DVC help with NY trip

[goofy4dvc]

I'm looking for advice for a possible trip to NY next summer. DH wants to go to NY to see Yankee Stadium before they tear it down. Any of you know if the demolition is scheduled yet?

If our timing is okay (with demolition schedule), what is our best bet for staying around NY to see the sites. I was hoping to stay somewhere where we could use our DVC points, but not waste alot of them on hotels. So, that looks like we would have to stay in a neighboring state. Would we be spending too much time traveling if we do that? If so, we would probably just pay for a place with cash. I think we would probably stay a week.

We have never been to the Northeast, but we have heard is can be very difficult to get around. What do you suggest? We usually rent cars, but that may not be practical in NY.

He just sprung this idea on me this morning, so I have not really begun to do any research. What, in your opinion, should be see (other than the usual Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and September 11 memorial)?

We are also not opposed to doing things in a neighboring state if that is practical.

Thanks again for any help or suggestions that you can offer.

 

[PamOKW]

No worry about demolition -- they will be keeping the old stadium as a museum with the actual games being in the new stadium.

If you want to see the sites in NYC, you should look for hotels in midtown Manhattan. DVC offers two choices - the Regency which is a deluxe hotel and the Shelburne which is a more moderate suite setup -- DVC'ers have given good reports on the Shelburne and it is fewer points. The DVC options in the Northeast are pretty limited and there is nothing else that would be practical for a NYC trip. Yankee Stadium is in the Bronx but the area is not where a tourist would want to stay. The subway would be the way to get there. Your hotel or folks on this board can give you directions closer to your trip. You don't want to be bothered with a car in Manhattan -- for one thing you'll be paying $40+ per day to park it.

There are wonderful museums, Broadway, shopping to be seen in NYC as well.
Hope this is a start for your planning.

 

[pounder207]

Welcome to NYC!!! Stay in midtown Manhattan. We live on Long Island so we don't stay over in the city so I can't help you with the hotel. I used to work in the Bronx 2 blocks from Yankee Stadium You can take the subway up there from your hotel. Try to schedule your trip when the Yankees are playing. You might want to make it a weekend day game since many out of towners find nighttime at the Stadium a bit worrisome--although during games and immediately before and after, the Stadium is one of the safest places in the city--there's a massive police presence. Get there early if you want to visit monument park. You also may want to get your game tickets on the third base/left field side since the entry to monument park is out there.

Get a good guide book to NYC--Passporter makes a good one. Don't miss the Circle Line cruise around Manhattan. I'd also go to a Broadway show. Have fun. New Yorkers aren't nearly as fearsome as some would have you believe.

 

[BeccaG]

I would not consider myself a NYC expert, but when I was there in November of 2001, public transportation was more than adequate to get to all the places I wanted to go (and all the places you mentioned!!). I did not know they were keeping the old stadium up, that's a lot of land for NY City!! NYC is a beautiful place, I love it there!! I would move if I could!! I loved going to al the tourist places and then eating in little restaurants, there are millions in the city and you could probably get great recommendations from locals!

 

[Fitswimmer]

Yankee Stadium is a fantasic place! I live in NW NJ and I try and get to games as often as possible. I have gone at night, with "just the girls" and we've never felt uncomfortable. There are probably more police in and around that stadium than in most cities. Public transportation will get you everywhere you need to go, the front desk at your hotel should be able to provide you with subway and bus schedules.
Another great idea is the TKTS booth in Times Square, you can get half price tickets for Broadway shows there. The way it works is, every afternoon and every morning on Wednesdays and Saturdays you line up to score the best shows for half price. You probably won't get Spamalot or Wicked, but you might get Mamma Mia or Beauty and the Beast. I've seen some great shows that way, tried some things I wouldn't normally go to because they were half price.
Then of course, there's the shopping. Don't miss Macy's on 34th street and all the stores on 5th avenue. There's also great shopping to be found down in Greenwich Village and South Street seaport-only a short subway ride from midtown.
Enjoy your visit! My neighbor city is the greatest in the world.

