It’s finally here! We are leaving tomorrow for 5 nights in Vancouver, followed by a 7-night Disney Cruise to Alaska! I thought this day would never come. (See my full pre-trip report here).
This past week has been a whirlwind of activity with my kids having their last week of school. Thank goodness we had a few days after school ended for me to do laundry and pack! Packing is my least favorite part of the vacation (tied with unpacking and doing laundry after the trip).
Here is what we’re taking for 5 people for 13 days: 3 large suitcases and 5 backpacks.
One of those suitcases is mostly filled with our Fish Extender gifts, embroidered blankets.
I ordered some fancy dresses for my daughter from etsy. She can’t wait to wear the Belle dress!
We are bringing just a few door magnets spread out over our two cabin doors for this cruise. The Darth Vader porthole magnet is a repeat from our last cruise, and I just printed the Minnie porthole magnet. I made a personalized Mickey head for each kid and my husband.
We got letters notarized so that we can enter Canada separately with our kids, and I purchased tickets for whale watching in Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the Vancouver Aquarium. Hopefully we’ve crossed our t’s and dotted all our i’s for this trip.
I received an email from the VIP Manager at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, asking if I have any requests before I arrive. (I currently have Hyatt Explorist level). I’ve received similar communication from a few of the past Hyatt hotels where we have stayed, and it’s a nice touch.
Before every cruise, I always take a photo of my kids holding a “Disney Cruise or Bust!” sign. I’m amazed at how much they have grown in the pasts 5 years.
“Disney Cruise or Bust!” through the years
Last night, we went out to eat at a new-to-us restaurant in the town where we used to live. The restaurant was located in the old downtown area, and it was three levels high with some outdoor seating. We had a meal on the balcony and got to see the train pass by every 15 minutes. We were all so relaxed and happy. That is how I hope we are on this trip.
I’m hoping and praying that nobody gets sick and that the kids don’t argue that much so that we can all look back on this trip with nothing but fond memories. Is that asking too much?!?!
If you are on Instagram, you can follow Miles for Family to see some photos during the trip.
See you on the flip side!
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Author: Nancy
Nancy is a contributing writer for Miles For Family. She enjoys traveling to the beach and is a big fan of Disney. Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids.
What’s a Fish Extender gift?
Have a great time!
@HML a Fish Extender gift exchange is something that is organized with people on the same cruise on the disboards or on social media groups. Families give gifts to each cabin in the group, and it’s a fun way to learn about people’s hometowns or get cute Disney stuff. We have participated on each cruise and have had loads of fun! Here is a little more info: http://savingforadream.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-is-fish-extender.html
I love disney.
Me, too! 🙂
This sounds like an incredible trip! I’ve never been on a cruise but I have been to Alaska! Have fun!
Thanks!
Nancy – enjoy the trip and can’t wait to hear about it. That’s one trip I would love to do a repeat of…Alaska is amazing, and Mickey & Minnie in their Alaskan outfits is just too cute. Love the kids photos…your oldest looks like a young man…time flies. Enjoy!!!!!
Thank you, Stephanie!
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