North To Alaska--May 3, 2011 on the Disney Wonder

[threebritts]

I also made some graphic itinerays for both cruises
please feel free to copy

for larger image click link http://i929.photobucket.com/albums/ad134/tombritt612/wciten.png

for larger image click link http://i929.photobucket.com/albums/ad134/tombritt612/alaiten.png

 

[Lynn G]

Heather - those 2 logs's were from Ken (KPRO) - check with him for a larger version.

 

[kris3kid]

Another cost saving measure was to fly into and out of Seattle instead of Vancouver (much cheaper fares for them) and enter Canada by land. I too am more comfortable with the book and that's what my immediate family has. It's the extended family I am worrying about. thanks for all your input.

If you fly in and out of Seattle there are two easy options to cross the boarder with just a card they are the train and Quick Shuttle. The Quick shuttle picks you up at the airport and takes you to several places in Vancouver also picks up at the Dock back to the airport. The card is fine for this. If you join entertainment.com they have a coupon for half off up to two people for the Quick Shuttle. You will need to pay the full price up front and then give the driver the coupon, only print up to two weeks before leaving, with your reservation number and you will be refunded on your credit card.

 

[sdlong329]

Another cost saving measure was to fly into and out of Seattle instead of Vancouver (much cheaper fares for them) and enter Canada by land.

For those on the East Coast ... taking the train into Seattle would relegate most of us to spend a night in Seattle, since most flights will not depart for the East Coast after 6PM.ish (CA time).

We selected Air Canada, from Vancouver to Philadelphia, with a short layover in Toronto. For us, it proved to be cheaper than taking the train, spending a night in Seattle, and flying back East the next day. Most flight search engines automatically divert you from Vancouver into the US (for a layover) prior to your ultimate destination.

Those of you on the East coast might want to look into this option, if interested.

Steven

 

[ppartekim]

For those on the East Coast ... taking the train into Seattle would relegate most of us to spend a night in Seattle, since most flights will not depart for the East Coast after 6PM.ish (CA time).

We selected Air Canada, from Vancouver to Philadelphia, with a short layover in Toronto. For us, it proved to be cheaper than taking the train, spending a night in Seattle, and flying back East the next day. Most flight search engines automatically divert you from Vancouver into the US (for a layover) prior to your ultimate destination.

Those of you on the East coast might want to look into this option, if interested.

Steven

Wow, for once we west coasters have an advantage on a Disney Cruise. Usually it is us who are relegated to spending the night in Orlando before a cruise.

It will be nice for once to drive up to the port and then drive home without worrying about all the extra luggage and Disney Goodies they hopefully will give out.

 

[HebeJebe]

Disney Goodies they hopefully will give out.

You are singing my tune! What do you think we might get? I read somewhere that Ducky told a cruiser Alaska would get a print with Mickey & Coda. Plus don't they usually give a gift for special cruises? I received a ceramic box on the Panama Canal cruise in 2008. I love it and keep my Disney confetti and streamers in it!

 

[poohj80]

For those on the East Coast ... taking the train into Seattle would relegate most of us to spend a night in Seattle, since most flights will not depart for the East Coast after 6PM.ish (CA time).

We are looking at it as a bonus prize to get to spend some time in Seattle pre-cruise since flying into Vancouver for us (at least right now) is over double the price of Seattle (x4).

 

[TiggersPal]

Popping in to say hello - even though I am posting on the REpo/Alaska thread that is combined!!!! A bit confusing - but thought I'd say HELLO! Does everyone have their excursions planned? I am soooo excited!!!!

 

[sdlong329]

REMINDER:

1) If you have INTEREST in attending a beer tasting ... but thought it would be better to go with people you know ... keep reading.

2) If you wanted to attend a tasting, but did not want to leave your spouse alone ... keep reading.

3) If you are not 100% sure you will attend, but think you might like to attend ... keep reading.

I am taking names of those who have INTEREST in attending a DCL beer tasting. Once aboard the ship, I will try to find out WHEN the beer tasting will commence. Once known, I will leave a voice mail message for you (on your stateroom voice mail), alerting you to the date and time. You will handle registration and payment on your own, directly through DCL. If appropriate, I can also leave a message (stateroom voice mail) the evening before the tasting, as noted in the Navigator.

So, if you THINK you would have interest ... send me a PM with your name, DISboard userID, and stateroom # (if known) ... along with whether you want to participate in the REPO beer tasting, ALASKA beer tasting ... or BOTH. I will keep a list ... and notify all appropriate parties when / as needed.

