American Girl Place New York City

[ecs38]

I would like to plan for my DD 10th bday a surprise NYC trip in the fall. Has anyone been to AG Place in NYC? I would appreciate any comments, suggestions, recommendations where to stay, etc.
How are the meals and show? DD will be turning 10. Is AG Place geared for younger girls?

Thanks,

ecs

 

[onecoolmama]

Ok, can I ask what the these American Girl things are? This isnt the first time I have heard about them, but I have no clue what they are.

 

[jennyanydots]

onecoolmama, American Girls is a doll collection -- they have historical dolls and modern dolls -- the historical dolls come with a book -- example, Felicity lives in colonial Williamsburg, her outfits and accessories are all colonial, and there are a series of books about her life.

10 is the absolute perfect age for the American girls place -- but from what I hear, the reservations at the restaurant are hard to come by and you have to plan early.

 

[LJC1861]

The American Girl Place in NYC has become THE destination spot for girls and their Mom's since the day it opened. It is 3 wonderful stories dolls and accessories. Although I have not experienced the cafe or theater first hand, reviews of both have been excellent. The cafe is reservation only and for the most part girls and Moms do get dressed up. I work up in the area of the store and it is easy to spot girls who are making a day of the American Girl Place--dressed to the nines and their dolls usually match. I personally think a 10 year old would LOVE it, especially if she is still into the doll thing.

Bring your credit card!

Linda

 

[swanmom]

If she's into American Girl, it's a great place. First floor is, of course, AG items for sale. Dolls, clothes, girls clothes, accessories, etc. etc. Displayed in very cute ways....nice to wander around. Second floor, displays devoted to each doll with their specifics stories and outfits. Also, a beauty parlor where they fix the dolls hair. It's cute - tiny little salon chairs, lots of bows, barrettes, clippies, etc. Be sure your DD brings her doll.......everyone does. Check into the beauty parlor right after you get there, it can get pretty backed up when it's crowded.
The show is quite good. The young actresses are talented and the songs really catchy. (Be prepared you'll DD will likely want a CD of the songs.)
The lunch is also nice, elegant in a little girl way and above average food. You can make a really fun half-day visit at this place. But, be sure to make reservations in advance for show and food! Have fun.

 

[TinkHappy]

Here is the link http://www.americangirlplace.com/agp_ny_splash.php

Hope that helps. We really enjoyed it, our girls brought their dolls with them and they provide chairs for them (very cute). I made DH come with us, he was one of 3 men in the ENTIRE place. hehehe. He enjoyed it and glad he went (so were DDs). We went when it first opened and it wasn't too hard to get reservations. I have heard that it is a little harder to get the dates you want now, I suggest calling ASAP for reservations.

Hope this helps!!

 

[tassie42]

My sister and I took our daughters last November. She made the ressis in August So I would call asap I think the show would be the hardest to get into but it is really cute! Your daughter will love it if she has read any of the books. The theatre is very small and intimate and the girls in the show look to be from 8 to 13 yrs old. We bought the cd also and my dd listens to it all the time.

I would recommend this for girls ages 7 and up with ten being perfect because thats the age all the american girls are in the books. (my dd was 71/2 when we went and my neice was 8)

We had the lunch there but its pretty espensive. and I wasn't that impressed with the food but maybe thats me. The service was good though.

WE also went to the hair salon cause my dd has Kirsten who wears braids and her hair was really messy! they charge $20 but they did a beautiful job. (go as early as you can for this)

By the way, our daughters didn't dress like there dolls and we didn't see many others dressed either. I would go as soon as the store opens because by 3pm it was wall to wall people.

I can't give you any advice about hotels cause we live in NJ

Have fun and pm me if you have any questions.

 

[Kimberle]

It's a great store! I highly recommend it!

 

[Augustheather97]

I would stay at the New York Palace Hotel it is only a few blocks away from teh store and really nice and I think they offer pkg deals for teh American Girl Place there.

 

[ecs38]

Thanks everyone. Looks like I better start planning now.

ecs

 

[DisKim]

Just one word of caution. If your DD's birthday is around the holiday season like my DD's, watch out! I took her Thanksgiving weekend for her birthday and it was a mob scene. She still had fun spending her birthday money. I did not do the show because we did the Nutcracker in Lincoln Center (which was unbelievable!). We also did not eat there because I could not get a ressie. Have fun planning! She'll have a great time. I love AG because it gets them reading.

 

[rcyannacci]

I agree with others...10 is a perfect age. I've seen the show in Chicago, and it is good. But, since you'll already be in NYC, I think other Broadways shows would be more fun, and give your visit more variety.

I just saw the musical "Wicked," a remake of the Wizard of Oz story- great show for families! Fantastic, stunning costumes and scenery, great songs, etc. Or, of course, any of the Disney shows (although I think Aida is closing soon).

 

[luv2nascar]

my 9 yr old wants to go there too
her grandparents have promised to take her maybe in the fall