I've wanted to go to Dutch Wonderland with the kids for so long now. Everyone I ever spoken to who's been there, raves about this place. My expectations were at an all-time high and my fingers were crossed it would not disappoint.
When parking the car and getting out, I felt like the Griswald's when they finally get to Wally World (Movie reference: National Lampoons; Family Vacation). There is theme music that can be heard as soon as you open your car door and its hard not to get excited about going in.
We arrived when they opened at 10:00am and came close to still being there when the park closed at 6:00pm. Ian said he didn't realize he could have so much fun. Wowee!! What a fantastic place! Several days later and Jeff & Ian are still walking around the house singing the theme song, "Dutch Wonderland, Dutch Wonderland, have a Dutch Wonderful Day."
Having been to Disney with the kids, more times than I can count (It's easy really when your stepfather works there), I can honestly tell you, that I like Dutch Wonderland more. Disney tries to be everything to every age group. There is a ton of ground to cover and the lines usually include crazy, long waits for all of a two to five minute ride. Dutch Wonderland, however, is catering only to little kids, mostly in the 8 and under age group. The rides are located close together and by going in an off-peak time, we didn't have long lines and the weather was spectacular; again, unlike Orlando, where the weather can be a hot 85 degrees even in February.
As we were walking back to the car, my husband, the planner, was already figuring out when we would do a return trip. Yes, it was that much fun.
We rounded the day out with outlet shopping and made out like a bandit on snow boots and Stride Rite shoes for the kids. Now that we are more prepared this Winter than last, I've pretty much guaranteed we won't even get one dusting of snowfall this year.
Stay tuned for the Toppall's adventures as the road trip continues.
Tips that made this day such a success:
1. We went off-season. No long lines and the park wasn't as crowded.
2. The weather was spectacular. It was in the low 70's and sunny. I can't imagine how miserable the kids would be if it was a sweltering 90 degrees or hotter; as it would be in the summer months.
3. The food offered at the park was actually good for you and had healthier options to chose from.
4. We didn't try to do everything. The water rides were closed and that made it an easy decision to not have to work those into our time. We were able to focus on all the other rides and enjoy not having to carry an extra change of clothes with us.
5. We made it fair from the get-go and rotated to each of us for choosing the next thing we would go on.
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