help with TGM type itinerary for Philadephia AND Niagara Falls...

[paysensmom]

We are going to Philadelphia and there is SO much to do that I REALLY need help figuring out what to do on what day and which order is ideal. This is what I have planned. Please tell me if I should change days or the order of things.
Thanks so much!

June 25th- Niagara Reservation Park, Prospect Point, Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island, Goat Island(Cave of the Winds)DINNER Zappi’s Pizza
Aero Car (9:00-8:00, last ticket sold at 7:30), Cliffton Hill, Laser maze, Laser Tag, Captain Jacks mini golf, Skywheel, Dave & Busters

June 26th- Maid of the Mist, Table Rock, Journey Behind the Fall White Water Board Walk, Queen Victoria Park, DINNER/Magic show @ 6:30/8:00

June 30th- Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, DINNER Pop Shop

July 1st- Academy of Natural Sciences, Franklin Institute, Eastern State Penitentiary
July 2nd-, Zoo, Adventure Aquarium

 

[Cindy B]

The Pop Shop in Collingswood NJ? You do realize that you need to either take public transportation (PATCO for PA to NJ) or cross the Ben Franklin Bridge -toll $5 to get there.

I love the Pop Shop, it is fairly local, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. Collingswood parking is crazy at best if you don't know where you are going.

The PATCO train can get you from 8th and Market - about 3 -4 block from the Constitution center to Collingswood station in NJ. From there you would walk from the Collingswood station to the Pop Shop. - which isn't really far.

If you want a burger and fries experience and you want to stay in Philly there are options. Five Guys is a decent burger joint- I know there is one on 15th/16th but there should be another closer than that. The Shake shack just opened last week

The zoo and adventure aquarium are pretty far from each other. One isin Camden NJ and the other is West Philly. You could change Pop Shop to that day in between stops. The Pop Shop isn't that far from the aquarium.

You also have too much going on July 1. Some people can make a day out of the Franklin Institute alone. I personally don't like the Academy of Natural Sciences, but that is just me.

 

[Chuck-PA]

You have an awful lot of stuff planned for Philadelphia.


At the time that you are going, our city is celebrating "Welcome to America"
each day has a different event leading up to the 4th of July that are free or a small fee.

I think there might be something on the internet with all of the things going on.

The places that you want to see are all great places. Our family likes all of them

 

[Cindy B]

The June 30th itinerary is doable only if you get there early. Get your free tickets for the Independence hall before you go to the Constitution Center. I'm not sure if you can get your free tickets ahead of time, but you may get them and the time may be later in the day. Get there early!

You dont need tickets to see the Liberty Bell but the line gets long and they are very strict about bags and purses- if you have one that is too big they will take you out of the line which causes arguments(I've seen it). The line may look really long but it moves fast if you don't have bags.

You will need tickets to see the older building where the Constitution was signed. Again they will check tickets and they are strict about bag check.

The Constitution Center is wonderful. I really liked that museum. You are going during the Bruce Springsteen exhibit.- it isn't that great (IMHO) so it isn't worth that money. I personally felt that the Springsteen exhibit was very Hard Rock Cafe like.

There is a free Ben Franklin printing press exhibit and the first post office.

 

[buffalogirl]

We live about 15 minutes from Niagara Falls, NY. Sounds like you have lots of great things planned.

I don't know if you need suggestions for your other meals. Our favorite places to eat on the Canadian side are Swiss Chalet and The Flying Saucer Restaurant- both are located on Lundy's Lane and both are budget friendly.

On the American side, we like Thunder Falls Buffet at the Seneca Niagara Casino. (Children are allowed in the restaurant, not the casino).

Be sure to bring I.D. for everyone so that you may cross the border.

You might also want to post the details of your Niagara Falls visit on the Canadian Trip Planning & Community Board of the DIS. You're sure to get lots of help there.

 

[paysensmom]

Thank you all for your input Now I really need to work on where we will eat. Any suggestions?

