Great Wolf Lodge and cross-border shopping (USA)

[biggroofy]

Hi there,

I'm planning for a quick trip to Great Wolf Lodge around end of June. DW wants to cross border to buy some baby stuff from Walmart (she claimed those are not available in Canada).

I guess in order to get tax exemption ($50?) we have to stay overnight in US. Any good hotel suggestion? Any fun places to go with DD4?

My Canadian passport will expire in Jan 09 but I guess it is still OK if I drive to US?

[OntFamily]

You don't need a passport to drive to the USA (if you are a Canadian citizen), only a government issued photo ID (drivers license) + proof of citizenship (birth certificate).

Yes, in order to claim $50 tax and duty free, you must be in the USA at least 24 hours. However, unless you have more than $75 - $100 per person, usually the Canadian Border agency guard will let you through without paying taxes or duty.

I would bid for a hotel on Priceline (you shoudl be able to get a 3 * for approx $40 - $50). Otherwise, you'll pay about $100-$140 per night, for a decent hotel.

[shoppgirl]

We took the family to Great Wolf back in April. We checked out on a Saturday morning and then headed to the Queenston Lewiston Bridge (which is SO CLOSE to GWL!) to cross. We had our passports to make the crossing easier, but they are not necessary. Any photo ID is fine with proof of citizenship. And if your passports are still valid, then it's fine.

I personally would not spend money on a hotel room to save on taxes (no duties-they never ask for it, just tax, and then if you separate your children's clothing and shoes, those are taxed only GST!). When we went we claimed around $100 on childrens clothing, and they just let us right through. When we declare purchases over $150, they have made us go in and pay the taxes. But still, it would amount to a lot less than a night's hotel on the US side! If you spend $500 US, the most they can tax you is $65 (GST+PST). So it's cheaper to shop for the day and then declare your purchases and pay the nominal taxes IF they even charge you.

There is a WalMart at the exit we take to get to the really amazing Outlet Mall nearby!

[Diamondintheruff]

If you spend $500 US, the most they can tax you is $65 (GST+PST). So it's cheaper to shop for the day and then declare your purchases and pay the nominal taxes IF they even charge you.


I agree. Just have your receipts ready when you come back home at the border, seem agreeable and be willing to pay any duties they ask. If it is mostly baby/kid stuff there isn't much duties to pay on those things.

Keep in mind that should you have to pay duty that the "duty clerk" does not itemize each item on a receipt. Should you go to a store like target and buy some kids clothing and some adult clothing the duty clerk will ask you what most of the items on the receipt are for. I would reply "kids clothing" as there is less duty on kids clothes than adults.

But I do like to get away for the weekend with my girlfriends and go shopping once a year. We stay at the Millenium Hotel (it's beside the galleria Mall and accross from the Olive Garden and Krispie Kreme). They have an indoor pool. However if you have just been at Great Wolf Lodge their pool would seem rather bland. But you did ask for advice on hotels.

[SherylWrites]

in the way of "gear". Strollers, playpens, carseats, etc. etc. have different standards in the US from Canada. And if you have to return it, it's going to be a pain.
But clothes and such are just fine! KMart often has some great Sesame Street clothes and for a great price too!

[biggroofy]

thank you everyone. i will take the suggestion about returning on the same day (especially not much attractions on the US side of the Falls).

A question about food/drinks restrictions. IF we leave from Toronto and go straight to US for shopping, and then return to Canada on the same day (stay at GWL for the night) - we might have some food/drinks from home in a cold pack + baby formula etc.

I understood that US/Canada has restrictions about food. Would it be an issue if we are driving? If that's a concern I might have to alter our route (GWL first).

[maryrego]

They usually dont care if you brings snacks / food across the boarder
The only thing they may say something about is fruit.
Ive never had a problem though

[biggroofy]

But I do like to get away for the weekend with my girlfriends and go shopping once a year. We stay at the Millenium Hotel (it's beside the galleria Mall and accross from the Olive Garden and Krispie Kreme). They have an indoor pool. However if you have just been at Great Wolf Lodge their pool would seem rather bland. But you did ask for advice on hotels.

Hi Diamondintheruff,

DW and I are still negotiating. Planning to stay 2 or 3 night somewhere (i.e. maybe 1 night US + 2 night great wolf lodge, or just 2 night GWL). Our goal is to visit WalMart in the US (to buy some baby items that are not available in Canada), plus Gymboree outlet (kids clothings).

We will have a party of six (me, DW, DD4, 10-month-old baby, dad, mom) - so $50 x 6 = $300 exemption would be more than enough.

