**** Vancouver FAQ Thread **** A few updates in main post!

[SoCalDCLfan]

What are the hotels that Disney has chosen for their precruise bookings? I would be interested in checking these out.

Per the DCL website, the hotels available through DCL are:

VANCOUVER HOTEL OPTIONS
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is the only luxury hotel and spa within Vancouver's International Airport located in the suburb of Richmond (20 minutes south of Vancouver). The beautifully appointed guest rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering soundproof views to both the north and south, revealing the serenity of mountain views and exciting plane spotting opportunities.

Fairmont Waterfront
The Fairmont Waterfront boasts a spectacular location across from the Convention Centre and Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, and within walking distance to explore the city's many restaurants, shops and galleries. All rooms are elegantly appointed with contemporary, airy deco and feature floor to ceiling windows to highlight the beautiful scenery surrounding the Fairmont Waterfront.

Fairmont Pacific Rim
Fairmont Pacific Rim is Vancouver's new luxurious hotel offering a prime waterfront location. Guest rooms showcase views of the historic and financial districts, surrounded by the dramatic architecture of the city skyline. All guest rooms offer the most lavish appointments, with naturally inspired materials, comfortable furnishings and state-of-the-art technology.

FWIW...
I originally booked 2 rooms at the Fairmont Waterfront through DCL at $280 per night per room. However, based on suggestions in our cruise meet thread, I changed it to the Pan Pacific (the hotel on the cruise terminal) for $175 per room per night. I called the hotel directly and got a good discount for AAA. They also guaranteed me connecting rooms. I changed because the savings was significant and it will still be easy to get to the port - just take an elevator downstairs!

 

[CrazyBoutDisney]

Can any of you local folks tell me if the studio where Stargate was filmed has tours or is available in any sort of way to the public? If so, is it something we could plan on doing if we come in a couple of days before our cruise? Is it far from the airport or the port?

 

[CarolAnnC]

Per the DCL website, the hotels available through DCL are:

VANCOUVER HOTEL OPTIONS
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport is the only luxury hotel and spa within Vancouver's International Airport located in the suburb of Richmond (20 minutes south of Vancouver). The beautifully appointed guest rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering soundproof views to both the north and south, revealing the serenity of mountain views and exciting plane spotting opportunities.

Fairmont Waterfront
The Fairmont Waterfront boasts a spectacular location across from the Convention Centre and Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, and within walking distance to explore the city's many restaurants, shops and galleries. All rooms are elegantly appointed with contemporary, airy deco and feature floor to ceiling windows to highlight the beautiful scenery surrounding the Fairmont Waterfront.

Fairmont Pacific Rim
Fairmont Pacific Rim is Vancouver's new luxurious hotel offering a prime waterfront location. Guest rooms showcase views of the historic and financial districts, surrounded by the dramatic architecture of the city skyline. All guest rooms offer the most lavish appointments, with naturally inspired materials, comfortable furnishings and state-of-the-art technology.

FWIW...
I originally booked 2 rooms at the Fairmont Waterfront through DCL at $280 per night per room. However, based on suggestions in our cruise meet thread, I changed it to the Pan Pacific (the hotel on the cruise terminal) for $175 per room per night. I called the hotel directly and got a good discount for AAA. They also guaranteed me connecting rooms. I changed because the savings was significant and it will still be easy to get to the port - just take an elevator downstairs!

Thanks for the info, sounds like you got a great rate!

 

[ibouncetoo]

We just booked some rooms at the Pan Pacific for one night after the 1st Alaska. Just got the regular 2 double bed rooms (I'm assuming city view for our rate...right at $200). Now we have to draw straws for roomates!

,

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Can any of you local folks tell me if the studio where Stargate was filmed has tours or is available in any sort of way to the public? If so, is it something we could plan on doing if we come in a couple of days before our cruise? Is it far from the airport or the port?

I doubt that as I think it's still in use for other shows.

