DIS Dads The DIS Dad's Club IV - Man Laws & Cheese Balls

[FreezinRafiki]

OK... need some assistance here. Our family is traveling to Ohio to visit my folks this July for about a week. DW has expressed interest in making a 2 day trip up to Niagara Falls... and wants to include my parents in the trip. She especially wants to see/stay on the Canadian side of the falls. I'm looking for suggestions on where to stay/what to do/what to avoid, etc. Thanks in advance

We were there about 10 years ago, too. I second the Maid of the Mist - it's quite a rush getting that close to that much roaring water. Also, down river a bit is an bridge where you can walk out over some big swirling whirlpools.
We did eat dinner one night up in the tower. If I recall it was a prime rib buffet, and the food was very good. My FIL almost fell out of his seat when he saw the $600 bill for the 8 of us. It was in Canadian dollars, so it wasn't too bad, but you're really paying for the view. And what a view it was! It's quite a surreal experience to see fireworks exploding below you.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the Canadian Side. http://www.holidayinnniagarafalls.com/ All of the rooms have a falls view, and it's walking distance to the falls and a bunch of other stuff. It was a nice place - or at least it was 10 years ago!

And as long as you're that close, you'll have to make a run up to Daddy-O's restaurant and give us a dining review.

 

[trennr]

Well Hurdle #3.2b is cleared...my Mom's back surgery was successful yesterday...she hasn't had hardly any pain post-op...yet.

Hurdle #2 Breaking the Bro...is I'd say 90% cleared as he's been talking to his DW about it and they probed their kids for a reaction...you'd have to know the kids to understand that one...especially my Nephew.

So really all that's left is Hurdle #3.1A to getting my DAD on board for the trip...which is the part I've been dreading. My Dad is a notorius tight-wad.

I read this article via Yahoo (CBS actually) the other day and Item #9 explains my Dad exactly...

Hoarding Money Children of the Depression did a lot of this — stuffing $20 bills in their bibles or balling up tinfoil and rubber bands so they wouldn't have to buy more. But planners say that this is often a problem with wealthy and responsible older folks today: They're so afraid of running out of money that they don't enjoy the money that they have.

Then I went on to say...

"When people deny themselves things that they could clearly afford, you have to ask them what they're saving that money for," Tarbox says. "We have to tell them that they're not spending enough."

But the closing paragraph is the Point I wish to convey to my dad...

Money, after all, is a means to an end — not the end itself. You save it to make you, and the people you love, calm and comfortable. And it's a lot more fun to take the kids and grandkids on vacation — or provide them with college money or other gifts while you're around to get the hugs and kisses — than to know that they'll inherit a fortune after you die.

 

[Emma's Dad]

We've been twice, but both times were more than a decade ago. I cannot give you any good advice on where to stay. BUT, you'll definitely want to explore both sides. There is certainly more to do, and better views of the falls on the Canadian side - but the Canadian side is also pretty much like a little Las Vegas or other tacky tourist trap with all kinds of little "things to do" (read - spend money).

As far as the actual Falls go, the Maid of the Mist boats are incredible. There are launches on both sides. The boats will take you up the river right near the base of the falls and just sit there for a while. Also the Cave of the Winds is incredible (Canadian side), which takes you down underground to a couple of openings behind the falls themselves, as well as to a platform that is off to the side. You'll get very, very wet!

The horseshoe shaped falls are on the Canadian side, with an incredible view to be found at the restaurant there next to it.

On the American side, there is a park there where you can walk down next to the falls, and even cross a bridge out to Goat Island and you'll get to stand in between the American and Horseshoe Falls. It's a neat experience. I know I have a bunch of pics, but I think they're all printed, not scanned yet. But if so I'll post a couple. There is a Hard Rock Cafe there on the American side if you are so inclined to visit, and the tower on the Canadian side offers an incredible view, especially at nighttime when they turn on all of the rainbow lights and shine them onto the falls.

Thanks, Christopher! I can always count on you for some good advice I did happen to notice when checking out accommodations there is a hotel (Skyline Inn) that has an indoor waterpark attached by a climate controlled skywalk. DD would absolutely LOVE to play at the waterpark. But not sure this is what DW had in mind for the trip

 

[Emma's Dad]

Here are a few pics Don from our trips to Niagara Falls in 1999. I do recall going there as a side trip while on business in the Buffalo area in 2003 or 4 as well. It was a neat experience.

