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

[LAWalz23]

ABD is Adventures By Disney. There's an ABD add-on package for the AK cruise that covers all excursions in each port and several other activities onboard.

Thanks! I have heard about but didn't connect.

 

[rav4lcrv]

I believe that there are roughly 2000 guest on every cruise with about 30 being on the ABD program. With this ratio, the ABD group is in the minority so the information is not shared very well. You will be taken care of by the ABD cast members for a life long memory.

 

[HiMagicFan]

When my TA added the ABD add-on to our ressie when it first came out she was told not everyone in the cabin had to book it. Did you call DCL or ABD?

I talked to DCL ~ maybe I should have called ABD, was told everyone in the cabin must have the ABD (you know just like the Dining Plan).

Oh well, I have just resolved to myself that I am just gonna have to take another DCL Alaska cruise so that I can add the ABD.

 

[HiMagicFan]

I'm with you on the wish for posts from June 7th ABDers .... hopefully they will post after their cruise.

I booked direct with DCL/ABD (the phone number on the printable itineray that is answered as a DCL line) and was asked how many in our cabin wanted the add-on. I was surprised since I thought everyone had to add it, but the CM said that wasn't the case.

Okay ~ that isn't fair. I think I am gonna have to call again...because if that truly is the case then maybe I need to rethink all my plans Oh My

 

[disneymath]

Okay ~ that isn't fair. I think I am gonna have to call again...because if that truly is the case then maybe I need to rethink all my plans Oh My

Well, the downside is definitely the inconsistent info ... which you are right is not fair! The upside is that if you choose to do so, you should be able to add the ABD for the people in your party who want it. (Although I would imagine the whole reworking the plans things is a bit overwhelming ... even if you are a planner by nature!)

Good luck in whatever you decide to do! I'm sure you will have an awesome cruise either way! (Do post back what DCL/ABD tells you if you opt to call back.)

 

[HiMagicFan]

Well, the downside is definitely the inconsistent info ... which you are right is not fair! The upside is that if you choose to do so, you should be able to add the ABD for the people in your party who want it. (Although I would imagine the whole reworking the plans things is a bit overwhelming ... even if you are a planner by nature!)

Good luck in whatever you decide to do! I'm sure you will have an awesome cruise either way! (Do post back what DCL/ABD tells you if you opt to call back.)

Well, ended up talking it over with my parents and rechecking the activities on the ABD versus what we were gonna do, and for just me to do the ABD overlaps too much with the time we were gonna spend together. Soooo I guess I am just gonna have to rebook another DCL Alaska trip to add my ABD then.

Thanks the for information on this.

 

[Billybob7]

What time does the port open, and when do they start letting us on the ship?

Thanks!

 

[Weedy]

I am not finding much information on the waterpark, as it's free not expecting too much but wondering if I should throw DD's swimsuit in our day bag when we visit (she will be 13).

Also DH and I want to sample the beer here, but I was also considering the restaurant at the brewery. Does anyone have any feedback if the food is good? Or any favorites in that area we should try instead?

I found this site. We plan on trying it out is the weather is nice. My kids are 13 and 15. Or we may just walk around the shops.

http://family.go.com/travel/things-...e-island-water-park-and-adventure-playground/

 

[buddywesley]

I found this site. We plan on trying it out is the weather is nice. My kids are 13 and 15. Or we may just walk around the shops.

http://family.go.com/travel/things-...e-island-water-park-and-adventure-playground/

Here's another site too. http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/falsecreek/website/waterpark.cfm gives you opening days/times and there is a picture so you can see it.

 

[parrothead365]

Ok Vancouver experts, what should I expect to pay for cab fair from the airport to the Pan Pacific Hotel???

 

[joycsk]

Someone was asking about arriving on the last night of Celebration of Light and getting to their hotel (Pacific Rim?).

I'm on the 8/2 sailing and eagerly looking to attend the first night of Celebration. From what I can tell, I don't think people will have trouble getting from the airport to Canada Place. The fireworks are on the OTHER side of Vancouver, kinda near Granville Island. While I'm not a local and can't be certain, I assume that things like road closures wouldn't be anywhere near Canada Place.

Best of luck!

 

[kris3kid]

What time does the port open, and when do they start letting us on the ship?

Thanks!

