2026 WSA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION NIAGARA FALLS EXCURSION

WHO: All convention attendees who wish to go to Niagara Falls State Park (the American side of the falls)

WHEN: The afternoon of THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 ~12pm – 7pm

WHERE ARE WE GOING: Niagara Falls State Park – Goat Island. Parking Lot P2.

HOW TO GET THERE: Self drive or ride WSA-provided coach buses. 

  • To take a WSA bus, you MUST add this as an optional item in your conference registration. One seat must be reserved for everyone riding the bus who needs their own seat. Everyone over 24 months old must have a wristband. Children under 2 without a wristband must sit on a parent’s lap. 
  • If you choose to drive, please plan to park in Lot P2. See provided map. Please note parking is $10 per vehicle. 
  • Buses begin departing from the Buffalo Convention Center at 12:30pm. Each bus departs for Niagara Falls State Park as soon as it is full. There will be enough buses to transport the entire group at the beginning of the afternoon. The last bus going to Niagara Falls will depart at 2:00pm.
  • Buses will return “round robin” style, with the first return trip beginning at 2:30pm. 
  • The last bus will depart Niagara Falls State Park at 7:00pm. We cannot hold buses. If you do miss the bus, you will need to use a Rideshare or taxi to return to Buffalo.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

You are free to explore Niagara Falls State Park on your own. We will be taking a group photo by Terrapin Point on Goat Island as soon as all of the buses have arrived. Our goal is to take the photo around 2:00pm. You will find information below about the attractions at Niagara Falls State Park. 

  • 12:30pm: Busses begin departing the Buffalo Convention Center for Niagara Falls State Park.

  • ~ 1:45 - 2:00pm (or when all buses have arrived): Group photo at Terrapin Point (look for volunteers in orange shirts to guide you to the photo spot.)

  • 2:00 – 7:00pm: Explore on your own.

  • 2:30pm: Buses begin “round robin" trips back to the Buffalo Convention Center.

  • 7:00pm: Final buses depart Niagara Falls State Park to return to the Buffalo Convention Center.

  • ~ 10:15pm: Niagara Falls will be lit in the WSA colors for 15 minutes! We will broadcast the live cam after Bingo. The link to share with family and friends is https://www.earthcam.com/canada/niagarafalls/?cam=niagarafalls_str (Thank you to The Niagara Falls Illumination Board and Nora Beger!)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO GO ON THE NIAGARA FALLS EXCURSION?

  • You do NOT need a passport for this excursion. We will remain in the US.

HOW IS THE MOBILE PHONE SERVICE AT THE FALLS?

  • Cell service can be poor in Niagara Falls State Park, particularly on Goat Island where our buses will drop. Some phones will attempt to roam there, so keep a careful eye for notifications.

WILL I MISS EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS OR PROGRAMMING IF I GO TO THE FALLS? 

  • No. Parent/Caregiver educational sessions will take place Thursday morning only. Programming for individuals with WS and their siblings will not be available that afternoon, to ensure everyone who wants to go to the falls is able. 

WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO GO TO THE FALLS?

  • There will not be programming or parent sessions Thursday afternoon. The Social Club Lounge will be available to hang out.

WHAT IF I MISS THE LAST BUS RETURNING TO THE CONVENTION CENTER?

  • The last bus will depart from the bus stop on Goat Island at 7:00 PM. If you miss our final bus, you will need to take a taxi or ride share (Uber/Lyft) back to the convention center. There will be plenty of spots on the bus for everyone - please be on time so you don't "miss the bus!"

WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO STAY AT THE FALLS FOR LONG? HOW DO I RETURN TO THE CONVENTION CENTER?

  • Buses will return “round robin” style, with the first return trip beginning at 2:30pm. When you're ready to head back, there will be a bus!

IS THERE A RESTROOM ON THE BUS?

  • We have reserved coach buses, which will all have air conditioning and working restrooms.

HOW FAR IS IT FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER TO NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK?

  • Depending on traffic, it takes about 30 minutes to get from the convention center to Niagara Falls. You will NOT be able to leave anything on the bus, so please do not bring anything you will not be able to carry off the bus. 

IF I HAVE A PASSPORT, CAN I WALK ACROSS THE RAINBOW BRIDGE INTO CANADA?

Yes! If you have your passport, you're welcome to walk across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada. (The walk also provides a beautiful view of the falls!) Walking across the Rainbow Bridge from Niagara Falls, USA, to Canada is a straightforward, scenic 10-minute walk open 24/7. You must have a passport, pay a small toll ($1 USD/CAD or $1.25 CAD in quarters) to return, and pass through customs on either side. Pedestrians can cross into Canada for free but must pay to return to the US.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO BESIDES SEE NIAGARA FALLS?

  • Great question! Check out the section below to learn more about what there is to see and do at Niagara Falls State Park! These optional are not included, paid for, or arranged by the WSA.

ATTRACTIONS AT NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK

These optional are not included, paid for, or arranged by the WSA.

