Another New York City thread, I need some help!

[mskayjay]

Just an FYI so you don't get caught short in your budgeting. Empire State Building actually has different charges for how high you want to go up. There are two observation areas and if your going to do it (and it sounds like this is something you've wanted to do for a while so do it right!) you're going to want to go ALL the way up! I think the prices you quoted were only to go the 86th Floor. You want to go to the Top Deck and really experience it. Both of these options also have a 3rd option as express where you can skip the lines and get there faster but those are even more. You can save yourself some time and buy your tickets online at this page and also review the details for these options. http://www.esbnyc.com/buy_tickets.asp

Option 1:
Main Deck Only Zip up to the 86th floor observatory on our speedy elevators and take in the view.
86th Fl Only
Buy Tickets
Adult $25
Senior (62+) $22
Child (6-12) $19

Option 2:
Main Deck + Top Deck See New York from the highest observation deck in town, nearly a quarter mile in the sky.
86th Fl and 102nd Floor
Buy Tickets
Adult $42
Senior (62+) $39
Child (6-12) $36


Have a great time.

 

[SingingMom]

Thanks

My pleasure ! . We love the City and go in often, since we live about 40 minutes away! I also used to work there, many moons ago!

We have seen Newsies six times. Lol. We are big fans of Jeremy Jordan. The new Jack Kelly is not nearly as good, but the rest of the cast is wonderful. We have gotten to know Kara Lindsay and she is terrific.
Of course,if your daughters like the action type movies you mentioned, Spider-Man might be something to think about My sister's family thought it was great.

If the family has been to the wax museum and you are pressed for time, skip it. Too many other fascinating things to see and do!

Definitely google those restaurants. Carmine 's is ok, but is a chain. So many other places to experience, in my humble opinion! We know a good Brazilian place and a good BBQ place, and the best steakhouse we feel is Smith & Wolensky.

If you need any restaurant particulars, you can message me.

 

[robsmom]

We did a 4 day trip in April with DS 13 and a long weekend a few years ago.

A few thoughts:

Your last day of museums would require running through the museums and spending money to not see everything. It would also be a really long day. I did not do the Wax museum in NY but if they have been to the one in LA, I agree with others there is no need. I also don't think Ripley's is particularly "NY". If you are going to do it , however, plan it for when you go to Time's Square.

The Met is one of the world's greatest museums and is a do not miss. We spent 6 or 7 hrs (with a lunch break) and did not even see half of it. As Singing Mom pointed out, the Met is right on Central Park. At the edge of Central Park starts 5th Avenue Shopping including the Apple Store, Abercombie and Finch and some of the other big ones that teenage girls might like. I would plan to spend the day in the area and not run all over town.


Your Denver membership will get you free admission to a couple of museums in NY. Does not look like the ones you have mentioned are on the list but the Intrepid museum is on the list.

Regarding Broadway, we thought that Spiderman was much better than some of the reviews. I think you daughters are too old for the "kid" shows and you want to focus on the regular productions. TKTS has an iphone app that will show you the trend of what 1/2 price tickets are available. there is no guarantee that 2 days in a row will be the same, but it gives a good indication. The tickets are sold day of at Times Square. Read their website for times and details.

Your last morning might be a good time to wonder around times square for a few hrs. the stores probably open at 10ish.

It took us several hours to do the Empire State Building including lines and the walking (the end is 7 or 8 straight flights of stairs). I really don't think it is worth the time to go to the top of that and the top of the Rock. When you are midtown, consider a stop at St. Patrick's Catherdral. It is underconstuction but still beautiful.

 

[CookieGVB]

Have fun when you visit but remember it will be crowded. I skimmed through most of the responses but not sure if anyone mentioned that if you do decide to use bus or subway you should use a MetroCard or you will need exact change to ride the bus. Hopstop.com is a wonderful tool to get directions using bus and/or subway. You can buy a MetroCard for multiple rides from Hudson News locations at Port Authority or Grand Central. I think you can only use one card for 2 people. Remember that if you need to transfer from one bus to another you get one free transfer within 2 hours of the swipe
It remembers that you swiped for 2 people when you get to the transfer and you only have to swipe once. If you are on 42nd Street you should stop at Cake Boss Café at Port Authority and try a lobster tail pastry. Absolutely delicious and $4

Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy!

