Niagara Falls PTR

[RailRider]

Rather than visit FearFest opening weekend, the family and I decided to take a quick weekend getaway to Niagara Falls. We left after work Friday night and drove to Erie PA to spend the night. Saturday morning we had a quick 2 hour drive, crossed the border in to Canada and checked in to the Marriott FallsView. Pictures Below

The Marriott FallsView checked us in at 11:00 in the morning, I was completely shocked they checked us in so early, because check in was not until 3:00. I booked a standard FallsView room with a sitting area and fireplace. The view was amazing, absolutely amazing. Honestly didn't need to leave the room for a better view of the Canadian and American falls. Excelent hotel and would recomend to everyone and anyone.

We headed down to the falls, and I got the always coveted In-cline Railway Credit. Pretty cool little contraption to get you down the cliff rather than hike down and with the baby stroller it was much welcomed.

Niagara Falls is absolutely amazing, the sheer size of the Horseshoe (Canadian) falls is amazing. The height the water drops is taller than any coaster at KI except for SoB and Diamondback. Think of the 2nd drop and Diamondback and you are pretty close to how tall the Canadian Falls are. Amazing. The roar of the falls and the mist created is incredible and when you walk towards the edge it is somewhat unnerving, but truely a sight to behold.

After viewing both falls we unwound a little bit at the FallsView Park. A beautiful park not only in landscaping, but also the view of the American Falls is great. Zoe really enjoyed the park and just running around and smelling the numerous flowers.

After our bit of solitude we made the treak down to the edge of the Niagara River, where we boarded the famous Maid of the Mist for our up close and personal view of the awesomeness that is Niagara. We doned our ponchos and away we went, first getting up close and personal with the American Falls and then churning our way in to the heart of the HorseShoe. The power of the water coming over edge and crashing at the bottom was amazing and somewhat unsettling because of our proximity to the energy and power of the falls. Truly the Maid of the Mist should not be missed by anyone that visits the Falls area. Worth every penny and more...

We bid farwell to Canada and the Falls Sunday morning in a light drizzel. No complaints because we had perfect weather they day before. I will say I was very glad to make it back through customs and in to the US. A few interesting observations about Niagara and Canada. There are so many taxes it is insane, prices are already crazy because its a tourist area, but there are 3 different taxes that you pay on purchases. The service outside of the Marriott left a lot to be desired. Forget the hospitality and efficient service you receive in the States, something that I just think is a cultural difference. Ohh and did I mention the prices???

Still we had an amazing weekend getaway and if you have never been to Niagara Falls you must make the trip.

As always I have pictures below, so turn up you speakers and hit the play button. Enjoy

[Keysersoze]

Yes Niagara Falls is very cool. I don't know if it would still be going on this time of year but "The Cave Of the Winds" is to me the best way to really feel the power of the falls. I have some friends up there, and I did some photographs for the Niagara Falls Parks back in the 90's. I don't think it would be open this year but "Dragon Mountian" in Marine Land is a nice very long arrow looper that is just a very short drive from the falls. I went up there this year to go to Toronto to ride "Behemoth". That is a killer coaster, I think we will be very pleased her sister "Diamondback ".

[RailRider]

2 things. Yes Marineland was open, but I had a short time to visit and no interest to pay $40 bucks to ride a long arrow multi looper that has taken 20 years to theme. When planning the trip I was hoping that Waldameer would still be open weekends this late in the year so that I could get a few laps on Ravine Flyer, sadly the park is closed for the seasson already. Wishful thinking on my part I guess.

Secondly I have been through the cave of the winds, when I was much younger, around 8 or 9. The only part I remember is that we had to get up against the wall because a lady committed suicide by going over the falls and a paramedic team came through to recover the body. Thats all I remember of my first trip to Niagara before this last one. So I decided to pass, just thinking chances of that happening while you were down there was crazy, didnt want to experience it again.

The Parks are beautiful

[RailRider]

Did I mention that refils on soda were extra? At $3 a pop, I figured they would be free. Nope. Interesting, either another way to make money or its just cultural.

[Avatar]

RailRider – I was watch some football and thought I would go back through the threads and double check if I missed see what I missed and was pleased to see your report. I have always wanted to go to Niagara Falls and it sounds like it can be done in just a few days. I don’t know which is getting bigger Zoe or the curls in her hair. She is beautiful and so full of life in your videos. I always enjoy reading your reports.

[RailRider]

Yeah, why you were off to Disney we made a quick trip, although the cost of Niagar is overwhelming, so your Disney trip was a bargain. Easy to do in 1 day and the Canadian side is a must, just insanely expesive.

Zoe is getting to big to fast, thats why I have started planning our Disney trip already.