June WoV Niagara Falls/Buffalo meet up
Quote: FaceYou really are trying to get kicked out of PA, aren't you? ;) Season runs deep into June, provided there's no Finals sweep
I guess I was a little too subtle with my post. Of course there is still some hockey to be played in June. I'm just saying it won't be in Canada........ although the Habs have smacked down the Bear once already...... Or did they just wake it up?
Quote: Mission146Not even Molsen? Even if they were free, I'd still be overpaying! Are they free in NY?
The Canadian casinos are not allowed to give away free alcohol. They will serve free soft drinks. Smoking is not allowed on the Canadian side. The American side is more like a big Vegas casino, with free alcohol, smoking allowed, decent comps, good restaurants.
I believe teddys mention of flying would include a landing on the US side, not the Canadian side, but I could be wrong.
Quote: SOOPOOThe Canadian casinos are not allowed to give away free alcohol. They will serve free soft drinks. Smoking is not allowed on the Canadian side. The American side is more like a big Vegas casino, with free alcohol, smoking allowed, decent comps, good restaurants.
I believe teddys mention of flying would include a landing on the US side, not the Canadian side, but I could be wrong.
Why are we going to Canada, then? The free drinks are on the other side, I'll be getting a room for the night!
Quote: Mission146Why are we going to Canada, then? The free drinks are on the other side, I'll be getting a room for the night!
You must know the answer, EH ?
Quote: Mission146Why are we going to Canada, then? The free drinks are on the other side, I'll be getting a room for the night!
I envisioned this as more than a drinking and gambling fest. The Canadian side has a much nicer feels for out of town tourists. The Canadian Casinos also have Tiles. Also, Face can only gamble on the Canadian side. That all being said, I can't wait to watch Mission down scores of free beers on the American side! Seems like there will be activities on both sides of the border. As I get a tad closer to the date, I'll try and arrange an itinerary that will satisfy all!
Quote: Mission146Water is water, it's water, falling off something high, I've seen pictures. In any event, everyone seems to want to do it in Canada, so let me check into this whole Birth Certificate thing. Are the drinks free there?
I don't think you'll be able to get a passport that quickly. Seems like it's on the order of months, not weeks, from application to completion?
Quote: AcesAndEightsI don't think you'll be able to get a passport that quickly. Seems like it's on the order of months, not weeks, from application to completion?
regular passports take a bit longer. A few years ago when we got the passport cards they said it was going to take about 6 weeks but we had them in less than 3. I think a lot of it depends on the time of year and how many people are applying.
Quote: SOOPOOI envisioned this as more than a drinking and gambling fest. The Canadian side has a much nicer feels for out of town tourists. The Canadian Casinos also have Tiles. Also, Face can only gamble on the Canadian side. That all being said, I can't wait to watch Mission down scores of free beers on the American side! Seems like there will be activities on both sides of the border. As I get a tad closer to the date, I'll try and arrange an itinerary that will satisfy all!
Well...if we're going to do a multi-day thing, anyway, I would definitely be down for the American side on Sunday. I could not get away on a Saturday in the Summer regardless. A's&8's also seems to think I won't get a Passport on time.
Do you guys want to do both sides? Maybe Canada by day and the good ol' U.S. of Free Alcohol by evening?
Beers? By the way? Is that all that's free? Your Sun rises in the East, my sun rises in Tequila.
Quote: GWAEregular passports take a bit longer. A few years ago when we got the passport cards they said it was going to take about 6 weeks but we had them in less than 3. I think a lot of it depends on the time of year and how many people are applying.
Ah, I thought you had to have a regular passport to get the passport card (like it was an add-on or something). If it's a separate process, I can see how it could be quicker.
Quote: Mission146Well...if we're going to do a multi-day thing, anyway, I would definitely be down for the American side on Sunday. I could not get away on a Saturday in the Summer regardless. A's&8's also seems to think I won't get a Passport on time.
Do you guys want to do both sides? Maybe Canada by day and the good ol' U.S. of Free Alcohol by evening?
Beers? By the way? Is that all that's free? Your Sun rises in the East, my sun rises in Tequila.
the only problem with wanting the free drinks are that their table minimums are usually pretty high. I was there 3 summers ago and basically all of the tables were $15 min. I don't know if it has changed since then or if it is different on a Sunday night.
Quote: AcesAndEightsAh, I thought you had to have a regular passport to get the passport card (like it was an add-on or something). If it's a separate process, I can see how it could be quicker.