 

[SingingMom]

We did a 4 day trip in April with DS 13 and a long weekend a few years ago.

A few thoughts:

Your last day of museums would require running through the museums and spending money to not see everything. It would also be a really long day. I did not do the Wax museum in NY but if they have been to the one in LA, I agree with others there is no need. I also don't think Ripley's is particularly "NY". If you are going to do it , however, plan it for when you go to Time's Square.

The Met is one of the world's greatest museums and is a do not miss. We spent 6 or 7 hrs (with a lunch break) and did not even see half of it. As Singing Mom pointed out, the Met is right on Central Park. At the edge of Central Park starts 5th Avenue Shopping including the Apple Store, Abercombie and Finch and some of the other big ones that teenage girls might like. I would plan to spend the day in the area and not run all over town.

Your Denver membership will get you free admission to a couple of museums in NY. Does not look like the ones you have mentioned are on the list but the Intrepid museum is on the list.

Regarding Broadway, we thought that Spiderman was much better than some of the reviews. I think you daughters are too old for the "kid" shows and you want to focus on the regular productions. TKTS has an iphone app that will show you the trend of what 1/2 price tickets are available. there is no guarantee that 2 days in a row will be the same, but it gives a good indication. The tickets are sold day of at Times Square. Read their website for times and details.

Your last morning might be a good time to wonder around times square for a few hrs. the stores probably open at 10ish.

It took us several hours to do the Empire State Building including lines and the walking (the end is 7 or 8 straight flights of stairs). I really don't think it is worth the time to go to the top of that and the top of the Rock. When you are midtown, consider a stop at St. Patrick's Catherdral. It is underconstuction but still beautiful.

Truly - if you want to see anything on Broadway, don't rely on TKTS for a holiday week. We are frequent theatre goers and we rarely use it. The lines alone on a holiday week are atrocious. And not many "good" shows are available at times where there will be lots of visitors to the city.

I agree with Robsmom and will add my two cents about 5th Avenue. ;-). To get a true manhattan feel, you need to walk from Central Park back to Times Square area, along 5th Avenue then cross through 46-42nd street area to get back to TS. Those shops are so much fun, even when you aren't buying ! Don't miss that city experience!

Theatre wise - don't miss Schmackery's in Hells's Kitchen for great cookies! All the Broadway actors go there!


PS: yes - Many people like Superman. I'm sure you would too! But those other productions are far from "kids shows", believe me!

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[findmewdw]

Truly - if you want to see anything on Broadway, don't rely on TKTS for a holiday week. We are frequent theatre goers and we rarely use it. The lines alone on a holiday week are atrocious. And not many "good" shows are available at times where there will be lots of visitors to the city.




"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

We are going July 5 through 9. My son really wants to see Newsies. I was hoping we could get cheap tickets through TKTS for that show. We really wouldn't care which day for tickets. Do you think it would be possible to get cheap tickets for it?

 

[ZiPaD3doDAH]

We are going July 5 through 9. My son really wants to see Newsies. I was hoping we could get cheap tickets through TKTS for that show. We really wouldn't care which day for tickets. Do you think it would be possible to get cheap tickets for it?

Broadwaybox.com is having a special on Newsies tickets right now! Sometimes the TSTK have Newsies up for 1/2 off too.

I've seen it twice (with original cast - Jeremy Jordan & new cast - Correy Cott) and it's a GREAT show!

 

[SingingMom]

We are going July 5 through 9. My son really wants to see Newsies. I was hoping we could get cheap tickets through TKTS for that show. We really wouldn't care which day for tickets. Do you think it would be possible to get cheap tickets for it?

I would NOT wait for TKTS if you want to see Newsies. Sometimes it is on the board for 40%. Today, for example, they are only 20% off .

Theatermania.com has some specials going on. We are really picky and like to sit as close as possible. The best way to do that is at the box office or a site that you can pick your seat.

Good luck! The show is so engaging.