Spouses can opt to meet at the event, and head elsewhere during the tasting ... or ... you are usually able to attend as a non drinking guest.

Chime in if you have any other thoughts or suggestions.

Steven

 

[sdlong329]

For those who may be traveling on the REPO cruise, and spending some pre.cruise time at Disneyland ... READ ON ...

I have arranged for deluxe motorcoach to transport us (and hoards of luggage) from Disneyland DIRECTLY to the San Pedro cruise port, on the morning of April 27th. We will NOT need to go back to the airport, merely to board another shuttle to the port. Accordingly, this motorcoach will save us time AND money!

The motorcoach will stop at a Disneyland hotel (to be determined at a later date, based upon our needs, etc). Most of us are either staying ON Disney property, or are a short walking distance away. If you are staying a bit further out, consider using your hotel shuttle to get you (and your luggage) to Disneyland (and hence, the motorcoach).

Most of us seem to want to get to the cruise terminal early ... in order to get early boarding on the ship (which means we get a LONGER CRUISE!). Accordingly, we tentatively estimate boarding the MOTORCOACH to begin 7:45AM, with departure at 8:15AM (from the designated Disneyland hotel). In order to board upwards of 40 guests and their voluminous luggage, I would like to request that those taking the bus be in the designated meeting location (ie: designated hotel lobby), COMPLETE WITH ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR PARTY, AS WELL AS ALL OF YOUR LUGGAGE by 7:30AM. If 40 people show up at 8:15AM ... we will NOT be able to leave on time.

The deadline for reserving the motorcoach is March 30th. Though we will likely be able to add a few passengers after March 30th (on a *space available* basis), please do not wait until March 30th to make your reservation. Based upon the number of guests who have expressed interest so far, I am estimating a cost of $15 PER PERSON (including children of all ages). You can reserve seats in one of two ways:

1) Send $15 per seat, via personal check to Donna Long, for receipt on or before March 23rd (private message me for a mailing address).

2) Send $16 per seat, via PayPal. PayPal charges fees ... hence, the $16 vs $15 per seat. Send PM to me for my PayPal email address, which IS different than my main email address.

Regardless of payment method, PLEASE INCLUDE:
a) The number of people in your party
b) The name of the MAIN CONTACT person in your party along with Disboard ID
c) Current telephone number for MAIN CONTACT person (indicate day or night time contact)
d) Email address for MAIN CONTACT person
e) The name of EACH person in your party
f) The name of your California hotel (Grand Californian, Paradise Pier, Marriott, etc)
g) A cell phone number (to call on the morning of April 27th, in case of issues with the bus location).

Your seat will NOT be reserved until payment, and the aforementioned requested information has been received (and funds cleared). If you make payment via PayPal eCheck, your payment can take 2 weeks to clear ... so it is best to use PayPal credit, PayPal debit, PayPal cash, or send personal check.

If, after processing all payments, we find there to be excessive funds, we can process a prorated refund to those who pay via PayPal ... upon conclusion of the Inaugural Alaskan cruise.

Thank you,

Steven

 

[kpros]

Hi Everyone

This is the list for free custom lanyards and name badges for everyone
in your cruise group. Please take a close look at your listing and PM
me if I've made a spelling error, left someone off, wrong cruise, or if you are no longer
going on one of these cruises. Please PM me if you would rather have a different
version of your name on the badge (nickname, etc.).

PLEASE REVIEW YOUR LISTING AND PM ME IF IT IS CORRECT!
A * before your listing means your have verified the names and you are good to go - you do not have to respond.

It's very important that I hear from people on the "not confirmed" list.
I don't want to leave anyone out and I want to make sure that the names are correct!
So if you are on the "not confirmed" part of the list, please let me know if the listing is correct.

GETTING YOUR LANYARDS AND NAME BADGES
If your name is on this list (except for those on the "not confirmed" list), I have a name badge and lanyard for you. Please make an effort to pick them up.

Name badges and lanyards will be available at the following locations:

In Los Angeles:
At the terminal - I will get there fairly early - you will have to play "Where's Ken" to find me. It probably won't be to difficult - just ask the people with the special lanyards and name badges.

On Deck 10 - Starboard side (that's the ride side of the ship) - overlooking the Goofy pool from 2:30 to 3:30pm - if it's raining, I will move to the Promenade Lounge.

