling over people that park at Canada Place s because Ballantyne has no parking.

I posted this on Facebook previously. I complained about this to the President of the Disney Cruise Line. They originally were NOT going to provide this transportation for free to customers. However, after receiving complains, they changed their stance. I received a direct phone call from the President's assistant who assured me that free transportation will be provided for all guests from Canada Place to Ballantyne (although I wouldn't try to get to Canada Place last second for this). I'm fully planning on Disney transporting me for free between the two. If for some unforeseen circumstance they do not, it'll be easy to grab a cab between the two and then charge it back to Disney after the fact.

 

[mrp4352]

Hi!! Welcome to our fun, crazy group!!

Hi everyone,

I have been a long time lurker of the boards but since this is my first Disney cruise I thought I would finally join. I will be traveling with my parents and my 11 year old nephew. I am so excited and I hope I can meet some other solo travelers.

Thanks everyone for all of the information you guys have provided. I don't know how I would have booked everything if it weren't for the boards.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I posted this on Facebook previously. I complained about this to the President of the Disney Cruise Line. They originally were NOT going to provide this transportation for free to customers. However, after receiving complains, they changed their stance. I received a direct phone call from the President's assistant who assured me that free transportation will be provided for all guests from Canada Place to Ballantyne (although I wouldn't try to get to Canada Place last second for this). I'm fully planning on Disney transporting me for free between the two. If for some unforeseen circumstance they do not, it'll be easy to grab a cab between the two and then charge it back to Disney after the fact.

Thanks for posting this. However, it would be nice if Disney would let people know, including their own CMs at DCL, that this is an option. I have received nothing in writing from DCL to let me know that this is available to me. So far information has been sparse and inconsistent about leaving from Ballantyne. I'm sure there are some yet on our cruise that don't even know they aren't leaving from Canada Place. Regardless, it is going to be crazy trying to catch a shuttle so our group has chosen to take private transportation.

 

[Flattes]

I for one wouldn't go near Canada Place on May 24th. They have both Crown Princess and Zuiderdam in port (which is why Disney is at Balantyne). The place will be a zoo - both big ships with lots of passengers! I'm a little bummed as I live about 2 blocks from Canada Place and was planning on walking to the port....but now will just get a cab and, looking on the bright side, shouldn't have to wait for hours to clear immigration as we will be the only ship at Balantyne. Yay!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I for one wouldn't go near Canada Place on May 24th. They have both Crown Princess and Zuiderdam in port (which is why Disney is at Balantyne). The place will be a zoo - both big ships with lots of passengers! I'm a little bummed as I live about 2 blocks from Canada Place and was planning on walking to the port....but now will just get a cab and, looking on the bright side, shouldn't have to wait for hours to clear immigration as we will be the only ship at Balantyne. Yay!

Well, I booked the Pan Pacific for my DH for the night before boarding, so he won't have a choice but to be at Canada Place.

I guess I will be standing on the deck of the Wonder with my binoculars trying to find him on Ballantyne Pier.

 

[Frodo UK]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the forum.

We are on the 9 night Alaska cruise and are getting so excited. We fly to Vancouver from London on !8th May so will have a while in Vancouver first.

I have one worry though - the weather. Just how cold will it be, not sure what to pack.

Welcome to the Boards, we are doing back to back San Diego to Vancouver first, so flying out from London to LA on 17th. Guess our temps will be anything from 75F to 32F!

If in doubt, layers, plus waterproof .

 

[chris31997]

On our last Alaska cruise, throw blankets were available everywhere on deck on Tracy Arm day. They were dark blue and made of the same material as airline blankets, but about twice as thick. We brought a couple back to our cabin to use on the verandah.

Thank you Thank you Thank you

I knew I wasn't going crazy, well some would disagree It is nice to have an idea what type/kind of blanket they will/might have.

My sentiments exactly! It's going to be crazy!

I am glad I am not the only person thinking like this there are several of us Flattes mentioned imigration. I didn't even think of that, very good point. Quicker to get on and quicker to relax and start the vacation

 

[Flattes]

Well, I booked the Pan Pacific for my DH for the night before boarding, so he won't have a choice but to be at Canada Place.

