Monthly Archive for September, 2005

Both Sides Now

Published
by
Graham
on September 17, 2005
in Niagara Falls News
. 0 Comments
Canada and New York State face off through the mists of Niagara Falls. Each side thinks it’s the better pick for views, fun things to do, casinos, parks, hotels and food. Here’s a report card to help you decide who’s right.

The Washington Post has a great article on Niagara Falls. There is an introduction to the general area (both American and Canadian), and then it links to another article comparing the two sides (casinos, views, attractions, accomodations, etc).

Will the real Niagara Falls please stand up?

Are you Canada’s family destination, its Disney and its Vegas tumbled into one? Or are you the lounge club and calzone capital of Upstate New York?

Niagara, you used to have newlyweds in Ramblers with tin cans jangling behind. You had New Yorkers arriving by the trainload. You were the Newport, the Cape May of the North.

Now we’re not so sure. Are you a wonder of the world? Are you a spray starch? To the real Maid o’ the Mist, the million-gallon Niagara: Please stand up.

Be sure to read the rest of the article.

IMAX Niagara Falls Theatre leaflet

Published
by
Graham
on September 9, 2005
in Niagara Falls Attractions
. 1 Comment

For almost 30 years, one of the most distinctive landmarks in Niagara Falls has been the pyramid housing the IMAX Niagara Falls Theatre. For almost the last 20 years they have shown Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic, the second most watched IMAX film ever.

I’ve scanned their promotional leaflet and included the text below:

Front of leaflet:

2005
The Falls Movie
Legends & Daredevils
Only at IMAX
Live like a daredevil from the edge of your seat

Back of leaflet:

The Falls Movie
The Daredevil Gallery
The Adrenaline Rush

Experience the Falls Legends & Daredevils
Let the power of IMAX take you there

Discover the thundering Falls from a totally new and awesome perspective, on a screen that’s SIX STORIES high with 12, 000 WATTS of earth shaking digital surround sounds.

Visit Niagara Falls’ Only Daredevil gallery
Free admission
See & touch the actual barrels, spheres and chambers of death that carried the daredevils over the Falls, and re-live the stories of those who dared to take the plunge.

National Geographic Store
IMAX Theatre Niagara Falls

6170 Fallsview Blvd.
Next to the Skylon Tower
905-374-IMAX
Shows on the hour

www.imaxniagara.com

PDF IconI have also created a PDF file of the leaflet if you’d like to download it and see it in full size/colour. You can download it here:
IMAX Niagara Falls Theatre leaflet

The 2003 leaflet was significantly different (the 2005 leaflet looks much better). The 2003 leaflet used the real name of the movie, and had more text about the movie and the daredevil exhibit. You can see it here.

IMAX Niagara Falls - The Daredevil Exhibit

Published
by
Graham
on September 9, 2005
in Niagara Falls Attractions
. 0 Comments

This post is continued from IMAX Niagara Falls - The Movie.

The Daredevil Exhibit at the IMAX Niagara Falls theatre is a gem! Admission is free, and you have the chance to see a large number of the devices that the daredevils used to go over the Falls. The movie discusses briefly the experiences of Blondin and Roger Woodward. As you exit the theatre, you are right in the exhibit, and can’t help but look around.

The Daredevil Exhibit has been open for many years. Over time, the pieces have been purchased outright, some have been donated, and some are rented. All of the pieces shown in Superman II are in the exhibit.

A couple of months ago, long before I received the passed to see the movie, I went into the exhibit and took pictures of all the items and all the signs. I have typed up the descriptions as well. You can find them all in the AccessNiagara.com Daredevil Exhibit image gallery. The images aren’t the best, and even if they were perfect, it doesn’t replace the experience of being there, touching the boats, and sensing what the daredevils went through.

The admission tickets into the movie have a variety of nice write-ups about the daredevils. The two that we had were about Dave Munday and Blondin. As well, the backs of the tickets have a Niagara Falls fact.

Dave Munday was the 13th person to survive a barrel trip over the Falls in 1985. Perhaps the most celebrated of the Niagara daredevils, Munday performed 2 successful trips over the Falls, with his second one taking place on September 27, 1993 in this 1.2m diving bell.