 

[smeecanada]

I just received back an email from Classic Limousine after I requested a quote for a town car for 3 adults - Seattle to Port in Vancouver and then return from there to Seattle after the cruise. The quote for 3 adults is $1300!!! YIKES!!!

It's is at least a 2.5 hour drive from the border to the SeaTac Airport without adding the distance from the border to the cruise port. Hence why it is that cost.

 

[CarolAnnC]

It's is at least a 2.5 hour drive from the border to the SeaTac Airport without adding the distance from the border to the cruise port. Hence why it is that cost.

We just did a 2 hour drive from London to the Port in Dover for the Baltic cruise and cost was less than a third of this price. We have contacted a friend in Seattle and she confirms that price is out of sight. I actually did not request the quote to include driving us to the Port as we will be arriving before sail date. We are still in the planning stage of transportation, so we definitely have time to shop around, fortunately.

 

[MrsG]

We just booked the Pan Pacific before and after the cruise. We got the AAA rate. The Fri and Sat nights were $320 CAD plus tax, the next 2 nights about $200 CAD and after the cruise $180 CAD. This was for 1 king or two double bed city view category. We may continue to shop around or put in to use points, but at least we have a place to rest our weary bones!

We are thinking of a trip to Victoria and Whistler. Anyone have any suggestions on renting a car (where can we pick it up in Vancouver) and any sights to see in the surrounding Vancouver area?

 

[smeecanada]

We just did a 2 hour drive from London to the Port in Dover for the Baltic cruise and cost was less than a third of this price. We have contacted a friend in Seattle and she confirms that price is out of sight. I actually did not request the quote to include driving us to the Port as we will be arriving before sail date. We are still in the planning stage of transportation, so we definitely have time to shop around, fortunately.

Price to downtown Vancouver or to the Port would probably be the same. The Port is right in downtown Vancouver - which is at the minimum a 30 minute drive from the border. Don't know the exact time as I usually go to the ferry terminal or Richmond not Downtown from the border.

They are probably including a return drive fee for the limo because the chance of him being able to get a return fare from the Port to Seattle is unlikely. Whereas the previous limo company you had could get return fares to London.

 

[mouseclick1]

Looking for any advice on a new plan I came up with...not sure if I even like it or not! We currently have 2 nights booked prior to our cruise at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. We have decided to add an additional day and fly in on the Saturday before. I could book an additional night at the Pacific Rim, but now I'm thinking about booking one night(the Saturday we will arrive) at the Granville Island Hotel.

I think it might be fun to stay right on Granville Island. It would give us plenty of time to check out the place and unwind as we arrive in Vancouver. We would then head over to the Pacific Rim the next day.

The negative would be that it would include an additional hotel check-in, additional transportation (from hotel to hotel), and tie up a little bit more time in making the move.

So, does anyone think it would be worth it to stay one night here, or would we be better off simply staying 3 nights at the Fairmont?

 

[jilljill]

We just booked the Pan Pacific before and after the cruise. We got the AAA rate. The Fri and Sat nights were $320 CAD plus tax, the next 2 nights about $200 CAD and after the cruise $180 CAD. This was for 1 king or two double bed city view category. We may continue to shop around or put in to use points, but at least we have a place to rest our weary bones!

We are thinking of a trip to Victoria and Whistler. Anyone have any suggestions on renting a car (where can we pick it up in Vancouver) and any sights to see in the surrounding Vancouver area?

Did you book the AAA rate online or by calling the hotel?
I was looking at the various hotels last night and couldn't decide which one looked good since they all look good.

 

[MrsG]

Did you book the AAA rate online or by calling the hotel?
I was looking at the various hotels last night and couldn't decide which one looked good since they all look good.

We called the hotel directly as the web only goes to Dec. 2010. They were very helpful on the phone. We are thinking of maybe doing Victoria after the cruise and Vancouver before, but booked before and after the cruise at the hotel just in case we change our minds.

