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

[Stinasmom]

For those of you planning to purchase liquor in Seattle, you might like this link that has current pricing of various brands at various stores. As you will see, we are expensive.

Also, the link is to The Stranger, the local alternative weekly... so fair warning about what the ads on the side might look like.

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/06/01/so-did-liquor-prices-go-up

As a Washington resident I definitely found this article interesting and certainly confirmed my suspicions that, with a few exceptions, we really weren't paying less. Thanks!

However, I do appreciate that when I am grocery shopping at odd hours or on Sunday, I can pick up a fifth of rum if I wish.

For cruisers coming to Seattle, you will also benefit from the availability of liquor on Sundays (the day prior to departure). Although some liquor stores were open on Sundays before, it was limited locations and limited hours.

So far, I am quite happy with the freedom of choice and removal of government controls in this area of life.

Now, let's hope that we can still buy a 32 oz cup of Coca Cola if we wish!!

 

[maggie blossom]

Another question about the Woodland zoo and Theo Chocolate tour. Are they both accessible by public transportation (or inexpensive taxi)? We don't plan to rent a car while in Seattle. We will be staying in downtown area.
Thanks again!

 

[mellers]

Another question about the Woodland zoo and Theo Chocolate tour. Are they both accessible by public transportation (or inexpensive taxi)? We don't plan to rent a car while in Seattle. We will be staying in downtown area.
Thanks again!

Call Eastside for Hire and ask what the cost would be--I don't think it would be very expensive. Woodland park isn't that far away.

From downtown, Metro Transit Route 5 will take you from 3rd Avenue & Pine Street to Phinney Ave N and N 55th Street, very near the Woodland Park Zoo.

 

[sprylo]

Another question about the Woodland zoo and Theo Chocolate tour. Are they both accessible by public transportation (or inexpensive taxi)? We don't plan to rent a car while in Seattle. We will be staying in downtown area.
Thanks again!

The 5 bus will get you to both Theo and the zoo. The zoo entrance is right by a bus stop, but Theo is a short walk (less than 10 minutes). Alternately, you could take the 26 or 28 bus to Theo (which will get you a little closer), then take the 5 bus up to the zoo. Or do it in reverse. All three routes are pretty straightforward, though I think they all have express service that might not stop where you need to. Catch a local (or ask the driver to make sure) and you'll be fine. In my experience, Google Maps has better transit directions here in Seattle than Metro does.

If you enjoy walking, it's less than two miles from the zoo to Theo (all down hill). The promise of chocolate is always a great motivator on a walk like that.

 

[DizDays]

The Victoria Clipper has a good deal on a round trip ferry from Seattle. It's a day trip, if you're staying on the waterfront, but it's a LONG day trip, so be aware, if that's your plan:

http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/1729/deals/330108-round-trip-ferry-ticket-for-one-adult

Mellers or any of the DisBoards other Seattle Gurus: if you see another Groupon or Living Social deal for the Victoria Clipper, please post it. DH and I will arrive 3 days prior to our cruise (on 31 AUG). We'll rent a car for one day to visit Mt Rainier and are considering Victoria for one of the other days (if the price is right).

And thanks to everyone for this outstanding thread. Our trip is finally starting to shape up thanks to all of you.

 

[DizDays]

Two more questions:

(1) How easy is it to get a cab at Westlake Center?

(2) Since we are on the final cruise that terminates in Vancouver, we will spend two nights exploring around there before heading back to SEA for a flight home. We are considering Amtrak for our transportation south.

• Is that the best transportation choice as far as ease and cost?

• What should I know about it?

• How close to the Seattle airport will it get us? And then what do we need to do?

• How much "fudge time" do we need to build into the travel schedule to allow for typical "whatevers"?

• How easy is customs at the border and is there anything important we should know about that?

OK - that was a WHOLE lot more than 2 questions. But I know we have some experts on this board! TIA!!

 

[mellers]

Two more questions:
(1) How easy is it to get a cab at Westlake Center?

In general, I recommend reserving taxis. I usually use Eastside for Hire, but even if you call "at time", it's rare you'll wait more than about 15 minutes for a taxi. It's often easier, however, to take the light rail, bus, or to walk.