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

My advice: stay in Manhattan & do not rent a car (it will take you longer to get where you are going). I would also recommend paying cash. I think the points needed for a NYC hotel stay are high. You can find a good deal with the amount of time you have before your trip. Good luck!

 

[Kendallkat2]

No one has metioned that you have to go the The Disney Store on 5th avenue!
Beth

 

[eliza61]

I'm looking for advice for a possible trip to NY next summer. DH wants to go to NY to see Yankee Stadium before they tear it down. Any of you know if the demolition is scheduled yet?

If our timing is okay (with demolition schedule), what is our best bet for staying around NY to see the sites. I was hoping to stay somewhere where we could use our DVC points, but not waste alot of them on hotels. So, that looks like we would have to stay in a neighboring state. Would we be spending too much time traveling if we do that? If so, we would probably just pay for a place with cash. I think we would probably stay a week.

We have never been to the Northeast, but we have heard is can be very difficult to get around. What do you suggest? We usually rent cars, but that may not be practical in NY.

He just sprung this idea on me this morning, so I have not really begun to do any research. What, in your opinion, should be see (other than the usual Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and September 11 memorial)?

We are also not opposed to doing things in a neighboring state if that is practical.

Thanks again for any help or suggestions that you can offer.

New York in the summer time is not to be missed, but I'm going to warn you upfront I'm a Native ny'er so I am so biased. OK, definitely stay in Manhattan, unless you stay right outside of the tunnel which DVC doesn't do, you will waste alot of time traveling. Don't be afraid to get a train pass and do the ethnic parts of town. Little Italy, china town, Harlem, The village all have a different flavor and excitement. You said you weren't going to next summer so I would get a year subscription to the New Yorker magazine. It's great on arts and entainment. It gives you all the stuff or exhibits, galleries, on and off broadway shows etc.

 

[Fitswimmer]

No one has metioned that you have to go the The Disney Store on 5th avenue!

Mea Culpa!! I got a really cool thermal mug there with Mickey Mouse in a NY Yankee uniform just last month!

Remember, if you go to World of Disney on 5th, and you have an annual pass-make sure you bring it for the discount. I believe it is 10%.

 

[goofy4dvc]

Thank you all for the wonderful help. I knew I could count on DVCers! Some really great ideas!

 

[scootert]

DH and I went to NYC last month to visit his son who has just moved there (well, Brooklyn). We stayed at the Fitzpatrick Grand Central and enjoyed it. The location is great - just across the street from Grand Central station where you can catch the subway to just about anywhere. It's outside the theatre district so prices are a bit lower. Room was small (it's NYC!!) but immaculate. Grand Central has an incredible food market as well as a great food court.

We took the subway everywhere - get one of the multiple day passes and you're all set. Maps are available at the booths in the subway and folks are very quick to help. I can't tell you how many times we'd pull out the map and someone would immediately ask where we were going or if we needed directions.

Hope you have a great time.

 

[CMedley78]

Don't forget Central Park....it is so great during the summer for little events they have going on and all the great people watching! I used to go with my friends when I was in high school, and we loved grabbing lunch at a deli, bringing it to Central Park, and just watching all the interesting people that went by.

As someone mentioned before, go to the TKTS booth in Times Square for Broadway tickets. There will be quite a selection for you to choose from since this is your first trip to NYC. That booth is one of the best deals in town!

I think it is great that your husband wants to see Yankee Stadium before they won't be using it anymore for the games. I am a lifelong, diehard Yankee fan and will miss being in the old stadium for games, but I am really looking forward to the new stadium. It is going to be amazing. Besides, I can still show my kids where I grew up watching games by pointing to the old stadium, and even visiting it. That ground is too hallowed; I was relieved when they said it would remain, just without the upper deck.

Have fun in NYC! There is no better city anywhere!

 

[Tiffer]

OP--The Yankees just broke ground onthe new stadium 8/14/06. They will not began playing games in the new stadium until 2009. And although they will keep it up as a museum, you MUT go to a ball game there!

Mid town is Great, but no the only option. The upper west side is cool and so is the village, like the W hotel.

Have fun!