kewlgrl127
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2002
- Messages
- 25
Definitly check out Top of the Rock in 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It is the new observation deck that opened at the top of the NBC/GE Building. Most definitly worth checking out! 
Budget New York trip..?
- Thread starter LilMamiBella
- Start date
minnieandme
<font color=deeppink>You can never have too much <
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2003
- Messages
- 7,667
I would recommend getting a cheesecake from Juniors. It's the best IMO. Here's a link: http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/
I used the following sites to get discounts on Broadway shows (Beauty and the Beast - $55 center 2nd row). It really beats standing in the TKTS line, plus you KNOW you are going to the show and can schedule accordingly. You just use the codes through Ticketmaster. Have fun!
http://www.theatermania.com/discounts/
www.playbill.com
http://www.theatermania.com/discounts/
www.playbill.com
One thought on going to NYC. We have been several times and DW lived in the city right in Midtown for 6 months when in a training program for a new job. I mention that because I used to drive in weekends and we had no problem living in and hanging out in Manhattan. That was pre kids.
Now with the kids we actually look to stay outside the city in Secaucus NJ. I know its heresy but the reasons are as follows:
There is an office park with several hotels such as Amerisuites, Embassy Inn and Hampton Inn that offer free parking and a hot breakfast buffet as part of the room. There is a bus that takes you right to the Port Authority in Manhattan. It runs every half hour on a schedule and stops right in front of the Amerisuites. That saves you money on parking in the city, the hotel room and breakfast. Also with the kids we really weren't going to burn the midnight oil and appreciated staying at a place where the rooms were larger than a closet when we called it a night.
I have to admit it was hard for us to admit to ourselves that we would be staying in NJ as opposed to NY but when we looked at everything it just made more sense.
As for some fun things to do that are inexpensive you can take a round trip ride on the Statton Island Ferry inexpensivly and get a great view of lower Manhattan. It is really great to do right at dusk.
Now with the kids we actually look to stay outside the city in Secaucus NJ. I know its heresy but the reasons are as follows:
There is an office park with several hotels such as Amerisuites, Embassy Inn and Hampton Inn that offer free parking and a hot breakfast buffet as part of the room. There is a bus that takes you right to the Port Authority in Manhattan. It runs every half hour on a schedule and stops right in front of the Amerisuites. That saves you money on parking in the city, the hotel room and breakfast. Also with the kids we really weren't going to burn the midnight oil and appreciated staying at a place where the rooms were larger than a closet when we called it a night.
I have to admit it was hard for us to admit to ourselves that we would be staying in NJ as opposed to NY but when we looked at everything it just made more sense.
As for some fun things to do that are inexpensive you can take a round trip ride on the Statton Island Ferry inexpensivly and get a great view of lower Manhattan. It is really great to do right at dusk.
kydisneyfans
<font color=blue>It may be because they are too em
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2005
- Messages
- 4,853
Are most attractions in NYC open on Sundays?
We are planning on a long weekend next year and had great success touring Washington DC on a Sunday-not many people around-close and cheap parking.
Am I crazy to expect the same thing in NYC?
We are planning on a long weekend next year and had great success touring Washington DC on a Sunday-not many people around-close and cheap parking.
Am I crazy to expect the same thing in NYC?
I visit NYC at least once a year with a small group. I have stayed at the Comfort Inn and the Super8 on 46th Street. They are owned by the same company. The Super8 is usually cheaper than the Comfort Inn. They both offer a continental breakfast. Parking is expensive but both hotels have arrangements with a nearby parking garage that will give you a discount on your parking. The garage for the Super8 is across the street and the garage for the Comfort Inn is one street over. I like staying on 46th Street because you are within walking distance to many things. We always visit the taping of The Today Show and have managed to be on tv every time we go. We also like going to Ellen's Stardust Diner. Another one of our favorite places is Madame Tusseaud's Wax Museum.
I have never stood in line at the ticket booth. I usually get my tickets through broadwaybox.com. The website gives you discount codes and you buy the tickets through ticketmaster. The last time we went we had orchestra seats for Beauty and the Beast for less than $75.