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Re Canadian side of NF. Many of the things you have listed (MotM, Whitewater Walk, JbtF) are included on the Niagara parks pass. The Aerocar was half price with the pass, as were some other attractions. It also included a movie on how the falls were made (nothing I'd pay extra for, but worthwhile to see. It's right where you go in for JbtF.) It also included 2 days of shuttle bus, awesome so then you're not trying to find parking at each stop. (The whitewater walk and aerocar walk are way out of the down town area. We walked MotM to JbtF, but you could also take the shuttle.)

The pass also allows you to reserve a time for the movie, JbtF and WWW. There are no reservations for MotM. We got there right when it opened to avoid the line that forms later. There was a booth in the park (just uphill from MotM) where you could reserve your time at the other attractions.

It was cheaper to buy it at AAA before we left than it would have been in Canada. (We went 3 years ago.)

 

[Cindy B]

What type of food are you looking to eat in Philly?

There are many fun places to eat in Center City. Some are on the more expensive side- but the restaurants are very good.

The Pop Shop is interesting- they have been on Food Network a few times, but it isn't something that I would go and do- maybe because I am local and I've been enough? I certainly wouldn't go out of my way- but I'm sure that is just my experience. Collingswood has some very good restaurants- Casona is delicious!

 

[chimilady]

I'm local to Philly too and never heard of the Pop Shop. With all of the good places to eat in the city, I don't know why you would travel to NJ as you have a packed itinerary.

Keep in mind crowds will be very high, as Philadelphia is insane during July 4th.

You day on the 30th sounds good as they are all within a block of each other. Even the 1st looks good as they are relatively near each other. (I would eat by the Eastern State Penn as it's a little out of the way and less crowds)

The Zoo and Aquarium day, well Zoo traffic is a big thing here. I would advise you get there 1st thing so you can get out early and still do the Aquarium.

 

[ajh88]

It's been ages since I've been to Philly so I won't compete with the locals - I just want to 2nd the sentiment that the Franklin Institute can be a full day by itself. I think back when I went (I was solo), I did Franklin Institute, Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Art Museum on the same day...but felt like I could have spent more time at each of them.

 

[ntink]

having been to Philly many times, your plan for June 30th sounds fine but I would stick with dinner in Philly. I can't imagine getting through everything you have planned for July 1 & 2. It is too much to get through in that period of time IMHO.

Also, you need a passport to enter Canada, not just ID

 

[buffalogirl]

Be sure to bring I.D. for everyone so that you may cross the border.

Sorry, guess I wasn't specific enough. You will need passports for the adults-anyone 16 or older. If traveling by land or sea (not air), a U.S. passport I.D. card is also acceptable. Children who are U.S. citizens need only their birth certificate if traveling with both parents, if not bring birth certificate with written permission from other parent including contact info.

There are currently 4 states that offer an enhanced drivers license I.D. that can be used to cross into Canada or Mexico by land or sea- no passport necessary. Sorry, West Virginia isn't one of them.

On a much brighter note, did you see Nik Wallenda crossing the Falls? Wasn't it amazing?!!! So glad ABC televised it.

 

[lovemygoofy]

We visited Philly last year. We bought this 3 day pass http://www.philadelphiapass.com/

It was great because we could pick and choose and make our plans with the help of the map. I loved having all the options in case lines were too long or we needed a break from the heat.

I can't say enough good things about the Constution Center. I think it is one of the best interactive places I've been in a long time. If you have children learning anything about civics or US history this place really helps nail it home.

We picked up next day timed tickets for Independence Hall and woke up bright and early to see the Liberty Bell.

For a breather and heat break, we did the Lights of Liberty 360. Its just a simple 3D type of movie about the creation of the states. It was nice just to take an a/c break and rest more than anything.

We also enjoyed the duck tours. You have to pick up tickets ahead of time because they fill quickly. We picked after lunch so we could have a break and still tour during the hot part of the day.

Our hotel was fairly close to everything; we walked everyday and having the pass allowed us to just stop in at a few places on the pass since it was on the way to the hotel.

