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

[Shanny145]

I am just loving the customer service of Canada!

I had really wanted to stay at the Pan Pacific for an upcoming cruise, but I just couldn't swallow the price. I ended up using Hotwire and got the Sheraton Wall Center. Wrote them yesterday to ask about an airport shuttle, and while they don't have one, their response was immediate and thorough. I was really impressed! They listed several options and prices. When I wrote back to thank them for the quick reply, they wrote me again and thanked me!

It's funny cause I also visited the Vancouver Airport website and was extremely impressed with it's layout and user friendliness. I wrote their customer service department to compliment them and they wrote me back too!

So how did you decide to get to the wall center from the airport? We are staying there as well!

 

[lbgraves]

I am just loving the customer service of Canada!

I ended up using Hotwire and got the Sheraton Wall Center. Wrote them yesterday to ask about an airport shuttle, and while they don't have one, their response was immediate and thorough.

You will like the Wall Center. We stayed there the first night. We found that the CS in general around Vancouver was very friendly and helpful. DD wants us to go back NOW!

Ahhh...thanks for the heads up. I was kinda expecting a "show". Appreciate all your information.

They believe in letting the animals life in a more natural environment and not be required to do certain things. They start out the time by saying the animals may or may not do what is requested of them but they will reward them either way. You want to get to the dolphin area a bit before the time. When you walk down into the area, the water area to your right is where the trainers interacted with the dolphins. Since you just stand around, it gets crowded and kids aren't able to see if they aren't right up front. I had a difficult time seeing before someone moved to allow my DD to stand at the fence.

This is helpful info. We were going to be taking a taxi there and back. I called the mountain and they explained this was possible. We will be there on Tuesday. But didn't think about line to take tram down. How long was just the tram ride? Wondering if there will be lines for it on a Tuesday at 1:15. Any more info is great. Was really trying to make this happen.

The tram ride down itself is a little over 4 minutes. It takes around 6 minutes to go up. We were leaving at the end of the day when lots of others were leaving as well, so there was a 45 minute wait to get onto the tram. I don't know what that line is like mid-day. We got there without traffic in 25-30 minutes but it did take at least an hour going back and we stopped on Lions Gate Bridge a few times. I would definitely find out if you need to call for a cab when you get in line for the tram back down to make sure there is one waiting for you.

 

[lbgraves]

So how did you decide to get to the wall center from the airport? We are staying there as well!

We stayed at the Wall Center the first night and took the train, then walked 8 blocks to the hotel. We could have gotten a bit closer to the hotel if we had transferred to the bus, but to squeeze our three large pieces of luggage and 4 carryons, 2 computer bags and a backpack onto the city bus did not seem like a great idea. If I had planned for this better, I would have just taken a taxi from the airport to the hotel. It would have been faster and less stressful. We did take a taxi from the Pan after the cruise to the Westin at the airport. We were there in 15 minutes and the $30 was well worth it, IMO.

 

[rosiep]

So how did you decide to get to the wall center from the airport? We are staying there as well!

Here is Cathy's reply in full. We decided to just take a taxi.

Thank you for your interest in the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.
Unfortunately there is no complimentary shuttle service from the airport to our hotel. These are the following transport options.
Aeroshuttle offers service between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Downtown Vancouver. One way service is $14.00 CAD including taxes and round trip service is $24.64 CAD including taxes. Reservations are not required for shuttle service from YVR to our hotel. For a copy of their schedule, please visit http://aeroshuttleyvr.ca/yvr-shuttle-schedule. Please note that reservations are required if you would like a shuttle to YVR from our hotel. For more information, please visit http://aeroshuttleyvr.ca/reserve-now/
The Skytrain Canada Line is an automated driverless light rapid transit system running from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown Vancouver. It leaves YVR from about 5:10 AM to 12:57 AM. The frequency is about every 12 minutes. Please check their website (www.translink.ca) for any changes or updates. The nearest station to the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel is Vancouver City Centre (corner West Georgia and Granville St). It is located 6 blocks from the hotel and is about 10-12 minutes walk to the station. One way fare is $7.50 CAD.

Alternatively, Vancouver taxis are available 24 hours. It would be a 30 minute ride or less to the hotel and would cost about $30-35 Canadian but there is no flat fixed rate.