Based on the paperwork I filled out when I renewed my passport, a person must have/get a passport to get the card. My card and passport were processed together, and I had them in about 2.5 weeks. It's possible to order the card separately if a person already has a passport. I assume that's what GWAE did.
Quote: rdw4potusBased on the paperwork I filled out when I renewed my passport, a person must have/get a passport to get the card. My card and passport were processed together, and I had them in about 2.5 weeks. It's possible to order the card separately if a person already has a passport. I assume that's what GWAE did.
we don't have regular passports. You can just get the card by itself but it is only good for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and I think the Islands down south. I am not sure if you can actually travel by sea to Europe if you wanted to.
I think we forget about June 15 (Father's day) and 27th (summer). So maybe Sunday, June 8th or Sunday, June 22. June 29 is a "holiday" weekend.
Now, when it comes to Fallsview, it's doubtful that we could commandeer our own crap table or anything else for that matter, unless there's a Platinum member over at Fallsview with a host.
So we should take a vote on the 8th or 22nd and figure out if we are participating in the US side (Seneca) or the Canadian side (Fallsview) or both.
Passport cards are required to drive over the border and are $55 for first time applicants, $30 otherwise. Applications take four - six weeks.
And I know what Varmenti looks like, so he won't be able to shadow us.
For me, I vote the 22nd, and will participate in both sides.
I am not sure if I would be participating in both sides.
If we do it the 8th I am about 15% attending. If it is the 22nd I am closer to 80% as of right now.
I really liked how at the Meadows most of us played craps. I am not sure how busy Sundays up there are but it would be nice if we could make that happen again.
Any takers? =)
as for the casino info, seneca is like a harrahs or imperial palace, smokey, free drinks but slow and you better tip, lots of slots but not much newer stuff...cheaper min's on the tables and almost no asian game action.
fallsview is more like a mirage or bellagio, smoke free, very clean, they got to charge for the drinks, tons of slots and all the latest games.....on sunday prob only one craps table....huge asian game action, 3 tiles open on sunday.
any other questions feel free to ask.
Quote: FaceProp bet: I can takeoff, fly, and land teddys' plane without assistance. Bonus odds for barnstorming the Rainbow Bridge.
Any takers? =)
Something tells me that any attempt to barnstorm the Rainbow would be met with a few Stingers SAMs that the CBP keep in the backroom there.
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Seriously, you have IAG on the US side or the Niagara Falls District airport on the Canadian side. Landing fees and the overnight fee is cheaper on the Canadian side.
Quote: boymimbo
Passport cards are required to drive over the border and are $55 for first time applicants, $30 otherwise. Applications take four - six weeks.
$55 is ridiculous!!! It's the same friggin' country, they just have better beer (except Molsen), more hockey and environmental friendliness.
I vote for the 22nd rather than the 8th, and I totally get that Face can only gamble over there, so I vote for Canada by day and the U.S.A. by night. I don't know if you count that as a vote for each or what.
Don't worry about me, anyway, I'm going to put something together for September again in WV or PA.
If we do end up in the U.S. at all, I'm looking at two name brand hotels I can have for $55 + Tax (with my employee discount) and one for $25 + tax (also with my discount), so if anyone wants to share a room at one of the $55 places, I'll split the cost. If anyone wants to share a room at the $25 place, then they don't have to pay anything. It's probably a dump, but it's the cheapest one, so I'd be staying there anyway.
Quote: boymimboSomething tells me that any attempt to barnstorm the Rainbow would be met with a few Stingers SAMs that the CBP keep in the backroom there.
I just recruited you as copilot. I'll bring the road flares. When you hear me call "Fox2", strike one alight and chuck it out the window. I'll handle the rest. I'll give you 5% of my prop for every evasion =D
Quote: ontariodealer
as for the casino info, seneca is like a harrahs or imperial palace, smokey,...
Have you (or anyone) been there since the renovation? They just dumped $6mm into a new air system.
I was there Friday, but couldn't tell the difference. Of course, I smoke, so would be unlikely to notice anyways. Just curious
Quote: FaceProp bet: I can takeoff, fly, and land teddys' plane without assistance. Bonus odds for barnstorming the Rainbow Bridge.
Any takers? =)
takeoff, fly, barnstorm, yes. land, ...not so much. lol...
Once you settle on a date, those of you in the area, I'll figure out whether I can afford to come up. It might be a road trip, where I grab people along the way. Or fly, depending on fares and dates.
Depending on what people want to do, how much time they have, etc.... I am willing to host pretty much anything.... For those gentlemen unaware, there are dance clubs on the Canadian side referred to as the "Canadian Ballet", where clothes don't interfere with the view....
