You've booked your Disney Cruise to Alaska! If your cruise itinerary includes a visit to Icy Strait Point, don't miss the opportunity​​​ for a spectacular view and a ​thrill of a lifetime.

​While I love roller coasters at the Disney theme parks, I admittedly don't seek adventure or big thrills. After my sons researched and watched a video online, I knew we had to include this once in a lifetime excursion as part of our itinerary and so we booked the World's Largest ZipRider (IS0​6) ​​through Disney Cruise Line. This exciting excursion provided a breathtaking view of the Disney Wonder and a glimpse of Glacier Bay National Park and would be a highlight of our entire family vacation.

After enjoying lunch onboard the cruise ship, we headed out for our next adventure. We rode the transporter (gondola ride) up to the check-in point for the excursion. After signing our waivers, our next step was to check our weight to make sure that everyone was within the restrictions. Participants must weigh between 75 lbs and 275 lbs and must be between 4', 4" and 6', 8" tall. ​(​No expectant mothers or guests with back or neck injuries will be permit​​ted​)​.​ ​At this location, complimentary lockers were available here to store any bags or gear that you may have with you.

We then took our next gondola ride up to the mountaintop. Here we were treated to a breathtaking view of Icy Strait (also called Hoonah), an active fishing village formerly a logging town, and ​home of ​the world’s largest Tlingit village​.​ We met a guide at the check-in point, who let us know that due to recent bear activity, an armed escort would take us down the path to the Zip-Rider. After waiting a short time, the guide offered to take us down to the launch point in his all-terrain vehicle. While there are four bears to every human on this private island, we did not see any bears - and that was okay!

When we arrived, we had the opportunity to watch another group load and take-off, so we had an idea of what to expect. Safety instructions were given and each Zip-rider was assigned a launch platform. For guests who wear glasses, it is recommended to wear safety goggles so that you don't lose your glasses as you make your descent down the mountain. 3...2...1... We are off soaring across the rainforest at 60 mph with a spectacular view of the forest, the port, and the Disney Wonder. Within 2 minutes, we descended 1600 feet ​​ down the mountain on the World's Largest Zip-Rider. As we touched down on the beach at Icy Strait Point, we knew we had shared in an adventure that we would talk about for years to come. As we exited the landing area, we had the opportunity to view our photos and purchase any "must have" souvenirs from our thrilling afternoon.

​With a full day of whale watching and zip-riding, we decided to watch the eagles for a short time and then return back to our ship. If we wanted to stay on the island longer, our ​"All Access" tour ticket ​did ​include​e​​ unlimited Gondola rides (both Mountaintop and Transporter), along with the Tribal Dance Show at ​the Heritage Center, and discounts at waterfront restaurants, and Icy Strait Point owned and operated retail shops​.

If you have ever wanted to see Alaska, contact your Me and The Mouse Travel agent to book your Disney cruise onboard the Disney Wonder. Whether you are whale watching, hiking, zip-lining, fishing or just enjoying the scenery, your Alaskan vacation will be an adventure that your family will talk about for a lifetime.