If you wish to have a limo do a "Meet & Greet", where the driver will be there with a sign with your name on it, the cost of that service would be $125 (taxes and tip included). We can call the limo company and make arrangements on your behalf--we would require your flight information and credit card in advance to secure the booking.

A limo transfer from the hotel to the airport would cost approximately $80-90 including tax & tip.
If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me directly.
With warm regards,
Cathy

 

[rosiep]

We stayed at the Wall Center the first night and took the train, then walked 8 blocks to the hotel. We could have gotten a bit closer to the hotel if we had transferred to the bus, but to squeeze our three large pieces of luggage and 4 carryons, 2 computer bags and a backpack onto the city bus did not seem like a great idea. If I had planned for this better, I would have just taken a taxi from the airport to the hotel. It would have been faster and less stressful. We did take a taxi from the Pan after the cruise to the Westin at the airport. We were there in 15 minutes and the $30 was well worth it, IMO.

I dread the thought of traveling on public transportation while toting luggage!!

One of my most favorite perks of staying onsite in WDW is the whole DME and handling of luggage.

For the cruises I feel it's important to arrive a day early (if traveling from out of state/country) and it's a shame Disney doesn't account for that. I'd gladly pack an overnight back and send my luggage ahead!

 

[Shanny145]

Thank you!

 

[smeecanada]

This is our plan so far from info I have received. Might have to change it and not go.

8:30 taxi there. Leave luggage at baggage claim at hotel.
9:10 There. Meet Paraglide Tour
10:00 Me and DS Paraglide. Grandma and DD look around
11:00 Everyone look around see bears
11:45 Eat
12:30 Lumberjack show
1:15 Tram
1:45 at base of mountain
2:00 Taxi it stops by hotel and then takes us to Boat.

Too close for comfort for me. Too many variables. It there is any problem with traffic (backup/accident on or near the bridge) you will be in deep trouble time wise and it's a long way around to the other bridge option. I'd skip lunch and the lumberjack show. Maybe do the show in Ketchikan.

 

[staffieri]

It looks like we may not be able to do Grouse. I really want to. But want to see the lumber jack show at 12:30 too. Its expensive and that makes the price worth it more. I did plan on a taxi each way. I may have to look into other ideas.

 

[lbgraves]

It would be best to have a backup plan either way. The day we went to Grouse the skies were clear and you could see everywhere! The next day was overcast and we could see that the clouds were halfway up Grouse across the water from the Pan. We would not have gone up that day as it just wouldn't have been the same. As you say, it isn't cheap. Will you have time the day you get off the ship?

 

[richmo]

It looks like we may not be able to do Grouse. I really want to. But want to see the lumber jack show at 12:30 too. Its expensive and that makes the price worth it more. I did plan on a taxi each way. I may have to look into other ideas.

I agree that you'd be pushing your luck with that schedule. I've only driven in Vancouver for one day, but I recall coming back from Whistler in early afternoon the day before the cruise and there was quite a bit of bridge traffic getting back into town (not the bridge itself, but the approach to it).

If you're set on a lumberjack show, could you catch one of the shows in the ports? I think Ketchikan has at least a couple and you might even be able to walk up if you haven't reserved it. Or, could you catch a lumberjack show the day the cruise gets back to Vancouver?

 

[staffieri]

I agree that you'd be pushing your luck with that schedule. I've only driven in Vancouver for one day, but I recall coming back from Whistler in early afternoon the day before the cruise and there was quite a bit of bridge traffic getting back into town (not the bridge itself, but the approach to it).

If you're set on a lumberjack show, could you catch one of the shows in the ports? I think Ketchikan has at least a couple and you might even be able to walk up if you haven't reserved it. Or, could you catch a lumberjack show the day the cruise gets back to Vancouver?

We have a float plane in Ketchikan planned. But not a bad idea to remember if we have time we could just walk up.

I thought we didn't need to check in on the boat until 3pm? So Tuesday the day we embark gives us the most time. The day we get off the ship our flights at 4pm. but the drive longer and we have to be at the airport by 2pm I think.

Having a back up play is a good Idea. Maybe we could leave the Mountain at 1:30. I thought that would give us lots of time using a taxi.

I so love the feedback!!!!

 

[richmo]

We have a float plane in Ketchikan planned. But not a bad idea to remember if we have time we could just walk up.

