Border/Buffalo/Park n Fly Questions

[kelsco99]

I will be crossing the border at Niagara Falls in 3 weeks for a a flight to Orlando from Buffalo. I will be going solo and meeting people there. When I cross the border in my car, do I say I am going to the Buffalo airport to fly to Orlando or do I just say I am going to Orlando, Florida?

I have a 7am flight. I am driving from Brighton, Ontario and I am guessing (according to mapquest) that the drive will be about 4 hours.
Because of this I will be driving in the night before and doing Park n Fly. Any reccomendations for which hotels give the best deal for this and how to get it?
How long before the flight do I need to be at the airport?

In the past, I have always driven to Florida with the family but going solo, flying is definitely cheaper so thanks for your help with this new experience

Kelly

 

[hockey mom]

Just tell them at the border that you are heading to Disney.

One hour before flight time is enough at this airport.

We have stayed at a few hotels that offer "park n fly" but my fav is Holiday Inn express on Buell st.

 

[mommytodarlings]

We are leaving in just over a week and are staying at the Sleep Inn, it's $89 for the night for the Park & Fly package. You have to call the hotel directly to book 1-866-559-7275

 

[sean-1966]

Check with your hotel. Most will allow you to park there and use their shuttle.

Sorry just saw the post above.

 

[NancyK]

When we tell them we're headed to Disney, they usually specifically ask us if we're flying or driving.
Although an hour before the flight used to be the norm at Buffalo, they are suggesting you be there 90 minutes prior to boarding since security was heightened last month. Here's the link to Buffalo airport. www.buffaloairport.com
We took my son and friends over a couple of weeks ago for the 7:15 a.m. flight and the airport was quite busy even at 5:15 am. It took them about 15 minutes to get through the security line. That was much quicker than we anticipated based on the number of people in the line. I think a lot of people were not bothering with carry on luggage.
We're flying out in 3 weeks as well. Let's hope for calm, pleasant flying weather!

 

[snickerboo]

We like HI Express, too. There are 2 HI Express in Buffalo. One is right accross from the airport, the other (Galleria) is a 5-10min drive. I stayed at the one at Galleria and the staff were awesome. You also get the free deluxe continental breakfast there.

 

[kelsco99]

We like HI Express, too. There are 2 HI Express in Buffalo. One is right accross from the airport, the other (Galleria) is a 5-10min drive. I stayed at the one at Galleria and the staff were awesome. You also get the free deluxe continental breakfast there.

Thanks everyone - I am happy to see 2 reports of liking HI. Free Continental Breakfast is good too Do they both have that?

I found the one on Buell Street. Not knowing the area, is this the one that is right across from the airport? Is the Galleria one located here...

4600 Genessee St.
Cheektowaga, NY 14225

 

[wee-haggis]

Thanks everyone - I am happy to see 2 reports of liking HI. Free Continental Breakfast is good too Do they both have that?

I found the one on Buell Street. Not knowing the area, is this the one that is right across from the airport? Is the Galleria one located here...

4600 Genessee St.
Cheektowaga, NY 14225

The hotel next to the Galleria Mall is the Millenium. I've stayed there twice with their Park/Sleep/Fly package and they are very good. Nice room,good staff,excellent quick shuttle. If you want to check out the choice,have a look here.
http://www.parksleepfly.com/
I also suggest you think about crossing at Fort Erie (much easier than Niagara).
Buffalo Airport is a dream compared to that monstrosity we call Pearson.
You can easily chek in with time to spare with 2 hours preceding your flight (if you are using SWA....you can check in 24 hrs in advance and the time you need at the airport can be even less)

 

[dsneygirl]

I agree on at least 90 min before your flight. Especially on a weekday there are a lot of business travellers. We just booked the new Hilton Garden Inn which is right across the street. CAA rate was right about $100. No breakfast though.

 

[tone.def]

Thanks everyone - I am happy to see 2 reports of liking HI. Free Continental Breakfast is good too Do they both have that?

I found the one on Buell Street. Not knowing the area, is this the one that is right across from the airport? Is the Galleria one located here...

4600 Genessee St.
Cheektowaga, NY 14225

Re - continental brekkie... your flight is at 7 a.m., correct??? that's when they start serving, so let them know the night before that you would like a to-go bag ready when you check out in the a.m.

 

[mom_rules]

We used the Hilton Garden Inn. Also paid about $109-CAA rate. Very quick designated shuttle. Nice rooms-decent restaurant.

