🛬 Arriving in Vancouver
Our family’s adventure to Vancouver and the Alaska Disney Cruise officially began.
After landing in Vancouver, we made our way to the Fairmont Waterfront, perfectly located right across from Canada Place where our cruise ship will depart in a few days. The convenience of being next to the cruise terminal made it the ideal hotel choice, especially for families traveling with kids or anyone wanting a stress-free embarkation morning.
The excitement was in full swing. Not only were we eager to explore Vancouver, but the kids couldn’t stop talking about the upcoming Disney Cruise and the fact that this was our first trip together with their cousins.
🍽️ Dinner at Din Tai Fung
A basket of Din Tai Fung’s famous xiao long bao, delicate soup dumplings filled with rich, savory broth.
After checking in and freshening up, we headed to Din Tai Fung, one of Vancouver’s most popular spots for Taiwanese dumplings. Their signature xiao long bao (soup dumplings) were the highlight of the meal. Perfectly delicate wrappers filled with savory broth and tender meat.
If you plan to visit, reservations are recommended, especially during dinner hours, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly. For those unfamiliar, a helpful tip: place the dumpling on your spoon, poke a small hole to release the steam, then enjoy the burst of flavor.
🌙 Evening at Jack Poole Plaza
With the sun still high in the sky, we took a short walk to Jack Poole Plaza, located right along Vancouver’s waterfront next to the convention center. The early evening light cast a beautiful glow over the harbor, and we spent time watching seaplanes land and take off against the backdrop of the North Shore Mountains.
It’s an incredibly scenic spot for families or photographers with views of the Olympic Cauldron, Canada Place, and the Vancouver Convention Centre’s distinctive green roof. The open plaza is spacious and stroller-friendly, making it easy for kids to run around while adults enjoy the waterfront views.
The family at Jack Poole Plaza
The grandparents with grandchildren at Jack Poole Plaza
Tips for Travelers
Stay near Canada Place: The Fairmont Waterfront is one of the best hotels for cruise passengers departing from Vancouver, just steps from the terminal.
Plan an early evening walk: Jack Poole Plaza is lively but not crowded before sunset, and the lighting is perfect for photos.
Dine early or reserve ahead: Din Tai Fung can get busy, so booking a table ensures a smoother start to your evening.
Looking Ahead
With our first day complete, we’re looking forward to diving deeper into Vancouver before setting sail. Tomorrow, we’ll continue exploring more of the city before embarking on our Alaska Disney Cruise adventure.