We did the Grand Denali tour with a glacier landing on a cold, rainy Sunday morning. Getting to the airport is easy, checking in was quick, and the prep fort he trip was simple. I believe Andy was our pilot. He was calm, clear, and made sure everyone in my party was comfortable (including my 30 year old sister and was white as a ghost because she doesn't like flying). The plane felt safe, and the actual flying part was smooth and relaxing. After the first 10 mins over the flat lands before the park, we went into a cloudy mountain range. But, the second we got past the first row of mountain, it was breathtaking. He may not want me saying this, but my father actually cried during the flight because of the beauty. Words cannot do this justice. After flying around the range, we landed on a glacier (very smooth and easy landing and take-off). That experience of being on, taking a bathroom break on, and eating of the glacier was surreal. I would say it is a must if you're doing this tour. We then took off and flew back to Talkeetna with no issues at all.
This was out first day in Alaska out of 14 total days. And while everything in Alaska was amazing, nothing beat this (and that sentiment includes my sister who is fearful of flying). There is no way I would send someone to Alaska without forcing them to do this tour. If you do not do this, you are missing out on a truly once of a lifetime experience (unless you are one of the pilots, who get to do this amazing thing every single day).