Touring Plan for Canada's Wonderland?

[anorman]

I am Canadian and I have been to WDW 8 times, Universal Orlando 4 times, Seaworld 3 times, and Busch Gardens 3 times. For most of these parks, there are tonnes of online information it seems. This year we are planning a trip to Toronto for the first time (because of the One Direction Concert) and will be visiting Canada's Wonderland. There doesn't seem to be must out there with insider info on CW. Is there anyone out there who can help me out with ideas for a touring plan, must-do rides, or anything else important that cannot be missed? My family loves all of the biggest coasters that Florida has to offer so the biggest and baddest coasters must be done! LoL

 

[formill]

I don't really have any information for you for a touring plan.....we were just there on Saturday and just did a LOT of waiting-no ride was under 30 minutes wait several over an hour.......we went last year too- daughters are in cheerleading competition there-things I really dislike about Canada's Wonderland- very little seating and nothing around the park that has a back on it- and most benches and the rocks to sit on are in the sun. The prices of the food is crazy- $8.50 for a hamburger-that's just the burger-they won't let you bring food in but there is a covered (under very loud roller coaster!) picnic area just outside the main gates. There is no wait time signs for any rides that we could find- last year we had an app for Universal Studios! Parking is $20. They are terrible for putting signs up around directing you to the bathrooms or anything-you have to figure out where the exit is for several roller coasters. Sorry I sound pretty negative- kids loved the rides and there are some pretty good roller coasters there. The newest ride -The Guardian had a really long line up- 2 of our kids got on it first thing in the morning when we were at the cheerleading event- after that the line was just way too long to bother so if you want to try it get there first-our two that were on it were not really impressed though.

 

[Skjhjb]

I don't really have any information for you for a touring plan.....we were just there on Saturday and just did a LOT of waiting-no ride was under 30 minutes wait several over an hour.......we went last year too- daughters are in cheerleading competition there-things I really dislike about Canada's Wonderland- very little seating and nothing around the park that has a back on it- and most benches and the rocks to sit on are in the sun. The prices of the food is crazy- $8.50 for a hamburger-that's just the burger-they won't let you bring food in but there is a covered (under very loud roller coaster!) picnic area just outside the main gates. There is no wait time signs for any rides that we could find- last year we had an app for Universal Studios! Parking is $20. They are terrible for putting signs up around directing you to the bathrooms or anything-you have to figure out where the exit is for several roller coasters. Sorry I sound pretty negative- kids loved the rides and there are some pretty good roller coasters there. The newest ride -The Guardian had a really long line up- 2 of our kids got on it first thing in the morning when we were at the cheerleading event- after that the line was just way too long to bother so if you want to try it get there first-our two that were on it were not really impressed though.

My son was there Saturday as well....with a buddy who's sister was there for cheer. The other mom bought the tickets, but she did pay extra for the express pass tickets. So there were no lines at all for him. I've no idea how much extra it was, but maybe look into that type of ticket to maximize your rides. DS said he road Leviathon 6 times.....

 

[bltman]

Was there on Saturday and it was crazy busy.

We usually get there rope drop and stay until lunch and then go. My kids are little. We typically split up with the youngest riding the kiddy rides and the older riding some of the gentler coasters.

If you get the Fast Lane for extra $$ you will save time and likely don't need a strict touring plan to minimize waits. It includes the biggest coasters but not all rides.

Look out for Wonder Mountain's Guardian. Just opened Saturday. It has been described as a very mild coaster meets Toy Story Mania. It was designed on the cheap by a Montreal based company but early reviews suggest it is a fun ride (though still working out the kinks).

 

[Mrs Eeyore]

We live in the area and have season passes but I've never really considered touring plans for Wonderland. It's pretty much a take-your-chances-on-a-long-wait kind of experience. As others have mentioned you can pay a premium for a fast-pass-type-thing but as I recall it was pretty pricey -- something like 30 or 40 bucks I think? I'd rather stand in line, personally.

