3 1/2 Hrs. and $285 later...

[son3disfan]

I did it. I broke down and got PASSPORTS for us even though we are flying out of Buffalo (crossing the boarder by car)
Waited in line for 3 1/2 HRS. at Hamilton... and spent $285 for the 5 of us.
I just couldn't imagine , having all the paperwork done ( I did it back in Oct. thinking we would fly out of pearson), and pictures taken ( for free from CAA ) and then , not get them. My husband said we didn't need them , but everyone said ( even at the passport office) travelling with kids, it's better to have them. Man , what I could have spent with that $285!
Oh well, it's done now.....

 

[Cass]

Yay for you, you did the right thing. Even travelling from Buffalo a Passport is the best form of identification. Now you are set for the next 5 years, you can fly to/from anywhere with no worries.

Think of it as 57.00 a year for the 5 of you to have proper ID

or 15 cents a day

 

[drag n' fly]

You will not regret it. The passport has become the standard form of identification worldwide.

 

[son3disfan]

Yay for you, you did the right thing. Even travelling from Buffalo a Passport is the best form of identification. Now you are set for the next 5 years, you can fly to/from anywhere with no worries.

Think of it as 57.00 a year for the 5 of you to have proper ID

or 15 cents a day

Thanks guys.. I feel better already.( ARE you a teacher??? )
Now , how to explain to my SUPER Tight Budget husband....(who doesn't think we need to have one!)

 

[tone.def]

Now , how to explain to my SUPER Tight Budget husband....(who doesn't think we need to have one!)

A passport is the wrong thing to cut from a budget and you're now free to roam the world...

 

[son3disfan]

A passport is the wrong thing to cut from a budget and you're now free to roam the world...

Maybe I'll just let him read this post!!! ( ha ha).

 

[Miandrea]

Yes it is a cost - but it is worth every penny.

 

[Scratch42]

Best Money You've Spent!

No more worrying about carrying two forms of ID! You have your passport!

No Worrys!

And just think, you are now prepared for any last minute trips to WDW!

j

 

[Cass]

Exactly, I mean what if you win a trip or something?

 

[tricia451]

Can I ask about the 3-1/2 hour wait? What time of day did you go? I was thinking of mailing mine in, but I'd like to get it a.s.a.p. and I live in Burlington. The news makes it look like you'll be in line all day!

Thanks,
Pat

 

[RoyalCanadian]

You have certainly made the right decision. The border with the United States is an international border -- the document of choice for crossing an international border is a passport. When we crossed in to the US at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge on Dec. 29 the US Homeland Security guard gave the passports a thorough check. It made his job easier. Same when we returned to Canada at the same bridge. The guard compared photos to individuals. There is never a reason to not have a passport.

 

[son3disfan]

Can I ask about the 3-1/2 hour wait? What time of day did you go? I was thinking of mailing mine in, but I'd like to get it a.s.a.p. and I live in Burlington. The news makes it look like you'll be in line all day!

Thanks,
Pat

It would have been alot longer then 3 1/2 hours but some nice guy who couldn't wait any longer gave me his number.
Ok let me explain it this way . They open ( in Hamilton at Jackson Square) at 8:45. I got there at that time with a huge line up and was given #148.
I figured a few hours... At 11:20, they were still on #67. The young man next to me was really upset and couldn't wait anymore. He gave me his number. I was out of there by 12:30.
Rumour has it that the Kitchener or Mississauga office is much faster( that was what every one there was saying)
My cousin got her's in Miss. first week in Jan. with no wait?????
My girlfriend went to Kitchner and didn't wait either , but that was in Oct.
What's really frustrating in Hamilton is that only 9 windows were open( out of about 20.) Where is all the "extra staff ' that were supose to be hired...

 

[tricia451]

Thanks for replying, maybe I'll try Mississauga. Another question since I've never had a passport before. Do you get papers immediately or how long do you have to wait. And if getting them at the office, you get to hold on to your birth certificate as opposed to having to mail it off right? Sorry for the questions, but like I said, I've never had a passport before & want to get one for me & my daughters (hubby already has one).
Thanks, Pat

 

[son3disfan]

Thanks for replying, maybe I'll try Mississauga. Another question since I've never had a passport before. Do you get papers immediately or how long do you have to wait. And if getting them at the office, you get to hold on to your birth certificate as opposed to having to mail it off right? Sorry for the questions, but like I said, I've never had a passport before & want to get one for me & my daughters (hubby already has one).
Thanks, Pat

No problem..
You need all your ID ( drivers lic. health card, even Birth cert.) and make sure the forms are all filled out correctly.You get all your ID back and they give you a receipt after you pay. I was told they will mail the passports to me ( free of charge ) . It would take 30 days. ( it's supose to be 14 , but they extended the date due to high numbers). I asked if I could come in to pick it up ... there was an extra charge for that.
So they should be here by mid Feb. If not , I have a receipt and all my ID .
And I would definately try Miss. Another girlfriend said there was no wait.. and she went mid day( after 2:00). Hope it works out for you....

 

[disneyfan2]

i hear the St Catharines office has short waits, you might want to check that out

 

[ThinkTink!]

Waited in line for 3 1/2 HRS. at Hamilton... and spent $285 for the 5 of us.

I work in the Standard Life building in Hamilton and see the long lines of people waiting to get a passport every day. I had no idea some of you waited 3 1/2 hrs!! However, it is for your Disney trip, so it was worth it!! Have a magical time!!

 

[son3disfan]

I work in the Standard Life building in Hamilton and see the long lines of people waiting to get a passport every day. I had no idea some of you waited 3 1/2 hrs!! However, it is for your Disney trip, so it was worth it!! Have a magical time!!

Thanks!
It's kind of funny how many people were alsleep out in the halllway when I was there....