Jean Francois Gravelet (a.k.a. The Great Blondin) performed the first tightrope walk over the Falls between the Canadian and American sides on June 30, 1859. His feats became progressively more daring after his first trip; he was later blindfolded, rode a bicycle, walked backwards, and even carried his manager on his back.

Did you know? One fifth of the world’s freshwater flows over Niagara Falls.
Did you know? Niagara Falls is approx. 12,500 years old. (image not shown)

IMAX Niagara Falls - The Movie

Published
by
Graham
on September 9, 2005
in Niagara Falls Attractions
. 6 Comments

This post is continued from IMAX Niagara Falls - The Theatre

The Falls Movie signSince 1987, the IMAX Niagara Falls Theatre has been showing Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic. With most of the promotional material you see now, you wouldn’t know that was the name of the movie. Everything talks about The Falls Movie Legends & Daredevils. I asked Karen Mariano, Sales Manager at IMAX Niagara Falls Theatre, about this. She explained that they found that people really were not aware of the purpose of the film so they “decided to incorporate the FALLS MOVIE logo to create awareness that the film is the perfect Prelude to your Niagara Experience.”

I went to the 4 pm showing of the film on September 6. I expected since this was the day after Labour Day, that the theatre would be empty. To my surprise, there was a fairly good turnout. Most of the people were middle aged, many of them on a bus tour (there were a couple of large buses parked outside).

There is a snack bar just like any other movie theatre. And just like any other movie theatre, the cost of refreshments is rather high. We purchased 2 drinks and a large popcorn and it came to over $9 CDN. My sister wanted an empty cup, and they wanted a quarter for it.

They let us into the theatre right at 4 pm, and we waited a few minutes before anything happened. There is a brief introductory audio message that plays before the movie that gives you a bit of history of the theatre, as well as some facts about the IMAX experience. Apparently the screen is 6 stories high by 8 stories wide and has 15,000 watts lamp that could be seen from the moon. There are a lot more interest bits of information on the IMAX Niagara web site.

As is the case with most IMAX movies, the movie is phenomenal. There are four main parts to the movie. The movie starts with the story of Lelawala, the Maiden of the Mist. There is a re-enactment of one of Blondin’s walks. There is a great scene of the steamship Lelawala going through the rapids (my favourite scene). The final scene re-enacts when Roger Woodward, a 7-year-old boy, went over the falls, and lived to tell about it.

The cinematography is stunning and the sound of the Falls shakes your seat. The story is well told and as far as I know is accurate. It retells old legends, states facts, and leaves you want to see more. The movie is approximately 41 minutes long. If you include the introductory audio message, as well as the concluding message, you are in the theatre for almost 50 minutes.

There are approximately 450,000 people who view the movie Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic every year.

The Destination Cinemas website describes the movie as follows:


Daredevils and awestruck explorers play out their drama against the backdrop of the thundering Niagara Falls in “Niagara: Miracles, Myths & Magic.” From a rivet-popping steam ship ride through whirlpool rapids to the heart-stopping plunge of a young boy who survived the 150-foot drop, “Niagara: Miracles, Myths & Magic” examines the lure and majesty of this natural wonder for the adventurers that have challenged her might. Director: Kieth Merrill. Producer: Nicholas J. Gray, Richard James. Formats available: 15/70, 10/70, 8/70. Length: 41 minutes.

Be sure to read the post IMAX Niagara Falls - The Daredevil Exhibit.

IMAX Niagara Falls - The Theatre

Published
by
Graham
on September 9, 2005
in Niagara Falls Attractions
. 2 Comments

On Tuesday, September 6, 2005 I had the opportunity to go to the IMAX Niagara Falls Theatre and view the movie Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic. There will be a few posts about the theatre and the movie.

The theatre was built in 1976, with its distinctive pyramid shape. There are over 200 IMAX theatres in the world now. The Niagara Falls theatre was the 15th built. For the first 11 years, there were a variety of films, including “To Fly” which ran for 2 consecutive years. In 1987, Niagara: Miracles, Myths and MagicGrand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.