For our cruise, the schedule changed enroute and we arrived at Ketchikan several hours early (I want to say about 9:00 instead of 12:00, depart time stayed the same). An excursion of ours also was moved up 2 hours, so we could have added another, but we walked around town a little instead. Whether upcoming cruises are able to get additional time in Ketchikan, I would have no idea. I also recall a tour guide saying one of the lumberjack shows was in easy walking distance of the port, but I can't confirm that. You might want to start googling around and see where the independent lumberjack operators are and when the shows happen. You might just be able to squeeze it in.

 

[lbgraves]

Here is the location that DCL uses for their excursion. It is right near the port and we walked by when we were in town.
http://www.alaskalumberjackshows.com/

FWIW while the kids thought that the show was funny at Grouse, and they especially liked the fact that I ended up participating in it, that was not the highlight of our day there. DD loved the bears and I couldn't look at the view enough, especially from the top of the mountain which you get to via the ski lift.

 

[rsjj]

just got back from our cruise yesterday...

wanted to thank everyone here for your posts, answers, ideas, suggestions, etc. you have all been very kind & helpful!!

our cruise was fabulous, scenery simply amazing!! our stay in vancouver...way too short! told DH that we'll have to plan a trip to vancouver, and stay longer!!

happy to answer any questions, for those of you who have yet to go on your cruise/trip. fyi...our family consists of 2 adults, 2 DSs (12 & 9). stayed at vancouver 3 nights prior to cruise. did stanley park, grouse mtn, capilano suspension bridge. stayed in richmond. took public transportation the first day in vancouver, had a rental car for 2 days after that, and took the skytrain to board the ship (very easy, even w/our 4 luggages!!), and also took public transportation to stanley park on the day we disembarked, and back to yvr. very very simple!!

 

[ratt1345]

rsjj, I have to second what you said about Vancouver. DW and I liked it a lot. We would like to take a long vacation there, too.

 

[rsjj]

vancouver is a beautiful city, w/friendly people!! we took the bus from stanley park back to yvr after our bike riding around the park, & lunch. we had made sure we had enough candian money left for the bus fare...since we needed 2 zone ticket, and on the bus, they didn't take credit cards like the machines they have at a major station (at waterfront). anyways, so we had $12.50 (exact change for our fare, but in $10 bill and $2 coin & 2-25c coins). apparently we didn't think that buses do not take bills, only coins!! and i seriously thought we were not going to be able to get on the bus!! even though we had "exact" amount, just not all in coins!! but the driver said, just buy your ticket at the waterfront station before you board the skytrain! how nice is that? i'm thinking that won't happen here at home...although i don't really take public transportation at home...but...

yes, we'll have to take a longer trip there. next vacay!!

 

[breced]

This thread is very helpful!

 

[HiMagicFan]

I appreciate the feedback and the tips! Thank you

 

[staffieri]

Love all the help. We are going to Grouse Mountain and will now probably not stay for lunch. This was good advice. You all have been great!!!!

When we get off the ship we have a 4pm flight. Questions???

1. How early has people been getting to the airport?
2. I have a soon to be 5 yr and 13. What can we squeeze in to do? Thinking no on aquarium. We live close to 2.

I have not begun to plan this day.

 

[lbgraves]

The ship pulled into port at 6:50 and was next to the pier [downstairs outside our hotel window] by 7:00. It took a while for our group to be called for luggage - we were the third character called. We may have been off with our luggage by around 9-9:30. Give you time to store your luggage and you will have from around 10-12:30 to do something in town. We got to the airport 2 hours before our flight to Phoenix, but it was a 7:30 flight. I could see how the lines going through customs and the checkins would be longer as the day goes on, so you might want to add on 30 minutes. The drive from Canada Place to the airport Westin took us 15-20 minutes in a cab, but it was the day after a holiday, and the driver said many people took that day off as well. We drove there after 6 pm, so leaving mid-day could take 45-60 minutes.

If you take a right leaving Canada Place and head along the waterfront, you will find a couple of bike rental places. They rent them by the hour [The first one is $8 hr adults/ $4 hour kids]. It takes 1 1/2 - 2 hours to ride to Stanley Park and go all the way around it. That gives you a little time to stop at the totem park and take pictures along the way.