I'm getting close to having an itinerary. Thinking of 1 night in Anchorage, 3 in Denali, and ( here's my question) either back to Anchorage for a night or somewhere in route to Valdez. A night or 2 in Valdez, time to see Columbia Glacier. Ferry to Whittier. 2 or 3 nights in Seward and 2 or 3 nights in Homer. Back to Anchorage the night before we fly home. Thinking of 3 nights in Homer to just kick back and enjoy the views. Shall I leave the Valdez part off and save it for the next trip?

From Denali Park to Valdez is a LONG day, best is to consider getting to Talkeetna rather than a night in Denali, then drive to Valdez. The most scenic portion is Glennallen to Valdez so you don't want that to be a marathon drive.
If you take the boat trip you need 2 nights there. I would not overnight in Anchorage on this route, as mentioned consider Talkeetna, Palmer etc.

If Columbia is a priority, be aware it is frequently "iced" out with boat tours rarely getting very close to this glacier.

Thanks Budget Queen. After reading more I
decided we'd not return to Anchorage and stop somewhere in route. I'm leaning toward Sheep Mountain, as posts on Talkeetna as a destination aren't too positive, unless one goes flightseeing. I wrote Columbia Glacier because I couldn't remember the name of Prince William Sound!
I'm also wondering where one could stay about an hour out of Anchorage in route to Denali and near Anchorage coming back from Seward. The prospect of staying in Anchorage doesn't sound great, big city, unimpressive hotels without AC.

Although your itinerary is pretty good and I'm not recomending any more time in Anchorage, I think the ``big city, unimpressive hotels without AC'' reference is not really a fair generalization -- as if many generalization are.

The whole AC thing is pretty overblown: the average high is 63 in July (and the July record high is 82). Plus there's usually pretty good breezes.
http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USAK0012_f.html

I lived there nearly 10 years without AC and can't recall missing it. Heat is much more of an issue up north in Fairbanks.

As for hotels, the Captain Cook is a classic and it is tough to beat the views anywhere from the upper levels of there or the other major hotels. (The Sheraton's solid jade (mined in state) staircase is also fairly cool.

I too find Anchorage a wonderful city to see. But Talkeetna is always a stop for me and a convenient overnight stop in transit. A great funky "real Alaska" place.

Some of your ideas may not be factual as mentioned above. Alaska is varied travel, you will see and do plenty of excellent, different things, unique to the time of your trip.

Don't get caught up with perceptions, one night in an area that turns out to be less than ideal for you will have no impact on the overall trip. Try some new areas.