Bus to Denali Park Question

[cruisingrus]

We are booked on the Tundra Wilderness Tour on the morning of August 11, 2012. My question is:

 

Does it make a difference whether you sit on the left side of the bus or the right side?

 

Do you get a better view by sitting on a specific side?

[Budget Queen]

No it really doesn't matter. What is important is to get "friendly" with the people across from you so you can have access to the windows on both sides.

 

Most of the time the tour buses, unlike the shuttle buses, run completely full.

[PennyAgain]

Yes, BQ is correct. The TWT buses run 100% full. When I escorted out-of-state family on that tour, we had a severe window hog on the seats opposite ours. Not only would she not yield for a photo chance for us, but she blocked her own husband. She actually covered much of the window area to prevent others from seeing.

 

Remember to take along your own snacks and extra water. Many people find the lunch less than enough.

[Northern Aurora]

Yes, BQ is correct. The TWT buses run 100% full. When I escorted out-of-state family on that tour, we had a severe window hog on the seats opposite ours. Not only would she not yield for a photo chance for us, but she blocked her own husband. She actually covered much of the window area to prevent others from seeing.

 

Remember to take along your own snacks and extra water. Many people find the lunch less than enough.

 

 

 

Amazing! Wonder what her problem was. Apparently the moral of the story is to try to get seats on both sides of the bus (not directly behind) when traveling with a group.

[GlacierMD]

We are booked on the Tundra Wilderness Tour on the morning of August 11, 2012. My question is:

 

Does it make a difference whether you sit on the left side of the bus or the right side?

 

Do you get a better view by sitting on a specific side?

As someone who frequents Denali for hiking purposes, I have to say the left side of the bus (driver's side) is my favorite. You will have a chance to see the other side on the way back. I think the photo ops are better as well. Enjoy mate!

[2little time]

As someone who frequents Denali for hiking purposes, I have to say the left side of the bus (driver's side) is my favorite. You will have a chance to see the other side on the way back. I think the photo ops are better as well. Enjoy mate!

I agree with you. I like to sit on the left side going out. The scenery on both sides is nice but in my opinion the left side going out is my favorite. As you said, you end up seeing both sides eventually.

[cruisingrus]

Another question - if you have a morning TWT to Denali, where can you buy sandwiches and snacks for the bus? The reindeer sandwiches that they give out don't sound appealing. Thanks for all the info given.

[scraplady]

Our curise/tour pkg said we could pre-order a boxed lunch the night before at our hotel.

[Budget Queen]

Another question - if you have a morning TWT to Denali, where can you buy sandwiches and snacks for the bus? The reindeer sandwiches that they give out don't sound appealing. Thanks for all the info given.

 

You lodge will have ordering optinos. THere is also Subway, you can walk to, not sure if Bubbs Subs is still in business???

[mapleleaves]

Most hotels offer boxed lunches. There's also a Subway in Glitter Gulch as well as several restaurants ... all of which will prepare a lunch. You can even pick up a boxed lunch at the Moreno Grill inside the park.

You might want to consider the shuttle bus to Eielson Visitor Center instead of the TWT. It travels further into the park and the visitor center is an interesting destination with great views of the mtn if it's out.

TWT $113, goes to Mile 53, an 8 hr trip

http://www.reservedenali.com/play/tours/tundra-wilderness.aspx

Eielson $34, to Mile 66, also an 8 hr trip

http://www.reservedenali.com/play/shuttle-buses/eielson-visitor-center.aspx

Either way, have a great trip!

 

p.s. if there are more than 2 of you, take seats on both sides of the bus so you have equal access to the scenery and wildlife. Get in line early so you have best choice of seats. Avoid the hump!