Onboard the Disney Wonder for Alaska: Part I

There are many reasons for going on a Disney Cruise, and for many, visiting Alaska is a big bucket list item. Combine the two and you make for a wondrous journey. Join us as we take in the Alaskan waters on board the Disney Wonder for an 8-day, 7-night journey. We discuss the many decisions one has to make in determining if, when and how to take this cruise. We talk about the opportunities and issues around boarding in Vancouver. And then we talk in detail about being on a Disney cruise ship not in Bahamian, Caribbean waters, but in the cold realms of Canada and Alaska. We’ll talk about the accommodations, dining, entertainment, recreation and other amenities of this ship, and what’s it like to be on the Wonder for such a long trip. Join us for the first part of our voyage as we go onboard the Disney Wonder for Alaska.

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Here are images and videos that support today’s podcast. Also, we have included an outline that we cover in greater detail on the podcast.

Deciding on Alaska

This is part of a milestone birthday celebration, but we pulled the lever fairly late. That has several implications when you don’t book early:

• Pricing of the cruise
• Availability of Premium shore excursions
• Availability of Premium Dining
• Availability and Rising Airfare Costs
• Availability and Rising Hotel Costs
• Weather!?

Because of family commitments we got into Vancouver about as late as you should ever get there. Here too were some ramifications:

• Anxiety when your plane is stated as being late
• Arriving at a late hour of the day
  • Utilizing ArriveCAN
  • Going Through Customs
  • Waiting for Luggage
  • Choosing Lyft vs. Taxi–Set cost on the taxi

Vancouver

• We stayed at the Sheraton–a great hotel.
• It is cool staying at the dock with hotels that are there, but availability is limited.
• We should have spent more time in Vancouver up front prior to sailing.

Boarding Experience

• Taxi goes into the parking/boarding structure–no being out in inclement weather
• Didn’t sense anyone really asking us what time we were arriving
• Boarding process was the best outside of Port Canaveral–30 minutes
• Interesting maritime museum within the port

The Disney Wonder

Ambience

• The Disney Wonder: Important to have a smaller ship that can get through the Canadian and Alaskan waters.
• Still 7 Nights is a long time on a smaller ship.
• Smaller Ship–Less Offerings
• Older Ship–Well kept up
• A touch less Disney–Parrot Cay
• 25th Anniversary

Here’s a 60 second video that gives you a taste of the Wonder of the Disney Wonder!

Accomodations-2548

• New Castaway Gifts
• Workable Size
• Great Room Attendant
• 25th Anniversary Gift

Dining

• Casual Dining
  • Cabanas and Churro Waffles
  • Hot Chocolate for All
  • Cove Cafe–Always a Line
  • Daisy DeLites–Rice and Soup Bowls
  • Pete’s Boiler Bites–Schwarma
  • French Quarter Lounge
• Evening Dining
  • Animator’s Palette
  • Tiana’s Place–Shaking with the motor
  • Triton’s
  • Palo–Didn’t Do
  • Best Part–Our Table Companions–Jerrod & Deanna Martin

Entertainment

• Disney Characters–Meet ‘n’ Greet Alaskan & 25th Anniversary Style
• Frozen at Sea–No Pirates
• Cadillac Lounge–Pianist
• Azure–Women’s Vocal Group
• Buena Vista Theatre–Elemental
• Evening Shows
  • Golden Globes–Bob Iger & Improvements
  • Frozen–A Musical Spectacular
  • Disney Dreams–An Enchanted Classic

Recreation

• Oceaneer Club and Lab
• Gym/Health Club
• Swimming
• Jack Jack’s Diaper Dash

Shopping

• Big crowd to get Alaska merchandise at Whitecaps and Mainsails
• Blanket comes at $20 with a $60 purchase–Blankets on board throughout like towels
• Little 25th Disney Cruise Anniversary merchandise

Disembarking & Visiting Seattle

• Ease in getting off the ship
• Problems getting a rental car
• Going over the border
• Chance to see Seattle
  • Woodland Park Zoo
  • Fish Market
  • Needle
  • Monorail
• Red-eye flight continually pushed back

Next Podcast

We’ll cover the following sights and experiences:

• Glaciers at Sawyer and South Sawyer Bay
• Icy Point
• Juneau
• Ketchikan

Meanwhile, to give you a taste of things to come, here’s a short music video summarizing our whale watching experience. Amazing!

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The 72-year-old, internationally-respected Disney historian who has authored thousands of articles and dozens of books about all things Disney. He has also been a guest on several Disney Insight Podcasts. Moreover, he’s been a friend for years. Jim is now struggling with a series of major medical issues and is in need of financial help to pay his bills. We invite you to help!

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Ready to Visit the Disney Parks?

Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Out the Door Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!

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zanolla@otdtravel.com
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