I will defer to Face and boymimbo on the actual restaurant/pub/bar for the 'formal' gathering, or gatherings!
And BBB, if you fly in to BUF, I will be your chauffer.....
Ok guys, now let's start twisting Mike's arm to see if we can get another 'Greenie' to join BBB and Face....
Quote: onenickelmiracleEnhanced IDs are available in only 4 states. NY MI ? ?.
Also Canada won't let you in if you have been convicted of some crimes. Don't know which but DUIs I think have to be over five years past. Like has been said, it's really not about what Canada wants but what we want so they mimic our policies.
And remember to leave those guns at home.... you do not need them on this side and are looking at 3 years in jail if you do get caught
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/01/28/several-gun-smugglers-arrested-on-their-way-into-windsor/
http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/01/31/bail-for-man-with-gun-who-made-wrong-turn-into-canada/
Quote: SOOPOOI'm super excited that so many are interested! I'm keeping the weekend as the 8'th, as this started as a way to get Doc and Mrs. Doc up here, and that is when they are available. I have to work a 3p - 7a shift the Saturday night June 21, which would mean I wouldn't likely enjoy Sunday the 22nd as much. I like Missions idea of some day activity in Canada then drinking activity in USA at night. Yes, they have tequila, on USA side, but for free I don't think you can name your brand, if you are a tequila snob! And yes, they have VP, but I haven't the slightest idea on the paytables. And I don't know the table minimums, but I would be surprised if you couldn't find $10 craps or BJ, but I don't know if there are good rules. The only thing I'm pretty sure of, but not 100% sure, is that BJ pays 3-2.
Depending on what people want to do, how much time they have, etc.... I am willing to host pretty much anything.... For those gentlemen unaware, there are dance clubs on the Canadian side referred to as the "Canadian Ballet", where clothes don't interfere with the view....
I will defer to Face and boymimbo on the actual restaurant/pub/bar for the 'formal' gathering, or gatherings!
And BBB, if you fly in to BUF, I will be your chauffer.....
Ok guys, now let's start twisting Mike's arm to see if we can get another 'Greenie' to join BBB and Face....
So I'm looking at air fare and it's very do-able, but where are we talking for hotels to book? It might be kind of nice for everyone to be in the same hotel/casino/resort, no? Did you say there's a CET property up there? I made Diamond this past trip...
Quote: beachbumbabsSo I'm looking at air fare and it's very do-able, but where are we talking for hotels to book? It might be kind of nice for everyone to be in the same hotel/casino/resort, no? Did you say there's a CET property up there? I made Diamond this past trip...
no the only CET is in Windsor. Not sure how far that is but probably 90 min or so.
ETA oh gee, way wrong, more like 4 hours.
here is an expired one she had sent me
http://www.travelzoo.com/ca/local-deals/niagara-area/Getaway/111659?utm_source=top20_ca&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ca_top20_2014_15_deal%3A1731011&utm_content=1731011&tz_adid=1731011
While you folks are in the area something that amazed me as a kid and still does today is the Welland Canal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heRLwTPpSMc
Quote: beachbumbabs... but where are we talking for hotels to book?
Considering that I don't show up on any host's radar and that I am a cheapskate, I have booked a room at the Quality Inn across the street from the Fallsview Casino. Never stayed there before.
As far as what hotel to stay at, it of course depends on which side of the border you want. I think Doc's choice is a good one, as the Canadian side is much nicer. If you want a Vegas style hotel, the American side has a really nice one, but the prices are ridiculous. I think the rack rate for a weekend night in June will be around 3-4 hundred dollars a night, and it's not that nice! I am not sure if you call, say you are a Diamond with CET, if they will give you a host who will arrange something better.
A lot also depends on if you will be renting a car, who else will be staying where, what else you want to do, etc....
There is no CET nearby. I believe Cleveland at around 3 hours is the closest.
Another thought is the wizard may not want a get together associated with his site going to a place like that.
OK let the bashing begin.
Quote: SOOPOOI've stayed at that Quality Inn! It was totally fine, plain as can be. They charged for parking, but I parked for free at the casino using my players card and minimal play.
According to Choice Hotels, that Quality Inn does NOT charge for parking. Might have changed.
Quote: GWAEJust a thought about the ballet. I personally don't think something that should be on the itinerary. Some of us have no interest in going and it would be annoying if the group broke up earlier than expected just because half of them wanted to go. If it is a late night thing and after the group was done then that is different. Not trying to be a Debbie downer but some people will be traveling a good distance. Just my 2 cents.