Is Millenium Hotel in Buffalo? How far away is it from Niagara Falls? We might consider staying overnight to visit some attractions in Buffalo - looks like there are some amusement parks and zoo (although not sure how they are, compare to Marine Land in Canada)

[Diamondintheruff]

The millenium airport hotel is at 2040 Walden Ave, Buffalo. On their website they have listed some local attractions. For me, the only attractions I've been interested in is the shopping (Niagara Outlets 15 minutes drive and Walden Galleria next door and my favorite Target) so I can't comment. You would have to get two rooms for your group.

Really when you factor in a hotel room is the babystuff at walmart really cheaper?

Why not take a day trip into the states just the two of you and leave the kids with the grandparents at GWL? Lots of Walmarts in the states are 24 hours. Google them and find out if the ones in niagara are.

[shoppgirl]

[QUOTE=

Why not take a day trip into the states just the two of you and leave the kids with the grandparents at GWL? Lots of Walmarts in the states are 24 hours. Google them and find out if the ones in niagara are.[/QUOTE]

I totally agree with this poster's comment! Your kids will have much more fun hanging at GWL while you shop. It is so close and if you only want to hit WalMart and Gymboree (I ALWAYS shop here and it's fabulous!), you wouldn't be gone long. WHen I took my 6 and 4 year old outlet shopping, they were complaining the whole time (especially since they were getting off a "high" from all the excitement at GWL!) and I did not enjoy my shopping experience at all!

[biggroofy]

Thank you shoppgirl and Diamondintheruff. It make sense to just cross the border for a few hours. So when we are back, we just tell the Canadian Custom that we just hopped over for some shopping, and hand over our receipts?

I don't think we are going to buy too many stuff - the two main things (not available in Canada) are:

1 - Pampers disposal bibs for babies
2 - DHA (something) rice cecreal

and then we may visit the Gymboree outlet for some baby clothings.

So if we depart from GWL, should we take Rainbow Bridge? Our primary destination is Walmart :)

[shoppgirl]

You are much closer to the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge than Rainbow bridge if you're coming from GWL in my opinion as it is all highway driving. The Rainbow would be through the city and would take longer. As soon as you cross here, you travel along the highway until you get to Porter Road (I believe!) and it's on your right. It's about 16 Km from GWL to this particular Walmart. Then from here we travel through the city to the outlets (Gymboree) which is only about 1.6 miles away. I would google map for exact directions to make sure.

And yes, when you get to the border, just have your receipts ready to go and be honest about what you spent. It's only a few dollars in taxes if they even tax you. Sometimes if you're honest and give the true amount, they won't tax you, but if you give a low ball amount because you are hiding something, they will search your car if they don't believe you. We have had that done before, and we had nothing to hide anyways.

[Diamondintheruff]

Shoppgirl, I couldn't have phrased it better! I also have been searched when they thought we were hiding something. But usually if you are honest and pleasant (I mean we are Canadian after all) it all goes smoothly.

[shoppgirl]

biggroofy
I just saw in my Walmart flyer tonight that Pampers disposable bibs are for sale here for $4.97 a box....you don't need to drive all that way to the US Walmart for those! However, it is still worth the drive to the outlets!

[Diamondintheruff]

However, it is still worth the drive to the outlets

You can always come up with a reason to shop the outlets. ::yes:: ::yes::

[Kurby]

This is very true.

we went across a few weeks ago and spent over $400 in about 4 hours (ya got slowed down by a sleeping child LOL)

when we crossed back i handed the guy my receipts and he told me to have a nice day and back across we came.

not saying everyone will get off that easy - he might have just been having a great day or maybe he just got back from lunch ;)



You don't need a passport to drive to the USA (if you are a Canadian citizen), only a government issued photo ID (drivers license) + proof of citizenship (birth certificate).

Yes, in order to claim $50 tax and duty free, you must be in the USA at least 24 hours. However, unless you have more than $75 - $100 per person, usually the Canadian Border agency guard will let you through without paying taxes or duty..

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

Thank you shoppgirl and Diamondintheruff. It make sense to just cross the border for a few hours. So when we are back, we just tell the Canadian Custom that we just hopped over for some shopping, and hand over our receipts?

I don't think we are going to buy too many stuff - the two main things (not available in Canada) are:

1 - Pampers disposal bibs for babies
2 - DHA (something) rice cecreal

and then we may visit the Gymboree outlet for some baby clothings.

So if we depart from GWL, should we take Rainbow Bridge? Our primary destination is Walmart :)

We just go across the boarder for a few hours 2-3, all the time. They ask how much you spent, and they never want to actually look at our receipts. We always have them in our hands, but they never look at them. We find like another poster said that they will let you go with spending around $100 each. Have fun shopping!!! And if walmart is your primary destination, have lots of time, we are always in there forever :rotfl:

[angelkk]

Hi there,

Wanted to ask, where is the Gymboree outlet in US? We will stay at Sheraton on the Falls this weekend, and would like to hop over for some shoppings on Monday. Do you guys think we can be back (to hotel) in 4 hours (including traffic)?