(2) Since we are on the final cruise that terminates in Vancouver, we will spend two nights exploring around there before heading back to SEA for a flight home. We are considering Amtrak for our transportation south.

• Is that the best transportation choice as far as ease and cost?

It depends on where you are staying. If I am staying at the airport or at a downtown hotel with Quick Shuttle, I usually like to take it because then I don't have to get transportation to Amtrak. Also, if you're planning to head straight to the airport, the QuickShuttle will drop you off right at the airport, and might be a better choice.

• What should I know about it?

Since I've been in a wheelchair, I recommend against using Amtrak if you're a fellow wheelie. You're separated from all but one family member, and they will send you back and forth, up and down the train if they overbook. It's a pain in the backside. After dealing with Amtrak too many other times, I've been afraid to take it to Vancouver, but I've heard the view is amazing. Be sure you're taking the train, and not the Amtrak bus, however. If you're taking the bus, you may as well take the QuickShuttle, and go directly to the airport.

• How close to the Seattle airport will it get us? And then what do we need to do?

Not close. If you are very intrepid (and don't have much luggage), you can walk over to the transit tunnel, and get on the light rail to the airport. Generally, however, it's easy to catch a taxi from Amtrak.

• How much "fudge time" do we need to build into the travel schedule to allow for typical "whatevers"?

Quite a lot. Amtrak isn't known for its timeliness, and the QuickShuttle can be impacted by backups at the border.

• How easy is customs at the border and is there anything important we should know about that?

Perhaps an Amtrak rider can speak to their border crossing. Crossings on the QuickShuttle work as follows: They unload the luggage, then you take your luggage through customs and show your passport. On the other side of the border, the bus driver reloads your luggage and off you go. Honestly, it's less intrusive than going through the airport domestically.

OK - that was a WHOLE lot more than 2 questions. But I know we have some experts on this board! TIA!!

Hope that was helpful.

 

[Bunless]

Two more questions:

(1) How easy is it to get a cab at Westlake Center?
Really easy, but depending on where you want to go, catching light rail or a bus might be easier

(2) Since we are on the final cruise that terminates in Vancouver, we will spend two nights exploring around there before heading back to SEA for a flight home. We are considering Amtrak for our transportation south.

• Is that the best transportation choice as far as ease and cost?

Yes. While the above poster had very good reasons for not liking Amtrak, if you are not in a wheelchair, then it is the best option.

• What should I know about it?

If you've gone on a plane or train, then you are more than prepared already. It is more relaxing than both, you have a lot of leg room, you can walk around, the dining car is fairly decent, free wi-fi... and, oh yes, THE VIEW. A lot of families take the Cascade, they just stow the strollers once you get to your train-car.

• How close to the Seattle airport will it get us? And then what do we need to do?

If you take the train to the King Street Station, you can walk half a block to light rail and take that to the airport. V. v. easy.

• How much "fudge time" do we need to build into the travel schedule to allow for typical "whatevers"?

I would give it two hours. The think that delays the Cascade the most are mudslides, and September is our dry season

• How easy is customs at the border and is there anything important we should know about that?

I've only taken the Cascade northbound, so I can't speak to what it is like traveling south.

OK - that was a WHOLE lot more than 2 questions. But I know we have some experts on this board! TIA!!

.

 

[danacath]

Such good info here!

We'll be driving a rental car from Seattle to Vancouver and back, so I have a border question: Is there anything that we should be aware of (produce, other purchases, etc.) that isn't allowed to be taken into or out of either country? As a child, my family got stuck at the border to Mexico with our big bag of CA hand-picked oranges, so we went inside the station and ate and ate and juiced and juiced as many as we could stomach. I do love oranges, but I'd rather not re-live another situation like that one!

 

[DizDays]

Thanks a million Mellers and Bunless (I love that name!)! This gives me a bunch to talk over with the DH. I'm so excited for this trip. The excitement grows each day we get closer. I can't wait! Mellers... I look forward to meeting you onboard. You have been a wealth of information in this thread and several others.

Thanks to all!

 

[eandesmom]

Such good info here!

We'll be driving a rental car from Seattle to Vancouver and back, so I have a border question: Is there anything that we should be aware of (produce, other purchases, etc.) that isn't allowed to be taken into or out of either country? As a child, my family got stuck at the border to Mexico with our big bag of CA hand-picked oranges, so we went inside the station and ate and ate and juiced and juiced as many as we could stomach. I do love oranges, but I'd rather not re-live another situation like that one!