If we can't connect in these places, you will have to call me in room 6584 and make arrangements for pickup.

I will be giving out two sets of lanyards and name badges in Los Angeles for those doing the B2B!

In Vancouver:
Because I'm on the Repo, I cannot guarantee that I will be in the terminal at Vancouver. Therefore, I will be in the Promenade Lounge from 2:30 to 3:30.

If we can't connect at that time, you will have to call me in room 6584 and make arrangements for pickup.


Name badges and lanyards provided by these nice people:

* aphoenix/AVP - B2B - Tony, Adrienne, Jan, Gary, Mary Anne, Regine
* BobandLee - B2B - Bob, Leora
* bonzie1 - B2B - Georgie, Joe
* DisneyPinDiva - B2B - Leslie, Joe
* EllaEnchanted/1Grumpy John - B2B - Deb, John
* first timers - B2B - Alex, Carolyn
* grumpy-gramps - B2B - John, Barb
* gydell - B2B - Gydell, Bill, Betsy, Brent
* Hygiene99 - ALASKA - Peter, Jenn
* kpros/spros - B2B - Ken, Shari
* Mickey&JoshNut - B2B - Elaine, Margaret
* Scott H/Lynn G - B2B - Scott, Lynn
* seaulater - B2B - Linda, Jamie
* tig82174 - B2B - Erik, Jason
* Tigrrtum/DzneLin - B2B - Terry, Linda
* Winotracy/AskAGeek - B2B - Tracy, Bill
* wrabitdad - B2B - Bob, Dale, Gordy
* Regina and Gary - ALASKA

Lanyard and Name Badge List for the West Coast Repo and First Alaska Cruise
The first name listed is the name associated with the Disboard ID

Confirmed Back-2-Back Cruisers:

* BibbidyBoddidyBoo - B2B - Shelley, Jeff, Ruby, Robert, Rita
* COASTIEandMATE - B2B - Ron, Karen
* DisneyRN1 - B2B - Vicki, Greg
* DL1957 - B2B - Sue, Paul, Margaret (Alaska only), Mary (Alaska only)
* Dopeylover54 - B2B - Ken, Christie
* eeyorefreak - B2B - Shannon, Pete, Sam, Diane, Linda, Mike
* EpcotKilterFan - B2B - Debbie, Jeanette
* Ferkals - B2B - Mary, Tom
* HollyTyler - B2B - Holly, Tyler, Susan (Alaska only)
* ibouncetoo - B2B - Jackie, PJ (TiggersPal)
* karaeric - B2B - Kara, Eric, Patty, Doug
* katypop - B2B - Kathe, Sara (Repo only), Trevor (Repo only)
* Kevin&Randall - B2B - Randall, Kevin
* LisaG520 - B2B - Lisa, Darrell
* MenashaCorp/MerriePoppins - B2B - Jason, Susan
* MJGirl - B2B - Mary Jane, Kirstyn
* MouseFaninQueue/LuvBaloo - B2B - Ken, Shannon, Shaelyn, Kaleigh, Tom, Nada
* NotSoLittleMermaid - B2B - Cheri
* onekindman - B2B - Steve, Joey, Danny, Bernie (Repo only), Devera (Repo only)
* padalyn - B2B - Cayla, Michael, Gary
* Pappy - B2B - Neil, Liz
* rcostello1 - B2B - Rob, Larry
* Robin"D" - B2B - Robin, Angel
* sabrecmc - B2B - Caryn, Aslan, James, Gail
* sandiedvc - B2B - Kathy, Mike
* sdlong329 - B2B - Steven, Donna, Lisa
* TADsMommy/TADsDaddy - B2B - Karen, Dave, Tiffany, Ashley, David
* threebrits - B2B - Heather, Tom, Bethany
* Yensidfan - B2B - Pete, Faith, Courtney, Peter
* zakerdog - B2B - Carol, Gary

Confirmed Repo only Cruisers:

* brandonbr - REPO - Brandon, Catherine, Brittany, Doug, Sharon
* castawaycayfans - REPO - Rob, Kim, Sarah, Henry, Dana, Logan, Alley
* Cupcaker - REPO - Jeanette, Jose
* CustardTart - REPO - Karen, Richard
* DbleTheFun - REPO - Kim, Aiden, Brodie
* denise - REPO - Denise, Jimmy, Eleni
* disforever - REPO - Kathy
* DMMarla07860 - REPO - Julia, Larry
* erbie - REPO - Erin, Peter, Suzy, Michael, Conal, Willow, Rowan, Grace, Eric, Soren
* Fanmanwdw - REPO - Dennis, Theresa, Natalie
* Fellowship9798 - REPO - Darren, Tracie, Hayden, Lily
* figment52 - REPO - Sandy, Sharon
* fitnessmouse - REPO - Ilja, Eelco, Twan, Demi
* hamm1207 - REPO - Sarah, Clint (N365PA)
* Herbie'sGal - REPO - Erica, Vicky
* Hillaryone - REPO - Laura, Sean, Erica
* lozzypop - REPO - Laura, Sarah
* MAGICFOR2 - REPO - Tammie, Jim
* megsablue - REPO - Meg, Greg (Gteppel)
* milliesmum - REPO - Julie, Peter, Pam, Carolyn
* njprincess/mohrt2 - REPO - Kathy, Frank
* nskjerven/chickeninthecupboard - REPO - Nan, Paul, Molly, Wilson
* okwjim - REPO - Jim, Judy, Jeff, Jon, Stephanie, Janeen, Greg
* pamkass - REPO - Pam, Buster, Julia, Toni, Keith, Julie, Andree, Mark
* philnphyl - REPO - Phil, Phyllis, Oliva, Preston, Kathy, Bill
* ReAnSt - REPO - Becky, Stephen (Nacho1337), Dave, Linda
* stacieps - REPO - Stacie, Rebecca, Duncan
* TheBeadPirate - REPO - Lori, Rick
* trimix - REPO - Brian, Michelle, Brennan
* WestCoaster - REPO - Angus, Jennifer, Owen, Wayne, Doris
* yogitxtx - REPO - Sandy, Tom, Norma

Confirmed Alaska only Cruisers:

* CaliGrrl - ALASKA - Kay, John, Kristina, Drew
* Eeyore77 - ALASKA - Jennifer, Chris
* figmentnnemo - ALASKA - Les, Vikki
* HebeJebe - ALASKA - Jennifer, Justice
* huggybear - ALASKA - Eileen, John
* kicki22 - ALASKA - Kara, Frank, Mae
* LocustPoint - ALASKA - Mary, Tom
* mishoe01 - ALASKA - Monica, Marlene
* ppartekim - ALASKA - Mike, Holly
* prossl - ALASKA - Linda
* princesslisa71 - ALASKA - Lisa, Linda
* purplern - ALASKA - Vicki, Rich, Amanda, Tim
* rotary2808 - ALASKA - Emily, Jason, Steve, Brenda
* sasmmb - ALASKA - Michelle, Brad
* xrobmn - ALASKA - Rob, Liz


These cruiser have not yet confirmed their names:


Bill'sdj - REPO - Debbie, Bill
disneyfan100* - REPO - Amy, Roger
disneyfan23 - B2B - John
fourfoxesinpa - REPO - Jamie, Brian
kathleena - ALASKA - Nancy, Ruth Ann
kimkatmom - B2B - Kim, Leslye, Harold, Barbara
LiseG - ALASKA - Lise, Chuck, Sabrina
Pluto - B2B - ?
poohbear926 - REPO - Lindsay, Brian
sinnika - REPO - ?
Suecot2000 - B2B - Sue
Tink rules - B2B - Michelle, Barbara, Planky
Vanvmom - REPO - Wendy, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?

An accurate list is very important because I don't want to leave anyone off the list!

Ken

 

[sdlong329]

I was trying to find a previous post, where someone asked about the ability to purchase items at a drug store. Someone was kind enough to give information on a facility (store), which would likely have a larger selection.

We're likely going to spend time on our own in Vancouver, but were thinking it would be practical to pick up a case of water before reboarding the ship (for B2B). Does anyone have thoughts / suggestions on what types of stores might be close to the port ... where we might be able to pick up a case of water, a six pack of PEPSI (we're not Coke fans) ... or perhaps a six pack of beer (if sold on a retial level)?

Any input / guidance would be apreciated!

Steven

 

[ppartekim]

Not much of a Beer Taster (tho, I could possibly be persuaded), But has anyone heard if they are doing a Martini or Tequila tasting.

We've done Martini tastings on most cruises and they are a blast. Never had a boring bartender yet and typically have walked away weaving and bleary eyed. I just need to remember to bring pen/paper for some of the recipes they come up with. Nur had one called the wedding cake on the westbound TA last Sept. and it tasted like a wedding cake. Very good, not too sweet, he made enough they each of us could have had like 3-4 tastes (4oz drinks), no including the other 3-4 versions we tasted earlier.

