Niagara Falls Trip Planning

[singingpixie]

Hi everyone!
DBF and I are going to visit my parents in Rochester, NY this month, and are taking a daytrip to Niagara Falls. We did this last year, and focused mostly onn the american side- we parked at the visitors center, and did the maid of the mist, cave of the winds, tourmobile, geological museum, observation deck and aquarium. Then we walked over to the canadian side and had dinner at Planet Hollywood, and took a look at Casino Niagara (we're not big gamblers, but we played nickel slots for a bit). It was DBF's first time out of the country, and this time he wants to spend more time in Canada (it was really cute, he got so excited- I think I was jaded growing up so close). Our plan for this year is as follows:
Day at Marineland (I know a lot of people don't like it, but I liked it when I was younger, and most complaints are about the food- we'll pack a picnic- and walking distances, which we're fine with.) He's also never been to Sea World or anything, so I don't think he's ever seen Killer Whales (blasphemy to me, lol.).
Dinner somewhere nice
Evening watching the fireworks by the falls (friday night) and a little bit of time in the casino again ($50 limit, lol)

Now for my questions-
1) Where should we eat dinner? my first thought would be Wolfgang Puck Cafe or the Skylon Tower rotating restaurant- they have an early dinner special that would make it in our price range- we don't want to spend more than $75.
2) I know that there is free parking at Marineland- what about for the evening? Where's the most economical place to park? Can we park somewhere and leave it for dinner and casino, or will we have to move it again?

Thanks so much!
-Meg

 

[S. C.]

Here is a past thread about Niagara Falls.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=990786&page=1&pp=15

Hope this helps.

 

[singingpixie]

Anyone?

 

[Daxx]

When we go to the Canadian side of the falls, we usually park in the Rainbow Mall parking ramp, which is free. Then, we walk across the Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side.

It's been a few years since we've done that ... so I don't know if the Rainbow Mall ramp is free anymore.

There's valet parking at the Casino on the Canadian side ... I don't think it's that expensive. There's parking on Clifton Hill, too. Sometimes you can get a spot. I'd think that in Fall, you'd have an easier time finding a spot than you would summer.

The new Casino, Fallsview, has some excellent dining. You might want to eat there. They have a nice restaurant that sort of overlooks the Falls.

Sorry I can't be of more help -- it's been awhile since I've hit that area of the Falls. Usually, we're heading up to Coupolo's sports to get ski equipment!