If memory serves you can take fruit out, but not in. There are limits on alcohol, I forget what it is but it's something like 2 bottles of wine or 1.5L of alcohol or some equivalent in beer.

There are other dollar limits on purchases coming back from a duty perspective but you can find all of that and anything I missed on the border crossing website.

 

[Momma2Jax]

My DS and I went down and saw "Mickey Boat" in the port today, I actually squealed when I saw it!

 

[Bunless]

For anyone getting on or off the Wonder today, count yourself lucky!
It is such a beautiful, beautiful day in Seattle. Hope you enjoy it!

 

[DizDays]

My DS and I went down and saw "Mickey Boat" in the port today, I actually squealed when I saw it!

Completely envious! When I hear the squeal on September 3rd, I'll know who it is! We're almost there.

 

[Caropooh]

For anyone getting on or off the Wonder today, count yourself lucky!
It is such a beautiful, beautiful day in Seattle. Hope you enjoy it!

It sure is beautiful! Quite the change from last weeks weather1

They should have a awesome sail away today!

 

[tripsmom]

I have asked this question on 2 other threads and don't want to be a pest but I am just trying to fing out the answer - if anyone actually knows!!!!

What time does the port in Seattle actually open? I know the official answer is 11:00 but I have heard of people arriving at 10:45 and the terminal being full and they received a boarding number of 6. So.... does anyone know what time it really opens? We are from the east coast and will be awake anyway. I figure we might as well wait around the port instead of the hotel!

Thank you!

 

[DisSarahK]

Such good info here!

We'll be driving a rental car from Seattle to Vancouver and back, so I have a border question: Is there anything that we should be aware of (produce, other purchases, etc.) that isn't allowed to be taken into or out of either country? As a child, my family got stuck at the border to Mexico with our big bag of CA hand-picked oranges, so we went inside the station and ate and ate and juiced and juiced as many as we could stomach. I do love oranges, but I'd rather not re-live another situation like that one!

Washington isn't a big fan of you bringing produce (especially apples) *into* the state. That's the only big one I can remember--it has been awhile since I've crossed the border though.

 

[eandesmom]

Washington isn't a big fan of you bringing produce (especially apples) *into* the state. That's the only big one I can remember--it has been awhile since I've crossed the border though.

Tree fruit in general, specifically I think.

 

[MillauFr]

Such good info here!

We'll be driving a rental car from Seattle to Vancouver and back, so I have a border question: Is there anything that we should be aware of (produce, other purchases, etc.) that isn't allowed to be taken into or out of either country? As a child, my family got stuck at the border to Mexico with our big bag of CA hand-picked oranges, so we went inside the station and ate and ate and juiced and juiced as many as we could stomach. I do love oranges, but I'd rather not re-live another situation like that one!

I never try to bring fruit back into the US. Someone told me they ban all fruit with seeds. Not sure what fruit you could buy in Canada that they don't have in the US anyway.

As for alcohol... People get frequently confused on this one. All the limits people talk about are for duty free alcohol. You can bring back as much alcohol as you like as long as you can convince the customs officer that it is for personal use. They don't want you bringing back alcohol for resale. If you exceed the duty free limits two things can happen. They can ignore the limits and you pay no duty or they can charge you the duty. I wouldn't worry about paying the duty because it is only 20 cents on a bottle of wine.

 

[Luv_Tink]

I have asked this question on 2 other threads and don't want to be a pest but I am just trying to fing out the answer - if anyone actually knows!!!!

What time does the port in Seattle actually open? I know the official answer is 11:00 but I have heard of people arriving at 10:45 and the terminal being full and they received a boarding number of 6. So.... does anyone know what time it really opens? We are from the east coast and will be awake anyway. I figure we might as well wait around the port instead of the hotel!

Thank you!

The Port of Seattle doesn't advertise the time that the terminal opens to passengers anywhere that I can find. Although if the prior cruise is disembarking around 9:00 I would assume the building is open. It just depends how long you want to stand around waiting. There's really nothing to entertain you while you wait at the terminal.