I have never stood in line at the ticket booth. I usually get my tickets through broadwaybox.com. The website gives you discount codes and you buy the tickets through ticketmaster. The last time we went we had orchestra seats for Beauty and the Beast for less than $75.
sarahsmom73
<a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/dis-sponsor/" targ
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2003
- Messages
- 3,497
My advice is to do your research on your hotel.. It is amazing how gross they can be and I don't handle gross well. I use tripadvisor.com religiously and it is interesting to read the reviews.
We live in Northern NYS and take several trips to the city each year.
Good Luck on your trip!
We live in Northern NYS and take several trips to the city each year.
Good Luck on your trip!
I go to NYC about twice a month Ellen's stardust is good but overpriced I generally go to Prime Burger[ Oprah memtioned this on her show] on 5th Ave between 5th and madison on 51st ave by St Patricks.You can get 2 burgers, fries 2 sodas and apple pie for less than $20. If you want good italian food take the subway to Little Italy I go to Paesano on Mullberry St good food reasonably priced , also Lombardi's on Spring St the first pizza place in America You can get a pizza here in about 8 minutes and very good memtioned on FoodTv . Also go to Ferarra on Grand st for great Italian desserts. you are also near Chinatown good and cheap food
While down in lower manhatten see Lady Liberty, Battery Park,The Bull by Wall st,
Mid town take a walk in Central Park go by the zoo and beth fountain for street performers alway interesting 5th ave also has a Build A Bear store, World of Disney, AMerican Doll, FAO Schwartz, Trump Towers
There is also a tkts down by the South Street Seaport
If you go in the summer there is always a parade going on during the weekends and alot of street fairs
The subway are safe to ride just use common sense at night
Don't walk around Central Park at night
See Time Square at night, also look for the Naked Cowboy in Time Sq [not really naked he wears underpants cowboy hat and boots. and sings ]
Have a good time
Tarazan is also opening on Broadway the spring
While down in lower manhatten see Lady Liberty, Battery Park,The Bull by Wall st,
Mid town take a walk in Central Park go by the zoo and beth fountain for street performers alway interesting 5th ave also has a Build A Bear store, World of Disney, AMerican Doll, FAO Schwartz, Trump Towers
There is also a tkts down by the South Street Seaport
If you go in the summer there is always a parade going on during the weekends and alot of street fairs
The subway are safe to ride just use common sense at night
Don't walk around Central Park at night
See Time Square at night, also look for the Naked Cowboy in Time Sq [not really naked he wears underpants cowboy hat and boots. and sings ]
Have a good time
Tarazan is also opening on Broadway the spring
Lisa loves Pooh
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 40,449
Pedler said:
what were the hours of the bus and how much did it cost?
And forgive my geography--but did you have to take a ferry into manhatten--or did you walk from the PA where they dropped you off?
ducklite
<font color=teal>Take the Poly, it's fabulous!<br>
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2000
- Messages
- 33,487
The Edison Hotel might work for you, it's half a block from B'Way in the heart of Times Square. Clean and comfy but not fancy. I used to have to spend about 5-10 days a month in NYC on business, often in a one to three night at a time stretch, and considered it "home-away-from-home." My boss was happy that I stayed at a reasonably priced place too. 
If you choose that hotel, request a corner room on the Northwest side of the hotel on an upper floor. The windows open and you can get a nice breeze, and those rooms are the quietest.
Anne
If you choose that hotel, request a corner room on the Northwest side of the hotel on an upper floor. The windows open and you can get a nice breeze, and those rooms are the quietest.
Anne
Lisa loves Pooh
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 40,449
I am now eyeing that Hampton Inn in NJ. It's less than half teh cost of the HI less than 4 miles away in the city.
So excluding that---how cheap can we do a weekend getaway to New York. We will be with hubby for 2 months in DC over the summer and NYC is taunting me being soo close.
I think the drive was 4 or 5 hours--not too bad.
ETA: This is with kiddos ages nearly 6 and 3.5 at the time.
So excluding that---how cheap can we do a weekend getaway to New York. We will be with hubby for 2 months in DC over the summer and NYC is taunting me being soo close.
I think the drive was 4 or 5 hours--not too bad.
ETA: This is with kiddos ages nearly 6 and 3.5 at the time.
ptrbryant
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2001
- Messages
- 1,941
Someone here mentioned Mars2112, which is the restaurant we want to take our sci-fi loving DS10 to this September. We'll be visiting family in Philadelphia and are going to spend a weekend in NYC. I got the restaurant.com coupon for 60%, so nabbed the Mars2112 $25 for $4!!! Thank you! Now, I'm just wondering when I should make reservations? It will be for a Saturday night.
