canadas wonderland...thoughts? tips?

[rxbeth]

I just wanted to mention that my grade ones and twos were all over this place with GOOD memories from their March Break.
Fantasy Fair Woodbine Center
http://www.fantasyfair.ca/

Hugs
Mel

Thanks for this link! I was considering wonderland for my kids this summer (7 and 4) but I think we'll give this a try!

 

[Donald - my hero]

Thanks for this link! I was considering wonderland for my kids this summer (7 and 4) but I think we'll give this a try!

Fantasy Fair ALWAYS has an offer on Groupon and if you watch for codes to pop up you can save even more!

Fantasy Fair Groupon Offer

 

[TLPL]

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Northernlites]

We go to Fantasy Island amusement park in Grand Island New York 10 minutes from Lewiston Queenston bridge. It was bought in 2017 by a large amusement water park firm from US. They have specials for Canadians either $20 per person or less. We have being going for the last 3 years since my son was 6. I love it. If I lived closer I would by an annual pass.

 

[kuhltiffany]

Yuck and Ick, I wouldn't do it! Your kids are the perfect age for Centreville, so much fun to take the ferry over, pack a wagon and a picnic too. There's the new Kidspark area at the Science Centre, or the Lego Discovery Centre. Ripley's Aquarium is awesome too. Save Wonderland for when they are teenagers!

http://www.centreisland.ca
https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
https://toronto.legolanddiscoverycentre.ca
https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/
https://www.citypass.com/toronto?mv_source=ontariosciencecentre&campaign=home-rotator

 

[susanv]

This is going to sound really stupid but I'm from a blink and you miss it kind of town in Northern Ontario....so...where would one find a Chuck e cheese lol? do they have one in barrie? vaughn?

There is a Chuck E Cheese within 5 minutes or so of Canada's Wonderland.

 

[TLPL]

There is a Chuck E Cheese within 5 minutes or so of Canada's Wonderland.

And a mini Legoland as well. You can sort of pretend you are in Florida visiting Wonderland, Chuck E Cheese and Legoland center.

 

[starvenger]

it's like Florida, but with Timmys!

 

[TLPL]

it's like Florida, but with Timmys!

They have Timmy too now! (some states at least)

 

[star72232]

My older kids (12, 13) love Canada's Wonderland (and have since they were younger). The little ones (6, 9) haven't been, but we will be going this year and I imagine they will enjoy it. I don't know how worth it it is with kids under 5 though. One tip - if you get there early you can park fairly close to the front without the premium parking. We always pack a lunch and eat on the grassy areas around the parking lot and then buy dinner in the park. The water from the fountains is good - cold and no funky taste and there are lots of fountains around the park. If you can go on a weekday in May or June, you will typically have limited waits.

 

[starvenger]

With kids under 5, I think doing 50-50 park/splash works would be the way to go.

 

[KrystelKat]

As you can see, there are definitely differing opinions on CW!
no, it can't be compared to the "magic" that is disney, but it serves its purpose.
- you can't bring food in. Security is hit or miss re: bringing in any kids of food. i've had luck bringing a couple of granola bars, or small snacks like that. Others have told me they've packed their young child an entire meal and not had a problem
- definitely aim to get there before open, at least 30mins early! you can park pretty close, and get the kids their coloured wristbands (tip: to Employee who gives you the wrist band, ask them for a sheet that tells you what the child can ride alone & with a parent - it's colour coded to the wrist band, and very helpful to know in advance which rides are doable)
- while most areas open at 10am (like Camp snoopy), i don't believe Kidzville opens until 11am, which is annoying. there's lots to do in camp snoopy. grab a map at the front gate, it will help you to navigate.
- Ghoster Coaster & Silver Streak are awesome child rollercoasters and great intro to coasters for them.
- they usually have some decent shows to entertain the kids, but i don't think any of them begin until the Victoria Day weekend (or maybe not even until June!), so check the map, all the info will be there about possible shows & times. we've watched an acrobatic show (held in the medieval castle) and it's quite good.
- you'll have a great time, especially in May, mid-week,...where the crowds shouldn't be too bad - enjoy!

 

[starvenger]

wrt food they're not particularly concerned about "lunchbox" snacks or non-alcoholic drinks of any sort (I've brought in 1L bottles of iced tea and poured that over cups of ice I got from the food stalls). Haven't tried bringing in the full picnic though. Usually we just eat what's available in the park, but split the entrees, in part to save money, in part because one order of chicken strips (no fries) can feed both my kids.

Side note to Canada's Wonderland - a smaller version of the CNE's food pavilion would be amazing.