Explore Vancouver’s highlights before your Disney Cruise from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Granville Island to the Stanley Park Seawall and downtown playgrounds, this itinerary is perfect for families with kids.
Read MoreA full day exploring Vancouver from scenic ferry rides and the stunning Butchart Gardens to the Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf and a night of fun at the Richmond Night Market.
Read MoreOur 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
On our third day, we decided to take a day trip to Asheville, a charming mountain town in western North Carolina.
Our first stop was Farm Burger, a popular farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in locally sourced burgers and fries.
After fueling up, we hit the road and drove along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, taking in the stunning mountain views along the way. It is a scenic drive that runs 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains.
Along the way, there are stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys with numerous opportunities for hiking, picknicking and enjoying the great outdoors.
We stopped at Linville Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades down the rocks into a picturesque pool below. We hiked along the trails and took in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, marveling at the natural beauty of the area.
Our next stop was the Linn Cove Viaduct, a unique architectural feature of the Blue Ridge Parkway that winds through the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
We walked along the viaduct, taking in the stunning views of the mountains.
After a full day of exploring, we ended the night with a delicious pizza from Pompieri Pizza, a popular local spot that specializes in Neopolitan-style wood fired pizza. We grabbed our pies to-go and enjoyed them in the comfort of our hotel room, savoring every delicious bite.
On our fourth and final day in Raleigh-Durham, we started the morning with breakfast at Guglhupf Bakery, a German-inspired bakery that offers a variety of delicious pastries and coffee drinks. We enjoyed our final meal in the area before catching our flight back home, already planning our next trip to this charming corner of North Carolina.
Our second day in Raleigh-Durham was just as exciting as the first, filled with plenty of delicious food, stunning sights, and unforgettable experiences.
To kick things off, we started our morning with a visit to Press, a charming coffee shop located in the heart of downtown Durham. Here, we indulged in some of the best coffee in the city, accompanied by a selection of fresh pastries and baked goods. The cozy and inviting atmosphere of the café made for the perfect way to start our day.
After coffee, we took a leisurely walk to Brightleaf Square, a historic shopping and entertainment district that is home to some of the best restaurants and boutiques in Durham. These red-brick buildings were constructed in 1904 by the American Tobacco Company and are now revitalized with local boutiques, restaurants, and bars all within walking distance of each other. We spent some time exploring the charming streets and checking out the local shops and eateries.
Our next stop was 9th Street Bakery, a local favorite that offers a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, and pastries. We grabbed a few snacks here, savoring the flavors of fresh-baked bread and locally-sourced ingredients.
The highlight of our day was undoubtedly Linda's wedding. The intimate ceremony was held in a beautiful outdoor setting in Namu’s garden, surrounded by lush greenery and an expansive garden. It was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, love, and plenty of memorable moments.
After the wedding, we ended the night with a visit to The Roof at The Durham Hotel. This rooftop bar offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, along with a selection of craft cocktails and small bites. It was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable day.