One of my favorite things to see was a Tiffany glass mosiac inside I think the old Harpers Bazzar building. Im sure someone else knows what the real name is. A librarian told us about it and cost nothing to see.

 

[Cindy B]

We visited Philly last year. We bought this 3 day pass http://www.philadelphiapass.com/

It was great because we could pick and choose and make our plans with the help of the map. I loved having all the options in case lines were too long or we needed a break from the heat.

I can't say enough good things about the Constution Center. I think it is one of the best interactive places I've been in a long time. If you have children learning anything about civics or US history this place really helps nail it home.

We picked up next day timed tickets for Independence Hall and woke up bright and early to see the Liberty Bell.

For a breather and heat break, we did the Lights of Liberty 360. Its just a simple 3D type of movie about the creation of the states. It was nice just to take an a/c break and rest more than anything.

We also enjoyed the duck tours. You have to pick up tickets ahead of time because they fill quickly. We picked after lunch so we could have a break and still tour during the hot part of the day.

Our hotel was fairly close to everything; we walked everyday and having the pass allowed us to just stop in at a few places on the pass since it was on the way to the hotel.

One of my favorite things to see was a Tiffany glass mosiac inside I think the old Harpers Bazzar building. Im sure someone else knows what the real name is. A librarian told us about it and cost nothing to see.

That mural is beautiful isn't it... I used to work near that building and it was a such a treasure to see it.

http://www.ushistory.org/tour/dream-garden.htm

 

[paysensmom]

Sorry, guess I wasn't specific enough. You will need passports for the adults-anyone 16 or older. If traveling by land or sea (not air), a U.S. passport I.D. card is also acceptable. Children who are U.S. citizens need only their birth certificate if traveling with both parents, if not bring birth certificate with written permission from other parent including contact info.

There are currently 4 states that offer an enhanced drivers license I.D. that can be used to cross into Canada or Mexico by land or sea- no passport necessary. Sorry, West Virginia isn't one of them.

On a much brighter note, did you see Nik Wallenda crossing the Falls? Wasn't it amazing?!!! So glad ABC televised it.

We did watch it, it was neat. The children will gasp once they see in person what he did. Who am I kidding? I probably will to
Hubby and I will have passports and the children's BCs are in my luggage now!

I am still looking for affordable places to eat in Philly and Niagara Falls. Sea food and anything Asian is out for us though.

 

[Cindy B]

We did watch it, it was neat. The children will gasp once they see in person what he did. Who am I kidding? I probably will to
Hubby and I will have passports and the children's BCs are in my luggage now!

I am still looking for affordable places to eat in Philly and Niagara Falls. Sea food and anything Asian is out for us though.

That's a shame about Asian food. Chinatown isn' t that far from the tourist areas in Philly. There are some wonderful Asian places.

If you want burgers and fries, Five Guys is pretty good. If you wind up eating at the Bourse(4th and Market) everything is pretty expensive. There are some interesting food carts near there. There used to be a falafel cart which was great! (It might be still there). You should google up Old City/Historic Area restaurants- and see what you want to eat. Some fill up quick so you may need to reserve fast.

Jose Garces has some wonderful restaurants but they may not be very child friendly. I've eaten at Chima Steakhouse and Fogo De Choa, both Brazilian style restaurants. They were both delicious. I've also eaten at El Vez, the Continental, (15th street), and a few other places- but they are more adult fare.

 

[momxx5]

Just an FYI, from experience:

Traveling into Canada passports are now required.
July 1st is Canada Day, equivilant to the US's 4th of July.
Niagara Falls will be extremely busy during the week ahead and week after the 1st. There maybe special events planned and special fireworks over the Falls (so cool to see).

Crossing into Canada and back to the US can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. Many US trucks are trying to get back into US to be home for the 4th. Many Canadians travel to US for vacations during those weeks and many, many Americans have summer homes in lower Ontario will be traveling, hopefully on the weekend before y'all will be traveling. There are a few border crossings, some websites post wait times for the bridges.

