Hey, Angela -- welcome aboard, fellow DVC Member!
How exciting to hear that you'll be enjoying the Disney Cruise Alaskan Voyage next year. This special Member Cruise will be extra loaded with pixie dust, you and your family will have such a grand time. Vancouver is a beautiful city to visit and I highly recommend doing a few pre and/or post-cruise days to explore the sights and sounds - and the food.
Disney Cruise Line will have a few recommended hotels for guests interested in Pre-Cruise or Post-Cruise accommodations. You can call the DCL travel desk at 1-800-951-3532 and they'll be able to provide you with participating hotels and the prices offered. You can also avail of ground transportation specially arranged to take guests to the port on embarkation day (extra fee). Most of the hotels are in close proximity to the port and the downtown area. When my family sailed to Alaska a couple of years ago, we had an excellent experience staying at the Fairmont Waterfront. It is literally across the street from the port and it was an easy walk to cross from the hotel to the port check-in area. This location made it easy for us to board the Vancouver tourist busses as well, since Canada Place is a major hub. The gorgeous waterfront made for beautiful morning walks, and there are lots of places to eat at too. The waterfront area is great for biking (they rent there) and there are float planes that take you to nearby Victoria if you choose to do a day trip.
If you are flying home late (after 3pm) on debarkation day, another option is to check out an offered
port adventure that you can sign up for, while you on are onboard. Included in the port adventure is your airport drop off. Hope this helps.
Great adventures await, Angela!
~ Dolly