I was on the May 17th cruise. I stayed at the Pan Pacific and was able to watch the ship come in. We walked around the area, had breakfast and about 9:45 headed down to the port, it was a bit cold outside. We were the second in line. They opened the reg. and customs about 11:15 and we boarded about noonish. The peson who was running the boarding (just happen to talk with him) said that the people were getting off real slow so we were later than the other groups getting on. I told him that we were excited and were one of the first in line that day. He offered us the family of the day but we gave it to our new found friend who was in line first. He did let us go on after them. It was strange going on an empty ship, but lots of fun. Depending on how long you mind waiting the lines are open. They do not look at your boarding time in your paperwork. Have a great time.

 

[seamour]

Here's another site too. http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/falsecreek/website/waterpark.cfm gives you opening days/times and there is a picture so you can see it.

and

I found this site. We plan on trying it out is the weather is nice. My kids are 13 and 15. Or we may just walk around the shops.

http://family.go.com/travel/things-t...re-playground/

Thank you both!

 

[n8tivecaligirl]

I talked to DCL ~ maybe I should have called ABD, was told everyone in the cabin must have the ABD (you know just like the Dining Plan).

Oh well, I have just resolved to myself that I am just gonna have to take another DCL Alaska cruise so that I can add the ABD.

I know when I looked at booking the ABD I had originally called ABD but was told all ABD add ons are booked and run through DCL so you need to talk to DCL about any ABD add on.

 

[Doingitagain]

I emailed shoreside concierge and found out that our prestay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim does include breakfast. Please note that this is a DCL prestay, not ABD.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Ok Vancouver experts, what should I expect to pay for cab fair from the airport to the Pan Pacific Hotel???

I think we paid between $35-40, but you'd better wait for somebody to confirm that range, as I wasn't the person in charge that day!

.

 

[DisneyBasket]

I think we paid between $35-40, but you'd better wait for somebody to confirm that range, as I wasn't the person in charge that day!

.

That sounds right, with tip. The posted rate is $34, I believe. It is posted at the airport.

 

[mom_rules]

Someone was asking about arriving on the last night of Celebration of Light and getting to their hotel (Pacific Rim?).

I'm on the 8/2 sailing and eagerly looking to attend the first night of Celebration. From what I can tell, I don't think people will have trouble getting from the airport to Canada Place. The fireworks are on the OTHER side of Vancouver, kinda near Granville Island. While I'm not a local and can't be certain, I assume that things like road closures wouldn't be anywhere near Canada Place.

Best of luck!

I believe the fireworks are on the west side of town (English Bay Beach area) starting around 10pm-There will be road closures but not the main streets in downtown. From their site-
"Public Transit, cycling or walking are the best ways to enjoy the Celebration of Light from the prime viewing areas! Prime viewing areas include English Bay, Kits Point, Vanier Park, and various locations around the West End, Sunset Beach and Stanley Park. Additional transit services will be put into place to help with the large volume of transit users on event nights. Please visit Translink to learn more about routes and schedules
Help keep the Fireworks Green by bringing your bike and beating the crowds! We will be expanding the popular Bike Valet program this year and adding more convenient locations -- check back for updates!
"Vehicle access into the West End will be limited to residents who can prove residency through car registration or a resident permit parking decal from 7:30PM on event nights. Vehicle access into Kits point will be limited to residents who can prove residency through car registration or a resident permit parking decal, from 6:00PM on event nights.
All other vehicles will not be allowed vehicle access into these two areas on event nights after closures. There will be strict enforcement of parking regulations in Resident Permit areas. Please pay close attention to all parking restrictions or your vehicle will be towed and that’s never a nice way to end your night. Please refer to the Road Closures map for resident access points into the restricted areas. All Traffic Barricades will be controlled by volunteers – please be nice and remember they’re doing their best to make this a safe experience for everyone!"

 

[smeecanada]

I am not finding much information on the waterpark, as it's free not expecting too much but wondering if I should throw DD's swimsuit in our day bag when we visit (she will be 13).

Also DH and I want to sample the beer here, but I was also considering the restaurant at the brewery. Does anyone have any feedback if the food is good? Or any favorites in that area we should try instead?

It's more geared to the under 6 crowd. There is also one near the Aquarium in Stanley Park. Exit the Aquarium and turn right and head towards the water. It's right there - about a 5-10 minute walk. Both are free.

 

[seamour]

that have a place in the airport and then near Canada Place? Any recomondations?

okay have found Budget has a station near Canada Place, and Alamo/National should have one right at Canada Place. Back to searching