 

[jilljill]

We called the hotel directly as the web only goes to Dec. 2010. They were very helpful on the phone. We are thinking of maybe doing Victoria after the cruise and Vancouver before, but booked before and after the cruise at the hotel just in case we change our minds.

thanks, I guess I'll call the hotel and book it that way.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Does anyone know what the going rates are through Disney for the Fairmont hotels? I'm hoping to book some nights in the next couple weeks for our pre-cruise stay.

 

[carole88]

Looking for any advice on a new plan I came up with...not sure if I even like it or not! We currently have 2 nights booked prior to our cruise at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. We have decided to add an additional day and fly in on the Saturday before. I could book an additional night at the Pacific Rim, but now I'm thinking about booking one night(the Saturday we will arrive) at the Granville Island Hotel.

I think it might be fun to stay right on Granville Island. It would give us plenty of time to check out the place and unwind as we arrive in Vancouver. We would then head over to the Pacific Rim the next day.

The negative would be that it would include an additional hotel check-in, additional transportation (from hotel to hotel), and tie up a little bit more time in making the move.

So, does anyone think it would be worth it to stay one night here, or would we be better off simply staying 3 nights at the Fairmont?

We just got back from a stay in Vancouver. If I were you I wouldn't bother staying on Granville Island, just stay the three nights at the Fairmont. You can see all of Granville Island in a few hours. Just take a cab from the Fairmont to Granville Island. We stayed at the Pan Pacific and if I remember correctly, the cab ride was about $13.00.

 

[smeecanada]

We just got back from a stay in Vancouver. If I were you I wouldn't bother staying on Granville Island, just stay the three nights at the Fairmont. You can see all of Granville Island in a few hours. Just take a cab from the Fairmont to Granville Island. We stayed at the Pan Pacific and if I remember correctly, the cab ride was about $13.00.

I won't bother with staying at Granville Island either. It's a fun place to be during the day - the main market and most of the shops shut down at night. A couple of hours there is plenty wandering around the market and shops - unless the kids discover the little waterpark.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Can any of you local folks tell me if the studio where Stargate was filmed has tours or is available in any sort of way to the public? If so, is it something we could plan on doing if we come in a couple of days before our cruise? Is it far from the airport or the port?

The series was filmed at The Bridge Studios. As per the studio web site, "The Bridge Studios is a working studio. We do not offer any tours of the facility."

There are several large studios in the area, and The Bridge is one of several. However, The Bridge also appears to attract the big money projects (or at least the more heavily publicized projects). They would sometimes display billboards advertising productions such as Stargate SG-1. For the best views over the fence, take the Skytrain between Rupert and Gilmore stations, and look towards the North (towards mountains). FYI, Vancouver Film Studios are large hanger-like buildings on the South side of the Skytrain between the same stations.

In another part of the city, there is a permanent outdoor city set that included a theater and a few other stores. It's very small, but obviously a film set. Apparently, it was used for exterior shots of a movie theater for Smallville. It is visible from the Skytrain (for about 2 seconds) between Royal Oak and Edmonds Station.

Don't expect to see much outdoor action at any of these studios. No one wants to try and film dialog when trains are roaring by every 2 minutes. If you are looking to meet stars, you will probably have better luck in your hotel or in a restaurant than anywhere near a studio.

FYI, when I lived in the vicinity of The Bridge Studios, I took a wrong turn and found myself in a dead end street, where there were a bunch of cop cars behind a chain link fence. I did a double take when I noticed that there were 2 NYPD, 2 LAPD, 1 Chicago, 1 Miami and 1 Toronto. So while the studios are closed sets, you never know what you might stumble upon.