Thanks for sharing these pictures! What was your favorite part of the trip?

We were there about 10 years ago, too. I second the Maid of the Mist - it's quite a rush getting that close to that much roaring water. Also, down river a bit is an bridge where you can walk out over some big swirling whirlpools.
We did eat dinner one night up in the tower. If I recall it was a prime rib buffet, and the food was very good. My FIL almost fell out of his seat when he saw the $600 bill for the 8 of us. It was in Canadian dollars, so it wasn't too bad, but you're really paying for the view. And what a view it was! It's quite a surreal experience to see fireworks exploding below you.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the Canadian Side. http://www.holidayinnniagarafalls.com/ All of the rooms have a falls view, and it's walking distance to the falls and a bunch of other stuff. It was a nice place - or at least it was 10 years ago!

And as long as you're that close, you'll have to make a run up to Daddy-O's restaurant and give us a dining review.

Sounds like Maid of the Mist is a must-do event. And the fireworks... viewing from above?? Oh yeah... I'm there. Sounds like there is much more to do there than I thought. Will check out Holiday Inn, too. Thanks, Barry!

Well Hurdle #3.2b is cleared...my Mom's back surgery was successful yesterday...she hasn't had hardly any pain post-op...yet.

Hurdle #2 Breaking the Bro...is I'd say 90% cleared as he's been talking to his DW about it and they probed their kids for a reaction...you'd have to know the kids to understand that one...especially my Nephew.

So really all that's left is Hurdle #3.1A to getting my DAD on board for the trip...which is the part I've been dreading. My Dad is a notorius tight-wad.

I read this article on Yahoo the other day and Item #9 explains my Dad exactly...


Then I went on to say...


But the closing paragraph is the Point I wish to convey to my dad...

Sweet! You're almost there!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

And the fireworks... viewing from above?? Oh yeah... I'm there. Sounds like there is much more to do there than I thought. Will check out Holiday Inn, too. Thanks, Barry!

I was able to find one picture of the fireworks that I scanned. It's not the best quality, but you can see them going off right outside the window.

Also, I found the fireworks schedule. You may want to see if you can plan the dates so you're up there for a showing.
http://www.holidayinnniagarafalls.com/news.php?id=2

 

[AJRitz]

Great news on the Art of Animation resort - it looks like it might actually give us a viable Value option.

Looks like we're all back to normal (or as close to normal as we get) today. Kids are both back to school. Wife and I are both back to work. Wife had a bit of a sore throat last night - I suggested she call the doctor and get on antibiotics NOW, so that we don't start passing this crap around a second time.

 

[stopher1]

Thanks for sharing these pictures! What was your favorite part of the trip?

Well it's funny because we took both trips within 3 months of each other - so they both kind of blur in my mind. The first was with my folks, and the second with Julie's dad and brothers. We stayed on the American side with my folks, and on the Canadian side with her dad.

I really preferred being on the Canadian side because you can SEE the Falls SO MUCH BETTER. You have to really strain yourself on the American side to be able to see the Horseshoe Falls if you don't go on MOTM. And even then it's such an extreme side view...kind of like trying to watch Fantasic from the very FAR edge of the viewing area, and really missing a bunch because it's not a good sight angle.

BUT, I really liked being on the American side and exploring Goat Island. It's a little island that is out in the midst of the rushing river. You can get pretty close to the action, and of course, if you aren't careful, could find yourself in dire straights and facing pretty certain death if you happen to fall into the water. That was a thrilling experience. Also on the American side, there is a walking tour that takes you down to the bottom-ish area of the American Falls, that like the MOTM and the Cave on the Canadian side will get you pretty darn wet. I still haven't done that one, but I do want to if we ever go back. LOTS of steps involved - but again, it appears to be a really neat expeirence.

I do remember that the hotel we stayed at with my FIL was within walking distance of the Falls. It very well may have been a Holiday Inn, but I'm not sure. I don't have any pics of that. Just getting past all of the mini golf, wax museums, and other tacky touristy crap was fun with my then 3 year old who wanted to stop here, there any everywhere and spend more of grandpa's money! (I will say though, that he took NO much better back then than he does now though! - oh to be able to turn back time)

 

[stopher1]

Looks like we're all back to normal (or as close to normal as we get) today. Kids are both back to school. Wife and I are both back to work.

