Disney Cruise Line Glacier Day Guide: Everything You Need to Know (Including Our Glacier Explorer Review)
- Kelly Maples
- 23 hours ago
- 16 min read
When people first start planning a Disney Alaska cruise, they usually focus on the ports. Everyone talks about Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
But if you ask me, Glacier Day deserves just as much excitement.
This definitely is not "just another sea day."
In fact, Glacier Day ended up being one of the biggest highlights of our entire Disney Wonder cruise. Between breathtaking scenery, wildlife, Alaska-themed character meet-and-greets, Frozen-themed entertainment and dining, educational presentations from Disney's naturalists, and our unforgettable Glacier Explorer excursion, this was one of the most magical days of our vacation!
Our group included 18 people ranging in age from 5 to over 70, and every single one of us loved Glacier Day.
While this article focuses heavily on our Glacier Explorer excursion (because I get asked about it all the time!), I also wanted to walk you through everything else that happens throughout the day. There is so much going on that you really don't want to sleep through this one.
Our Glacier Day at a Glance
Ship: Disney Wonder
Glacier: Dawes Glacier
Excursion: Glacier Explorer (3:30 PM departure)
Group Size: 18 people
Ages: 5 to 70+
Staterooms: Three connected aft verandahs (6552, 6550 & 6548)
Would we book Glacier Explorer again? Absolutely!
Start Glacier Day Early
Our Glacier Day actually started long before 9:30 that morning.
I wanted to meet Mickey in his Alaska outfit, so I headed up on deck early and got in line about 30 minutes before he was scheduled to appear. I wasn't sure what the crowds would be like, so I figured it was better to be safe than sorry.
It turned out to be a beautiful way to start the day.
Wrapped up in one of the blankets Disney was handing out, I watched the mountains glide by while waiting for Mickey. This was one of the cooler parts of our cruise, and I was very happy to have both my jacket and the blanket. There were carts selling hot chocolate, mulled wine, and other beverages nearby. It was a little early in the morning for mulled wine for me, but the hot chocolate looked pretty tempting!
My husband also earned some bonus points by bringing me a coffee from Cove Café while I waited.
Not a bad way to spend the morning.
After meeting Mickey, I met up with my son for breakfast before our family gathered on our connected verandahs.
We had planned to meet there at 9:30 for a reason.
The day before, I had taken Disney's Art of the Theme Tour, and one of the cast members shared a tip that around 9:30 there is often a stretch of water where they frequently spot whales.
Sure enough, before long we were watching several pods of whales right from our verandahs. It was an incredible start to the day!
Our Connected Verandahs Made Glacier Day Even Better
One thing that made Glacier Day especially memorable was that three of our staterooms had connecting verandahs.
Early in the cruise, our wonderful stateroom hosts opened the dividers between all three balconies, giving our group one big outdoor space to enjoy together. It was great all week, but Glacier Day was definitely when we appreciated it the most.
We were also really happy with our stateroom location. Our three connected verandahs (6552, 6550, and 6548) were located far aft on Deck 6, and they gave us beautiful, sweeping views throughout Glacier Day. Looking out across Endicott Arm, we could see waterfalls, mountains, and eventually Dawes Glacier as we slowly approached.
There are wonderful views all over the ship, but we absolutely loved being able to step out onto our own verandah whenever we wanted.
We ordered room service for lunch and ate together outside as we slowly sailed toward Dawes Glacier. Sitting out there with my family and friends, watching the scenery go by and keeping an eye out for whales, is one of my favorite memories from the entire cruise.
Kelly's Disney Alaska Tip: If you're sailing in a verandah stateroom, Glacier Day is the perfect day to order room service for lunch. Room service is included in your Disney Cruise Line fare, so you won't miss the scenery by heading inside to eat. Just remember to tip your room service cast member. They'll bring you a paper receipt showing a $0.00 balance to sign, and you can simply write in a gratuity that will be charged to your onboard account.
We also had a lot of fun using the TVs in our staterooms. One TV stayed on the bridge camera, showing us exactly what the captain was seeing, while another displayed the ship's navigation map. Since all 18 of us were hanging out together on the connected verandahs, it became a fun game to watch our progress toward Dawes Glacier while comparing the map to the incredible scenery all around us.
If you're vegetarian, I also have to give a shout-out to Disney's Vegetarian Crispy "Chicken" Sandwich from room service. Several members of my family ordered it throughout the cruise, and it quickly became one of their favorite lunches onboard.