I don't follow the industry, but I've accidentally stumbled upon sets for Men in Trees, Psych, some forgettable Jennifer Aniston movie, Smallville, some mysterious jet crashed on Jericho Beach, plus a number of commercials... It was usually more of a nuisance than anything. "The planetarium is closed today to film scenes for an episode of Psych. Here's a 50% off coupon if you want to bring your family back tomorrow." "Sorry sir, you can't cross the street here. They are filming some Jennifer Aniston movie and we can't have you in the background. Detour three blocks that way." Here's a link to Hollywood North, which has all the latest information about filming in and around Vancouver.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Looking for any advice on a new plan I came up with...not sure if I even like it or not! We currently have 2 nights booked prior to our cruise at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. We have decided to add an additional day and fly in on the Saturday before. I could book an additional night at the Pacific Rim, but now I'm thinking about booking one night(the Saturday we will arrive) at the Granville Island Hotel.

I think it might be fun to stay right on Granville Island. It would give us plenty of time to check out the place and unwind as we arrive in Vancouver. We would then head over to the Pacific Rim the next day.

The negative would be that it would include an additional hotel check-in, additional transportation (from hotel to hotel), and tie up a little bit more time in making the move.

So, does anyone think it would be worth it to stay one night here, or would we be better off simply staying 3 nights at the Fairmont?

The Fairmont is a better hotel. I've dined at the Granville Island hotel, and it isn't that special. As a previous poster mentioned, if you want to experience Granville Island, cabs are not very expensive.

While Granville Island is a major market and shopping area during the day, the atmosphere shifts at night. There are a few live theater productions on the island, plus a small number of bars and clubs. There are also a number of theaters just off the island on Granville street. Don't expect anything like Broadway (or Off-Broadway). This is local theater at its best (and sometimes worst). While it would be fine to walk between the Arts Club Theater (on Granville Island) to the Granville Island Hotel after a show, I would suggest taking cabs after dark if you are going to be around the entrances to Granville Island. The island is federal government property and continually patrolled by security. However, outside the Granville Island gates, there are under-the-bridge walkways and quiet streets that also shelter a number of homeless -- most are harmless, just looking for change and a place to sleep, but you never want to meet anyone drunk / stoned / crazy in a dark spot under a bridge.

 

[mouseclick1]

We just got back from a stay in Vancouver. If I were you I wouldn't bother staying on Granville Island, just stay the three nights at the Fairmont. You can see all of Granville Island in a few hours. Just take a cab from the Fairmont to Granville Island. We stayed at the Pan Pacific and if I remember correctly, the cab ride was about $13.00.

I won't bother with staying at Granville Island either. It's a fun place to be during the day - the main market and most of the shops shut down at night. A couple of hours there is plenty wandering around the market and shops - unless the kids discover the little waterpark.

The Fairmont is a better hotel. I've dined at the Granville Island hotel, and it isn't that special. As a previous poster mentioned, if you want to experience Granville Island, cabs are not very expensive.

Looks like I'll just stick with plan A and book the extra night at the Fairmont. Thanks for your help!

 

[nzdisneymom]

FWIW...
I originally booked 2 rooms at the Fairmont Waterfront through DCL at $280 per night per room. However, based on suggestions in our cruise meet thread, I changed it to the Pan Pacific (the hotel on the cruise terminal) for $175 per room per night. I called the hotel directly and got a good discount for AAA. They also guaranteed me connecting rooms. I changed because the savings was significant and it will still be easy to get to the port - just take an elevator downstairs!

That does sound easy - do they have transportation from the airport to the hotel, and what are you thinking about transportation from the port to the airport afterwards?

We are at the Fairmont Pacific Rim via DCL for $294US / night for four of us in a room. When I looked at what the price was if we were to book it ourselves, it comes out close to what we're paying DCL. We are also doing air and transfers through DCL as we've had good experiences with them the other two times we've done far-away cruises, but if it will be easy to get from the Vancouver airport to the hotel and then to the port, we might look at what the price difference would be. Because right now, the airfare for DCL is pretty steep - for our Med and Baltic, it came out better than if we did it ourselves, especially since we were not paying extra for the transfers. Of course I would need to see if we can purchase transfers via DCL and under what circumstances.