Be careful where you park though-Our car received a "ding" in the door. Of course nothing you can do about it. It wasn't reported to the desk and we had no recourse. Guess it could happen anywhere.

 

[sammi]

I just booked our room yesterday at the Sleep Inn http://www.sleepinnairport.com/special.html for the 2nd time this year.Also received a King sized bed. We fly out Oct 26th and we needed the car parked for nearly 3 weeks......got a good rate of $109.00 US and our breakfast there always starts at 4AM. We enjoyed our stay in Feb and I'm sure we will again this time!

 

[kelsco99]

Thanks everyone.... right now I have narrowed my choices to either HI Express on Buell St. or the Sleep Inn. The Sleep Inn seems to be cheaper and has gotten some good reviews, not as good as HI Express but I really only need a clean bed and a place to park my car.

 

[kelsco99]

I just booked the Sleep Inn with a rate of 89.00 for Park n Fly. Parking is for a week. I like that their breakfast starts at 4:30.

I know this is silly but for some reason I am excited about the waffles. so a "to go" bag just doesn't cut it. I don't make waffles at home.

Now I just have to do some research to find the best route over the border.

 

[dsneygirl]

I would go Ft Erie all the way. It's only about 15 min to the airport and well marked. Also if you go NF you have to pay a toll over the Grand Island Bridge.

 

[sammi]

We always travel via the Peace Bridge as it's really the closest crossing to Buffalo airport.

Also I didn't try the waffles but they sure looked really good! lol I think you'll like the Sleep Inn!

 

[Donald - my hero]

I just booked the Sleep Inn with a rate of 89.00 for Park n Fly. Parking is for a week. I like that their breakfast starts at 4:30.

I know this is silly but for some reason I am excited about the waffles. so a "to go" bag just doesn't cut it. I don't make waffles at home.

Now I just have to do some research to find the best route over the border.

Here is the route that hoteldesk gave us when we e-mailed them.

Directions to Sleep Inn

Depart on Peace Bridge (East)
and travel 0.5 mi / 0.8 km

Entering New York


Turn Right onto I-190 [Gov Thomas E Dewey Thruway]
and travel 2.2 mi / 3.5 km

At exit 6, turn RIGHT onto Ramp
and travel 0.3 mi / 0.6 km

Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto SR-33 [Elm St]
and travel 9.1 mi / 14.6 km

Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-33
and travel 0.3 mi / 0.5 km

Bear RIGHT (East) onto SR-33 [Genesee St]
and travel 1.1 mi / 1.7 km

Turn LEFT (North) onto CR-539 [Holtz Dr]
and travel 0.2 mi / 0.3 km

Arrive Sleep Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport


We drove to check out their room and were both: pleasantly surprised as how nice the rooms were and kind the staff was AND how easy the directions worked out. OH best thing about the Peace Bridge : NO TOLL!

Good luck on your holiday

 

[kelsco99]

Thanks for your help everyone!

Those directions will certainly come in handy too

I just had another DISer point out my new tags I got from this thread Just when you stop looking, boom, there they are - Thanks Tag Fairy!

 

[kelsco99]

Just an update that I am at the Buffalo airport right now.
The drive to the border was easy - I took the peace bridge - I did take one wrong turn once I was in Buffalo. Instead of bearing right onto the highway -I bore right too soon onto Genesee Street and drove that the whole way up to Holtz Road/Airport. This probably took an extra 10 minutes with all the lights.
I made really good time - I believe google maps said 4 hours 15 minutes and I was here in 3 hours.

Sleep Inn was really nice. I had my WAFFLE this morning - it was yummy! Really great breakfast. The only thing I would add is some fresh fruit. I looked for some and didn't see it.

I ate dinner at Johnny Rockets at the Galleria Mall. I normally love this place but I was very dissapointed in it last night. The milkshake was delicious as usual though

Security was quick and painless here at the airport - I was here about 90 minutes early. I could have come 40 minutes early but I wouldn't want to chance it.

Anyhow, thanks for everything - your advice worked out great

 

[Polynesianfan]

Re - continental brekkie... your flight is at 7 a.m., correct??? that's when they start serving, so let them know the night before that you would like a to-go bag ready when you check out in the a.m.

Tone.def...thanks for the tip....flying out 7:20 on Oct. 21st. Forgot about the brekkie.