Disney's Alaska Character Meet-and-Greets
One of the most unique parts of Glacier Day is seeing the Disney characters dressed in their adorable Alaska outfits with real Alaskan scenery behind them.
These are some of my favorite character photos I've ever taken on a Disney cruise.
If you've cruised Alaska with Disney before—or you've read older planning guides—one thing has changed.
Disney Cruise Line recently updated the character meet-and-greet process on Glacier Day.
Rather than allowing multiple combinations of people, different poses, or switching props, each family or travel group now gets one quick photo session before moving along.
At first I wasn't sure how I would feel about the new system, but honestly, it worked really well. The lines moved much faster than I expected, and it meant more guests were able to meet the characters.
As a fun surprise, after breakfast I happened to run into Minnie walking through the hallway near the elevators. Since she was simply heading to her next appearance, I was able to grab a quick photo with her without waiting in line at all.
Later in the day, the lines for Pluto and Donald were both less than five minutes, so I met them too.
If meeting the characters in their Alaska outfits is important to you, I'd still recommend heading out early, but don't assume you'll spend your whole morning standing in line.
You Don't Have to Meet a Character to Get Great Photos
Even if character meet-and-greets aren't at the top of your list, Disney sets up some beautiful Glacier Day photo opportunities around the ship.
During one of our morning walks around Deck 4, my husband and I stumbled across one of my favorite photo spots of the entire cruise. Disney had a large decorative life ring display featuring two smaller Mickey-shaped life rings, with "Dawes Glacier" in the center.
There was little to no line, and we were able to take several photos together with the stunning Alaska scenery behind us. They ended up being some of my favorite pictures from the trip.
My advice is not to spend the entire day in one place. Walk around the ship. Explore the upper decks. Wander Deck 4. Some of our favorite Glacier Day memories came from simply stumbling upon beautiful views and unexpected photo opportunities.
Kelly's Disney Alaska Tip: Don't camp out in one location all day. Glacier Day looks completely different from different areas of the ship, and you'll discover photo opportunities and viewpoints you might otherwise miss.
Glacier Day Is Also Frozen Day
Another thing that many first-time cruisers don't realize is that Glacier Day is also Frozen Day onboard the Disney Wonder.The entire ship embraces the theme.
Throughout the day there are Frozen-themed activities, including the Frozen deck party and sing-along, which was a huge hit with the younger kids in our group. I caught part of it as I bounced back and forth between activities and enjoying the scenery, while other members of our group stayed for the entire show.
There is also a beautiful maypole celebration in the atrium that adds to the festive atmosphere.
That evening, no matter which main dining room you are assigned, everyone receives the same Frozen-themed dinner menu. It's similar to Pirate Night on Disney's Bahamian and Caribbean sailings, where every rotational restaurant serves the themed menu.
I highly recommend ordering Anna's Honey Mustard Marinated Salmon!
It was honestly one of my favorite dinners of the entire cruise.
When I got home, I noticed lots of people in my cruise Facebook group saying the exact same thing. Apparently I wasn't the only one who thought it was fantastic!
Here's a photo of the Frozen dinner menu below so you can start deciding what you'd like to order before your cruise.
There Is So Much More Happening Than You Realize
One thing that surprised me was just how much Disney packs into Glacier Day.
Between character meet-and-greets, whale watching, naturalist presentations, Frozen activities, incredible scenery, room service on the verandah, and simply walking laps around Deck 4 and the upper decks taking in the views, there was never a moment when I felt like we were just waiting for our Glacier Explorer excursion.
Throughout the morning, Disney's onboard naturalist made occasional announcements pointing out wildlife and explaining what we were seeing.
The day before, on our Sea Day, one member of our group attended the naturalist's presentation about Alaska wildlife and glaciers and came back with a great tip.
If you notice a large flock of birds circling and diving into the water, there's often a good chance whales are feeding nearby.
Later that day, our group spotted exactly that—a flock of birds working the surface of the water—and sure enough, whales weren't far away.
It's little tips like that that make Disney's naturalist presentations well worth attending.
Kelly's Disney Alaska Tip: If you have time on Sea Day, attend one of the naturalist presentations. We learned wildlife spotting tips—including how circling seabirds often indicate feeding whales—and we actually used those tips successfully on Glacier Day.
Don't Forget the Paper Navigator!
One of my favorite Disney Cruise traditions is collecting the daily Paper Navigator.