As far as your plans in Niagara Falls, purchasing the passes are a much better deal for doing all that you have planned. I also think that you may want to plan on wait times, as it will be quite busy. No matter how busy it is, there is NO doubt that Niagara Falls in so beautiful and no one can change that. Many places can be reached by walking, although some place will def need to drive. A great deal (hopefully they still have it) it valet parking at Casino Niagara. The entrance is the next street over from Lundy's Lane. It is free to valet, so just a "tip" is the cost. We usually give them a tooney ($2) when leaving van and then again a tooney when picking up van. Believe me there are no other places to park for under $10. There are passes also available to do some of the museums on Clifton Hill. Some are fun, most are ripoffs, but in a fun way.
Swiss Chalet is an excellent place to each, one of my BFF's fave. MarineLand is also a fun amusement/SeaWorld type place. Also if time allows, the Welland Canals are fun to see.....it is part of the great waterway that allows large freight boats to travel Lake Erie & Lake Ontario because of Niagara Falls....interesting and educational.
The area is full of history too....War of 1812, so there are quite a few forts within miles. Some do re-enactments.

Please, also take time to allow for the random ice cream cone, sitting along the parkway among the beautiful flowers/gardens.

Philly is tons of fun and you will def have a great time there.

Wishing you a happy and safe vacation , making many awesome memories.

 

[scrapquitler]

We are going to Philadelphia and there is SO much to do that I REALLY need help figuring out what to do on what day and which order is ideal. This is what I have planned. Please tell me if I should change days or the order of things.
Thanks so much!

June 25th- Niagara Reservation Park, Prospect Point, Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island, Goat Island(Cave of the Winds)DINNER Zappi’s Pizza
Aero Car (9:00-8:00, last ticket sold at 7:30), Cliffton Hill, Laser maze, Laser Tag, Captain Jacks mini golf, Skywheel, Dave & Busters

June 26th- Maid of the Mist, Table Rock, Journey Behind the Fall White Water Board Walk, Queen Victoria Park, DINNER/Magic show @ 6:30/8:00

June 30th- Constitution Center, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, DINNER Pop Shop

July 1st- Academy of Natural Sciences, Franklin Institute, Eastern State Penitentiary
July 2nd-, Zoo, Adventure Aquarium

I think you have WAY too much going on on June 25th.

 

[paysensmom]

I have yet ANOTHER question.... we have the option to use the free shuttle from our hotel (Embassy Suites) in Niagara falls. Would you use it, walk or drive? Is it better to use it for some things and not others? How difficult is it to take a stroller on? Looking at our itinerary, what do you suggest on getting to each place?

June 25th Monday- Niagara Reservation Park, LUNCH Picnic Prospect Point, Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island, Goat Island (Cave of the Winds) DINNER Zappi’s Pizza
Aero Car (9:00-8:00, last ticket sold at 7:30), Cliffton Hill, Laser maze, Laser Tag, Captain Jacks mini golf The Cliffton Hill stuff is free with our package, if we don't get to it, we won't be worried. Skywheel (MAYBE), Dave & Busters (for games, we are getting a free $100 card with our hotel deal, we may do some of this the next day)
June 26th Tuesday- Maid of the Mist, Table Rock, Journey Behind the Falls White Water Board Walk, LUNCH Picnic Queen Victoria Park, DINNER/Magic show @ 6:30/8:00-10

 

[labdogs42]

I might skip the Adventure Aquarium unless you get some great discount tickets (maybe with that Philly PASS thing they do?). It is an OK aquarium, but I think it is pretty expensive for what you get. Also, I happen to love the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Franklin Institute, so I wouldn't skip either of those. And I might consider adding in the Philadelphia Museum of Art which is close to the other museums and really nice. If you have a membership to another science museum, you can get free or discount tickets to both the Franklin Institute and Natural History Museum. I don't think the Aquarium does any reciprocal programs, but the Philly Zoo does. I join our local museum and zoo in the Lehigh Valley and they get me in to the Philly Museums and zoo, too. It is a great deal!

ETA, I'd totally consider trying to squeeze in a Duck tour, too. They look so fun! I grew up near Philly and I want to go on one some time!