 

[padalyn]

Cayla... do you know if we can apply to just get a card. Our passports don't expire until 2015, but I am thinking a card would be good to have and was wondering if we have to wait until getting a whole renewal before getting a card.

Georgie - I think you can apply for the card since you already have the book. One can not apply for JUST the card without the book. Take a look at the website:
http://www.uspassportnow.com/?passport-application&gclid=CNGvybTmxacCFcnc4AodMVlnDA

this is where I applied for my renewal (with card). The cost of the card was 40.00 above the cost of the book.

 

[padalyn]

I am planning on staying in Vancouver for one night after this cruise, then taking the train to Seattle...any suggestions on how to get from the hotel (in old Vancouver) to the train station? I am not sure how far we are talking about. Also - should I buy my ticket in advance, or can/should I do it at the station that day?

Thanks!

 

[Scott H]

Georgie, save some $$$ and just apply directly to Department of State.

 

[sabrecmc]

We've done Martini tastings on most cruises and they are a blast. Never had a boring bartender yet and typically have walked away weaving and bleary eyed.

Really enjoyed the Martini tasting! I actually ended up doing it shortly after the wine tasting on our last 3 night back in September. Ahem, "weaving" indeed. Good stuff though. Definitely will do again though maybe try to pace myself a bit more. I've given up alchol for Lent though, so it may be "make-up" time on the cruise...

 

[ppartekim]

Really enjoyed the Martini tasting! I actually ended up doing it shortly after the wine tasting on our last 3 night back in September. Ahem, "weaving" indeed. Good stuff though. Definitely will do again though maybe try to pace myself a bit more. I've given up alchol for Lent though, so it may be "make-up" time on the cruise...

I once did a martini tasting (and held back a little, did the tasting but not the end-of-the-tasting tasting) so I could get to the art auction in time. The auction also had some appletinis as well. ANYWAY, long story short, I had a good time at the auction and ended up winning a couple of pieces I did not plan too. So, as they say don't go grocery shopping when hungry; don't go to an auction after a cruise tasting..

 

[sabrecmc]

I once did a martini tasting (and held back a little, did the tasting but not the end-of-the-tasting tasting) so I could get to the art auction in time. The auction also had some appletinis as well. ANYWAY, long story short, I had a good time at the auction and ended up winning a couple of pieces I did not plan too. So, as they say don't go grocery shopping when hungry; don't go to an auction after a cruise tasting..

Ah, drunk shopping...definitely dangerous! I ended up with some perfume that way on our Med cruise. I don't wear perfume. Maybe this time I'll end up with art!

 

[sdlong329]

I once did a martini tasting (and held back a little, did the tasting but not the end-of-the-tasting tasting) so I could get to the art auction in time. The auction also had some appletinis as well. ANYWAY, long story short, I had a good time at the auction and ended up winning a couple of pieces I did not plan too. So, as they say don't go grocery shopping when hungry; don't go to an auction after a cruise tasting..

ppartekim,
I believe DCL does Beer, Wine, Margarita and Tequila tastings on 7 day cruises. I am thinking they will have all of the tastings on the Alaska cruise ... and likely most (if not all) on the REPO. Usually, DCL permits lurkers to be at the events (no charge), if they are not drinking. Some people have said they have gone as a 2.for.1 ... meaning, they pay for one person, and SPLIT the samples. personally, I am not sure I could handle multiple tastings in the same day ... ESPECIALLY if it includes Tequila! I think some of these tastings are as little as $15 or so.

As for the art auctions ... I am a long time veteran of the auctions. The current selection of artwork on DCL has not been the greatest, since the departure of Park West Gallery. Most of that is because PWG has contracts with Disney authorized artists. So, the current auction house tries to fill in with sketches and sericels by current in house artists. The current auction house/gallery also has a track record of poor customer service, improper packaging, and snail's pace shipping!

OKAY ... art stuff aside ... the art auction is a grrrrreat place for free Champagne (and sometimes Appletini's and Cosmo's) ... just make sure you are there when the preview starts ... they auction house gets stingy with the drinks after about 15 minutes. If you have ANY intention of bidding ... make sure you do you homework and diligence in advance. Feel free to ask me art questions (online, or during the cruise), if you prefer. Remember, my advice is free ... the art isn't! DO NOT BID while intoxicated!

Steven