Disney no longer automatically delivers them to every stateroom because most guests now use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. However, if you stop by Guest Services on embarkation day and ask, they'll deliver a Paper Navigator to your stateroom every evening for the rest of your cruise.
I absolutely love having them as keepsakes, and since so many people have asked to see them, I've included our Glacier Day Paper Navigator below.
If you're someone who enjoys planning your day with a printed schedule—or just likes collecting cruise souvenirs—I highly recommend requesting them on Day 1.
Kelly's Disney Alaska Tip: Stop by Guest Services on embarkation day and ask for Paper Navigators to be delivered to your stateroom each evening. Disney no longer provides them automatically, but they'll gladly deliver them if you ask. They're one of my favorite free souvenirs from every cruise.
Up Next: Boarding the Glacier Explorer
Everything I've described so far happened before we even boarded the Glacier Explorer.
At 3:30 that afternoon, our group stepped aboard one of the most memorable excursions we've ever experienced.
Before this trip, my son wasn't convinced it would get us much closer to Dawes Glacier than staying on the Disney Wonder.
Within just a few minutes of leaving the ship, he completely changed his mind.
In the next section, I'll take you aboard the Glacier Explorer, show you just how close we got to Dawes Glacier, share all the little details that surprised us, and explain why—even after doing this excursion twice—I still think it's worth every penny.
Our Glacier Explorer Experience: Was It Worth It?
When it was finally time for our Glacier Explorer excursion, our entire group was excited.
Well... almost everyone.
My son wasn't convinced it was going to be worth the money. He figured we'd probably get a little closer to Dawes Glacier than we could from the Disney Wonder, but not close enough to justify the cost.
Within minutes of leaving the ship, he completely changed his mind.
Boarding the Glacier Explorer
Before boarding, everyone sailing on our Glacier Explorer met in Azure for a short safety briefing. Guests sailing on the other Glacier Explorer met in a different lounge before heading to their boat.
After the briefing, we walked as a group to the boarding area. The process reminded me a lot of boarding a tender at other cruise ports. We walked down a gently sloping gangway from the Disney Wonder directly onto the Glacier Explorer.
Even with little kids and adults in their 70s in our group, no one had any difficulty. Disney took their time, there was no rushing, and the boarding process was very organized.
Because our group was spread across multiple linked stateroom reservations, Disney kept all 18 of us together on the same Glacier Explorer. There are two departure times each day, and two Glacier Explorer boats sail during each departure. Ours was White Thunder, and I have to say, the captain and crew were fantastic.
As we pulled away from the Disney Wonder, we were immediately struck by a perspective you simply can't get from the ship itself.
Looking back, we had incredible views of the Disney Wonder surrounded by Alaska's dramatic mountains. It made for some of my favorite photos of the entire cruise.
Then we turned toward Dawes Glacier.
We Got So Much Closer Than We Expected
The closer we got, the more obvious it became that this experience was completely different from staying onboard the ship.
The Disney Wonder has amazing views, but the Glacier Explorer lets you experience Dawes Glacier on a much more personal level.
We found ourselves weaving between icebergs, and I don't think I've ever seen so many different shades of blue in one place. Every iceberg seemed to have its own unique color and shape.
One of the largest immediately became a favorite with our group because it looked like Elsa's ice palace.
Of course, we immediately nicknamed it "Elsa's Palace."
Check it out! It really did look like something straight out of Frozen.
As we continued toward the glacier, waterfalls poured down the cliffs surrounding us, seals rested peacefully on floating chunks of ice, and every direction we looked seemed worthy of another photograph.
The Captain Kept Finding Wildlife
One thing we really appreciated was that our captain wasn't in a hurry.
Whenever there was something interesting to see, he slowed down or made a small detour so everyone could enjoy it.
Several times we spotted whales.
Instead of simply pointing them out from a distance, our captain maneuvered the boat so we could get a much better look while always keeping a respectful distance from the wildlife.
Those extra few minutes made a huge difference.
Our scheduled excursion actually ran a little longer than advertised because we spent additional time watching whales.
Did we miss the magician's show back onboard?
Yes.
Did any of us care?
Not even a little.
We had come to Alaska to experience Alaska.
Watching whales in front of Dawes Glacier was an easy choice.
Holding a Real Iceberg
One of my favorite surprises on the Glacier Explorer was waiting for us on the top outdoor deck.
The crew had placed a small piece of iceberg there, and anyone who wanted to could go up, hold it, and take a photo with Dawes Glacier in the background.
