Toronto Centre Island Dis Meet!!!

[Snowwark]

Please join us on Sunday July 8th, for a Dis Meet picnic at Toronto's beautiful Centre Island.

Centre Island is a short, scenic, 10-15 minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. The ferry docks are located at the foot of Bay Street at Queen's Quay West. Just be sure to board the Centre Island ferry.

The following link will give you more information about the ferry schedule, and the amenities at Centre Island.

http://www.toronto.com/E/V/TORON/0020/21/49/1.html

We are tentatively looking at 11:00am. to meet on the island.

Centre Island is a beautiful park with a magnificent view of Toront's skyline. Centreville amusement park is charming and fun for children and adults alike.

It would be great fun if we could have a Dis meet train ride together, or for the more adventurous, the bumper cars!!! :p

Come and join us, we'd love to meet you!!! :D

http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/snowwark3/toferry.jpg

[CindyAnn]

Hi Snowwark. It sounds great! Is there a good place to meet, hopefully with a shelter? Let's all try to wear our lime green ribbons so we can recognize each other. I'll be there with DH, DD, and DS. See you on July 8th!

[Baboo]

We'll be there! (as long as Len's feeling better) I'm looking forward to meeting more great DIS people!

[Snowwark]

Hi CindyAnn and Baboo! :D

I was thinking that a good place to meet would be at the Paradise restaurant, which is the restaurant to the right of the boat dock on the island. Another idea would be at the First Aid station, which if I recall correctly, is on the left, about halfway between the dock and Centreville. If the weather is not great the restaurant would be best, of course.

I'm thinking that a better time to meet would be 12 noon. That gives more time for people coming from out of town.

As far as lunch goes, how about if everyone brings their own food?

Ideas?

[nativetxn]

So if I stay in the Harbour area, I should be able to find this easily, right?

I'm looking forward to this meet.

Katholyn

[Snowwark]

Hi Katholyn! :D

Yes, the ferry docks are easy to find, and The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel is probably the closest to the docks, a very short walk from the hotel.

Below is a link to the Harbour Castle's website, and their map.

http://www.toronto.com/E/V/TORON/0012/42/76/staticmap.html

I hope you can join us, it would be great to meet you! :D

[TimNDansMom]

Hi Kim: I am planning on coming with my 2 boys and my brother will be meeting up with me, too. I still have to arrange everything with him. DH still has a business trip planned around then, but doesn't have exact dates yet. So it will be 4 or 5 people coming.

Do you know anything about the subway stations? Is there a car park at the Kipling station, I don't think I want to drive right the way downtown if DH can't come. What subway stop would I get off at for Queen's Quay? This is what I'm thinking at the moment. The other option is driving to my brother's apt. at Lawrence and Victoria and having him drive us down. But I'd like to plan either way as I don't really like driving on the 401 across the top of Toronto to get to his apt.--too much traffic! (I made it to the RFC meet okay, but the traffic made me nervous!)

[SandraC]

Hi Everyone! Great news about the DIS meet! I sure hope we can make it!

Julie: there are two parking lots very close to the ferry docks. They are on the east side of the Harbour Castle, also east of the restaurant boat. The lot closest to the restaurant boat is small. I prefer the second lot, just east on the first lot, it's bigger and less expensive. The second lot has early bird specials. It's greatly discounted the earlier you get there. Sorry I don't remember the times or cost. I think we've paid from $6.00 to $10.00 for that lot. But it might be higher now. Haven't been to the Toronto Island in two years. I don't think a subway is close to the docks. Union Station is probably the closest and it seems like a long walk to the Lakeshore, but if you like walking, it's okay. Kipling has plenty of parking, as does Islington. The GO train is an option too, but you'll have the same probably with the Union Station walk. The drive to the lots near the ferry is not bad.

I hope we can make it. I don't want to committ in case the weather is bad (I'd go in bad weather, but the thought of totting two small kids in the rain YIKES). Also, this is Gary's vacation time (one of them), so I'm not sure what we are doing. We are likely doing the NF meet at the end of July. We'll try so very hard to make the Toronto meet!

