BorderCrossing???how long are the waits

[digskat]

We are headed to WDW on Nov 24th which is a saturday, we plan on crossing at Port Huron, we were planning on leaving at 8am (because of boarding our dogs) we should arrive at the border around 9:30 am just wondering what the wait time is like? If it is too outrageous I may book the dogs in for another day or arrange for family to take them out. It is only $17/day for the two dogs so it may be worth it so we can leave early ie 5am and not lose any driving time. They will not accept the dogs any earlier then 8am she may even charge me for only a 1/2 day. What are your thoughts? I will feel bad leaving my babies a day earlier but I want to make good time. Cheers Kathy

 

[wee-haggis]

You can check these websites for wait times.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html
http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp

With all this cross border shopping madness going on right now,I would suggest getting there as early as possible on a weekend.
I can't speak for the Port Huron crossing but I do know that the 4 Buffalo/Niagara crossings are quite busy.

 

[amw]

We just went this weekend through Lewiston. It was a busy weekend because there was a hockey game in Buffalo Friday night, a football game on Sunday, the weather was warm and sunny, and the dollar hit 1.07.

That being said, we hit the border at 9 in the morning, and it took us 1 hour and 15 minutes to get through.

Coming back, we hit the border at 5 pm (bad timing, the game ended at 4) and also had the same 1 hour 15 minutes.

The signs said 1 to 2 hour wait, so I count myself lucky. It wasn't too bad because I was with a girlfriend. I don't think I would have liked the wait with my kids

It was well worth it for me. I needed clothes for my kids, and knew what they wanted for Christmas. Even with all the lowering of prices by Cdn retailers, the toys were WAY cheaper at Wal-mart in the US than up here.

We did stay the weekend though. I don't think I would want to do that trip in one day.

 

[riu girl]

We just went this weekend through Lewiston. It was a busy weekend because there was a hockey game in Buffalo Friday night, a football game on Sunday, the weather was warm and sunny, and the dollar hit 1.07.

That being said, we hit the border at 9 in the morning, and it took us 1 hour and 15 minutes to get through.

Coming back, we hit the border at 5 pm (bad timing, the game ended at 4) and also had the same 1 hour 15 minutes.

The signs said 1 to 2 hour wait, so I count myself lucky. It wasn't too bad because I was with a girlfriend. I don't think I would have liked the wait with my kids

It was well worth it for me. I needed clothes for my kids, and knew what they wanted for Christmas. Even with all the lowering of prices by Cdn retailers, the toys were WAY cheaper at Wal-mart in the US than up here.

We did stay the weekend though. I don't think I would want to do that trip in one day.

Sorry OT - But did you happen to see how much the Nintendo DS (in US$) were at wal-mart?

Thank you

 

[disneyfan2]

The weekend of the 24th is Thanksgiving weekend, and Friday is Black Friday, the busiest shopping day in US, so definetly could on longer times that weekend. I can definetely see alot of CND headed down to bargain shop that weekend, so BEWARE

 

[amw]

Sorry OT - But did you happen to see how much the Nintendo DS (in US$) were at wal-mart?

Thank you

Not exactly... I am looking for either a Nintendo DS or PSP for my DH who travels a lot. I have seen that the prices have been going down in Canada. I know you can get the Nintendo DS for around $139 here. (around $239 for the PSP). I quickly glanced at the PSP and it was about $10-20 or so cheaper than Canada. The games were $5-10 cheaper for both platforms. For my purposes (because it's a gift), I'd rather get from Wal-mart/best buy here just in case there's a problem.

I was specifically looking for girl toys. The My Little Pony Teapot Playset is $40 here at Wal-mart, and it was $29 with a bonus pony set attached there. Similarly, there was a My Little Pets Around Town set with bonus animals for $26, and it's $35 here. The new Barbie Island Princess large Elephant/Kelly set is $40 here, and it was $26 at Target. Just some examples, but you do need to know your prices. Lots of times the prices are the same, but you have more selections, or there are bonuses with the items. Since I knew exactly what my girls wanted, I was able to save.

 

[Csaks]

We are leaving the same morning at around 4am but are crossing at Buffalo. Hopefully at 5:30, 6:00 am all the shoppers will still be sleeping .
Or would people be that desperate for a deal to cross that early?

 

[digskat]

Well the doggies are booked for the kennel the night before. We can now leave at 5am on the sat morning and not worry about the shoppers. The kennel just told me they are increasing their rates but mine still stands for $17/day. Now if the housekeeping fairy would just come and clean up this joint and pack we'd be set!!

 

[disneyfan2]

We are leaving the same morning at around 4am but are crossing at Buffalo. Hopefully at 5:30, 6:00 am all the shoppers will still be sleeping .
Or would people be that desperate for a deal to cross that early?

For that particular weekend, i think they just might be!

 

[Ham Ham]

Picked up a couple Nintedo DS' for $109 at WalMart. Zellers had a flyer I walked into WalMart and they price matched it.

I think a basic Wii bundle if you can find them in the US is $249. 1 controller, nunchuck & Wii play. Don't know if a Wii purchased in US will have warranty honored in Canadian.

Bought my unit at EB games last week. I hope the are release in Costco this week.

If so I will return Wii to EB games and buy at Costco due to their better return policy for 1 year if there are issues.

If you register your Nintendo Wii warranty will be extend by 30 days.

Check out Budget board thread on Wii here.

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for all the info.