How often do you get to say you've held a real piece of an iceberg?
It made for such a fun photo, and it's one of those little details that made the excursion feel so memorable.
One thing I appreciated throughout the excursion was that there wasn't any pressure to rush from one activity to the next. If you wanted to head up to the top deck to hold the iceberg, take photos, or simply soak in the scenery, you could do it at your own pace. It made the entire experience feel relaxed and gave everyone plenty of opportunities to enjoy the glacier in their own way.
What Is the Glacier Explorer Like?
One question I get all the time is whether you're outside the whole time.
The answer is no.
The Glacier Explorer has a heated indoor cabin with large windows, but it also has several outdoor viewing areas.
My favorite spot was the open deck, where we spent almost the entire excursion. That's why we booked the Glacier Explorer in the first place—to be outside experiencing Alaska.
There is also a protected outdoor viewing area with large plexiglass panels that give you the same great views while taking away some of the breeze you feel when the boat is moving. We occasionally stepped in there for a few minutes while traveling between viewing areas, then headed right back out onto the open deck.
We did have a brief drizzle during our excursion, but all of us were wearing waterproof outer layers, so it really wasn't a big deal. We stayed dry and just kept enjoying the scenery. (I'll link my complete Alaska packing list here because a good waterproof outer layer is one item I recommend every Alaska cruiser bring.)
Once we slowed down near Dawes Glacier, we spent almost the entire time out on the open deck. Between our waterproof jackets and the blankets Disney had been handing out on the ship, we were very comfortable.
If you do get cold, you can always step into the heated cabin for a few minutes before heading back out. There are restrooms onboard as well.
Snacks and Drinks
Our excursion included a light snack of smoked salmon served on crackers.
It felt very Alaska.
Additional snacks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and other beverages were available for purchase if you wanted them.
Motion Sickness
One thing that did surprise us was that the Glacier Explorer had noticeably more motion than the Disney Wonder.
It was never rough, but you definitely feel the movement more on a much smaller boat.
One member of our group did start feeling seasick during the excursion.
Thankfully, we had packed medication with us, and she felt much better afterward. (Check out my sea sickness prevention post: https://www.afteralltravel.com/post/most-of-our-disney-alaska-cruise-was-incredibly-smooth-but-this-is-where-some-of-our-group-got-seas )
Kelly's Disney Alaska Tip: If you're prone to motion sickness, don't assume you'll only need medication on the Disney Wonder. The Glacier Explorer has much more noticeable movement than the ship. I always recommend packing your favorite seasickness remedies for Alaska excursions, just in case.
Sometimes the Best Part Was the Silence
One thing I loved about this excursion was that it wasn't constant narration.
The crew shared interesting information throughout the trip, but they also knew when to step back and let nature take center stage.
There were long stretches where everyone simply stood quietly taking it all in.
We could hear waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides.
We could hear the glacier calving in the distance.
We watched seals resting on floating ice.
We searched for whales.
We admired the incredible shades of blue all around us.
Sometimes silence is exactly what a place like this needs.
Don't Miss the View on the Way Back
One little tip that I don't hear many people mention is to spend a few minutes at the aft of the Glacier Explorer as you begin leaving Dawes Glacier.
Looking back at the glacier from there gave us some of my favorite photos of the entire excursion. Between the glacier, the mountains, the waterfalls, and the perspective from the smaller boat, it was absolutely breathtaking.
Then, as we approached the Disney Wonder again, we were rewarded with another incredible perspective of the ship surrounded by Alaska's spectacular scenery.
Kelly's Disney Alaska Tip: As the Glacier Explorer begins leaving Dawes Glacier, make your way to the aft of the boat for a few minutes. Looking back at the glacier from that perspective gave us some of our favorite photos of the entire excursion.
By the time we climbed back onboard, my son looked at me and admitted that the Glacier Explorer was absolutely worth it.
I couldn't help but smile because I'd been thinking the exact same thing.
This was our second time taking the Glacier Explorer, and despite the cost, it's one of the few Disney excursions I'd happily book again.
We had 18 people in our group, ranging in age from 5 to over 70, and every single one of us loved it!
If you're wondering whether it's worth the splurge, for our family the answer is an easy yes.
Should You Book the Glacier Explorer?
If Glacier Day on the Disney Wonder was one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise, then the Glacier Explorer was the highlight of Glacier Day.