Thanks!
Karla B.
Thanks!
Karla B.
KCMiller
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 7, 2003
- Messages
- 1,731
I'm from the NYC area, and when we go home to visit, we stay in Jersey City. The Hyatt Regency in Jersey City is built on a pier in the Hudson River, and every room has a view of Manhatten, either uptown or downtown. It's a beautiful hotel, and the PATH train into Manhatten is virtually right outside the door of the hotel, as is a ferry right into Manhatten. Parking is easy, the trains run almost all night, the ferry is a neat extra fun thing to do (seeing Manhatten by ferry at night is magic!), and there are little restaurants and diners within walking distance. The Hyatt is what we get when we bid on a 3star in Jersey City on Priceline, although you can also get the Doubletree, which, although not as spectacular, is equally convenient.
Don't forget that when you stay IN Manhatten, the hotel prices people are mentioning do NOT include the tax - which I think is something like 13%.
Our favorite restaurant in Manhatten is Le San Culotte, on West 46th Street - a prixe fixe French restaurant. Great food, lots of fun - you can look them up online for more info.
Have fun - it's the best place next to WDW I know . . .
KC
Don't forget that when you stay IN Manhatten, the hotel prices people are mentioning do NOT include the tax - which I think is something like 13%.
Our favorite restaurant in Manhatten is Le San Culotte, on West 46th Street - a prixe fixe French restaurant. Great food, lots of fun - you can look them up online for more info.
Have fun - it's the best place next to WDW I know . . .
KC
We are very adventurous eaters and like some different things.
Near broadway is Johns Pizza also very popular. After they bought or expanded the building they realized it was an older church. The ceiling is beautiful it's interesting and different. They have some great brick oven pizza and pasta. Not outragious not not cheap cheap. Family of 4 about $60-$70 depending on what you drink or eat. Found this with description and location.
http://www.lovetoeatandtravel.com/Site/US/NY/Food/johns_pizzeria.htm
Another place of some interest if you like seafood is Oyster bar at Grand Central. It's downstairs and old and pretty. The restaurant part is expensive and not as good as it used to be, but they have lots of counters that are less expensive. See article and they talk about what to order that's cheaper. They have nice desserts too. And I think Grand Central Station is beautiful. If you go look up at the ceiling in the main hall.
See:
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writeup.aspx?ReviewID=1201&RefID=1201
I think they have their own web site also.
A place that's more touristy but could be fun is Mars2112, stick with the burgers. But a fun place. We found it a bit loud, but the kids liked it (although my dd 5 at the time was scared).
These are for the very adventurous:
Wo Hop in China town is a favorite a family of 5 could eat there for $30 dinner. But it is lower level basement, dingy, fast paced, waiters barely speak english, tea in glass cups. It's been there for years always has a line to get in. It's listed in trip advisor and is not for everyone some people don't like it but I'd say it's one of the more popular cheap eats, it's been there for 35 years that I know of.
We also like to do Chinese dim sum at Golden Unicorn. Very cheap. Huge place multi level very crowded. They have waiters and waitresses come around with carts and you order from the cards. Waiters and waitresses are impossible to understand and some things on the carts you may not want (chicken feet). This is for the adventurous sole.
Very expensive but also pretty is Nirvana (Indian food) near Central Park, good to do for lunch since its a little cheaper and less formal, (check dress code for lunch). Tandoori and breads (like Poori are very good) are very good. There are better Indian Restaurants (meaning better food) but this is a special place, although waiters are pretty condesending. Take the elevator up to the penthouse floor and walk into an Indian wonderland the walls and ceilings covered in Indian designs with a sitar player (sometimes). The sweeping views of New York and central park are the best.
Nirvana
30 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
(212) 688-6550
(212) 888-3930 (Fax)
Cross Street: Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Directions: N, R at Fifth Ave.; B, Q at 57th St.
Admission: $3.95-$15.95, Appetizers; $16.95-$25.95, Entrees.
We like to go to Central Park Zoo it's small but cheap and very pretty, while in Central park we go on the very fast merry go round and the kids love to climb the huge rocks.
Also Childrens museum on the west side was fun.