The park is mostly roller coasters. The big marquee coasters are Leviathan and Behemoth. I've never ridden them but my family assures me they're nice and smooth. The lineups for Leviathan and Behemoth are pretty intense so if you can do the RD thing that's where you'd want to go first. My kids like to ride Dragon Fire for a break. There's rarely much of a lineup there. They also like Vortex but it kills my neck. Vortex has a moderate line most of the time. I haven't been there yet this year so I don't know much about Wonder Mountain's Guardian, but I'm eager to give it a try. And there are countless other coasters and plenty of kiddie rides, but not much in between for middle-aged moms who don't like heights and drops. I wish they'd put in a few nice, unchallenging Disney-style rides, please and thank you.

Note that your admission also includes Splash Works, a decent water park. I don't think it's open yet, but if you're here in summer you might want to bring a suit. Splash Works is my favourite part of the park.

 

[Misha72683]

Some tips:

Go on a weekday if you can. Lines can get crazy busy and are worst during the weekends. The biggest rollercoasters have the longest lines, which is why I haven't ridden Behomouth or Leviathan yet as I don't like waiting in line for over an hour.

Splashworks opens some time in June and is awesome. Lots of water slides and a big wave pool. Splashworks is one of my favourite parts of Wonderland.

Food is expensive and no outside food allowed. Funnel cakes are awesome though.

 

[anorman]

We will be there the first week of August and are planning to go to Wonderland on a Monday (the 4th) and to be there for rope drop. I am reluctant to pay for the front of the line pass since it is $60 and to enter the park is only $40 per person. It kind of sticks in my craw to pay more for the FOTL than for park entry and togeter it would be $400 for my family of four for one day. I might have to take the plunge though to optimize our day there. It would be cheaper to actually go for two days than to buy the FOTL for one.

 

[bdoyledimou]

go on a weekday and it will be bareable --

weekends are out of the question .

they staff or purely seasonal -- they work there for 3 months of the year, are hired new each year, and its literally something to get them through the summer.
there is no pride or sense of ownership/responsibility for the most part -- and service is SLOW in every aspect of the park. Ride line manangment is horrible and boring.

That doesn't mean its a bad park , or that you wont have fun -- but that its a place to have a lot of long conversations with the people you are with

The Front of the line pass had 2 versions last year -- $60 for a standard pass and $99 for a premium pass. the Standard only let you ride one of the premium coasters -- the premium let your ride everything.

It is VERY expensive .

 

[PensFan]

go on a weekday and it will be bareable --

weekends are out of the question .

they staff or purely seasonal -- they work there for 3 months of the year, are hired new each year, and its literally something to get them through the summer.
there is no pride or sense of ownership/responsibility for the most part -- and service is SLOW in every aspect of the park. Ride line manangment is horrible and boring.

That doesn't mean its a bad park , or that you wont have fun -- but that its a place to have a lot of long conversations with the people you are with

The Front of the line pass had 2 versions last year -- $60 for a standard pass and $99 for a premium pass. the Standard only let you ride one of the premium coasters -- the premium let your ride everything.

It is VERY expensive .

You got it! I worked there for 2 seasons in 1998 and 1999 ... most of the staff does not care about their job though there are some people that return year after year and enjoy their position there!

The place is a ZOO plan to maybe get on 2-3 of the BIG roller coaster and spend most of your time in line in doing so!

Though I cant really say as I've not been back in a few years just have no desire to do so!

 

[thr33boys]

We will be there the first week of August and are planning to go to Wonderland on a Monday (the 4th) and to be there for rope drop. I am reluctant to pay for the front of the line pass since it is $60 and to enter the park is only $40 per person. It kind of sticks in my craw to pay more for the FOTL than for park entry and togeter it would be $400 for my family of four for one day. I might have to take the plunge though to optimize our day there. It would be cheaper to actually go for two days than to buy the FOTL for one.

Keep in mind the 4th of Aug is the Civic Holiday. It will be busier than a normal Monday.

 

[bltman]

but not much in between for middle-aged moms who don't like heights and drops. I wish they'd put in a few nice, unchallenging Disney-style rides, please and thank you.

Can you ride the gentler roller coasters with smaller drops or are you fully coaster free? I have a morning ½ day touring plan I use with my son that may be good for you if you will ride milder coasters. It involves getting there for rope drop and is designed to beat the lines.

