by Angela V This summer, the boys and I (ages 11 and 14) set out on an adventure to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder, and let me tell you, it was so much more than we ever anticipated. From breathtaking glaciers to unforgettable excursions, magical ship moments, and even swimming in the pool under the Alaskan sun, next to a glacier, this trip quickly became one of our favorite vacations ever.
Most people hear “Alaska” and immediately think of cold weather and icy conditions. But during our sailing, we got to experience the joy of sunshine, mild temperatures, and even pool time on the ship every day, while still visiting stunning glaciers up close. It truly felt like the best of both worlds. If you’re considering this cruise, the time of year you choose makes a big difference.
I shared our entire trip on my Instagram stories, and you can still catch them in my story Highlights under Alaska Disney Cruise and Alaska Cruise 2 if you want to see more behind-the-scenes moments.
Our Itinerary
Our sailing included stops at Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Ketchikan, plus a day to see a glacier. Originally, we were scheduled to cruise through Tracy Arm for our glacier day, but due to recent landslides making the area unsafe to navigate, Disney made the call to take us to the Dawes Glacier through Endicott Arm instead. Honestly, we were so grateful they didn’t cancel our glacier day altogether, which can happen on other cruise lines. Instead, we got to experience one of Alaska’s most stunning glaciers, and it was unforgettable ( the pictures don’t do it justice, the colours are so bright in person!).
Dawes Glacier
Sailing up to Dawes Glacier on the Disney Wonder was an unforgettable experience. The sheer size of the glacier, with its brilliant blue ice and dramatic cracks and crevices, was breathtaking to see right from the ship’s deck. What made it even more surreal was that the weather was beautiful; it was so nice out that my boys decided to hop in the pool. They swam and splashed while the glacier loomed beside us, creating the most unique mix of Disney magic and Alaskan wonder, floating next to one of nature’s greatest sights while the kids enjoyed a pool day at sea.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is a small port that mainly caters to tourists, but it was such a fun stop. We took the tram up to the gondola, which carried us up the mountain to the most incredible panoramic views. Afterward, we went on a peaceful forest hike. Even though it’s a rainforest like Vancouver’s, we noticed the vegetation was different, which made exploring so interesting. The forest was lush, green, and beautiful, and the views up the mountain were stunning. We booked a whale watching expedition that day and got to see Orcas, Humpback Whales, Dolphins, and Sea Otters while out on the catamaran, so much fun!
Juneau
In Juneau, we had one of the most exciting excursions of the trip: a musher dog sledding summer camp. The boys and I were pushed by the happiest, most energetic dogs, and afterward we got to cuddle and play with some of the cutest puppies ever. It was such a unique Alaskan experience and a highlight of the trip for all of us. Our tour bus driver also gave us a great narration while driving to the camp, and we learned so much about Juneau and the history of the city.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan lived up to its nickname as the rainiest city in Alaska. Thankfully, the rain was light and didn’t stop us from exploring. We joined a Duck Tour, which started as a bus ride through town and then transformed into a water adventure as our vehicle splashed into the harbor! It was such a fun way to see Ketchikan from both land and sea.
Do you want to see videos of our journey?
I shared our entire cruise on my Instagram stories, and if you’d like to see some videos, head over to my Instagram and find them all under “Highlights” on my account (@travelwithangelav), named: Alaska Disney Cruise and Alaska Cruise 2. You’ll find the full set of stories from our journey, including behind-the-scenes moments, excursions, and ship life.
This Alaska itinerary with Disney Wonder gave us everything we hoped for and more. Smooth sailing through the Inside Passage meant very little motion, so no seasickness worries at all, and every stop was an adventure. The boys and I loved it, and we would sail to Alaska again, maybe even on a different itinerary to see new areas. One thing’s for sure: it would be with Disney again, as we are big Disney fans.
From our private veranda, we had some of the best views of Alaska’s wildlife without even leaving our stateroom. We spotted playful sea otters floating on their backs, bald eagles soaring above the treetops, and even whales breaching in the distance. It felt like having our own personal nature show right outside the door, an unforgettable highlight of sailing through Alaska.
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Alaska Weather Surprises
Most people hear “Alaska” and immediately think of cold weather and icy conditions. But during our sailing, we got to experience the joy of sunshine, mild temperatures, and even pool time on the ship, while still visiting stunning glaciers up close. It truly felt like the best of both worlds. If you’re considering this cruise, the time of year you choose makes a big difference. When you book with me, I’ll help recommend the best sailing dates so you can maximize your adventures and enjoy the perfect balance of scenery and weather.
We lucked out with gorgeous weather for most of our sailing. The boys and I even got to swim in the pool on deck and ride the Wonder’s big waterslide, the Twist ’n’ Spout. It felt so surreal to be gliding through Alaska’s scenery with the kids laughing in the pool.
Why Disney and Why We’d Do It Again
This trip left us with so many memories, and I’d sail to Alaska again—next time on one of Disney’s different itineraries to see new areas. Sailing from Vancouver was also a huge perk for us locals. Because we spent most of the journey on the inside passage, the seas were calm and smooth, which meant no seasickness for us.
One of the best parts about sailing with Disney is that the Wonder has something for every age. The shows were incredible, Broadway-style performances that had us all amazed, and my boys loved having the freedom to do their own thing. My teen especially loved hanging out on the sports deck, shooting hoops and playing soccer with other kids his age, while my younger one spent hours in the kids’ clubs, which are packed with games, crafts, and Disney-themed fun. As a family, we also had a blast joining in trivia games and catching movies together. One of the coolest things about Disney Cruises is that you can watch first-run movies right in the theater on board. We saw Elio and Freaky Friday during our trip, which made it feel extra special. And when I needed a little downtime, there were plenty of adults-only spaces like the Quiet Cove Pool and the spa where I could unwind.
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On board, the Disney Wonder truly impressed us. For its age, the ship doesn’t show it, thanks to the crew’s constant attention. We’d see workers bright and early, painting, polishing, and fixing little details to keep everything in tip-top shape. Of course, with Disney, the service, food, and entertainment were top-notch as always.
Disney does an amazing job making sure the whole family has something to enjoy, whether you’re together or off doing your own thing; that’s the magic of sailing on the Wonder.
Ready to Book Your Disney Alaska Cruise?
Are you dreaming of your own magical vacation from Vancouver to Alaska on board the Disney Wonder? I’d love to help you make it happen. With my first-hand experience, I can give you personalized tips on:
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The best excursions to book (and which ones to skip).
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What to pack for Alaska.
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Choosing the right stateroom for your family.
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Insider Disney Cruise tips to make the most of your trip.
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When you book with me, I’ll help recommend the best sailing dates so you can maximize your adventures and enjoy the perfect balance of scenery and weather, personalized to you!
- Answer any questions, whether you are cruising for the first time or have cruised many times before.
Best of all of my services are completely free to you. You’ll pay the same price as booking directly with Disney, but I’ll handle the planning details and make sure your trip is magical.
If you’ve already booked a Disney Cruise within the last 30 days or have a placeholder reservation, you can transfer it to me and still receive my help.
Get in touch now!
✨ Special Promo: Book your Disney Cruise with me before August 31, 2025, and you’ll receive either a free Disney gift delivered to your stateroom or a $100 Disney gift card (valid on new bookings with 4+ passengers in a Deluxe Ocean View or Verandah stateroom).
For us, Vancouver families, this cruise is an incredible opportunity to experience Disney magic without even stepping on a plane. With stunning natural beauty, smooth sailing, and unforgettable memories, it’s truly a dream trip. My boys and I loved every moment, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Alaska is calling, and Disney makes it unforgettable.
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