Official Seattle information thread Updated 5/28/2014-Oso update

[Grumpymom73]

Just wanted to let anyone that was thinking of buying a Seattle CityPASS know that the prices are going up March 1st. Adults tickets are going from $59 to $69, Child from $39 to $44.

Just wanted to let everyone know.

 

[mellers]

Living Social has a deal on a boutique Seattle Hotel, but there are a couple of things you should note about the deal:

1. The deal is only good on one night--other nights get you a 20% discount, but it will be quite a bit more.

2. You must book the hotel by May 31st, although it appears as though you can stay later. My suggestion is to call the hotel before you purchase the certificate, and make sure it's good for the night you want.

3. The cheapest deal has a shared bathroom--I have found that to be a royal pain. The more expensive deal sounds quite luxurious, however, and doesn't have that problem--but it is more expensive:

4. I am not sure how far away Ballard is from the Pier.

http://www.livingsocial.com/escapes/236354-seattle-boutique-hotel?msdc_id=1729-seatlle-citywide

 

[queenbee99]

Is there any current info on this?

I'm thinking Costco is a sure bet once they put it in place

(For those not in the state Costco spent beaucoup bucks on commercials to encourage votes to change the law)
Details on this won't really be known until mid May for cruises after June 1.

For cruises before June 1- State Liquor stores will be where you have to go.

We do however promise it will be available.

 

[queenbee99]

Thank you! I need to see what this is!

I can't find it now but I thought that I read that if you book Amtrak and are AAA member, you get upgraded to business class for free. I am just getting a discount on our tickets. Anyone know?

Just wanted to let anyone that was thinking of buying a Seattle CityPASS know that the prices are going up March 1st. Adults tickets are going from $59 to $69, Child from $39 to $44.

Just wanted to let everyone know.

 

[twinstars]

Just wanted to let anyone that was thinking of buying a Seattle CityPASS know that the prices are going up March 1st. Adults tickets are going from $59 to $69, Child from $39 to $44.

Just wanted to let everyone know.

Hey, thanks for sharing this information! I didn't know that. This just might convince hubby to let me plan early. We don't go until August.

 

[eandesmom]

Living Social has a deal on a boutique Seattle Hotel, but there are a couple of things you should note about the deal:

1. The deal is only good on one night--other nights get you a 20% discount, but it will be quite a bit more.

2. You must book the hotel by May 31st, although it appears as though you can stay later. My suggestion is to call the hotel before you purchase the certificate, and make sure it's good for the night you want.

3. The cheapest deal has a shared bathroom--I have found that to be a royal pain. The more expensive deal sounds quite luxurious, however, and doesn't have that problem--but it is more expensive:

4. I am not sure how far away Ballard is from the Pier.

http://www.livingsocial.com/escapes/236354-seattle-boutique-hotel?msdc_id=1729-seatlle-citywide

Ballard is not remotely close to the pier, it's a neighborhood to the north of downtown, parts of it on the water. I'm not sure where this hotel is (actually didn't even know there were any hotels IN ballard proper). It has some great dining and shopping but you are a good 20+ minutes away from the pier, possibly more with traffic. A car would be a must.

Thank you! I need to see what this is!

I can't find it now but I thought that I read that if you book Amtrak and are AAA member, you get upgraded to business class for free. I am just getting a discount on our tickets. Anyone know?

We did the train a few years back and I think you might be right but am not sure. The Amtrak or AAA website should say. That said, we didn't find the business class to be all that special, it's not like the European trains or even the east coast. they have done some updating to the cars I think so it could be much nicer. Don't get me wrong, it was fine but it wasn't a huge upgrade if memory serves.

 

[queenbee99]

We did the train a few years back and I think you might be right but am not sure. The Amtrak or AAA website should say. That said, we didn't find the business class to be all that special, it's not like the European trains or even the east coast. they have done some updating to the cars I think so it could be much nicer. Don't get me wrong, it was fine but it wasn't a huge upgrade if memory serves.

Thanks! Maybe I don't even need to worry about it...has anyone ever done the quick shuttle and amtrak? Looking compare experiences.

I was just reading your trip report! The Whistler part as we hadn't really considered it but sent dh a note about it. My 8 year old dd wants to see snow so badly. Any chance in June?

 

[mellers]

Thanks! Maybe I don't even need to worry about it...has anyone ever done the quick shuttle and amtrak? Looking compare experiences.

I was just reading your trip report! The Whistler part as we hadn't really considered it but sent dh a note about it. My 8 year old dd wants to see snow so badly. Any chance in June?

We have taken the QuickShuttle at least 5 times--it has always been on time, never a problem with the wheelchair lift, and the drivers have always been courteous. Our cousins live in Richmond, BC (near YVR), and it is our usual method to go see them--we live outside Seattle.

 

[queenbee99]

Another option to consider. We really thought we would do the train but I am not opposed to trying something else. How long does the shuttle take to get to Vancouver? Also we had said that we wanted to be in Seattle the night before our cruise just in case any transportation issues happened. That was when we were doing Seattle first but if we did Vancouver first would you drive in on the same day as your cruise either by train or shuttle?

We have taken the QuickShuttle at least 5 times--it has always been on time, never a problem with the wheelchair lift, and the drivers have always been courteous. Our cousins live in Richmond, BC (near YVR), and it is our usual method to go see them--we live outside Seattle.

 

[mellers]

Another option to consider. We really thought we would do the train but I am not opposed to trying something else. How long does the shuttle take to get to Vancouver? Also we had said that we wanted to be in Seattle the night before our cruise just in case any transportation issues happened. That was when we were doing Seattle first but if we did Vancouver first would you drive in on the same day as your cruise either by train or shuttle?

