Quick Last Minute Trip to Dutch Wonderland/Lancaster

I was planning a 3 day trip to Lancaster for July, but it turns out we can't go then. So, we are going this weekend (hopefully) or next weekend.

DH cannot take any time off from work, so we are leaving when he gets out of work on Friday (3:30) and will be returning Sunday night (but not too late- he needs his beauty sleep before work Monday ).

My DDs are 18 months and 3 yrs. We are definitely going to do Dutch Wonderland, but I would like to fit a few other things into the trip (nothing specific- just want to make the most of our time there).

Here's what I'm thinking-

-Arrive Friday night to hotel (we're going super cheap- no Eden or anything) and pretty much go right to sleep.

-Wake early Saturday morning- eat free hotel breakfast.

-Head out to SOMETHING for the day (Kitchen Kettle Village? Cherry Crest Farms (doesn't open til noon)? Hands On House?) and grab quick lunch (suggestions??)

-Go to Dutch Wonderland for Preview Hours (I think 6-8:30)

-Late dinner (suggestions??)

-Back to Hotel for sleep

-Breakfast at Hotel again

-Head to Dutch Wonderland at opening for Water Area and maybe a few other rides

-Have a late lunch somewhere (suggestions?)

-Head Home

What do you think?

The other option is to do DW all day on Saturday and then do something Sunday morning before we head home (BUT Cherry Crest is Closed on Sunday and Hands on House doesn't open until noon). If someone can help me out with a Sunday itinerary (assuming a full day at DW is better) that would be great.

I'm not really worried about napping- my little one will nap in a stroller and the older one may doze off in the car, but doesn't really nap.

TIA!

Re: Quick Last Minute Trip to Dutch Wonderland/Lancaster

Sounds like a good plan but I would check the weather forecasts. I know Saturday here is supposed to be a total wash out

Re: Quick Last Minute Trip to Dutch Wonderland/Lancaster

Your plan sounds good, I would do Hands on House, it's so fun! NYC area traffic is going to be terrible at that time on a Friday though.

We just went last weekend, and arrived at Eden Friday in the afternoon so we did the pool that day, then mini golf that evening. Saturday we woke up, had breakfast, did an Amish buggy ride, then swam more. Then we went to the free preview at Dutch from 5:30 to 8:30 (it's 3 hours before closing). The place was empty! We rode everything in that 3 hours!

On Sunday we got up, hung out a bit and drove home. We didn't use our full day at Dutch Wonderland, we will be going back again this Summer and will use it then. You do not have to use them consecutive days just so you know.

Cracker Barrel is there, that would be good for lunch! I think they are open Sundays (many places aren't in that area)

Message edited 6/5/2013 6:58:18 PM.

Re: Quick Last Minute Trip to Dutch Wonderland/Lancaster

You could do a buggy ride Saturday morning, and check out the train museum at Stasburg railroad. You could head over to Kitchen Kettle village, but I'm never really impressed when we go there. We buy some stuff at the shop, chips, dip, moonpies, etc. But that's about it - it's not someplace we spend a lot of time at.

The only thing I would switch on your itinerary is the late dinner after the park. I'd eat before. I know my son would never sit for a meal that late at night, especially after a long, fun-filled day of activities.