 

[stopher1]

Well Hurdle #3.2b is cleared...my Mom's back surgery was successful yesterday...she hasn't had hardly any pain post-op...yet.

Hurdle #2 Breaking the Bro...is I'd say 90% cleared as he's been talking to his DW about it and they probed their kids for a reaction...you'd have to know the kids to understand that one...especially my Nephew.

So really all that's left is Hurdle #3.1A to getting my DAD on board for the trip...which is the part I've been dreading. My Dad is a notorius tight-wad.

I read this article via Yahoo (CBS actually) the other day and Item #9 explains my Dad exactly...


Then I went on to say...


But the closing paragraph is the Point I wish to convey to my dad...

I read that same article! We've got a couple of tight-wads in our family as well. They can be "fun" at times, but very generous too...when they want to be. Hopefully it'll all work out for you.

I love it when a plan comes together. It looks like you're slowly beating those hurdles.

 

[tutter99]

OK... need some assistance here. Our family is traveling to Ohio to visit my folks this July for about a week. DW has expressed interest in making a 2 day trip up to Niagara Falls... and wants to include my parents in the trip. She especially wants to see/stay on the Canadian side of the falls. I'm looking for suggestions on where to stay/what to do/what to avoid, etc. Thanks in advance

We used to make an annual trip up there growing up and I can definitely say your kids will love it. It's kind of like Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach as far as the usual souvenirs, Rilpy's museums/haunted houses, etc but the attractions actually involving the falls are amazing. The mistake I made was going back as an adult when my friend from the west coast was in town and it kind of crushed all our childhood memories of how cool all the stores and "tourist trap" attractions were.

If you are going to be on the Canadian side overnight definitely check out Niagara on the Lake, it's kind of the high money area of Niagara falls. there is a really cool butterfly conservatory there the kids will love. A good family meal that won't kill your wallet is Swiss Chalet, it's a Canadian chain so there should be a bunch of them, rotisserie chicken and ribs.

Oh yeah, the Canadian dollar is pretty much at par right now so it's not quite the same bargain as when it was when you would get $.25 or $.30 cents on the dollar.

 

[Ryansdad0727]

You posted this...right before I posted this!!!

Great Minds....

 

[AJRitz]

Woo hoo!
We're taking a summer roadtrip up to Minneapolis for Father's Day weekend (I fly home on Monday, Mrs. AJRitz and the kids will stay and visit with the in-laws in Rochester, MN through the week). We went to Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America last summer, and The Bug (especially) loved it. We've been planning on going back again this summer, but I didn't want to pay $120 for four wristbands.

I just won an EBay auction that nets me four wristbands for 40% off. And the best part was that when I went to pay for the auction, I discovered that there was about $35 in the PayPal account that I'd completely forgotten was there, which makes if feel like about 70% off.

 

[Emma's Dad]

Anyone else getting blank emails from boards@disboards.com??

 

[tutter99]

Anyone else getting blank emails from boards@disboards.com??

Nope, do you have email notifications turned on for any of the threads you subscribe to?

 

[dvczerfs]

just got back from philly at 6pm. we left this morning at 4:45 got there just before 6am. we meet the greatest dr. we have ever met! what a bedside manner!!! dw mass was descibe as moss growing on her optic nerve. its wrapped around the nerve. on june 18th she goes for surgery to biop. it only. he needs to know what it is before we can go any further. if its not cancer he may not have to do anything. at worst, may have to remove part or all of the optic nerve and or the eye ball. the mass is confined to the optic nerve. this surg. is an over night stay, they make 3 small slits in her eye lid, move the eye ball over and get a sample of the mass. she under went 3 test in 3 dif. locations today and blood work and another mri. she will most likely be home for about 2 weeks after the surg. shes in good spirits and we are hoping for the best for the test results which will take about till july 4th to have back. its a very painfull surg. the mass is in the back of her optic nerve. she will look like she went 10 rounds with the champ when she gets out. we are all hoping and praying for the best. (thanks again)

 