Just on general principle I would make the border crossing the night before. If there's a problem, I wouldn't want to miss my cruise. As to how long it takes--they have a schedule posted on their website:

http://www.quickcoach.com/

and that should give you an idea as to the timetable from one point to the other.

The train is beautiful, from all I've heard (I've had too many problems with my wheelchair on other Amtrak routes to risk it). What I like about the QuickShuttle is that you have fewer luggage transfers--I'm not the only person in my family with disabilities, and hauling luggage is a major pain for us.

 

[Disneygal19]

Thank you all for postings such helpful info!! I am sailing out of seattle in July and can't wait!!

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks! Maybe I don't even need to worry about it...has anyone ever done the quick shuttle and amtrak? Looking compare experiences.

I was just reading your trip report! The Whistler part as we hadn't really considered it but sent dh a note about it. My 8 year old dd wants to see snow so badly. Any chance in June?

We've only done Amtrak and just once but did do it round trip just DH and I. Driving is faster but it was nice not to deal with a car in downtown Vancouver and read a book, have a drink, or whatever on the train instead of being in the car.

I Whistler in the summer! There will be snow at the top, there are people that heli ski and snowboard year round. When we were there in July the upper part of the mountain was still open I think, we saw tons of snowboarders. We didn't do the Peak to Peak chair but I'd think you might be able to at least see it from there (though not touch).

 

[Caropooh]

I posted this on the Vancouver FAQ thread also

FYI about Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver...
remember, the only 2 runs that actually use the train ar the 7:40AM and the 6:50PM runs, everything else you are on a bus. The bus is not nearly as scenic as you are going up I-5 and not up the coast.

 

[eandesmom]

Another option to consider. We really thought we would do the train but I am not opposed to trying something else. How long does the shuttle take to get to Vancouver? Also we had said that we wanted to be in Seattle the night before our cruise just in case any transportation issues happened. That was when we were doing Seattle first but if we did Vancouver first would you drive in on the same day as your cruise either by train or shuttle?

I think if you are taking the shuttle, I might opt for the night before as any issues would really be out of your hands. We drove up the morning of, stopped for lunch first and had zero issues but I think most like being onboard a bit earlier than we did. We wanted to walk in with rooms already open and ready so no carrying around of our carryons. Not only did it work perfectly, we walked right on with no lines!

However the cautious approach would definitely be to leave earlier and get on board earlier!

 

[stepknees]

Ballard is not remotely close to the pier, it's a neighborhood to the north of downtown, parts of it on the water. I'm not sure where this hotel is (actually didn't even know there were any hotels IN ballard proper). It has some great dining and shopping but you are a good 20+ minutes away from the pier, possibly more with traffic. A car would be a must.

Ballard is actually not that far from Pier 91 (just up 15th and over the Ballard Bridge). It probably would take the same time to get to the pier from Ballard as from most parts of downtown. A car would be desirable, but it would be possible with a taxi, too.

 

[stepknees]

The Whistler part as we hadn't really considered it but sent dh a note about it. My 8 year old dd wants to see snow so badly. Any chance in June?

Whistler is one option, but if you have a car, you can certainly see snow in June much closer to Seattle, too. Mt. Rainier or Olympic National Parks are fantastic and super-scenic options, but you can also do the easy drive up I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass and find some snow at that time of year.

 

[stepknees]

For anyone who is a Seattle local, can you recommend the must have places to grab some food? DH is all about dining he is a foodie so we have a list of some places we are considering eating(all if possible)...

Poppy
Dahlia Lounge
Serious Pie
Six Seven for Brunch (I chose this because I want to eat on the waterfront)
Top pot dougnuts
Pike Brewing
many vendors in Pike place
and a few coffee shops about town

We thought of doing one of the Savor Seattle food tours but we aren't sure it is worth $70pp?

Thanks for any help!

Poppy and the Dahlia Lounge are fantastic. Get the triple coconut cream pie at the latter for dessert (and if you can't make it there for dinner, you can buy a slice next door at the Dahlia Bakery). Mistral Kitchen is another good choice.

Etta's and Lola are also great for brunch.

My parents just did Savor Seattle's chocolate tour while they were visiting us last month, and they loved it. (and it also stops at the Dahlia Bakery )

 

[mellers]

I don't know how good or bad it is, but there is a 90 minute guided tour of Seattle on sale on LivingSocial:

http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/27/deals/255378-seattle-tour-ticket

 

[eandesmom]

Whistler is one option, but if you have a car, you can certainly see snow in June much closer to Seattle, too. Mt. Rainier or Olympic National Parks are fantastic and super-scenic options, but you can also do the easy drive up I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass and find some snow at that time of year.

Not to mention that typically at Rainer in the summer, you can hike up to the snowline from paradise quite easily. It's dirty icky snow but that doesn't stop the kids from making a snowball or trying to sled a little.

 

[NWmom]

We've gone up Mt Baker in August. They have walking trails and there was plenty of snow. Enough to throw a few snow balls and it was still fairly clean as it has less summer visitors. From Seattle it is at least a half day trip, but could fill a whole day.

We took a picnic lunch and did a few easy trails.
Grandpa and DH had some mobility issues at that point. A hiking stick and a cane were used. Benches for resting spots for Grandpa.

AMTRAK- Seattle to Vancouver is not HA. Getting off the train at Vancouver I did not see a way to get a wheel chair off the train.
Also, you have to claim your luggage and then take it through customs. There is a slight incline into the building that would make negotiating everything tricky as it is too narrow for both a wheelchair and a piece of luggage pulled beside you. (Walking we managed to tip over one of our suitcases)