Thunder Run
The Fly
Boo Blasters
Ghoster Coaster
Wild Beast (drop is not too steep – ride is very bumpy but fun)
White Water Canyon
Timberwolf Falls
Krachenwagen

 

[anorman]

Keep in mind the 4th of Aug is the Civic Holiday. It will be busier than a normal Monday.

Thanks for the heads up! We are there for 1 week before we head to Niagara Falls so maybe I'll either go Friday Aug 1st or Tuesday Aug 5th.

We will be planning on doing the biggest coasters so I'd like to avoid as much of the crowds as I can.

 

[Alliecat and Rabbit]

Rides -
Leviathan is 306' tall thrill coaster and has an amazing first drop.

Behemoth is 230' tall and the cars are different - the back row of each compartment is spread apart.

Wonder Mountain Guardian is the newest ride - it's a dark coaster and seems similar to Thunder Mountain run (also at wonderland) and compares to big Thunder Railroad at WDW.

Backlot Stunt Coaster takes after the movie the Italian Job - it's a fun one and shoots you forward from the start (I think like Aerosmith at WDW although I haven't been on that yet).

Flight Deck - is another coaster. It takes after the movie Top Gun. Your feet dangle below you as the coaster is suspended from the track above.

Skyrider - is a unique coaster as you stand on it. You have a bicycle seat is you choose no to stand.

The Bat - is another coaster, it pulls you up backwards and drops you forward, then at the end, you go up forward all the way to the top and then you go through the same track backwards. Watch your knees kn this one!

Time Warp - it a smaller coaster and only takes 4 at a time. You lay on your stomach (as if you're flying or skydiving). It used to be called Tomb Raider.

Wild Beast - is an old wooden coaster but still lots of fun!

Vortex - is a coaster that is suspended from the track above but you're fully enclosed. this one has a lot of complaints about the stiff or sore neck and back (myself included). the end of this ride is very abrupt and that's where it'll get ya!

Great Canadian Minebuster - is still standing but I didn't see it listed on their rides. It is the larger of the 2 wooden coasters there and tons of fun! you fly out of your seat. Fun for everyone.

White Water Canyon - is like Kali river Rapids

Timberwolf Falls - is a log ride plain and simple, one rise, on fall but it's a big fall.

Spinovator - is like the tea cups at WDW.

Splash Works - is a full water park and some season pass holders go there just to use the water park. splash Works is only open on weekends for now, with daily hours beginning June 14.

There are other rides too but these are the main ones. The biggest lines will be for Leviathan, Behemoth, Wonder Mountain Guardian, Backlot Stunt Coaster. Not all rides are thrill rides although it may seem so here.

As far as food goes - you're not allowed to bring in your own but you can bring a cooler and keep it in your car and go out to the parking lot to eat if you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for a small burnt burger. OR, across the street there is a Tim Hortons, Little Caesar's Pizza and a McDonalds but they do get busy from Wonderland crowds.

As far as ticket prices go - they are expensive but if you plan to go twice, I would recommend getting a season's pass as it's to cost of 2 visits (unless you purchase it early and get a deal). with Season's passes, you also get extra perks like early entry to the park, etc.

With the Fast Lane - you pay $40 and get FP like access to 17 rides but NOT Leviathan and Behemoth. You can upgrade to the Fast Lane Plus ($55 total) to add Leviathan and Behemoth.

hope that helps with some info.

 

[thr33boys]

Thanks for the heads up! We are there for 1 week before we head to Niagara Falls so maybe I'll either go Friday Aug 1st or Tuesday Aug 5th.

We will be planning on doing the biggest coasters so I'd like to avoid as much of the crowds as I can.

No worries. I'd pick the Tuesday myself as a lot of people tend to take a Friday before a long weekend off. Actually, I'd wait to see what the weather is like as it gets closer and pick the day that shows overcast and chance of rain

 

[alc571]

Thanks for the heads up! We are there for 1 week before we head to Niagara Falls so maybe I'll either go Friday Aug 1st or Tuesday Aug 5th. We will be planning on doing the biggest coasters so I'd like to avoid as much of the crowds as I can.