[GoHerd1028]

just got back from philly at 6pm. we left this morning at 4:45 got there just before 6am. we meet the greatest dr. we have ever met! what a bedside manner!!! dw mass was descibe as moss growing on her optic nerve. its wrapped around the nerve. on june 18th she goes for surgery to biop. it only. he needs to know what it is before we can go any further. if its not cancer he may not have to do anything. at worst, may have to remove part or all of the optic nerve and or the eye ball. the mass is confined to the optic nerve. this surg. is an over night stay, they make 3 small slits in her eye lid, move the eye ball over and get a sample of the mass. she under went 3 test in 3 dif. locations today and blood work and another mri. she will most likely be home for about 2 weeks after the surg. shes in good spirits and we are hoping for the best for the test results which will take about till july 4th to have back. its a very painfull surg. the mass is in the back of her optic nerve. she will look like she went 10 rounds with the champ when she gets out. we are all hoping and praying for the best. (thanks again)

I am glad you are pleased with the doctor and have confidence in him. That is huge! We will certainly continue to pray for her and for good biopsy results!

 

[stopher1]

just got back from philly at 6pm. we left this morning at 4:45 got there just before 6am. we meet the greatest dr. we have ever met! what a bedside manner!!! dw mass was descibe as moss growing on her optic nerve. its wrapped around the nerve. on june 18th she goes for surgery to biop. it only. he needs to know what it is before we can go any further. if its not cancer he may not have to do anything. at worst, may have to remove part or all of the optic nerve and or the eye ball. the mass is confined to the optic nerve. this surg. is an over night stay, they make 3 small slits in her eye lid, move the eye ball over and get a sample of the mass. she under went 3 test in 3 dif. locations today and blood work and another mri. she will most likely be home for about 2 weeks after the surg. shes in good spirits and we are hoping for the best for the test results which will take about till july 4th to have back. its a very painfull surg. the mass is in the back of her optic nerve. she will look like she went 10 rounds with the champ when she gets out. we are all hoping and praying for the best. (thanks again)

That's good news to begin with Dave. We'll continue to pray through the process. Hopefully it turns out the best possible.

 

[Disney Commando]

After the last couple of weeks it is refreshing to see some good news for a change.

Hopefully everyone is far down the road of recovery,and will have a long run of good health.

Our Prayers and positive vibes are with all those who are still under the weather.

Hope all goes well for all the Dis Dad families

 

[that's nice]

just got back from philly at 6pm. we left this morning at 4:45 got there just before 6am. we meet the greatest dr. we have ever met! what a bedside manner!!! dw mass was descibe as moss growing on her optic nerve. its wrapped around the nerve. on june 18th she goes for surgery to biop. it only. he needs to know what it is before we can go any further. if its not cancer he may not have to do anything. at worst, may have to remove part or all of the optic nerve and or the eye ball. the mass is confined to the optic nerve. this surg. is an over night stay, they make 3 small slits in her eye lid, move the eye ball over and get a sample of the mass. she under went 3 test in 3 dif. locations today and blood work and another mri. she will most likely be home for about 2 weeks after the surg. shes in good spirits and we are hoping for the best for the test results which will take about till july 4th to have back. its a very painfull surg. the mass is in the back of her optic nerve. she will look like she went 10 rounds with the champ when she gets out. we are all hoping and praying for the best. (thanks again)

I'm glad your DW is making progress and is getting upfront answers. Still hoping for the best for her!!!!



Hope all the sick families out there are getting better!!!!!

 

[billybobblockhead]

just got back from philly at 6pm. we left this morning at 4:45 got there just before 6am. we meet the greatest dr. we have ever met! what a bedside manner!!! dw mass was descibe as moss growing on her optic nerve. its wrapped around the nerve. on june 18th she goes for surgery to biop. it only. he needs to know what it is before we can go any further. if its not cancer he may not have to do anything. at worst, may have to remove part or all of the optic nerve and or the eye ball. the mass is confined to the optic nerve. this surg. is an over night stay, they make 3 small slits in her eye lid, move the eye ball over and get a sample of the mass. she under went 3 test in 3 dif. locations today and blood work and another mri. she will most likely be home for about 2 weeks after the surg. shes in good spirits and we are hoping for the best for the test results which will take about till july 4th to have back. its a very painfull surg. the mass is in the back of her optic nerve. she will look like she went 10 rounds with the champ when she gets out. we are all hoping and praying for the best. (thanks again)

Before my dad went in for his brain surgery a few years back, he also talked about the Dr. that was going to cut on him. He said that Dr. had a great bedside manner and that his vibe on the Dr. was that he was "quietly confident" in his abilities. That makes all the difference in the world. Hope that things go well for you.