Hello there, Patti! Thank you for coming back to visit me with your question. I love that you are in planning mode, and I am happy to help with this question.
I have not experienced
Adventure Kart Expedition nor
Gold Fever, Alaskan Sled Dog, and Exclusive Scenic Railway, so I did ask some of my planDisney pals for help.
Jana shared that her sons loved to see the puppies during the Gold Fever, Alaskan Sled Dog, and Exclusive Scenic Railway Port Adventure. Guests were taught how the dogs were trained and saw how fast they could run on a track. Her youngest son, who was 11 at the time, found a large piece of gold that had everyone, including the staff, excited. She also found the experience to be just the right amount of time.
Adrianna's son's experience was similar. He was 12 at the time and thought it was fun. It is definitely geared toward kids.
I have gone on the White Pass Railway, and it was a laid back scenic experience. We rode the train, and my toddler at the time slept the entire ride up the mountain. We went to the end of the line into Canada where it was snowing at the top, then the train went right back down the mountain. There are some Port Adventures where you board a motorcoach to travel beside the White Pass Canyon up the mountain as well. Make sure to look at those details in the
Port Adventure descriptions to ensure you get the experience you are looking for.
I didn't get any feedback on the Adventure Kart Expedition, but it sounds like it would be adventurous. I have cruised Alaska twice and found Ketchikan to be a great place to just walk around and take in the surroundings if you decide not to do a Port Adventure at this Port of Call. I loved taking pictures at Creek Street, which is an easy walk from the port.
My preference Is always to book Port Adventures with Disney Cruise Line. I like that reassurance of allowing Disney to take care of all the details, and all I need to do is show up! I have gone out to Ports of Call to explore on my own and always noted the "All Aboard" time in the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to make sure I returned to my ship with plenty of time to spare. It all will depend on your comfort level. Once back on the ship, my favorite thing to order is the cheese and cracker plate "All Hands on Deck" from
Room Service to tie me over until dinner.
Patti, I have enjoyed looking into these things for you. It makes me want to cruise Alaska one more time! If you have any other questions, please
come back to visit me at planDisney.
Have a magical day,
JoVonn