Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is one of our all-time favourite family destinations.
I remember years ago when a friend first told me about their family vacations to Crystal Palace in Moncton and how they would go there on long weekends. I couldn’t wait for our kids to be old enough. Then, a few years later, another friend told me about the Stay-and-Play packages offered, and I knew we had to investigate for ourselves.
Crystal Palace is an indoor amusement park next to the Champlain Place shopping mall in the city of Dieppe, near Moncton. It is attached to the Ramada Hotel.
This blog post is a review based on our experiences. I was not compensated. I did not receive free tickets. The opinions are my own. However, Crystal Palace is providing four free tickets for a draw! See below.
We have been to Crystal Palace three times now, and each time have done things a bit differently. Now we have perfected our family plan. Here are my thoughts by theme.
Hotel
We always stay at the Ramada Crystal Palace. The hotel is connected to the amusement park. This means that you do not have to go outside to get there. You can leave your jackets and bags in your room. Also, when the kids get tired, you can go back and have a rest or a swim, before going back to the park again! It’s extremely convenient.
The hotel has great service, a nice pool, and a mini-fridge in the rooms. It’s convenient!
Food
Breakfast is not included with the hotel rate. There is a restaurant in the Crystal Palace complex. We found it quite expensive so now, in the mornings while the kids watch cartoons, I walk through Crystal Palace and across the parking lot to Tim Hortons and bring back coffee and bagels for everyone.
The same goes for lunch. Instead of eating at the amusement park kiosk or at the restaurant, we walk across the parking lot to the Champlain Place Mall to the food court.
In the evening, we go to a local restaurant (of which there are many nearby) before a final trip on the roller coaster before bed!
Packages
The Ramada has a Family Fun package that includes one night accommodation, a family pass to Crystal Palace, and a $50 gift certificate to the restaurant in the complex.
This package has changed (sounds better) than when we used it before, so I think we might try it the next time!
Age
There is literally something for everyone. My sister went there with her one-year old who loved it. My three-year old neighbour was allowed to go on the roller coaster with an adult. I could have spent all day playing laser tag! I am not sure about an upper age limit for fun, but my guess would be 12.
Discounts
If you have a membership to the Discovery Centre you will receive a 15% discount on the hotel. Also, when you go to Crystal Palace, show your card and you will get 20 coupons for the “kids” to play in the arcade!
When to Go
This year we went to Crystal Palace on a Saturday. It was very crowded and busy. The lines aren’t overly long and move quickly. However, I think we will go back to our original plan.
We are fortunate to have flexible schedules, so we find a day that is a school in-service day for our region, but not for the rest of the Maritimes. Mid-week, Crystal Palace is virtually empty. The kids are often the only ones there and they can go on rides multiple times without getting off. It’s easy to find the kids, and there are no lines or crowds!
Overall
No matter how or when you go, Crystal Palace in Moncton is definitely worth checking out. It is approximately 3.5 hours from the Annapolis Valley – meaning you could even go there for a day (long) trip, or an easy over-night get-away! Family passes are reasonably priced (family of 4 = $73 for the day).
Check the height restrictions on the ride descriptions. Most require that children under 36” be accompanied by an adult. Those 48” and above can go by themselves on all the rides.
Win 4 free passes to the park courtesy of Crystal Palace!
Enter your name and email daily until the draw date of April 10. Win the tickets just in time for an Easter get-away!
For an extra ballot, leave me a comment below and tell me your tips for visiting Crystal Palace, your favourite ride, or why you want to go!