Getting that much closer to Dawes Glacier completely changed the experience.
Between weaving through beautiful blue icebergs, watching whales and seals, hearing the glacier calve, holding a real piece of an iceberg, and simply standing out on deck surrounded by Alaska's incredible scenery, it became one of those travel experiences we'll remember for years.
If you're trying to decide whether the Glacier Explorer is worth the extra cost, for our family the answer is an easy yes.
Who I Think Will Love the Glacier Explorer
I think the Glacier Explorer is an especially great choice for:
First-time Alaska cruisers
Families who want to experience Alaska up close
Wildlife lovers hoping to spot whales and harbor seals
Photography enthusiasts
Multigenerational families (our group ranged from age 5 to over 70)
Anyone who wants to get as close to Dawes Glacier as possible
Who Might Prefer to Stay on the Ship
The Glacier Explorer isn't the right choice for everyone.
You may prefer enjoying Glacier Day from the Disney Wonder if:
You're traveling on a tight budget.
You know you're very prone to motion sickness, even with medication.
You'd rather enjoy all of the Glacier Day activities onboard.
You simply prefer a slower, more relaxing day on the ship.
The good news is that you'll still have beautiful views of Dawes Glacier from the Disney Wonder. The Glacier Explorer simply provides a much more immersive experience.
Glacier Explorer vs. Staying on the Disney Wonder
There really isn't a wrong choice—it's more about the type of experience you're looking for.
Disney Wonder | Glacier Explorer |
Included in your cruise fare | Additional cost |
Beautiful glacier views | Much closer views of Dawes Glacier |
Less motion | More noticeable movement |
More onboard entertainment | Smaller, quieter experience |
Great for relaxing | Great for photographers, wildlife lovers, and adventure seekers |
What to Bring on the Glacier Explorer
You don't need a lot of specialized gear, but there are a few things I'm really glad we brought.
Dress in layers so you can adjust throughout the excursion.
Make sure your outer layer is waterproof. We had a brief drizzle during our excursion, but because everyone was wearing waterproof jackets, we stayed dry and simply kept enjoying the scenery.
Before leaving the Disney Wonder, grab one of the blankets Disney has available on deck. We found them perfect for the Glacier Explorer and were glad we had them.
Bring binoculars if you have them. They're wonderful for spotting whales, seals, and details on the glacier that are easy to miss with the naked eye.
I'll link my complete Alaska packing guide below, including the waterproof gear we packed, the binoculars we used throughout the cruise, and my favorite smartphone binocular adapter that lets you take photos through your binoculars. Some of my favorite glacier and wildlife photos were taken using that setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Glacier Explorer get closer than the Disney Wonder?
Absolutely. The Disney Wonder provides spectacular views, but the Glacier Explorer gets you much closer to Dawes Glacier and allows you to weave through icebergs that the ship can't approach.
Does it sell out?
Yes. If the Glacier Explorer is on your must-do list, I recommend booking it as soon as your activity booking window opens.
Is there a bathroom onboard?
Yes. The Glacier Explorer has restrooms available for guests.
Can you go inside if you get cold?
Yes. There's a heated cabin with large windows, but we spent almost the entire excursion outside because the views were so incredible.
Is it good for kids?
Definitely. Our group included children, and they loved seeing the whales, seals, blue icebergs, and even holding a real piece of an iceberg. The crew offered donught holes for the kids as a treat.
More Disney Alaska Resources
If you're planning your own Disney Alaska cruise, you may also enjoy these guides:
Disney Cruise Line Alaska Packing Lists:
Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Adventure Review (coming soon)
Laughton Glacier Hike Review
Motion Sickness Tips for Disney Alaska Cruises
A wonderful day in Ketchican. (coming soon)
Need Help Planning Your Disney Alaska Cruise?
I've sailed Disney Cruise Line to Alaska multiple times and love helping families plan vacations that fit their interests, budget, and travel style. Whether you need help choosing the right stateroom, deciding which excursions are worth the splurge, or navigating Disney's booking windows, I'm happy to help.
My travel planning services are completely complimentary because Disney pays my commission, not you, and I thank all of my clients with onboard credit.
If you'd like my help planning your Disney Alaska cruise, you can request a complimentary quote at PlatinumMouse.com/Kelly.
Thank you for following along on our Glacier Day adventure. I hope this guide helps you make the most of what I truly believe is one of the most unforgettable days on any Disney cruise.
I can’t think of a single question you didn’t answer. I’m sold!