[Snowwark]

Hi Julie! :D

Coming from Hamilton, I'm not familiar with Toronto's subway system.

Here's a link to the TTC (http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc/index.htm ), although I found the site to be a little confusing.

Maybe someone from Toronto could answer your question.

Sandra, it would be nice to see you and your family again, I hope you can make it! :D

[tigger2on]

Those of you who wish to take the subway. You do not have to walk from Union. They have built an underground street car line that goes from UNion to the docks and then to Queens Key. You don't even get outside until you are accross the road from the dock enterance. They did this to get rid of the traffic with the buses. Call TTC and they will direct you or just ask the ticket guy at Union. Takes 3 minutes and the kids will think it is cool

[CindyAnn]

Good Morning! Kim - I think everyone would have to be in charge of their own food. Otherwise the logistics sound very complicated.

Julie - Tigger2on is right. All you need to do is park at the Kipling subway station, take the Bloor Line to St. George, and then transfer to the University Line to Union Station. From there you can take the special line to Harbourfront. It's easy! Just grab a transfer when you get on at Kipling because if I recall you don't pay any extra to use the Harbourfront line, but you do need to show a transfer.

[mickey65]

I am going to try and make it. I live about 4.5 hours away so it is close enough to come. It will depend on how my summer courses are going and how the finances are. It would be great to meet everyone though!

[TimNDansMom]

Thank you all!! for the parking and subway info. That certainly gives me lots of options. :sunny:

Kim, that's a good suggestion about meeting at noon. It would be a good time for me and all others coming in from out-of-town. If people want to get there earlier, they can stroll around a bit until then.

Does anyone know if there is a hotdog/hamburg stand in case I decide not to "bring" a picnic lunch? I know there's a restaurant and ice cream stand down by the beach, but that's all I remember.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again, and meeting some new DISers! :D

[linda bignell]

Hello all you Disney Friends;

It has been a long, long, long time since I have been over to the island. I know at one time, you could take the Bay Street bus all the way to the docks. I am not sure about it now though. I'll find out about it on Monday. If you can find a parking spot any where in Toronto, take it! Otherwise, your best bet is the TTC or the Go train. I will probably park at Kipling and take the subway. I am hoping Danny, (DH), my good friend Tom, and of course, my grandson, Austin, will be with me. If they can't make it, I will be there all by my self, but, I will be there!!! SandraC, You had better be there. After reading all your letters, I am dying to meet you!
I have been looking through my Disney pictures to decide which ones to bring.
I have been making T-shirts with Disney logos and pictures to wear. I will be easy to spot.
I can't wait to meet everybody.

SEE YOU ALL ON JULY 8th

Linda Bignell

[Snowwark]

Tigger2on and CindyAnn, thanks so much for the subway info!

Julie, it's been about 2 years since I've been to Centre Island, but I believe that besides the Paradise restaurant at the dock, there is a hamburger/hotdog place just inside Centreville.

Linda, I look forward to meeting you, and I'm glad you won't let the possibility of being solo stop you from joining us!

Mickey65 that's a long trip for you, I really hope you can attend. I almost feel like I know you, we "meet" every morning, maybe we can exchange riddle strategy!!! ;)

I'm going to repost the list from the old thread of those who are interested in attending, and I'd love to add some more names!

Come on, join in, it'll be fun!!! :D

[oldkicker]

It looks like my DW and I should be able to come up for the weekend.

We'll stay over Saturday night.

Really looking forward to meeting everyone!
:D

[Snowwark]

:D :) :D

[CindyAnn]

Oldkicker - That sounds great! We'd love some more company from south of the border. We're hoping that Katholyn (Nativetxn) will be able to make it too.

If I recall correctly, there is a so-so sit-down restaurant and several food stands, most of which are situated near the rides in Centreville. Last year there was a Pizzapizza, a place that sold wrap sandwiches (or I might only have seen that the year before), a hotdog/burger place, a funnel cake place, an ice cream stand and possibly a few other places.

Just a note for anyone packing a picnic lunch - alcohol is not allowed on Centre Island, although I believe the restaurant itself is licensed.