Avoid the Monday, if possible! We went on the Monday last year and it was awful. I think we did like five rides all day. Lines were horrible. It really makes you appreciate how good Disney is at moving hordes of people through lines!

 

[bdoyledimou]

Agree with the Tuesday trip

 

[anorman]

No worries. I'd pick the Tuesday myself as a lot of people tend to take a Friday before a long weekend off. Actually, I'd wait to see what the weather is like as it gets closer and pick the day that shows overcast and chance of rain

Avoid the Monday, if possible! We went on the Monday last year and it was awful. I think we did like five rides all day. Lines were horrible. It really makes you appreciate how good Disney is at moving hordes of people through lines!

Alliecat and Rabbit thanks for the overview. That is great information!

Tuesday sounds like our best bet for sure. We arrive in Toronto on July 31st and leave for Niagara Falls on August 7th. So avoiding the weekend plus Friday and Monday leaves us with either Tues or Wed. I have a Blue Jays game booked for Tues p.m. which might shorten our hours at CW but, that being said, in WDW, we usually are all in by 2 or 3 p.m. anyway though.

Another quick question for anyone who lives in the area......how long does it typically take to drive from downtown (next to the Rogers Centre) to CW? I like to be early before rope drop so this would help with my planning. While googlemaps say 35 minutes, I know that traffic is definitely going to be a factor.

 

[Misha72683]

Alliecat and Rabbit thanks for the overview. That is great information!

Tuesday sounds like our best bet for sure. We arrive in Toronto on July 31st and leave for Niagara Falls on August 7th. So avoiding the weekend plus Friday and Monday leaves us with either Tues or Wed. I have a Blue Jays game booked for Tues p.m. which might shorten our hours at CW but, that being said, in WDW, we usually are all in by 2 or 3 p.m. anyway though.

Another quick question for anyone who lives in the area......how long does it typically take to drive from downtown (next to the Rogers Centre) to CW? I like to be early before rope drop so this would help with my planning. While googlemaps say 35 minutes, I know that traffic is definitely going to be a factor.

With the baseball game as a factor, I'd go on the Weds.

I'm not sure CW is worth it if you're only there for 4 or 5 hours, as some lines are really long.

To get back to the Rogers Centre in time for the game you're going to be battling traffic and it can be horrendous. I'd say 1-1.5 hours from Wonderland to downtown to be safe.

 

[thr33boys]

I wouldn't do CW and the Blue Jays game on the same day either. You'd be missing out on too much and worrying about getting to the game on time. Don't forget even if you get all the rides done, you can head over to the waterpark at Wonderland - it's pretty good.

Do the game on Tues and spend the day doing the Hockey Hall of Fame or CN Tower, which are both within walking distance to Roger's Centre and then do CW on Wednesday.

Sounds like a fun trip.

 

[proud_canadian]

HI there,

I have a season pass, so have already been three times this year. I try to go right for rope drop and head out by lunch time, as it gets busy pretty quickly.

I would try to go midweek, and not on weekends or holidays. Go STRAIGHT to Wonder Mountain Guardian. I went on it on Saturday and it is amazing! But the capacity of the ride is very low and it is very popular as it is new. We waited two hours, and it was worth it, but if you want to ride it and only have one day, I would go there straight away. It is a small coaster, shooting game (like toy story mania) against a screen, and the ride tells a story. Plus it has a shocking ending (I won't ruin it for you )

The other rides with large line ups are Boo Blasters (although they did change the cars in the offseason to fit 4 people instead of 2), which is a shooting game like buzz lightyear, and the line ups get really long.

The Fly (similar to goofys sky school in California) also gets long lines, and don't miss Thunder Run. It is a small fun coaster in the mountain, but it cycles the track twice each run so only one train can ever be on track at once so it gets very long lines.

Stunt coaster is also fun, but with a lower capacity so I'd ride that early too.

The big coasters of Leviathan and Behemoth are popular, but I find the lines for those never get terribly long, because the capacity is high. Especially Leviathan because it fits 4 people across.

The water park is also really fun.

And there are also some great shows!

I'd definitely take a look at a park map and figure out what your priorities are, and set a plan to make sure you hit those first! Good luck and have fun