Planning to check out hotel around 11am and drive there. Wanted to be back latest by 3pm since I don't want to stuck in the rush hour traffic in QEW and 401 (heading back to Toronto).

Also, any good lunch places in the outlet area, or just food court?

[biggroofy]

biggroofy
I just saw in my Walmart flyer tonight that Pampers disposable bibs are for sale here for $4.97 a box....you don't need to drive all that way to the US Walmart for those! However, it is still worth the drive to the outlets!

thanks everyone & shoppgirl :goodvibes I will let my wife know about the disposable bibs - she brought a few boxes from Orlando in March.

I think we will go for a day trip now. It is true that we will be so close to the border and should go for a few hours of shopping, especially I wish to get some snacks from Walmart.

Another question (a dumb one though) - when we drove back to Canada, do they ask how much (in total) the whole family spent, or they need a number per person? If you recall, the declaration form (via Air) requires us to separate the spending per person.

[Vijoge]

Hi there,

Wanted to ask, where is the Gymboree outlet in US? We will stay at Sheraton on the Falls this weekend, and would like to hop over for some shoppings on Monday.


We just got back from Niagara Falls on Tuesday and now I find out about the Gymboree outlet! DH is laughing his rump off.

[shoppgirl]

When we cross the border, the customs officer asks how much do you have to declare, and the driver (my DH usually) gives one total and does not break it down per person. They can see how many people are in the car and they will decide if you're worth taxing or not. Try not to stress too much about this process...if it looks like you're nervous or have something to hide, they will pick up on it! Just tell the truth and pay the 13% tax if you have to, not a big deal (5% if you're buying kids stuff).

The Gymboree outlet just opened late last year at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara (the only large outlet mall close to the border)

Fashion Outlets of Niagara
1900 Military Road
Niagara Falls NY 14304

It's a great store with tons of stuff! It's close to the Osh Kosh and Gap outlets. I always walk out of that place with a huge bag full of clothes for my girls, much to my husband's dismay I'm sure!:rolleyes1

Google map the address. You can definitely go over, shop like crazy (I always do a power shop at the mall myself), and then fill your gas tank up first before crossing back...gas is still cheaper in the US. I have done it in 2 hours! We always eat at Honey's (amazing chicken wings and pizza) and they have a restaurant right at the Outlet Mall (not IN the mall, but you will see it in the parking lot area as a separate building). Have fun shopping! I wish I was going, but I'm heading to shop the outlets in Vegas in a couple of weeks!

[biggroofy]

Thanks again shoppgirl! :) We'll take your advice (except the grandparents insist to come with us for cross-border shopping - so all six of us will go together after check out at GWL) :P

Any restaurants nearby that we can get good buffalo wings without driving into Buffalo?

P.S. I bought my GPS at BestBuy last week - I guess it's better to bring the original receipt (just in case) to prove that this is bought in Canada :P

[Diamondintheruff]

Do you guys think we can be back (to hotel) in 4 hours (including traffic)?


You can do it in four hours but I can guarantee you will feel as if you didn't get enough time in for shopping. My advice is to google the Fashion Outlet and scroll through which stores you want to do. In 2.5 hours which is about how much shopping time you will have you'll need a list of 4 maybe 5 stores only to go to. Keep to your list and attack the stores the same way you tour Disney. Hit the big busier stores first. Perhaps since the grandparents are coming the once you have decided what you want to purchase you can leave them in line at the store to pay for it while you move on to the next store. Then they can join you at the next one.

[biggroofy]

Thank you everyone! We are back home! :thumbsup2

Got a $129/night offer from GWL on the check-out date so extended our stay for another night. Not sure why, my GPS kept asking me to use Whirlpool Bridge - but when we got there it displays card-holder access only. Headed towards Queenston Lewiston Bridge around 10:30am this morning - waited for 40 minutes before we could cross border.

Arrived Walmart at 5555 porter Rd around 11:40am - a little disappointed. They do not have the variety we saw in Orlando, and the stock is limited. At least we are able to get some Rainbow fish crackers, Pampers bibs, etc.

Had lunch at Applebee Bar & Grill (located in Fashion outlet), ordered Boneless Buffalo Wings - which appeared to be Buffalo style chicken nuggets :rotfl:

The outlet mall was very quiet today - possibly it is a weekday. We were the only customer in Gymboree outlet. They had a big sale and we bought 6 shirts/pants and costs us only $35 USD.

Shopped for a tiny bit in the fashion outlet and then we headed off to Target. Cool, we found the Starbucks Iced Expresso (4-in-a-pack) but there were only two packs available. DW seemed she prefers Target to Walmart.

