need advice regarding Buffalo parks
I'll be visiting the Buffalo area soon. Since I've already been to SFDL, I'm interested in going to Marineland and Martin's Fantasy Island. Since I will be on vacation with non-coaster lovers, I would have to do both parks in one day. I know that they are pretty close to each other, but given all the security around the border now, I was wondering if it would be logistically possible to do both parks in one day? I don’t want to spend half the day backed up at the border with security checks. Thanks for your advice.
Not too worried about the time consideration, but I haven't been across the border since I was a kid. What's it like crossing (both directions) now?
Anyone gone that way recently?
Anastasia BeaverHausen said: I'm interested in going to Marineland and Martin's Fantasy Island. Since I will be on vacation with non-coaster lovers, I would have to do both parks in one day. I know that they are pretty close to each other, but given all the security around the border now, I was wondering if it would be logistically possible to do both parks in one day? I don’t want to spend half the day backed up at the border with security checks. Thanks for your advice.
i havent been to fantasy island or marine land in awhile from what i remember fantasy island is pretty much a bs park with a lot of smaller rides etc... as far as doing both in one day you're gonna be crammed for time with the border crossing... if you're out of state they're most likely gonna give you a harder time then if you're in state... traffic on the bridges depends on alot and can vary day by day depending on if they're looking for certain things (drugs, weapons etc etc etc) more so on different days... as long as you have your drivers licenses/birth certficates and dont look like your shady or full of crap they shouldnt bother too much with ya, it's gotten alot better since 911 i havent been recently (in the past 3 months) across the border... usually leaving usa there's not much of a wait, except late at nite past 9 or 10 on fri,sat,sun, cause of the club scene bingo people, casino etc, thats bout the only time you might experience moderate (20 min - 45 min) delays... so getting over there shouldn't usually be an issue, it's the coming back and us customs that are usually the worst...
Border crossing can be pretty easy, depending on the time of day. Sometimes you'll luck out & wait maybe 5 to 10 minutes... sometimes you'll strike out & wait close to 45minutes... but since you'd be doing the Rainbow Bridge, there's no truck traffic & you should get through pretty quick. The rest is a straight run to MFI & I'm sure you can get there in no time.
Whatever you do, don't talk in a fake accent or say you're just taking pictures of buildings... they don't like that.
DawgByte II said:whatever you do, don't talk in a fake accent or say you're just taking pictures of buildings... they don't like that.
hahah ya think ? i dunno why they would be suspicious about that, specially entering or leaving new york :-P
we weren't across the border five minutes and people started calling us names. ( they saw out ohio tags)... like: Americans are the terrorists... Stop trying to blow up the world... and the ever popular: Go Home!...
being curious, i asked several shop owners if that is an accurate feeling toward the US: they said: We love your money, can't stand your politics and why you vote when it doesn';t matter...
it was fun...
other info: before you go, talk to your car insurance people: Canada Requires American drivers to have a Canadian insurance id when entering canada.(you can get from you carrier)
don't leave home without it...
if something occurs and you don't have it, they can take your car. period.. (i know this because i work in the insurance industry...)
have a good trip. it is beautiful up there...
If you decided to just do one park, I'd probably recommend Marineland. You said you're going with non-coaster people (good thing) but didn't say how old they were. Fantasy Island is geared much more towards young kids. I think Marineland has more to offer all ages. And the whales and dolphins are very cool.
You could also consider Canada's Wonderland - not too far away. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have fun, and enjoy my home town.
Again, border crossing isn't tough at the Rainbow Bridge because there is no commercial traffic & they usually have a lot of lanes open due to all the tourist traffic.
You can EASILY do both parks, since you can see & do everything once-around at Marineland in the morning & early afternoon... and still have time to do everything at Marty's Fantasy Island for the later afternoon evening.
Since both parks have a combined 3 coasters... it makes it perfect. Marty's main draw is the family atmosphere with the western shoot-out & family-appeal rides.
Marineland specifically states that it's a family oriented park with a few "wild rides" for that rider that's a little "out there"... so these 2 parks would be perfect... and the prices are right, too!
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