[Baboo]

Oldkicker! Glad to hear that you and Sharon are going to be able to join us! Sounds like it's shaping up to be a great day! I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!

[TimNDansMom]

Is the plan for everyone to meet at the Paradise Restaurant around 12 o'clock?

[Baboo]

Yes, that's the plan as far as I know Julie. Looking forward to seeing everyone then.

[Snowwark]

Hi Julie and Kathy! :D

Yes, the Paradise Restaurant at 12 noon.

Do you guys plan on bringing lawnchairs? I'm not sure what to do about that. I really don't want to be carrying around lawnchairs if we decide to go and take a Dis Meet train ride, or bumper car blowout. :p There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park, should we just take a chance that we can grab a couple? I could bring some vinyl tablecloths. Any ideas or suggestions?? :D

[TimNDansMom]

Hi Kim and Kathy! "Paradise" at 12 it is! :)

Kim, I think that's a good idea to bring some type of ground cover, something that will fold up small, just in case there are no picnic tables available. I have a couple of plastic table cloths, I'll bring too. I don't want to carry around lawn chairs and don't mind "lounging" on the grass. We'll use our backpacks for ease of carrying stuff around.

Should we start a new thread to list who's going?

Looking forward to seeing everyone. Hope it's a nice day! :D

[Baboo]

I am so excited about getting to see all of you guys! We'll have to bring one of our folding chairs for Len, but they are the type that telescope closed and then go in a bag with a carry strap, so it won't be a big deal. He won't be riding any bumper cars anyway! LOL! We also just got a great collapsible cooler that has 2 wheels on it to make lugging it around easier. They class it as a 60 can size, so it will hold quite a bit. If you're interested in getting one, they have them at Loblaws and Independant Grocers here in town, and they are only $16.95 which is an amazing price! See you all soon!

[TimNDansMom]

I saw those coolers in our Zehrs, Kathy, and thought they looked great and not a bad price at $16.95!

See you soon! :sunny:

[Snowwark]

Hi DISers!! :D

The following is a list of those who plan on attending the Toronto, Centre Island Dis Meet, Sunday, July 8th, meeting at 12 noon at the Paradise Restaurant on Centre Island.

Oldkicker & DW (Bernie & Sharon)

Nativetxn & ? (Katholyn)

Baboo, Mleo, DD, & DS (Kathy, Len, Ginny, & Michael)

TimNDansMom, DH (?) & 2DS's (Julie, ?, Tim, & Dan (surprise!))

CindyAnn, DH, DS & DD (Brian, Trevor, & Mallory)

Taryn & J

Mickey65 & ?

Tigger2on & DD (Suzanne & Ryleigh)

Linda Bignell, DH, DF, & DGS (Danny, Tom & Austin) maybe!

Epcotfan (I'm sorry, I don't know your name!)

Snowwark & DH (Kim & John)

Hopefully, SandraC, DH, DS & DD (Gary, Evan, & Emily)


There's still time for other DISers to join us, and the more the merrier!! :D

The ferry hasn't left the dock yet!! ;)

[Nancy]

Wish I could make this one since it's so close, but oldest DD is having all her friends over for a birthday sleepover on Saturday and I can't see any way that we can get there.:( :( :(

[nativetxn]

I couldn't get a reservation at the Harbour Castle (although I love that place :( )

We're going to be at the Radisson at Queen's Quay, hope it's nice there.

Katholyn

[Snowwark]

Hi Katholyn!

I've never stayed at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Admiral (http://www.radisson.com/RAD/Hotel_Directory/hotelBioOne.jsp?hotelID=106&hotelCode=ONTORONT&packageLevel=3&returnFlag=none&origin=&locUni=) but I've been told that it's very nice! :D

Sorry you can't make it Nancy, maybe next time! :D

[SandraC]

Hi all, I wish we could make it for sure, but I am having my doubts. I see that the plan is to meet at Paradise Restaurant at noon. We usually bring a vinyl table cloth and turn it upside down so the vinyl is on the ground and we sit on the soft part as a picnic blanket. I guess we are pretty lucky to still be pushing around a stroller so we can bring more stuff!