The theatre is owned by Destination Cinema, a subsidiary of National Geographic which owns and operates all Destination Theatres. There is a National Geographic Theatre at the Grand Canyon visitors centre, a National Geographic Theatre in San Simeon, CA at the Hearst Castle, a National Geographic Theatre in Victoria, BC, along with the theatre in Niagara Falls.

Due to their location, they have an association with the Skylon Tower. They share a parking lot and do partner program packages together such as “Dinner and a Movie” or “Lunch and a Movie” as well as Educational Packages that are sold to school and tour operators. The neighbouring property, Pyramid Place, is owned by the same people as the Skylon Tower, not Destination Cinema. There is a charge for parking during the summer months and it is a straight $5.00 flat fee Canadian or US. Tour Buses are exempt from any parking charges.

Be sure to read the post IMAX Niagara Falls - The Movie.

Maid of the Mist leaflet

Published
by
Graham
on September 8, 2005
in Niagara Falls Attractions and Niagara Falls Shopping
. 0 Comments

One of the most popular attractions in Niagara Falls is the Maid of Mist boat ride to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. In one form or another, the boats have been making the trips for almost 160 years! In recent years, the land above them have been developed into an open plaza.

Front of the Maid of the Mist 2005 leaflet Back of the Maid of the Mist 2005 leaflet

I’ve scanned their promotional leaflet and included the text below:

Front of leaflet:

Maid of the Mist
Since 1846
There’s Magic in the Mist

Back of leaflet:

The world famous Maid of the Mist cruises right to the base of the American Falls, then to the basin of the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. It’s a fantastic journey through crashing waters, surrounded by massive rock formations that have tamed the raging rapids for millions of years. Make plans to be on board for the next mistifying trip as the Maid of the Mist takes you on the ride of your life.

Ticekt Prices
Adult $13.00
Children (6-12 years) $8.00
Children 5 and under Free
Prices included G.S.T.

Accessible to the physically challenged
Open May - October 24, 2005
Opening date depends on ice conditions.
Prices and schedule subject to change without notice.

Maid of the Mist
For departure times call
905-358-5781
Maid of the Mist
Steamboat Company, Ltd.
5920 Rover Road, P.O. Box 808
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 6V6

www.maidofthemist.com

PDF IconI have also created a PDF file of the leaflet if you’d like to download it and see it in full size/colour. You can download it here:
Maid of the Mist leaflet

The 2003 leaflet was the same except for a price increase since then as well as a different phone number. You can see it here.

Greg Frewin Theatre Virtual Tour

Published
by
Graham
on September 7, 2005
in Niagara Falls Attractions
. 0 Comments

The Greg Frewin Theatre web site now offers a virtual tour of their facility. Using the services of iLOOKabout inc. they have created a virtual tour of the theatre, the lobby and the venue (the property). You can view the tour in three sizes as well as email a copy of the tour to others.

You can view the tour on the iLOOKabout web site, or can read other news on the Greg Frewin Theater website, and then click on the Virtual Theatre Tour link.

WWE Niagara leaflet

Published
by
Graham
on September 6, 2005
in Niagara Falls Attractions and Niagara Falls Shopping
. 0 Comments

One of the top search terms on AccessNiagara.com is WWE Niagara. WWE Niagara opened a few years ago and is operated by Canadian Niagara Hotels. It has a large retail store where you can get all sorts of WWE (formerly WWF) memorabilia. It also has a large drop-zone type ride called Pile Driver that raises you 200 feet in the air and then “drops” you down quickly.

I’ve scanned their promotional leaflet and included the text below:

Front of leaflet:

WWE Niagara Falls
Experience Pile Driver, an endge-of-your seat thrilling adventure!
905-354-SLAM
On Clifton Hill

Back of leaflet:

WWE Niagara Falls
Take home a souvenire from our WWE ‘Attitude’ line of clothing & uniqe licensed products.