"SingingMom" ....Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Lewisc]

Truly - if you want to see anything on Broadway, don't rely on TKTS for a holiday week. We are frequent theatre goers and we rarely use it. The lines alone on a holiday week are atrocious. And not many "good" shows are available at times where there will be lots of visitors to the city.

Book of Mormon, Lion King and Wicked are never available on TKTS. Most other shows are generally available. The line moves quick, even when it looks long. 4th of July weekend. New York theater goers will be out of town.

We are going July 5 through 9. My son really wants to see Newsies. I was hoping we could get cheap tickets through TKTS for that show. We really wouldn't care which day for tickets. Do you think it would be possible to get cheap tickets for it?

Broadwaybox.com is having a special on Newsies tickets right now! Sometimes the TSTK have Newsies up for 1/2 off too.

I've seen it twice (with original cast - Jeremy Jordan & new cast - Correy Cott) and it's a GREAT show!

that said the OP is interested in a particular show. No guarantee Newsies will be available and if available the discount might be as low as 20%. I'd buy a ticket in advance. PP gave you a site. Googling Newsies discount tickets might get you some other deals.

edited to add TKTS has a smartphone app. It won't let you purchase tickets. but it gives you real time information regarding availability and discounts.

 

[Nik's Mom]

We were in NYC a couple weeks ago and loved it. I can't wait to go back. We ended up buying Explorer Passes from Costco at a pretty nice discount. We went on the Shark Speedboat to get a close view of the Statue of Liberty. It was so much fun, and it only took 30 minutes to do the speedboat tour.

We bought discount tickets to Spiderman Turn off the Dark, and used a discount code I found on Travel Zoo. There are discounts for other attractions too. Here is a link to the website. http://www.travelzoo.com/entertainment/new-york/?tz_cs=HPV0 We really enjoyed Spiderman!

Also, Museum of Modern Art is free from 4-8pm on Fridays. If you get there after 4, the line will be long, but it will move fast. Have a great time!

 

[disneypharm]

Just an FYI so you don't get caught short in your budgeting. Empire State Building actually has different charges for how high you want to go up. There are two observation areas and if your going to do it (and it sounds like this is something you've wanted to do for a while so do it right!) you're going to want to go ALL the way up! I think the prices you quoted were only to go the 86th Floor.

Yes, my prices were for 86th floor. Something to consider. I think the NY pass covers only the 86th floor. I have to check. Thanks

 

[Dominus]

I recommend the Cloisters museum and the John Street Methodist Church.

 

[disneypharm]

Of course,if your daughters like the action type movies you mentioned, Spider-Man might be something to think about My sister's family thought it was great.

Definitely google those restaurants. Carmine 's is ok, but is a chain. So many other places to experience, in my humble opinion! We know a good Brazilian place and a good BBQ place, and the best steakhouse we feel is Smith & Wolensky.

If you need any restaurant particulars, you can message me.

Spider-man sounds good as well. Isn't that the show with a lot of accidents? We saw a short version of Newsies at Disney California Adventure park a few months ago. It was great. I am starting to research restaurants. We will probably do 2 to 3 full-service restaurants in 3 days. The rest, I would prefer a quick meal that lasts less than an hour. Any suggestions is appreciated.

 

[disneypharm]

I recommend the Cloisters museum and the John Street Methodist Church.

I have never heard of these! I just did a Google search. They seem interesting, but with only 3 full days, I am not sure if we have anymore time to see them. I will add them to the list. Thanks

 

[disneypharm]

We did a 4 day trip in April with DS 13 and a long weekend a few years ago.

A few thoughts:

Your last day of museums would require running through the museums and spending money to not see everything. It would also be a really long day. I did not do the Wax museum in NY but if they have been to the one in LA, I agree with others there is no need. I also don't think Ripley's is particularly "NY". If you are going to do it , however, plan it for when you go to Time's Square. My kids are interested in Ripley's. I didn't let them see it in Hollywood, that's why I added it to the list. I am not a big fan. I just have to see if we have time. That's why I added it to the last day.

