Disney Alaska cruise

[SpiritRiver]

Considering a Disney cruise to Alaska with our daughter and her family, which includes 3 children, all girls, ages 8, 6 and 2. I'm not concerned about the shipboard experience, but are there things to do on shore that are appropriate for these ages? Our other choice for a Disney experience with them is the Hawnaii resort. Advice, please. Thanks!

[e2011]

The Alaska cruise is amazing and Disney is an excellent choice with the children going. And yes there are many excursions off the ship that the girls will enjoy like the sled dog tour where they will get to hold and pet Husky puppies! Having said that, the Disney Aulani resort is about as nice of vacation experience as you will get anywhere! I am a DVC member with ownership at Aulani and we go every Christmas. It is considered one of the best resorts in all of Hawaii which is a real tribute to the scope of the experience. Also outside of Aulani there are many things to do and see on Oahu. I would take Aulani over the Alaska cruise if you can only do one. The best is to try both at some point! Aloha.

Edited November 28, 2014 by e2011

[moki'smommy]

DCL has dedicated family excursions (kid oriented) that you won't get on any other line. Alaska itself is amazing. OK, a 2 year old has limited abilities, so that's a matter of making a judgement call...but the 6 and 8 year old will find plenty on the ship and on land. Whale watching, seeing salmon, bears, meeting/petting sled dogs, etc. There are tons of options!

 

Other nice things about Alaska (besides the obvious wildlife, scenery, etc.) is that your cell phone plan will work there.

 

Thoughts on booking--cabins for 4 are plentiful and available in many categories. Go up to a family of 5 on the Wonder and you are quite limited. You can save serious money by booking one child in the cabin with the grandparents (so you are booking a 4 and a 3 rather than a 5 and a 2), and if you wish can even do connecting cabins with an interior door.