Near broadway is Johns Pizza also very popular. After they bought or expanded the building they realized it was an older church. The ceiling is beautiful it's interesting and different. They have some great brick oven pizza and pasta. Not outragious not not cheap cheap. Family of 4 about $60-$70 depending on what you drink or eat. Found this with description and location.
http://www.lovetoeatandtravel.com/Site/US/NY/Food/johns_pizzeria.htm
Another place of some interest if you like seafood is Oyster bar at Grand Central. It's downstairs and old and pretty. The restaurant part is expensive and not as good as it used to be, but they have lots of counters that are less expensive. See article and they talk about what to order that's cheaper. They have nice desserts too. And I think Grand Central Station is beautiful. If you go look up at the ceiling in the main hall.
See:
http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Writeup.aspx?ReviewID=1201&RefID=1201
I think they have their own web site also.
A place that's more touristy but could be fun is Mars2112, stick with the burgers. But a fun place. We found it a bit loud, but the kids liked it (although my dd 5 at the time was scared).
These are for the very adventurous:
Wo Hop in China town is a favorite a family of 5 could eat there for $30 dinner. But it is lower level basement, dingy, fast paced, waiters barely speak english, tea in glass cups. It's been there for years always has a line to get in. It's listed in trip advisor and is not for everyone some people don't like it but I'd say it's one of the more popular cheap eats, it's been there for 35 years that I know of.
We also like to do Chinese dim sum at Golden Unicorn. Very cheap. Huge place multi level very crowded. They have waiters and waitresses come around with carts and you order from the cards. Waiters and waitresses are impossible to understand and some things on the carts you may not want (chicken feet). This is for the adventurous sole.
Very expensive but also pretty is Nirvana (Indian food) near Central Park, good to do for lunch since its a little cheaper and less formal, (check dress code for lunch). Tandoori and breads (like Poori are very good) are very good. There are better Indian Restaurants (meaning better food) but this is a special place, although waiters are pretty condesending. Take the elevator up to the penthouse floor and walk into an Indian wonderland the walls and ceilings covered in Indian designs with a sitar player (sometimes). The sweeping views of New York and central park are the best.
Nirvana
30 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
(212) 688-6550
(212) 888-3930 (Fax)
Cross Street: Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Directions: N, R at Fifth Ave.; B, Q at 57th St.
Admission: $3.95-$15.95, Appetizers; $16.95-$25.95, Entrees.
We like to go to Central Park Zoo it's small but cheap and very pretty, while in Central park we go on the very fast merry go round and the kids love to climb the huge rocks.
Also Childrens museum on the west side was fun.
RichNKatHolly
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2005
- Messages
- 2,271
We are leaving for our little Manhattan trip on Thursday. Yes, we live right across the pond in Staten Island, but it's just so much fun to stay in the middle of the city.
You can check out www.tonykids.com for info on places to eat and play with kids.
The Staten Island ferry is 100% free now all day and night. You can take a trip over, get off and right back on to go back to Manhattan. It will be 1 hour round trip.
We are staying midtown this visit because of a great deal on Priceline (4* Hilton New York for $120 - after taxes for 2 nights is $287) but Embassy Suites downtown near the financial center has a free full breakfast every morning and the rooms are a great size. The hotel is very kid friendly (ours are 5 and 2).
If you need anymore info on what to do, feel free to PM me. I just made a list of about 50 places I want to squeeze into our 3 day trip.
Oh, and parking can cost about $35-$60 per 24 hour period - downtown is generally cheaper.
Good luck and have a great time!!!
You can check out www.tonykids.com for info on places to eat and play with kids.
The Staten Island ferry is 100% free now all day and night. You can take a trip over, get off and right back on to go back to Manhattan. It will be 1 hour round trip.
We are staying midtown this visit because of a great deal on Priceline (4* Hilton New York for $120 - after taxes for 2 nights is $287) but Embassy Suites downtown near the financial center has a free full breakfast every morning and the rooms are a great size. The hotel is very kid friendly (ours are 5 and 2).
If you need anymore info on what to do, feel free to PM me. I just made a list of about 50 places I want to squeeze into our 3 day trip.
Oh, and parking can cost about $35-$60 per 24 hour period - downtown is generally cheaper.
Good luck and have a great time!!!
My DS7 and I just got home from a day on the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in NYC, we had a great time! It is an old drydocked Air Craft Carrier and there is also a Concord Airplane you can walk through.
