Canada's Wonderland...

[mbb]

OK, all you Upper Canadians Tell me about our oh-so-not-comparable-to-WDW-but-still-fun themepark

Thinking of taking the boys for a couple of weeks or so - driving from NS, stopping in Ottawa for the requisite Capitol experience, onto the CN Tower (and I'm not stepping on the plexi floor!), Science Center, Casa Loma, etc, etc,...and Marine Land, the falls, and CW.

Where to stay? Especially around CW?
Any ticket tips?

...or should we just jump on a flight and go back to Disney? Those AP's make it hard to resist!!

TIA!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

My kids really like CW and they are Disney nuts like me.

They don't compare the parks, and don't expect a Disney Experience from it. But having said that, they love it.

Remember, they have a water park inside so usually we head there at the hottest part of the day. We arrive at the park with our bathing suits under our clothes, then change once we are done at the water park.

Look for coupons prior to coming, there is usually some around for at least a few dollars off admission. Pizza/Pizza is good for that.

As far as hotels, you'll have to get replies from some of the locals.

You'll enjoy it, but Disney it is not!

 

[mbb]

.....Remember, they have a water park inside so usually we head there at the hottest part of the day. We arrive at the park with our bathing suits under our clothes, then change once we are done at the water park. ......

Really?!
Well, that sounds like fun!

We went to CW - years ago - like oh, 24 years ago...
I remember it being so hot...a water park would've been just the thing!

 

[canucktyke]

Blockbuster and Shoppers Drug Mart also have frequent CW ticket discounts. Have to say that I'd be more tempted to use my AP at Disney, but that's for another reason - my son is currently working at Le Cellier. Prior to his year in WDW he worked as a supervisor at CW, and they have already asked him to help out with the Halloween event when he gets back from Florida.

 

[Rubbertops]

Try to go on a weekday rather than a weekend - and go early. Get there at 10 when it opens (waterpark open at 11). It gets very busy in July and Aug.

You can stay in a nice 2 room college residence for $75 or something like that in King City. I am going to try it this summer. We stayed in one in Brampton and it was really nice. But it took an hour to get to Wonderland. King City is closer. Google Residence and Conference Centre.

CAA will sell cheap tickets.

Wonderland is fun. Don't miss Sponge Bob 3D.

 

[madonna31]

...or should we just jump on a flight and go back to Disney?

That would be my vote.

 

[wee-haggis]

That would be my vote.

Mine too.
We will not go again to Wonderland...why?
When it rains you are SOOL !
No where to run...nowhere to hide !!
Perhaps we expect too much after experiencing "real" parks
It really is very unimpressive.

 

[NikP]

Please don't come all this way to go to Wonderland. Once you have been to Disney, nothing compares. Make your trip about the capital if you choose to stay in Canada. Or my vote is Disney!! We take the kids to Wonderland every year because it is close. Only 1 hour drive. But if I had to spend money on a hotel and other expenses I don't think we would ever go back.

 

[SandraC]

Hi ~ Come on over to Upper Canada! The closest hotel to Wonderland is a Courtyard by the Marriott. $69.99 for a seaon's pass is a bargain! I like Wonderland. I think some of the rides can be loosely compared to WDW. The waterpark is awesome! Great slides!

Niagara Falls has Marineland and the season's pass there is a great price. We bought season's pass for my family of 4 for $126 a couple of years ago ~ that was for all of us.

ENJOY! Sandra

 

[canucktyke]

The new attraction at Wonderland this year is a stunt driving thing, it will be interesting to compare it to the MGM show.

 

[Daddio]

Paramount Canada's Wonderland if an absolute hoot if you like amusement parks. If you are in the area then it would be a shame not to visit. BUT, if you are driving here solely for the purpose of the park, in lieu of going to Disney, you are making a big mistake (just an opinion).

You'd have much more fun at Typhoon Lagoon if a waterpark is your thing, as CW waterpark (especially the wave pool) is very small in comparison and extremely busy in the summer.

Need a thrill ride? Do Islands of Adventure while your down there. I'm two hours away from CW so naturally we visit once every few years. But the airpot is only two hours away too. So, off to Disney we go.

That said, a trip as you outline can be alot of fun too. Variety is the spice of life. And if you don't mind driving, Sandusky Ohio is only three or four hours from Niagara Falls, and is home to the most, the largest, and the fastest roller coasters in North America. Not to mention it is one of the largest parks as well. Check it out and whatever you do, have a great time.

 

[marylou]

that's why we are all here right
My kids usually go at least once per year
last year they had a buy one visit get one free deal on
http://www3.paramountparks.com/CanadasWonderland/shop/shopping_season_pass.cfm This is the website. Right now you can only purchase seasons tickets.
We like CW but there is also Darien Lake close by and they have off season specials. There is a hotel on site and if you get a room it includes admission. They also have a camp ground where you can rent a camper
http://www.sixflags.com/parks/darienlake/TicketInfo/index.html
We enjoyed that as well it was a nice change

 

[Joann]

CW is fun ...not Disney but still fun and if you like rollercoasters, CW is the place to go ! There is more coasters in that park then anything else!!

 

[Scratch42]

That would be my vote.

My Vote Too!

Though if you do come, then we could have a meet!

 

[tinkerbeth]

Please don't come all this way to go to Wonderland. Once you have been to Disney, nothing compares. Make your trip about the capital if you choose to stay in Canada. Or my vote is Disney!! We take the kids to Wonderland every year because it is close. Only 1 hour drive. But if I had to spend money on a hotel and other expenses I don't think we would ever go back.

I agree. I used to like wonderland but after Disney it is pretty shoddy. You'd be better off sightseeing in Toronto, imho. The zoo and a harbour cruise would be a better way to spend a day than wonderland. It's alright and lots of thrill rides but not worth that kind of a trip. THere are lots of great things to do in the area though if you're up for a trip.

Check out www.torontotourism.com - they have some good info.

Beth

 

[mbb]

I did some $$ crunching - and with our AP's, flying out of Bangor, or even Manchester, hotel/grocery costs, renting a car...WDW works out about the same cost wise as driving to Ontario.

It feels like it should be cheaper to vacation "at home", though..

I wish it were just an easy 20 hour drive to Florida!!

A Dis meet sounds like fun though too...maybe all y'all should just come to Cape Breton this summer ..better yet, let's all just go to Florida

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

And you don't have to pay 15% tax on everything in WDW!

We are going to WDW in summer........see you there!