The Met is one of the world's greatest museums and is a do not miss. We spent 6 or 7 hrs (with a lunch break) and did not even see half of it. As Singing Mom pointed out, the Met is right on Central Park. At the edge of Central Park starts 5th Avenue Shopping including the Apple Store, Abercombie and Finch and some of the other big ones that teenage girls might like. I would plan to spend the day in the area and not run all over town.


Your Denver membership will get you free admission to a couple of museums in NY. Does not look like the ones you have mentioned are on the list but the Intrepid museum is on the list. This is great. I found the website that mentions Intrepid, but it mentions that some are free admission and some are reduced rate. I will call them tonight. Free is good

Regarding Broadway, we thought that Spiderman was much better than some of the reviews. I think you daughters are too old for the "kid" shows and you want to focus on the regular productions. TKTS has an iphone app that will show you the trend of what 1/2 price tickets are available. there is no guarantee that 2 days in a row will be the same, but it gives a good indication. The tickets are sold day of at Times Square. Read their website for times and details.

Your last morning might be a good time to wonder around times square for a few hrs. the stores probably open at 10ish. That's a good idea. I also thought about going to see the Statue of Liberty. It is opening on the 4th, but there is no way I would want to go see it on the opening day.

It took us several hours to do the Empire State Building including lines and the walking (the end is 7 or 8 straight flights of stairs). I really don't think it is worth the time to go to the top of that and the top of the Rock. I would definitely like to see ESB, but I have heard so much about the TOTR that I probably don't want to miss. When you are midtown, consider a stop at St. Patrick's Catherdral. It is underconstuction but still beautiful.

Thanks for all the info.

 

[disneypharm]

Have fun when you visit but remember it will be crowded. I skimmed through most of the responses but not sure if anyone mentioned that if you do decide to use bus or subway you should use a MetroCard or you will need exact change to ride the bus. Hopstop.com is a wonderful tool to get directions using bus and/or subway. You can buy a MetroCard for multiple rides from Hudson News locations at Port Authority or Grand Central. I think you can only use one card for 2 people. I am confused! I thought one card is only for one person!! Remember that if you need to transfer from one bus to another you get one free transfer within 2 hours of the swipe
It remembers that you swiped for 2 people when you get to the transfer and you only have to swipe once. If you are on 42nd Street you should stop at Cake Boss Café at Port Authority and try a lobster tail pastry. Absolutely delicious and $4 Yum, sounds wonderful

Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy!

Thanks

 

[disneypharm]

Thank you all for your suggestions. Keep them coming. You are the best

 

[wilkeliza]

We will be going to New York City in about 10 days. There are 4 of us, me, DH, and DDs 15 and 12. I have some questions. I appreciate any suggestions you can give about our schedule below.

1- I have read that some museums in NYC have mainly recommended pricing, so you can pay whatever you want. Is that true? We were planning to see Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of natural history, and Metropolitan museum of art. Are they all optional amounts?

2- Is the NY pass worth it? It is about $155 per person. We would like to see the above museums, ESB, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Top of the rock and Rockefeller Center, and NBC studio tour.

3 - We will be staying at a hotel on 37th and Lexington, so with the itinerary we have below, is the 7-day unlimited Metrocard worth it?

DAY ONE – Monday July 1st
Arrive at 4:15 pm. Check in to the hotel around 6:00 pm.
Walk to Grand Central Station - Free, eat dinner
Get a Metrocard, 7-day unlimited.
Time square, look for Broadway tickets

DAY TWO – Tuesday July 2nd
Lower Manhattan
10:30pm 9/11 Memorial- $8 fees for 4 people (we have tickets).
Financial district- Free
Trinity Church - Free
Statue of Liberty (Staten Island Cruise)- Free
Chinatown, Little Italy - Free
Greenwich Village ?? - Free
A Broadway show ??

DAY THREE – Wednesday July 3rd
Midtown
Empire state Building ($102 for 4)
Top of the rock and Rockefeller Center ($152 for 4)
NBC studio tour ($93 for 4)
Museum of Modern Art
American Museum of natural history (Uptown - suggested admission prices $68)
A Broadway show ???

