niagra falls - help me plan if you've been there

[anaj06]

If you plan on using a credit card, make sure that it doesn't charge a fee when you use it outside of the country! The last time we went to Niagara Falls, I used one of my cards, and I had a fee on the next statement (I think it was called a conversion fee or something of that sort.). I can't remember how much the fee was, but it's something that you should look into, so you don't wind up with a surprise.

ETA: Do a quick Google search on "credit card conversion fees."

Thank you and repped! I had no idea about conversion fees!

[vasusan]

We went a couple of years ago. We flew into Toronto. We stayed at the Marriott overlooking the Falls. We had a suite that overlooked the falls. It was very nice as you could see the lights on the Falls at night as they changed colors. We took the Incline railroad down to the attractions- Maid of the Mist and Tour under the Falls... I would stay on Canada side as there is a lot more to do. We went to an animal park b/w Niagra and Toronto that we loved! You drive your car thru the park with the animals all around. The monkeys jumped on roofs and side mirrors. It was very entertaining.

[couponfanatic]

Stay on the Canadian side. The American side is pretty much useless, with the exception of being able to pretty much walk right up to the brink of the Falls. I wouldn't plan on spending more than maybe an hour or two on the US side. Unless you like boarded up slums that is.
As a person who lives not too far away, let me say I'm sorry for the deplorable condition the US side is in. We're fairly embarrased about the whole thing.
The Canadian side on the other hand is clean and neat and has lots to do.

[anaj06]

Thanks for everyone's help. I just booked our rooms!

My list of things to do includes:
Skywheel
Journey Behind the Falls
Butterfly conservatory
Walking around Clifton Hill
Imax theatre
Goat Island
Casino - which one is better?
and Maid in Mist if it is open; which I am doubting the first week of April.

Let me know if I have forgotten anything good. We can't do the revolving restaurant; we tried the one in Vegas on our honeymoon and both didn't make it through the meal...such a waste of money for us.

Also, will I have any problem crossing the border with stuff like a couple of grocery bags full of food; a few cases of beer etc. Just things we'd like to consume there...

[couponfanatic]

I'd check the official rules on what you can and can't bring.
Officially I have no idea, but in the back of my mind I think there's something about taking meats and fresh fruit/vegetables.