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

[brandysmommy]

Generally speaking how far in advance do you need to book the Victoria clipper?

 

[Nicolepa]

I am perhaps the only Seattle native who seriously does not get the big fuss over Dick's....




No, although you can pre-purchase. Tours are given on the hour, every hour, so I suspect you can just show up.

You can just show up, but in the summer, especially on the weekend the tours do sell out. You can probably get a tour any given day, but it might not be the next one leaving.

 

[eandesmom]

Isn't Snoqualmie Falls walk way under construction? I thought it would not be done until 2013 or 2014.

We drove out there last Summer and were disappointment that we could not walk down.

Ah, didn't realize that, it's one of those things you go so much you take it for granted and I've not been up in a few years so didn't realize they were working on it. We were married at Salish. rainbow over the falls and everything. Need to get back up there but may have to wait a year so we can walk down.

However if folks want to actually hike, lots of nice options nearby (mt. si, little si, old si trail, tiger mountain, twin falls etc) and you'd still get to see the falls from the platform. Could be a great way to burn off breakfast from the lodge! Amazing food but filling. Fun outdoorsy NW day if the weather cooperates and a lot less driving than Rainer. While I adore Rainier it is a bit of a haul there and back, leaving less time to see once there.

 

[tripsmom]

Thanks for the information about the port opening. We are wanting an upgrade - just excited to get the adventure started! We will be in Seattle all weekend so we will have done a lot around town. I'm sure we will find something to do that morning - but I still plan on leaving the hotel for the port about 10:00 - just can't wait!

 

[Annabell]

Can you do the check-in and leave your bags and then go to downtown again ? E.g to go up on the Space needle ?

Is this feasible ? We also want to try buying an upgrade at the terminal so we want to check-in as early as possible but don't fancy the wait at the terminal before we can actually board.
Thanks !

 

[Nicolepa]

Generally speaking how far in advance do you need to book the Victoria clipper?

Before the ship sails.

I've ridden a couple times in the past few years. I haven't seen the ship full. I wouldn't wait too long though, better safe than sorry. It is also a bit cheaper if you buy more than 7 days out, not a lot though.

 

[Bunless]

Before the ship sails.

I've ridden a couple times in the past few years. I haven't seen the ship full. I wouldn't wait too long though, better safe than sorry. It is also a bit cheaper if you buy more than 7 days out, not a lot though.

We've been on the Clipper a couple of times when it was full. Those were all in the summer on a weekend.

 

[Bunless]

Just wanted to put out a recommendation to everyone after I was at the Market yesterday. There were two boats in and it was very doable. Just don't try to drive there.

The Steelhead Diner is always excellent. A lot of their food reminds me of what you would get on a cruise ship, but better because of the quality of the products going into the dishes. Yesterday I had the beet tartar with Oragonzola, and oysters. Their caviar pie is the most beautiful dish I have ever seen, and it is amazing. Great drinks, lots of local distilleries represented, large wine list. Amazing view from the bar.

ALSO, in regards to all the people who work and hang out at the market. Before you start pointing at them, saying how weird and funny they look... remember that you are the visitor, you are the guest, this is their home, not yours. The same goes for the art being sold in the stalls. More than likely, the person sitting behind the art is the person that made it. Think before you make fun of someone's hard work. I have friends who work at the market and on the line (the art and craft line), they are good people, even if they don't look like people you know from home.

ALSO ALSO in Seattle, pedestrians have the right away, not cars. We also use bicycles a lot in this area. If you are not used to being around lots of pedestrians or bicycles being used as transportation, please don't attempt to drive in the Pike Place area... or downtown at all.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I just got back from Seattle after spending a few days there this week. The city was very nice. We took the Victoria Clipper to Victoria, it was exciting. Due to 6 foot plus swells in the Juan de Fuca Strait, we had to take a longer route to Victoria which took us close to the San Juan islands. Unfortunately, no whale sightings. The Underground Tour was very entertaining and informative. Highly recommend it. I love, love, love the Chilhuly Garden and Glass exhibit. Well worth the price of admission.

Anyway, I just wanted to recommend a restaurant in Seattle. We had dinner at Local 360. It was delicious. They get all of their products from within 360 miles of Seattle. They have the usual burger (which was excellent and the fries were the best), but also have rabbit and other more unsual items on their menu. I highly recommend this establishment.

 

[Disney Yooper]

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!

I was one of those getting off on the 11th. We appreciated the fantastic weather.

