Great Canadian Midway — Attraction in Niagara Falls

Don't be fooled by this new card system, they are trying to trick you into thinking you are getting a great value, or a better value by selling you more "credits", however, it is all a marketing ploy and an illusion for gullible people who can not do simple math.

Prices at this place have almost DOUBLED since the new card system was installed. I have been going to this arcade once a month for over 15 years. I don't like the new card system, but I was willing to put up with it, however, what I am not willing to put up with is the increase in prices. I will not be returning.

All you need to do to figure out the price increase, is forget all about the tokens and credits, and just work out the dollar value of what it costs to play these games in dollars and cents.

Under the old token system if you spent $50 on tokens (taxes were also included in this price) you received 150 tokens, so that means each token cost you $0.33 (thirty three cents).

Under the new credit system if you spend the same amount $50 on credits (taxes are now EXTRA on this purchase) so it is costing you $56.50 and you receive 300 credits, so that means each credit costs $0.19 (nineteen cents)

Now remember those values 1 token = $0.33 (thirty three cents) 1 credit = $0.19 (nineteen cents)

Now lets look at what these games actually cost to play in dollars and cents.

Games that used to cost 2 tokens to play (a dollar value of $0.66 or sixty six cents) are now costing 6 credits to play (a dollar value of $1.14 or one dollar and 14 cents) that is almost DOUBLE THE PRICE to play the exact same game.

Games that used to cost 4 tokens to play (a dollar value of $1.33 or one dollar and thirty three cents) are now costing 10 credits to play (a dollar value of $1.90 or one dollar and 90 cents). An increase of over $0.60 or 60 cents to play that same game.

This same logic applies to all the games here, the prices have gone through the roof.

Prizes at the prize stand have seemed to also gone down in quality, and cost more "tickets" then what they used to.

If you are coming here with a kid and you buy the $50 value worth of credits, it will probably only last about 20-30 minutes of playing games, and you will end up with a prize, or prizes that are probably worth $5 (five dollars).

Spend your money elsewhere on Clifton hill and avoid this rip off, it is a shame, this place used to be great. You are better off going to other attractions in the area. They are cheaper, and you will have more fun, for a longer period of time.

Another flaw in this card system is the amount of time it takes to register your transaction. I swipe my card at a game, and I have to wait literally 20-30 seconds before it registers my game credits, and I am able to play the game, absolutely ridiculous.

You should have just stuck with what was working in the past, cause all you are doing is pissing people off, and losing long...

So disappointed in this arcade. I can no longer afford to come here. I come here from NY so I can find an arcade here to play in that costs a lot less money than this and those have most of the same games. As others have said they recently updated the system to use cards and tokens are no longer used. Doing this they increased the prices that a game costs to play by a ton of money. A small increase would be totally acceptable but the increase has made each game cost an insane amount of money just to play a game that mostly lasts for a minute or less. There are claw machines that cost $4 to play and are extremely impossible to win at plus your play is over in 15-30 seconds. If you are an adult who wants to play something you may as well just head to the casino where you will at least have some chance of winning as your money will go just as fast here as at the casino. We are talking about small prizes for most players here so its no longer worth it to spend all the money it costs to play games here. All my friends agree with this and we will no longer be coming to this arcade. Your credits will go so fast here. If you take kids you will need to spend $50-100 per kid for an hour or 2 if that. They removed the tickets which means you no longer get a huge pile of tickets that spit out of a machine which is the most fun thing about playing in arcades. They also removed a lot of classic games so if you like those you are going to be out of luck, they have been doing this for the last few years from what I see. There were some games here that no one else has which was impressive but most of those are gone now. There's still a couple unique games but its hardly worth purchasing a play card for those. I know all arcades are like this but this one is more expensive than most especially compared to something like Dave & Busters on the NY side where you can join a rewards program and use coupons and discounts to get cheaper credits and with the new rewards program and special things they have going on in their app they throw freebies at you all the time. If you can get to Dave & Busters in the Galleria Mall on the NY side in Cheektowaga NY I would recommend going there instead and do a little research on how to load your card with credits for cheaper prices ahead of time and you will save a ton of money on arcade play. There's an arcade called Niagara falls fun zone across from the Fallsview casino and there's an arcade in the basement of the Skylon tower with a lot of classic games and both of these have a lot of space and a lot of games in them and still use tokens so if you want cheaper prices and the traditional experience of using tokens I suggest these places instead...

The Great Canadian Midway, located in the heart of Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, is a premier entertainment destination that promises a thrilling and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. As a recent patron, I had the opportunity to explore this vast indoor amusement complex, and my overall impression is one of awe and excitement.

Pros:

Diverse Range of Games and Attractions: One of the standout features of the Great Canadian Midway is its extensive selection of games and attractions. From classic arcade games to state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences, there is something for everyone. The midway boasts over 300 games, ensuring hours of entertainment for both casual and avid gamers. Family-Friendly Environment: The Great Canadian Midway is a perfect destination for families. The bright and colorful atmosphere, coupled with a wide range of age-appropriate games, creates an inclusive environment for visitors of all ages. The redemption center, where tickets earned from games can be exchanged for prizes, adds an extra element of excitement for children. Convenient Location: Situated in the bustling Clifton Hill area, the Great Canadian Midway is easily accessible for tourists exploring Niagara Falls. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for families, friends, or couples looking for entertainment after enjoying the natural wonders of the falls. Seasonal Promotions and Packages: The Midway frequently offers promotions and packages that provide excellent value for money. From discounted game bundles to seasonal passes, visitors can take advantage of various deals, making it an affordable option for those looking to maximize their entertainment budget. Cons:

Crowded Peak Times: During peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays, the Great Canadian Midway can become quite crowded. Long lines for popular games and attractions may test the patience of visitors, and the noise level can be higher than desired. Some Games Require Additional Payment: While the majority of games are included in the admission price, there are a few premium attractions that require additional payment. It's essential for visitors to be aware of this beforehand to avoid any surprises. Conclusion: Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Great Canadian Midway is undeniably a fantastic entertainment destination that offers a wide array of games and attractions for all ages. Its vibrant atmosphere, convenient location, and family-friendly environment make it a must-visit spot in Niagara Falls. With careful planning to avoid peak times, visitors can make the most of their experience at this exhilarating indoor...