We went back around 3:00pm - this time we chose Rainbow bridge (didn't know this is a toll bridge) - the wait wasn't too bad - maybe 15 minutes? I handed our passports along with all receipts to the custom officer, and he asked "How do you people know each other in this car?" I said, "I believe, I knew my parents when I was born, and I met my wife in highschool, while I knew my kids when they were born....." He laughed, and says "so what's the purpose of your trip and how long you guys were away?" I said a few hours, and we just do some shopping, total for $280 USD. He then scanned our receipts and asked if we are bring in any weapons etc, and after all, he returned the passports back to us and said have a good day :love:

[Diamondintheruff]

We got offered the $129 deal last time we were at GWL too.

Glad your wife loved Target.

A little humour goes a long way with the border guards.

So when is your next cross-border shopping trip planned for?

[2meezers]

If you wanted great wings....you should have crossed the parking lot and went to Honey's!!! Awesome wings and a Buffalo staple!!......They moved top the outlet mall from their original location years ago....but same great wings!

Another thing to keep in mind for future trips....we always stay at the Holiday Inn (either Grand Island or Amherst)....nice indoor pools and rooms and kids always eat free....a good savings when you factor that in. We usually do a weekend trip in late August....back to school shopping and a day trip to Fantasy Island.....small amusement park but tons of fun for the kids since the rides are really aimed for them and they do have a pretty fun water park!

Glad to hear your trip went well!

[biggroofy]

So when is your next cross-border shopping trip planned for?

Now planning.....

DW wanted to do a 2-3 nights trip to US in August, so it will be a shopping + vacation trip. I just posted here - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1876855

Not sure how far we could go. Maybe Buffalo, or suggested by Fantasy Island suggested 2meezers?

[silverstar]

hi, I haven't posted here in a long time, I tried to start a new thread but it wouldn't let me start one, (not sure why)
Anyways I was wondering...has anyone here gone to the mall of america. We are thinking of making that one of our summer destinations.

[brighteyes]

[QUOTE=biggroofy;25879469]Thank you everyone! We are back home! :thumbsup2

Got a $129/night offer from GWL on the check-out date so extended our stay for another night. Not sure why, my GPS kept asking me to use Whirlpool Bridge - but when we got there it displays card-holder access only. Headed towards Queenston Lewiston Bridge around 10:30am this morning - waited for 40 minutes before we could cross border.

I am heading to GWL on Thursday night, currently only booked for one night. I was contemplating on adding another night before our GWL stay at the Days Inn on Clifton Hill for 129.00. But was wondering if I would get offered the 129.00 for a Friday night.

If you don't mind me asking, what night was your 129.00 offer? I am debating on just booking the Days Inn before our stay or gambling on the 129.00 offer on a Friday.:confused3

Decisions, decisions, :headache: :headache:

Thanks

Stephanie

[biggroofy]

If you don't mind me asking, what night was your 129.00 offer? I am debating on just booking the Days Inn before our stay or gambling on the 129.00 offer on a Friday.:confused3

Decisions, decisions, :headache: :headache:

Thanks

Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,

We were supposed to check out on Jun 24 (Tues). On Tuesday morning we got the $129 offer (at the back of the bill). This is a very good deal because we were in the one bedroom (Majestic Bear) suite that costs $449 or so per night. On Jun 25 (Wed), we got the same offer at the back of our bill, but this time we did not take it because we were heading off for our first cross-border shopping.

If you wish to get the $129 offer, the best bet would be a Mon-Thu check-out date. I would assume they are quite full on Fri - Sun and might not give this offer.

Also check another thread (Great Wolf Review), I saw someone posted that they got a $129 or $199 (?) deal from a website too.

Good luck!

[brighteyes]

Hi Stephanie,

We were supposed to check out on Jun 24 (Tues). On Tuesday morning we got the $129 offer (at the back of the bill). This is a very good deal because we were in the one bedroom (Majestic Bear) suite that costs $449 or so per night. On Jun 25 (Wed), we got the same offer at the back of our bill, but this time we did not take it because we were heading off for our first cross-border shopping.

If you wish to get the $129 offer, the best bet would be a Mon-Thu check-out date. I would assume they are quite full on Fri - Sun and might not give this offer.

Also check another thread (Great Wolf Review), I saw someone posted that they got a $129 or $199 (?) deal from a website too.

Good luck!


Thanks for responding so quickly. :thumbsup2
I booked my original room from that last minute website for 139.00 for the family suite, so I did good there. I think my best bet if I want to stay the Friday night is to book it on the same website. I think that Fri night is going for 199.00. Or to book the days Inn at Clifton Hill for 129.00 on the same site.

Next time I will know to book my first night earlier in the week. popcorn::

Whatever I decide we will have a great time. :banana: :banana: :woohoo:

Thanks again. And glad you enjoyed your stay.

Stephanie