 

[kevdo]

Thanks for mentioning Chilhuly Garden and Glass exhibit. Will check that out.

Also the Ferris wheel at Pier 57 is opening on July 4th so for those with cruises after that it would be a good stop with potentially some awesome views.

 

[tripsmom]

I have three 6 year olds. Will they need booster seats to travel in a taxi? Does anyone know the Washington State rules?
Thanks!
Rebecca

 

[pixie08]

Whale watching would probably be better in Alaska.

The whale watching was AMAZING in Alaska. On one of our tours in Ketchikan we were on a small banaa speed boats and orcas came right up! It was amazing. We saw Humpbacks, tons of them in Juneau.

I would visit Mt. Ranier, it is the one thing I wish we did while we were in Seattle but we spent most of our time in the city.

 

[DisSarahK]

I have three 6 year olds. Will they need booster seats to travel in a taxi? Does anyone know the Washington State rules?
Thanks!
Rebecca

Yes, they should be in a booster seat or child safety seat. There are no exceptions for taxis. This is true for any child under age 8 unless the child is taller than 4'9". The slogan is "under 4'9", boost 'em every time!"

Here is a link to the state law:

http://depts.washington.edu/booster/anton_skeen_bill.html

 

[Luv_Tink]

Yes, they should be in a booster seat or child safety seat. There are no exceptions for taxis. This is true for any child under age 8 unless the child is taller than 4'9". The slogan is "under 4'9", boost 'em every time!"

Here is a link to the state law:

http://depts.washington.edu/booster/anton_skeen_bill.html

The above site doesn't list the entire law unfortunately. Taxis and vehicles for hire are actually exempt from the state law. I had to go look up the actual RCW on the state's website for the information. Section 5 of the law states the exceptions.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.687

So, while taxis are exempt according to the law it is still up to you the parent to decide what is best for your child.

 

[queenbee99]

The 11th was GORGEOUS! Unfortunately it didn't last and Vancouver was overcast and raining for the next 3 days.

I was one of those getting off on the 11th. We appreciated the fantastic weather.

 

[queenbee99]

Alderwood now has the Lego store as well. We saw it, the Disney Store and the American Girl store.

We did the Pacific/King Tut and want to add to either get an earlier viewing to avoid the crowds or schedule it for after the regular museum closes. We didn't realize that they had some you could do after the museum closed. There is lots to see besides King Tut.

Things to do in bad weather:

Go to the aquarium
Go to the SAM (Seattle Art Museum)
Go to the Pacific Science Center and see the King Tut exhibit
Go to the EMP/Sci-Fi Museum
Go to the Chihuly Gardens and Glass
If you have a litttle girl--go to the Alderwood Mall and go to the American Girl store and the Disney Store
If you have a little boy--go to the Bellevue Square Mall and go to the Lego Store and the Disney Store
If your party is all adults, go to Teatro Zinzanni
If you have a high school or college-aged child, go on a college tour: Seattle University and UW.
If one of you is a "power shopper", go across to Bellevue to the upscale shops.
Take a walk on the waterfront in the rain.

 

[queenbee99]

We saw a ton of whales in the evening on our cruise. Everyone was in line for a character and kept running out to take pics. I think they said they were Orcas because they were in groups and there were so many of them. I didn't get out of line but could see them from the porthole.

 

[twopeasonepod]

We did the Pacific/King Tut and want to add to either get an earlier viewing to avoid the crowds or schedule it for after the regular museum closes. We didn't realize that they had some you could do after the museum closed. There is lots to see besides King Tut.

We booked the VIP package through Inn at the Market, so hopefully we can navigate through the crowds easier.

I asked in another thread, but perhaps should ask those who have embarked in Seattle: Do you bring car seats for ground transportation and then just leave them in your stateroom? Or do you use Disney transportation (because car seats aren't required on a bus?)

 

[tripsmom]

The above site doesn't list the entire law unfortunately. Taxis and vehicles for hire are actually exempt from the state law. I had to go look up the actual RCW on the state's website for the information. Section 5 of the law states the exceptions.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.687

So, while taxis are exempt according to the law it is still up to you the parent to decide what is best for your child.

At home I would never even consider not having them in their 5 point harness seats but the thought of lugging them and the children on the plane across country is more than I want to consider! We are only taking a shuttle from the airport to the hotel so I think we will leave them at home. And yes..... I do realize I am putting their safety in the driver's hands!

Thank you for the information!