HappilyEverAfter80
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2014
A little bit of background, we have previously cruised with Disney 5x, all Caribbean cruises.
We recently branched out to Royal Caribbean as well, but when we decided to cruise to Alaska I knew we wanted to go with Disney.
I have a dreams unlimited TA who graciously provided me with some quotes the day platinum opened. Just so we were ready to go when Gold bookings opened.
I asked for a few quotes in May and June, I knew I preferred June but it was just a bit too much $ then. I already have to convince hubby to pay more where he’d be perfectly happy paying less with Royal. Anyway. I received my quotes and told my TA to book the May 17th. She was amazing able to book a specific stateroom we wanted and I had my confirmation at 8:30 am yesterday! (Opening day for gold). Later on yesterday, I was talking to someone at work saying how excited I was to book Alaska, how we can’t wait to see all the wildlife etc.
I was quickly advised that if we want to see bears May is a bad time to go.
I panicked and started to look for information online. What I found is mostly conflicting, but the general consensus is that even August would be better than May.
Naturally I looked up some pricing for Aug 23, my preferred room was still available and it was actually slightly less $ than May 17 which was surprising...I emailed my TA late last night asking her opinion and wanting to change to Aug 23.
I understand the TA’s are swamped today, and unfortunately she hasn’t gotten back to me, now all the rooms on my list are sold out for Aug 23 and even Aug 30.
Of course I don’t blame my TA for that, I should have asked for an August quote too (I assumed it would be higher than May though) and I should have done my BEAR research sooner. Because I have a room I don’t want to give up, before I move my reservation to Aug 23 and have to pick a different room - I thought I would ask the Dis veterans here...
What do you think about cruising to Alaska mid-late May v late August? Has anyone seen bears in May? I know nothing is a guarantee in Alaska, not the weather or seeing the wildlife but we obviously want to maximize our chances. Also, any idea why May 17 would be more expensive (not much but it is) than Aug 23rd?
Our kid will still be out of school til September so I feel like we definitely should have picked August...
Before I panic some more, what is everyone else’s take on this?
We recently branched out to Royal Caribbean as well, but when we decided to cruise to Alaska I knew we wanted to go with Disney.
I have a dreams unlimited TA who graciously provided me with some quotes the day platinum opened. Just so we were ready to go when Gold bookings opened.
I asked for a few quotes in May and June, I knew I preferred June but it was just a bit too much $ then. I already have to convince hubby to pay more where he’d be perfectly happy paying less with Royal. Anyway. I received my quotes and told my TA to book the May 17th. She was amazing able to book a specific stateroom we wanted and I had my confirmation at 8:30 am yesterday! (Opening day for gold). Later on yesterday, I was talking to someone at work saying how excited I was to book Alaska, how we can’t wait to see all the wildlife etc.
I was quickly advised that if we want to see bears May is a bad time to go.
I panicked and started to look for information online. What I found is mostly conflicting, but the general consensus is that even August would be better than May.
Naturally I looked up some pricing for Aug 23, my preferred room was still available and it was actually slightly less $ than May 17 which was surprising...I emailed my TA late last night asking her opinion and wanting to change to Aug 23.
I understand the TA’s are swamped today, and unfortunately she hasn’t gotten back to me, now all the rooms on my list are sold out for Aug 23 and even Aug 30.
Of course I don’t blame my TA for that, I should have asked for an August quote too (I assumed it would be higher than May though) and I should have done my BEAR research sooner. Because I have a room I don’t want to give up, before I move my reservation to Aug 23 and have to pick a different room - I thought I would ask the Dis veterans here...
What do you think about cruising to Alaska mid-late May v late August? Has anyone seen bears in May? I know nothing is a guarantee in Alaska, not the weather or seeing the wildlife but we obviously want to maximize our chances. Also, any idea why May 17 would be more expensive (not much but it is) than Aug 23rd?
Our kid will still be out of school til September so I feel like we definitely should have picked August...
Before I panic some more, what is everyone else’s take on this?