I would definelty suggest going to as many of the attraction websites as possible, there could be discounts lurking on them. I got 20% off of two admissions today because I printed the coupon from the website. There is also sometimes a listing of special events - This week is kids week on the Intrepid and I let my DS7 decide what day he wanted to go by what extras they had, today the Marines were there with a mini boot camp style setup I was amazed that my kid actually stood at attention for a full three minutes! (I timed it!)
I would also suggest the book Frommer's New York City With Kids but make sure to go to your local library and look for more stuff.
One more idea - I am not totally sure what attractions they are but I seem to remember that NYC has a lot of National Park attractions - it might be worth it to get a National Parks Pass before you go so some of the attractions are no cost when you get there.
I would definelty suggest going to as many of the attraction websites as possible, there could be discounts lurking on them. I got 20% off of two admissions today because I printed the coupon from the website. There is also sometimes a listing of special events - This week is kids week on the Intrepid and I let my DS7 decide what day he wanted to go by what extras they had, today the Marines were there with a mini boot camp style setup I was amazed that my kid actually stood at attention for a full three minutes! (I timed it!)
I would also suggest the book Frommer's New York City With Kids but make sure to go to your local library and look for more stuff.
One more idea - I am not totally sure what attractions they are but I seem to remember that NYC has a lot of National Park attractions - it might be worth it to get a National Parks Pass before you go so some of the attractions are no cost when you get there.
NoelGypsy
There is Magic .. all around you
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2005
- Messages
- 131
Hi Karla,
I am not sure if Mars 2112 takes reservations
When we go there we usually have a short wait to take the spaceship to mars.. LOL ... and then we usually go to the bar area, which is cool looking... (They had a Star Wars premiere in this bar years ago) and then you are usually called to be seated... and then you play around with the aliens for a while which is hilarious!!!
Here are some pics... one is my Boyfriend hugging an alien and the other is an alien guy who stole my drink and was saying it was his girlfriend and was telling her off.. it was alot of fun!!
I am not sure if Mars 2112 takes reservations
When we go there we usually have a short wait to take the spaceship to mars.. LOL ... and then we usually go to the bar area, which is cool looking... (They had a Star Wars premiere in this bar years ago) and then you are usually called to be seated... and then you play around with the aliens for a while which is hilarious!!!Here are some pics... one is my Boyfriend hugging an alien and the other is an alien guy who stole my drink and was saying it was his girlfriend and was telling her off.. it was alot of fun!!
ptrbryant said:Someone here mentioned Mars2112, which is the restaurant we want to take our sci-fi loving DS10 to this September. We'll be visiting family in Philadelphia and are going to spend a weekend in NYC. I got the restaurant.com coupon for 60%, so nabbed the Mars2112 $25 for $4!!! Thank you! Now, I'm just wondering when I should make reservations? It will be for a Saturday night.
Thanks!
Karla B.
NoelGypsy
There is Magic .. all around you
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2005
- Messages
- 131
Le San Culotte is one of my favorites too!! I love the meat rack!! LOL 
And they make the best Chicken CordOnBlue!! And their price fixe menu is great... especially for lunch... it is a deal!!
Here is their website if anyone is interested
http://lessansculottes.citysearch.com/?cslink=
It is located on Restuarant Row so it is a cool place for visitors to check out anyways!!
And they make the best Chicken CordOnBlue!! And their price fixe menu is great... especially for lunch... it is a deal!!Here is their website if anyone is interested
http://lessansculottes.citysearch.com/?cslink=
It is located on Restuarant Row so it is a cool place for visitors to check out anyways!!
KCMiller said:Our favorite restaurant in Manhatten is Le San Culotte, on West 46th Street - a prixe fixe French restaurant. Great food, lots of fun - you can look them up online for more info.
KC
-
New Apple Ice Cream Flavors in Store at Disney Parks
-
FOUR More Dates SOLD OUT for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
-
Disney's Aulani Resort Announces Special Winter Savings for 2026 Stays
-
New Pluto Disney Merch for 95th Anniversary!
-
We're Discussing Destination D23 Announcements & More On Tuesday's LIVE Show
-
Closure Dates Announced for Remainder of DinoLand at Walt Disney World
-
First Look: Disney Parks Holiday Merch Coming Soon
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