DAY FOUR – Thursday July 4th
Central Park- Free - Rent bikes ???
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum ($117 for 4)
Ripley's Believe it or Not!
Metropolitan museum of art (suggested admission prices $75)
Carmine's for dinner ??
See July 4th Macy’s fireworks from the roof top- Free

DAY FIVE – FRIDAY July 5th – Leave for Washington DC at 2:30 pm. Not sure what we can do this morning. I will probably post another thread for our days in Washington DC and Philadelphia.

So I've been in NYC for six years and tend to have to do touristing things with visiting family and friends so although I haven't read every post (I've read quite a few) I'm going to give you my advice and opinions.

1. Most museums in NYC are suggested admissions but know that if there is a special exhibit if you don't pay the full suggestion you may not get in. Typically the MET and Natural History will have 2 or 3 big exhibits outside of their always there things and those extra exhibits require you to pay the full price of the suggested admission. Also some exhibits or experience may cost even more. I love the Met and Natural History Museum but hate the MOMA. The MOMA (museum of modern art) is always crowded and even though I love art I'm just not a fan of modern art. Interestingly enough it isn't like I'm uneducated or anything like that as I did study art and art history I just don't care for modern art.

2. The NY pass is really only worth it if you want to go to all those places. Also remember anything that is offered on the pass will probably be busier than things not on it because a lot of people get the pass.

3. In my opinion the 7 day metro card is always worth it for people on vacation. The only problem is you are in a relatively inconvenient area of midtown. Lexington is pretty Far East (I live on 29th and lex) and so your train options to get across town will almost always include a transfer. The shuttle (S line) between Grand Central and Times Square will become your best friend. Just remember the S doesn't always run (it is off between midnight an 5 am) an if you are stuck taking the 7 it is typically easier to just walk across town.

Now for advice on you physical trip. Anything you can get on TKTS will be a show that already has discounts up. So if Spider-Man is on TKTS consistently they probably have a special where you can pre-buy your tickets for pretty close or cheaper than TKTS. Also you are going during the busiest week for the city so little to nothing will be on TKTS. Also the lines will be 3+ hours. Please don't waste that much time on getting broadway tickets especially on your vacation. Broadwaybox.com has almost all the currently offered Broadway discounts and you can prebuy online. Anything that is new or amazing is probably already sold out or won't be on TKTS. Just a sample of what is on Broadwaybox is Spiderman, Newsies, Annie, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages, and Phantom. I do stress only use broadway box for the discount codes. If it doesn't say discount then sometimes the tickets are from brokers. They do give a warning though if you aren't buying them directly from the show itself so that is alway good.

For your family and ages I would suggest Newsies, Matilda, or even Annie. I saw Spider-Man and although I thought it was ok there is so much better theater out there. Just as a heads up the Newsies at CA is nothing like the Newsies on Broadway. I don't even think the Red Car Newsies sing any of the real Newsies music. Matilda is amazing and fun. Annie is just a family friendly classic.

Now I saw you wanted to see the fireworks from a rooftop for free. Just a heads up the free 4th events are usually packed. Your whole hotel will probably have the same idea. Also as I already pointed out your hotel is very Far East where as the fireworks are all the way West. Many of the fireworks and water level. When they first moved the fireworks to the Hudson I only lived 4 blocks away from them and you couldn't see much from our rooftop. This is just a heads up on the situation.

Oh I've done Ripleys and it is simply not worth it. None of it is the real stuff it is just all models of the real Ripleys collection. I felt do taken advantage of when I went.

This post is getting really long but I feel like I could tell you so much more so if you want more advice or specific things I can give you more.

 

[NYCDiane]

I recommend the Cloisters museum and the John Street Methodist Church.

the Cloisters is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and you can get in free on the same day you go to the Met ( you have to show your receipt from The Met). You can take the bus on Madison Avenue up to the Cloisters. Just leave the Met and walk over one Avenue to Madison and you can get the bus on (I think) 78th St.

 

[NYCDiane]

think you can only use one card for 2 people. I am confused! I thought one card is only for one person!!


An Unlimited Metro Card can only be used once every 20 minutes so only one person can use it at a time.

If you buy a pay-per-ride card, you can swipe for as many people as you want. HOWEVER, considering all you're doing, you're better off to lay out the $120 and get everyone a 7 Day Unlimited Card.