Directions:
From the Rainbow Bridge:
Take the first right imediately after customs. Turn left on Hiram, and again on Ontario.
From QEW/Hwy 420:
Take QEW to 420 towards the Rainbow Bridge and “the Falls” to Falls Avenue.

Front of Coupon:

$2 off Pile Driver
Dare to Challenge the Pile Driver

Back of Coupon:

WWE Niagara Falls
905-354-SLAM
On Clifton Hill
next to Rainforest Cafe

“World Wrestling Entertainment”, “WWE” Logo and WWE Superstar likenesses are trademarks of Word Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

PDF IconI have also created a PDF file of the leaflet if you’d like to download it and see it in full size/colour. You can download it here:
WWE Niagara leaflet

Niagara’s Fun Save Pass

Published
by
Graham
on September 5, 2005
in Niagara Falls Attractions and Niagara Falls Web Sites
. 0 Comments

Niagara Fun Pass

I’ve been seeing signs up over the last month or so for the Niagara Fun Save Pass. Supposedly it gives you 50% off a variety of attractions.

The site isn’t very clear. but it looks like you are paying for coupons that get you 50% off. So at a cost of $25 to $30, and an average admission price of $8 - $10, you’d need to go to 5 or 6 different attractions before it even pays for itself. To actually save money, you’d need to go to a couple of more attractions. There are a lot of good attractions participating (Niagara Falls Aviary, Skylon Tower, IMAX Theatre, etc.)

When you purchase the Niagara Fun Save Pass online, you can get adult passes for $24.90 and children (5 yrs to 12 yrs) for $16.40 so a family of 4 would cost $84.60. I called around to 3 of the big-name attractions to see how they were participating:

Niagara Helicopters
http://niagarahelicopters.com/
905-357-5672
The price is regularly $105 CDN per person, and the more people you have the cheaper it gets. If 2 adults go, it is $200 ($100 per person). Children are $60 CDN, and if 2 adults and 2 children go, it is $308 CDN ($100 per adult, $54 per child).
I asked how they were participating with the Niagara Fun Save Pass (expecting it to be 50% off) and they said that they give you group pricing of $25 off the adult price, bringing it down to $80 and $10 off the child price bringing it down to $50. With the Niagara Fun Save Pass, the family of 4 that was going to cost $308 CDN would cost $260 CDN.
So for a family of 4, you’d save $48.00

Skylon Tower
http://skylon.com/
905-356-2651
877-4SKYLON
The price is regularly $11.50. They do not offer 50% off theie regular admission. The Skylon Tower also has a motion simulator theatre, Pirates 3D/4D and offer a combo ticket. The Niagara Fun Save Pass gives you 50% off the combo pass. The combo ticket is normally $16.50 for adult and $8 for a child. They would be reduced to $8.25 and $4.
So for a family of 4, you’d save $24.50

IMAX Theatre
http://imaxniagara.com/
905-358-3611
The price is regularly $12 for adults and $8.50 for children 4 to 12 yrs. They actually do give you 50% off regular admission. So adults would be $6 and children would be $4.25.
So for a family of 4, you’d save $20.50

If you went to these 3 attractions, you’d save a total of $93 after having paid $84.60 for the coupons, saving a total of less than $10. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, you’re savings would continue to grow. And remember that you get a free disposable camera and a t-shirt. As well, when you purchase online you get unspecified bonuses. It is definitely possible that you will end up saving money. But be sure to check out any combo pricing that the attractions may have as they may be a better deal.

PDF IconI have also created a PDF file of the pamphlet if you’d like to download it and see it in full size/colour. You can download it here:
Niagara Fun Save Pass

Niagara Fun Save Pass Niagara Fun Save Pass

The (unofficial) end of summer

Published
by
Graham
on September 3, 2005
in General and Niagara Falls Shopping
. 0 Comments

Just as the Victoria Day (in Canada) / Memorial Day (in US) weekends are the (unofficial) start of summer, the Labour Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer. By the beginning of September, everyone is back in school, and during the week, business is dead. Most of the hotels have unbelievable rates for Sunday to Thursday stays, with higher rates on the weekend.

Many of the souvenir shops have sales as well to try to clear out inventory.