I guess I will be standing on the deck of the Wonder with my binoculars trying to find him on Ballantyne Pier.

Balantyne doesn't have a "pier" as such - just a parking lot! In the past, other than to drop off / pick up no non-passengers were allowed anywhere near so if he was planning on waving you off I don't think it will be an option! Maybe things have changed since I last sailed from there in 2008!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Balantyne doesn't have a "pier" as such - just a parking lot! In the past, other than to drop off / pick up no non-passengers were allowed anywhere near so if he was planning on waving you off I don't think it will be an option! Maybe things have changed since I last sailed from there in 2008!

He is actually joining me on the ship for the Alaskan 9-night cruise. I will already be on the ship, having arrived on the California Coast sailing. That is why he is at the Pan Pacific without me.

 

[eganfire]

Hi everyone,

I have been a long time lurker of the boards but since this is my first Disney cruise I thought I would finally join. I will be traveling with my parents and my 11 year old nephew. I am so excited and I hope I can meet some other solo travelers.

Thanks everyone for all of the information you guys have provided. I don't know how I would have booked everything if it weren't for the boards.

Traveling with family, solo traveler for most of the nights and excursions. Looking forward to meeting you.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

I have many, many packing cubes. We love, love these things. I too roll my clothes. We also have the Mother Lode bags from Ebags. They are the absolute best for travel. We can get an unbelievable amount of clothing into these things.

Being from a military family my clothes were ALWAYS rolled when we packed. But I didn't know anything about packing cubes until only about 4 years ago. I don't know how I ever got by without them before.

I ordered last night a pair of Arm Warmers. They are like a cable knit sweater, the fingers are out, there is a thumb hole and the material covers up to the base of your fingers and the material goes up to your elbow. I thought this would be great for when I'm taking photo's and need my fingers free, but need some warmth as well.

Can't wait. Getting so excited.

I have a pattern for some really cute arm warmers, but I only got as far as casting on the first row. My knitting stash has been dormant for the last 2 years. Fortunately I have a pair of fleece wrist-warmers I've had for about ten years. Love them!

I was thinking about making a pair for my daughter. Hopefully I have enough time. They are super quick, but with the 5 million other things I still have left to do, I'm seriously cutting it close.

No fair!!! What do you want hahaha...

I love you, but I'm not telling. I will show you if I get it though. Now it's going to be all built up and when you see it, you'll be like "Seriously? You held me in suspense for that?"

Heck, the person delivering the Alaska goodies will probably go to Canada Place, too, like the rest of our cruise!

BTW I am loving the FREE in quotes haha. I was telling Melissa last night about all the "free" food/room service with Disney and said "I will love eating the thousands of dollars worth of food on this cruise that I paid for" haha.

I know, right! All inclusive is a purchased RIGHT, not a perk. I will be very courteous and polite while I am enjoying my RIGHTS because I know how hard the CMs work from maintenance and cleaning crew and food service all the way up and I am respectful to all of them . . . But I will be enjoying my rights to the FULLEST! (And yes I am yelling in a weird sporadic manner, but it's a HAPPY YELL! )

MoonDaughter~ Finally! Got around to reading the first page!
Everything looks so good and I stand by my saying, I just dont know how you stay so organized!
Thanks for doing all of this!

Honestly, I don't know either and I'm the one organizing.

Hi everyone,

I have been a long time lurker of the boards but since this is my first Disney cruise I thought I would finally join. I will be traveling with my parents and my 11 year old nephew. I am so excited and I hope I can meet some other solo travelers.

Thanks everyone for all of the information you guys have provided. I don't know how I would have booked everything if it weren't for the boards.

Welcome!

Me too. Love flipping a switch and not having to worry about a card. Makes life easier

Yes! I'm all for conserving energy and being a part if the solution, I'm just not a fan of the card in the slot system. I have participated in it in many hotels and vacation spots outside of Disney and I understand why it's needed, just not a fan. Silly "bad apples" out there force the rest us to have to deal with it.