Another thought is the wizard may not want a get together associated with his site going to a place like that.
OK let the bashing begin.
Yikes! This is not as formal a get together as you may be thinking. The recent one in Vegas included a lunch together, then maybe an hour of craps together, then people chose to either hang out or go their separate way. I am basically willing to facilitate whatever the group wants, and I'm sure some will be interested in a walk along the Falls, some in more gambling, some in more drinking, and possibly some in the ballet. I wasn't thinking about a formal itinerary, other than a meet up place and time for lunch, and maybe dinner, too. Tell me what you want and I'll try and make it happen.
I don't think Mike is worried about us congregating at a legal establishment in Canada because we discussed it on his forum.
Quote: beachbumbabsI'm thinking maybe Face also has an in with his property: is that possible, Face?
Negative. I'm regulatory, not corporate, so the only time I see someone on the casino side is for interrogations that leave them furious. Even if I had an "in", under my name you'd be liable to get a room with pee-soaked pillows, at a minimum ;)
I know there's a large chain hotel (Sheraton, I think) immediately adjacent to Seneca Niagara that's not a dump and is on an OK street. But the NY side just really isn't a nice place to be. I'm not saying you'll get shanked, but it's not pretty. Of course, I never walk it without my Ruger tucked, so there's that.
It's been many years since I've been to Clifton Hill, but the worst thing I can remember about it there just being a lot of people. Fallsview is right there, a madhouse of pubs are right there, the Falls are right there... it's no NYC, but it's busier than I'm used to. But I remember it as a bright, fun place to be. Never thought I was gonna get robbed, the few drunk kids are diluted by the tourist families so as not to be noticeable, it's a much nicer place to be than the NY side.
And I suppose if someone loses their ass chasing streaks with Varmenti, I can offer a tent in my backyard for free. It even has power so you can run a radio / alarm clock / hairdryer / whatever. Hey, it's nicer than Niagara Falls, NY ;)
Quote: Mission146I'm afraid I have to put myself down as a, "Probably not," for this trip, regardless of the date. Please disclude my votes for the 22nd and my split vote for Canada & America. Sorry, guys. The schedule is just not going to work out this time around.
If Mission is 'out' then I think the rest of the combatants all have access to Canada, so we can do the lunch there. And preliminary gambling there as well, as they have lots of Tiles tables for those interested. Maybe we can reconvene on US side for dinner and the free drinks many crave!
Keep in mind there's the smaller Casino Niagara which caters to locals, but has generally lower table limits.
For lunch in the Falls, at the casino, you're looking at the Deli or the Buffet. The Deli has very nice sandwiches (see Varmenti's pictures from a few months ago), and the buffet is just okay. They also have a sushi place and a high-end italian place. There is a food court outside of the casino as well that offers Johnny Rockets, a chinese food place, etc.
For dinner on the American Side, you'd have to think about something in the casino itself.
It's about a 35 minute walk from Fallsview to Seneca, and you can drive it in about 5 minutes PLUS the border wait.
Quote: boymimboI'd recommend a hotel on the Cdn side too as it's much nicer. The Fallsview has a bunch of hotels accomodating all kinds of budgets.
Keep in mind there's the smaller Casino Niagara which caters to locals, but has generally lower table limits.
For lunch in the Falls, at the casino, you're looking at the Deli or the Buffet. The Deli has very nice sandwiches (see Varmenti's pictures from a few months ago), and the buffet is just okay. They also have a sushi place and a high-end italian place. There is a food court outside of the casino as well that offers Johnny Rockets, a chinese food place, etc.
For dinner on the American Side, you'd have to think about something in the casino itself.
It's about a 35 minute walk from Fallsview to Seneca, and you can drive it in about 5 minutes PLUS the border wait.
I've done the walk a few times. Walking across the falls bridge in nice weather is much better than driving. The views are fantastic, and the border crossing is a lot faster. I would venture to say that walking there and back between the two casinos is better than driving on a weekend. Casino Niagara (the smaller one) is even closer to the bridge, makes a good place to park.
I might join you guys, I live a couple hours away.
For those who have never been on it, the Maid of The Mist boat ride is one of my favorite tourist things to do in the world! If the weather is nice it is a must! You can get on on either side of the border.
I'm going to let this thread continue to grow for another week, then make a proposed itinerary, and let all coming make suggestions for improvements.
Quote: DocNick W. did the walk on his personal bridge. And he got a personalized, televised customs interview.
Two mentions in the span of a few days! Is this jealousy, Doc? I'm sure we could construct a similar "bridge" for you to use:-)
