• On Jan 19, 2020
    Jeff from CO Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We just booked our first Disney Alaska cruise - so exciting! We know that we cannot book our excursions until 75 days out (we're Silver members) but how can we see what our options are and how much they cost prior to that date? How do we plan?

    Hi Jeff!

    Wahoo! Alaska is calling, and you and your family have heard the call of the wild! My family heard that call too, and we all agree that Alaska is hands down our most memorable cruise to date. From seeing whales, seals, and bald eagles up close and personal, glaciers calving, and the unbelievable scenery, it was simply stunning and enthralling from start to finish. 

    Some of the most important things you will plan for your cruise are your Port Adventures. Unlike other sailings where you may sometimes opt to stay onboard, the Alaskan itineraries beg for excursions to be taken. The difficult part will be deciding between them all! I would suggest deciding on a budget for what you'd like to spend. But then remind yourselves that this could possibly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so factor that in and be willing to start saving your Disney dollars for these EPIC adventures. They are SO worth it!

    Under the Destinations tab on Disney Cruise Line, there's a category called Port Adventures where they are organized by destination. Click on the Alaskan Port Adventures photo and you can then search by location, experience type (like nature, sightseeing, cultural), activity level, accessibility, and price range. Be sure to read the "Know Before You Go" descriptions on each excursion as they have valuable information such as any restrictions, suggested attire, and what to bring. 

    Since you said you are Silver level in Castaway Club, your Advance Booking Window actually opens 90 days prior to your sailing. On that day, if your cruise is paid in full, you can make your selections online once the clock strikes midnight. I'd suggest having two or three excursions for each port in case your first choice is not available. I've found that we usually can get the Port Adventures we want, especially if I am ready to go with our selections when the window opens.

    The flip side is that sometimes despite the best planning, things don't work out. Case in point: we were totally willing to spend top dollar on the Dog Sled Adventure by Helicopter because it was on our bucket list. However, Disney Cruise Line had to wisely cancel our Port Adventure because of fog. While we were disappointed that we didn't get to experience dogsledding, we received a full refund because we booked with Disney. Instead, we went to Plan B and did a Mendenhall Glacier tour. As Mrs. Incredible says, it's important to "be a bit more flexible!"

    I hope this has got you pumped up as you plan your Alaskan adventure!  Cruise back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel if you have any additional questions before you set sail. Have a WONDERful voyage!

    Happy Sailing!

    Sherry

thumbnail image for Sherry

Meet the Panelist: Sherry, South Carolina

Ahoy there! I'm Sherry, a wife and mom to two, lawyer, and blogger from South Carolina. Family time is precious, so making the most of it is a top priority. That's why planning cruises to exciting destinations, trying new port adventures, and experiencing fabulous entertainment and dining is my jam! I'm thrilled to be your personal navigator as you chart your course on your next Disney Cruise Line vacation.  Learn More About Sherry

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Fun for Families on the Disney Wonder | Disney Cruise Line

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.