Cave of the Winds:

Tickets:

  • Tickets are NOT available online for pre-purchase.
  • We have been told this is a VERY busy week at Niagara Falls and tickets for Cave of the Winds can sell out by mid-morning.
  • Because of this, we have reserved a block of 300 tickets for entry times between 2:00 - 2:30.
  • Tickets will be first-come first served, and available to reserve at the Registration/Info Desk ONLY DURING A CERTAIN WINDOW OF TIME. Watch for information in the app and for announcements at convention about how you can purchase tickets if you’re interested. We won’t have additional information to release before then, so please do not email, call, or ask on social media. Our staff is traveling to New York, and additional questions slow down our response time.
  • Tickets will be $23 for adults, $19 for youth. 
  • Before purchasing tickets, PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW. We will not be able to issue any refunds.

Tips and Tricks:

  • You can learn more about this experience here: https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions/cave-of-the-winds/ 
  • This is a timed attraction and requires a reservation/ticket. 
  • This adventure may be too intense and/or physically demanding for some of our attendees. Please see below. 
  • Attraction involves multiple stair climbs. 
  • You’ll venture out onto the Hurricane Deck and get closer to wonder than you ever imagined – feeling the mist from the Falls. 
  • Please wear footwear that you don’t mind getting wet! 
  • Getting down to the attraction involves a very small elevator and MANY very wet stair climbs. 
  • If the attraction is too overwhelming, the only way out is waiting in the line for the small elevator to return to the top. 

 

Maid of the Mist:

Tickets:

  • Can be purchased online via: https://www.maidofthemist.com/
  • $30.25 Adult & $19.75 Youth
  • You will be issued a voucher, good for any day, that gives you a QR code, making the initial line go faster.
  • When you reach the attraction (approx.. 20 minute walk from Terrapin Point drop-off), you head to the ticket line to exchange your voucher for a ticket. Then you will join the attraction line.
  • A parent or caregiver can “save the space “in line. Let them know you are with the Williams Syndrome Association – staff should be informed.

Tips and Tricks:

  • You cannot access Maid of the Mist from Goat Island, which is where the buses will drop us off. You will need to walk through Niagara Falls State Park or take the trolley to get to the boat.
  • Tours are 20-minutes long.
  • Two 600-passenger boats run every 30 minutes.
  • The boat is accessible.  There is an elevator to the right (ask staff) which will take you to the Observation deck.  Then you will get a second elevator to take you to the base of the gorge.
  • At the base, you will pick up a hooded poncho.  Expect to get a little wet, but the poncho saves you from being drenched.  There’s no issue when wearing ear defenders/headphones – just pull up the hood.
  • This is a very sensory experience – water, loud sounds, and people being loud because they are getting hit by the overspray.
  •  The best view and experience is the bottom left of the boat, towards the front.  The captain’s area is nearby.  Look for a “plug” for the best spot.
  •  The Maid of the Mist has a wait time on their website, under Plan your Trip. https://www.maidofthemist.com/wait-times/
 
Welcome Center: 

https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions/welcome-center/ The 28,000-square-foot Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center features glass walls and a low roof to maximize views and connections to the Falls. It includes new ticketing and information desks, new concession spaces, restrooms and associated support spaces, a rooftop PV array, special patterned glass to prevent bird impacts, green roof elements and a separate restroom building. Enhanced site amenities include new accessible paths, native plantings and wayfinding elements. 

 
Observation Tower: 

https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions/observation-tower/ Extending out dramatically over the Niagara Gorge, the architectural wonder of the Niagara Falls USA Prospect Point Observation Tower affords unobstructed views of the wild cascades of ALL THREE FALLS and the Niagara River. Niagara Falls State Park Observation Tower provides the only panoramic view of all three cataracts that comprise Niagara Falls, including the American Falls. Elevators at the Observation Tower provide access to the base of the gorge and the boarding site for the Maid of the Mist boat tour. The elevator and deck are open to all visitors. Boat ticket purchase is not required.

 
Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley:

https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/attractions/trolley/ A hop-on-hop-off trolley that takes visitors around Niagara Falls State Park. Great for those with limited mobility to see all the incredible sights that the park has to offer. ADA Friendly 2026 Rates: $5 Adult and $3 Youth. 

 

In-Park Dining: 

https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/park-information/in-park-dining/

  • Cave of the Winds Café – located at the Cave of the Winds building on Goat Island, you can choose from a variety of food, beverages & desserts – and easy Self-Service Checkout.

  • Tastes of Niagara Café – located inside the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center, serving popular favorites from Western New York – from a Sahlen’s hot dog or Italian sausage on a Costanzo’s roll from a variety of Taste NY vendors offered on their menu. 

  • Snack Stops – you’ll find various concession stands located throughout the park. Grab a quick bite in between attractions – including coffee, soda, snacks like frozen favorites like Dippin’Dots and hand-scooped Perry’s Ice Cream.

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