(*And if any "bad apples" are reading this: no insults are intended and flaming me for my comment only causes you to tell on yourself. )

On our last Alaska cruise, throw blankets were available everywhere on deck on Tracy Arm day. They were dark blue and made of the same material as airline blankets, but about twice as thick. We brought a couple back to our cabin to use on the verandah.

Thank you for this! Very helpful to know.

Thank you Thank you Thank you

I knew I wasn't going crazy, well some would disagree It is nice to have an idea what type/kind of blanket they will/might have.

I'm among those who agree. Sometimes even the tiniest details can be really helpful.

 

[MoonDaughter23]

I swear this is getting ridiculous haha. My travel agent said it was confirmed by her with Disney that the free shuttle will be provided. Someone on here a few pages (ok way more than a few) contacted the head of DCL and got a response back saying the shuttle was provided for everyone.

Who's on first?

I just figured a taxi/train/ or shuttle from our hotel would work. I'm gonna skip the crazy at Canada Place. Figured that would be one crazy location And not something I wanted to deal with on embarkation day. My own transportation it is

I posted this on Facebook previously. I complained about this to the President of the Disney Cruise Line. They originally were NOT going to provide this transportation for free to customers. However, after receiving complains, they changed their stance. I received a direct phone call from the President's assistant who assured me that free transportation will be provided for all guests from Canada Place to Ballantyne (although I wouldn't try to get to Canada Place last second for this). I'm fully planning on Disney transporting me for free between the two. If for some unforeseen circumstance they do not, it'll be easy to grab a cab between the two and then charge it back to Disney after the fact.

Thanks for posting this. However, it would be nice if Disney would let people know, including their own CMs at DCL, that this is an option. I have received nothing in writing from DCL to let me know that this is available to me. So far information has been sparse and inconsistent about leaving from Ballantyne. I'm sure there are some yet on our cruise that don't even know they aren't leaving from Canada Place. Regardless, it is going to be crazy trying to catch a shuttle so our group has chosen to take private transportation.

I for one wouldn't go near Canada Place on May 24th. They have both Crown Princess and Zuiderdam in port (which is why Disney is at Balantyne). The place will be a zoo - both big ships with lots of passengers! I'm a little bummed as I live about 2 blocks from Canada Place and was planning on walking to the port....but now will just get a cab and, looking on the bright side, shouldn't have to wait for hours to clear immigration as we will be the only ship at Balantyne. Yay!

I am glad I am not the only person thinking like this there are several of us Flattes mentioned imigration. I didn't even think of that, very good point. Quicker to get on and quicker to relax and start the vacation

I was always planning to take a cab, but I'm adding my 2 pennies anyway...again. I just find it interesting that of my 4 times planning a DCL vacation this is the first for me that is full of confusion. Between Canada Place/Ballantyne, shuttle/no shuttle, and even the formal night/no formal night, etc there is just too much conflicting information. I'm really hoping when the time comes DCL will have ironed it out by getting the correct information out to everyone and (as mentioned a few pages ago) hopefully have a CM at Canada Place directing misguided people to Ballantyne. And hopefully again the frustration levels and headaches of all the passengers will be in the low range because they will have gotten the correct information out. Especially because not everyone sailing researches and joins meet groups like we do, so I imagine there are still cruisers who may have no idea NOT to go to Canada place. I know if I wasn't part of this group, hadn't gotten the letter addressed to my TA and hadn't done my own research, I definitely would have gone to Canada Place because my booklet from DCL STILL says Canada Place and not Ballantyne. I am so grateful to have this group (and other message board sites and cruise groups likes this) to compare information with. I anticipate those that don't will have a lot to figure out in a short amount of time.

Well, I booked the Pan Pacific for my DH for the night before boarding, so he won't have a choice but to be at Canada Place.

I guess I will be standing on the deck of the Wonder with my binoculars trying to find him on Ballantyne Pier.

Sorry. The vision this put in my head is just funny to me.