Disney Cruise Line Alaska Review: Our Magical Family Adventure of a Lifetime

July 24, 2025 by Lisa Koedyker

Some vacations you forget after a few months. Others stay with you forever. For my family, our Disney Cruise Line Alaska sailing was one of those unforgettable trips. It was years in the making, full of adventure, laughter, and Disney magic in the most breathtaking place I’ve ever seen.

If you’ve ever wondered if Alaska is worth it, I promise, it is.

Why We Chose Alaska (and Disney!)

Alaska was a dream trip for my parents. They honeymooned at Magic Kingdom not long after it opened, and for their 50th wedding anniversary they wanted to take the family on an Alaskan cruise. Covid delayed that plan, but this June we finally made it happen.

My sister, husband, and kids have all sailed with Disney Cruise Line before, but my parents hadn’t. I knew they needed to experience what I already knew: Disney’s service and attention to detail are unmatched.

We’re also on a family mission to visit all 50 states before our youngest graduates high school. Alaska became state number 30 for us. Only 20 to go!

Disney Magic Meets Alaska’s Rugged Beauty

I’ll never forget Glacier Day.

We sailed slowly through the Endicott Arm, surrounded by snowcapped mountains streaked with waterfalls, thick green pine forests, and chunks of shimmering ice floating in the bluest water. The air smelled so crisp and clean. My son kept saying how different it felt compared to anywhere else we’ve been.

Disney made the day feel cozy and magical with hot chocolate, cookies, and blankets available all day. Families gathered at the railings, pointing excitedly whenever someone spotted a whale. And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, Mickey and friends strolled by in the cutest Alaskan outfits. It felt surreal—glaciers in the background, Disney characters waving hello.

That evening we bundled up for the “Freezing the Night Away” deck party. Elsa made it snow as the sun set behind the mountains. My kids danced and laughed, cheeks pink from the cold, and it felt like the perfect Disney-meets-Alaska moment.

The Kids’ Favorite Memories

When I asked my kids what they loved most, they rattled off a list:

Dinner every night. Our servers made every meal fun, and they felt like family by the end.
Dogsledding on a glacier. “The most Alaskan thing ever,” according to my daughter.
Walking all over Juneau. We searched for a road map to add to my son’s collection, visiting the state capital, museum, and even a local bookstore. We didn’t find one, but we loved the adventure.
Skagway’s charm. “It felt like stepping into a little mountain town from a movie.”
The magical stateroom beds. My daughter loved watching her bed come down from the ceiling every night.
The view from our stateroom. Snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and whales, all from our window.
The air itself. My son kept saying, “It just smells so fresh and clean.”

One of my favorite details? How warm and happy the crew always was. Their smiles made everything feel even more special.

Why We Chose Disney Cruise Line (and Why I’d Do It Again)

I’ve cruised with other lines, but Disney just does family travel differently.

Rotational dining was a hit again for us. The different restaurants kept dinners exciting, and our serving team followed us each night, learning our preferences so well that my Diet Coke was waiting for me every evening.
The kids’ clubs are unmatched. My kids have been to the Oceaneer Club and Lab when they were younger and now loved Edge. Honestly, I kept wishing we had done this itinerary when they were still little because there’s so much for younger kids too.
Character meet-and-greets felt magical but never rushed. Meeting Mickey in his Alaskan gear might have been my favorite character moment ever.

And even in a destination as wild as Alaska, I loved knowing everything onboard was family-friendly.

Our Unforgettable Port Adventures

Booking excursions directly through Disney Cruise Line was a no-brainer for me. The ship won’t leave without you, and everything felt organized and smooth. Groups were smaller than I expected, which made each adventure feel exclusive.

Skagway – Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

This felt like the ultimate Alaskan adventure. We started with a scenic boat ride, watching for eagles and seals, before switching to a bumpy bus ride through thick forest. At base camp, we geared up in rain boots and life jackets, hiked through a quiet, mossy forest, then paddled canoes across icy water to reach the Davidson Glacier.

Standing there, surrounded by jagged blue ice, was awe-inspiring. On the boat ride back, we spotted a huge colony of Stellar sea lions. Later, we wandered through Skagway, sampled fudge, and grabbed pizza (our family tradition in new states). On the drive back to the ship, we even saw a bear on the Klondike Highway.

Skagway was our favorite town. Small, friendly, and picturesque.

Juneau – Dogsled Adventure by Helicopter

This was our bucket-list excursion, and it exceeded every expectation. The helicopter ride over the Juneau Icefield was jaw-dropping. Mountains, lakes, and glaciers stretched as far as we could see.

Landing on the Norris Glacier, we were greeted by mushers and their excited dogs. They were so cute and couldn’t wait to run. We each got to ride in the sled and even stand up to “mush” like a pro. This was the moment I kept thinking, This is why we came to Alaska.

Ketchikan – Lumberjack Show & Axe Throwing

We spent the morning strolling along Creek Street, spotting bald eagles and admiring colorful totems before meeting our group. Axe throwing with a real lumberjack was way more fun than I expected. My husband and kids were great at it. Me? Not so much, but I’d definitely try again next time.

The show itself was hilarious. Goofy got the kids involved before the competition started, and we cheered loudly for Team USA. I may have lost my voice.

What We Loved About the Disney Wonder

Having sailed on the Dream and Wish, I had forgotten how much I love the Wonder’s smaller size. It was easy to get around, and we learned where everything was within a day.

Tiana’s Place was an absolute highlight. The live jazz, amazing food, and lively New Orleans vibe made dinner feel like a party. Animator’s Palate was just as magical as I remembered, and the shows (Frozen, The Golden Mickeys, and Disney Dreams) were fantastic. Since this was a longer sailing, we also caught a ventriloquist and a magician who left us scratching our heads, still trying to figure out his tricks. Trivia games, drawing classes, and family game shows filled our sea days perfectly.

Packing Tips for Families

If you’re heading to Alaska, remember: layers are everything. We packed:

Raincoats, hats, and gloves
Hoodies and light jackets we could mix and match depending on the weather
Binoculars for spotting wildlife (we used them daily)
Tennis shoes worked fine for us. No heavy boots needed.

And yes, pack swimsuits. The pools are heated, and there’s nothing like watching your kids swim with snowcapped mountains as the backdrop.

Was It Worth It? A Thousand Times Yes

I’ve planned Disney vacations for years, but this one felt different. It was life-changing. Alaska is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and Disney made it stress-free, family-friendly, and magical in ways I didn’t expect.

If you’ve been dreaming of Alaska, stop waiting. It’s the trip of a lifetime, and you won’t regret it.

Ready to Plan Your Own Alaska Disney Cruise?

Alaska is incredible on its own, but Disney turns it into something truly special. If you’re ready to plan your family’s Alaskan adventure, a Be Our Guest Vacations travel professional can help. Contact Be Our Guest Vacations today, and let’s get started!