If we don't make the Island meet, we will DEFINATELY be at the NF's meet on July 29th.

I'll bring pix of April trip and the stroller we used in case folks with babies want to see what we pushed are WDW.

I'll have more questions about planning our next trip!

Thanks all!

[Snowwark]

Good morning everyone! :D

I have purchased 4 metres of lime green (well, sort of apple green) vinyl tablecloth material to use on picnic tables. I also have lime green balloons. I'm hoping this makes it easier for any latecomers to spot us once we've left the restaurant. I will also be PMing DH's cell phone # to each of you.

We haven't discussed an alternate plan in the event the weather is miserable. I guess I haven't really wanted to think that that might happen! LOL! Anyway, if the weather is bad perhaps we could meet in the lobby of the Harbour Castle (since it's so close to the docks), and go to Gretzky's for lunch. This is just an idea, and I would appreciate any suggestions. :D

* I am waiting to read Mike J's review of Gretzky's Restaurant, that's where I stole this idea from! :p

[bebbie]

Hello everyone! Hello Kim! :)

I'm new to this forum and I'm sooo excited to meet all of you.
Imagine....a whole bunch of people who love Disney as much as I do!
I live in Mississauga. I haven't been to the island for many years but I do know how to get there.

DH and I will see you all soon :bounce:
Deb & Bill

[linda bignell]

Dear Bebbie,
Welcome to the Dis Boards. I haven't been to any of the meets yet myself, but I am really looking forward to this one. I almost made it to the one in Peterborough, but, due to unforseen circumstances, I missed it. I have to tell you though, I have met some really great people on this site. Since we all love Disney, it automatically gives us all something in common! I know that I speak for many, please, join us at the Island this weekend. It's ok to be nervous, I know I am. Bring any pictures you may have. I can guarantee, you, (we) will make many new friends. Isn't that what Disney is all about??
I look forward to meeting you on Sunday.

Linda in Brampton.

[Baboo]

Hello All! I just wanted to let you know that we are still planning on being there on Sunday. We're really looking forward to seeing everyone. At the moment, my primary computer is off at the computer hospital, so I can't be reached by my usual email address. I'm assuming that we'll go with the idea of meeting at the Harbour Castle in the lobby if it rains, and go from there. See you all on Sunday!

[TimNDansMom]

Hi everyone! I am still "on" for the DIS meet on Sunday. However, it might be just me and my brother, who I'll meet up with in Toronto. DH has scheduled a golf game with his boss, Dan might still be working on a website for a customer and I don't know if Tim will come or not if his brother is busy. But I am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing those again, from the last DIS meet!

Baboo, I think that's a good plan of Kim's, Paradise Restaurant at noon or Harbour Castle lobby if it rains. The last time I looked, the forecast looked like rain on Saturday. Sunday showed partly cloudy, so I think it should be a good day for the islands!

See you all on Sunday! :sunny:

[TimNDansMom]

Hi everyone! I am still "on" for the DIS meet on Sunday. However, it might be just me and my brother, who I'll meet up with in Toronto. DH has scheduled a golf game with his boss, Dan might still be working on a website for a customer and I don't know if Tim will come or not if his brother is busy. But I am looking forward to meeting new people and seeing those again, from the last DIS meet!

Baboo, I think that's a good plan of Kim's, Paradise Restaurant at noon or Harbour Castle lobby if it rains. The last time I looked, the forecast looked like rain on Saturday. Sunday showed partly cloudy, so I think it should be a good day for the islands!

See you all on Sunday! :sunny:

[Snowwark]

Good morning friends! :D

Tomorrow is the big day!!

Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for good weather. So far, the forecast looks good! :sunny:

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a PM, and maybe, just maybe, I'll have an answer!! LOL

Anyone else reading this (that means you!), who hasn't joined up, there's still time. If you read through the thread you should be able to find us! We'd love some surprise visitors! :D

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone!!!!

See you Sunday on the island!!! :cool:

Kim