When people picture a stop in Ketchikan, they usually think of Creek Street, colorful shops, salmon, and wandering through town. We considered doing exactly that, but with our Disney Magic sailing only in port from noon until 5:00 p.m., we knew we didn’t have enough time to do that plus enjoy an excursion without feeling rushed.
Instead, we decided to spend most of our afternoon at one place: the famous George Inlet Lodge. Known for its all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab feast, it’s one of Ketchikan’s off-the-beaten-path excursions, and after hearing people rave about it over the years, we finally decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about ourselves.
Getting There Is Half the Experience
One of the biggest conveniences of booking through Disney Cruise Line was how easy everything was. As soon as we stepped off the ship, our motorcoach was waiting just a short walk from the dock. There was no searching for transportation or wondering if we were in the right place. We simply checked in onboard the ship, walked out as a group to board the bus, and settled in for the roughly 20-minute drive to George Inlet Lodge.
The ride itself was the perfect introduction to Ketchikan. As we made our way to the lodge, our driver shared stories about the city’s history, explaining why it’s known as both the “Salmon Capital of the World” and “Alaska’s First City” due to its location at the southern entrance to the Inside Passage. We also learned about the area’s deep Indigenous heritage and its remarkable collection of standing totem poles, the largest in the world.
Along the route, our driver pointed out several local breweries and recommended one that’s especially well known for its spruce tip beer. We actually planned to stop there after lunch, but by the time we returned to town, the wait was longer than expected. With our all-aboard time approaching, we decided not to chance it.
Is Booking Through Disney Worth the Extra Cost?
We booked this excursion through Disney Cruise Line for $179 per person. After returning home, I learned that George Inlet Lodge sells the exact same experience directly through its website for $109.95 for adults ages 13 and older. That’s a substantial savings, and it’s worth knowing if you’re planning your own trip.
That said, I still don’t regret booking through Disney.
One of the biggest advantages of Disney’s Port Adventures is the peace of mind they provide. If your excursion runs behind because of traffic, mechanical problems, or another delay outside your control, Disney knows exactly where you are. The ship will wait if necessary. If you book independently and something unexpected happens, you’re responsible for getting back before all aboard. If you don’t make it, the ship sails without you.
Everyone has a different comfort level with that risk, but for a port stop this short, I appreciated having one less thing to worry about.
A Beautiful Setting With Thoughtful Accessibility
George Inlet Lodge sits in an absolutely gorgeous location surrounded by towering trees overlooking the calm waters of George Inlet. Before lunch was even served, I found myself wishing we had more time simply to enjoy the scenery.
One thing guests should know before arriving is that the entrance is located at the bottom of several fairly steep flights of stairs. Fortunately, the lodge also operates a shuttle van that drives guests between the parking area and the entrance. My husband was using his cane throughout this trip, so discovering that shuttle waiting for anyone who needed it was a wonderful surprise. It made getting down to the lodge and back up afterward effortless.
Little touches like that really stood out. It was clear the staff wanted everyone to enjoy the experience, regardless of mobility level.
The Crab Feast Lives Up to the Hype
Lunch begins with a fresh Asian salad while the staff introduces everyone to the proper way to tackle a Dungeness crab. One of our servers gave an entertaining demonstration of the best techniques for cracking the shells and getting every bit of meat out without making a complete mess, although we totally made a complete mess. Crab is messy.
Oddly enough, that demonstration became one of my favorite moments of the entire excursion. Growing up in Seattle, I’ve eaten plenty of crab over the years, but nobody had ever shown me the easiest way to crack one. I actually learned a few tricks that I’ll use the next time crab is on the menu.
Then came what everyone was waiting for.
The Dungeness crab was everything I’d hoped it would be. It was sweet, tender, incredibly fresh, and served with warm melted butter. The staff kept the crab coming throughout the meal, so no one had to worry about leaving hungry.
Dessert was a creamy cheesecake topped with Alaska blueberries, which was the perfect way to finish the meal after several rounds of crab.
My Only Wish? More Time
The excursion lasts about two and a half hours from start to finish, including transportation. Even though lunch itself never felt rushed, the overall schedule did.
By the time I finished cracking my last piece of crab and finally turned my attention to dessert, we were told we had about 15 minutes before everyone needed to be back on the motorcoach. I barely had time to enjoy my cheesecake before we were gathering our things.
I would have loved at least another half hour to wander the grounds, browse the gift shop, or simply step outside to take in the view one last time. The lodge is such a beautiful place that it almost feels like a destination in itself rather than just a restaurant stop.
I’d Happily Go Back
Even with the tight schedule, I would book this excursion again without hesitation. The food was excellent, the scenery was beautiful, and the staff made everyone feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived.
Next time, though, I’d consider booking the George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast & Wilderness Exploration instead. It combines the same incredible meal and offers additional time to explore the surrounding area and learn about daily life in Southeast Alaska through hands-on experiences.
For anyone visiting Ketchikan on an Alaska Disney cruise, this is a wonderful alternative to simply wandering through town. It’s relaxing, memorable, and delicious, making it one of my favorite experiences from our entire voyage.
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