Help me plan a mother/daughter trip to NYC!

[rascalmom]

My dad has had 3 pretty major surgeries over the past year. In addition, my grandmother (his mom) is getting quite elderly & has been hospitalized several times. I'm an only child & grandchild - so I've been helping both of them a fair amount. Spent a week in Las Vegas helping my mom & dad (who were on vacation) deal with his emergency surgery, getting him home, etc.

Well, my dad called last night & told me he wants me to take my mom & my two girls (17 & 13) on a "girls trip" to NYC - he's going to pay for most of it in appreciation of all the extra care my mom & I have been helping him with during the past year. My mom has not travelled a lot except for their RV trips, so I will be the planner. A trip to NYC is something that all four of us have always wanted to do. With it just being us girls, we plan to really make it fun: lots of shopping & shows with some sight-seeing thrown in!

So - I need help. Having never been to NYC, I need lots of tips. Which airport to use, where to stay, eat, shop? Best way to get tickets for Wicked & The Lion King. Recommendations for one or two other shows - we prefer musicals. We'll want fairly good seats - this will probably be a once-in-a-lifetime thing for my mom.

I need a nice hotel located near the theaters & shopping. My broken ankle is still giving me problems, so I want to be somewhere close to a lot of what we want to do. Cabs are fine, but I don't think I want to deal with the subway. Room will have to accomodate 4 - Dad is generous, but I don't expect him to pay for 2 rooms. Gotta be non-smoking!

Also need suggestions on the best time to go. Weather-wise, crowd-wise; unfortunately we will have to work around school schedules. Thanksgiving, Christmas Break, Spring Break & next summer are our options. I want to plan far enough in advance that I can get good tickets for the shows. He said go this summer, but he just got out of the hospital a couple of days ago & we need to be here for him for a couple of weeks. Then show choir rehearsals & school begin! I would expect August to be not the greatest time to visit anyway.

Could also use some restaurant suggestions in the general area - I have a severe fish allergy, so I always have to deal with that when I travel to new places. This is why I like WDW so much! I have the routine down!

Thanks! I know you all will guide me in the right directions!

 

[kasar]

We're just back from a weekend in NYC and had a ball. I can't answer all your questions (there are lots of experts on this board who will be much more helpful) but here's what we did:

Weekends during the summer are great because a lot of people head out of the city - we've never had a problem getting into restaurants and most shows (Wicked was sold out for the entire weekend, we didn't try for Lion King as we've already seen it). We did see Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang (great for kids, fun but there are better shows with older kids) and Sweet Charity (with Christina Applegate - great, fun show). I'd recommend trying for Wicked and Lion King first (go right to the theater and see if there are any seats or try going through Ticketmaster before you go). You should be able to get tickets for next summer now. The TKTS line (in Times Sq.) has 1/2 price tickets for the same day shows. The line is very long but they open at 10:00AM, get there early. Christmas is fun but crowded. Fall would be nice but I'd skip Spring because it's hard to get around and see all the sights in the pouring rain.

For dinner, you'll have tons of options. If the weather's nice, try an outdoor cafe in Little Italy. Yum. We also like Joe Allen before/after shows and Carmine's for family-style Italian. These are touristy places but still fun. Lunch can be something simple like pizza (best!) and hot dogs from street vendors. Breakfast is great anywhere, especially diner-type places (think Seinfeld).

We like to stay in or near Times Square and we've decided that the Westin or the Marriott Marquis are the best options. They're both pretty pricey but very clean, safe and handy to everything (IMO, NYC is not the best place to scrimp on hotel - you really do get what you pay for). The Westin has the heavenly beds and that's great after a long day of walking around the city.

You're gonna have a ball. Enjoy!

 

[rascalmom]

Thanks! I saw Christina Applegate do a number from Sweet Charity on one of the morning shows last week - that looks like a great show.

The Westin was one of the hotels I was looking into on Expedia. Looks nice, also there is a Hilton listed - does anyone know if it is good? It appeared to be close to Rockefeller Center. I'm very excited - NYC & Broadway is something I've really been looking forward to doing with my girls.

 

[Patty3]

Sounds like you are going to have a great trip!

 

[njzieglers]

The Hilton is very nice, but the rooms are nothing great(nothing bad either). It is very close to Rockefeller Center, lots of very good restaurants close by. The Stage deli and Carnegie deli are a short walk away as is Central park.

In the theater district, the Westin is very nice and the Marriott Marquis also is right in Times square. We actually saw Annie get your gun in the Marquis theater. Don't know if it's still there or not. Is Mama Mia still in NYC? Or Phantom of the Opera? Lots of good shows. Try Broadway.com. Roxies deli in Times square is also very good. Ya think I like New York delis? Nah.

 

[poohtown]

when we went we stayed at the Marriot in Times Square. It was nice being right there. We also got to watch them making the Eloise at Christmas movie.

Right around there is Ollie's Noodle Shop which was packed but really good. The best thing is the 'little bit of everything soup' ...really filling!!!

My girls were 15 and 8 when we went, but we did all the tourist things a show, went to FAO and Toys R Us, did a carriage ride, strolled around Central Park and China Town, went to the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. Mars (restaurant) was fun but I think more for the younger kids.

 

[drgnfly30]

We just got back from a trip over the 4th... don't know how much help I can be since we stayed at the Millenium Hilton & did a lot on the subway but we did contemplated staying at Times Square Doubletree Suites - it might suit your needs since NYC hotel rooms are teeny weeny...We saw Spamalot - it was a riot! But I've heard many good things about Lion King! Have FUN!

 

[Pugdog007]

Marriott Marquis rooms are much larger and nicer (recently refurbed) than the Hyatt on Avenue of the Americas, which is the one close to Rockefellar Center. There is another Hilton in Times Square. The only problem I had with the Marriott is the elevators were horrible. We sometimes waited 15 mins just for an elevator. But the location of the Marriott can't be beaten.

 

[rascalmom]

I'd love to hear more about Spamalot - that is one I am thinking of. Not sure Mom would like it, but my dh has gotten my 17 y.o. into Monty Python.

Am I being too wimpy in trying to avoid the Subway? I've done the Metro in D.C. & MARTA in Atlanta, but I'm not sure about the NYC subway (part of it is clausterphobia!)

 

[dis4me]

I would suggest the Doubletree Times square if you are going to do the TKTS booth one day.It is very close and you could take turns standing in line with your daughters( them together of course ).
I just saw Hairspray and thought it was excellent and would be appealing to all of you. Wicked is excellent as is Lion King but I would definitely suggest getting tickets 6 mos in advance and plan on paying full price.Mammia Mia is very good also.
I think the girls would enjoy eating at Ellen's Stardust Diner if they enjoy Broadway shows.THe waitstaff performs during your meal.It is quite entertaining.Carmine's is good with a group because the entrees can server 3-4 people. I would skip Mars2112 but might try Jeckyll and Hyde for another Fun meal.
For shopping you can walk sown 5th avenue and hit most stores.
Sign up for Playbill and you will get offers for some shows at a discounted price but you will have to wait until closer to book them.
You are going to have a great trip.

 

[TimeforMe]

I'm going to dissent here and say go at Christmastime if you can. Sure, it's crowded but NYC is sooooo magical during the holiday season. Plus you can get tickets now to see the Christmas Show at Radio City which is spectacular! All the store windows are decorated as well as the tree at Rockefeller Cente where you can also go ice skating.

I think your kids would love RENT, but not so sure about mom. It's a modern day LaBoheme but is a little "racy". The Lion King is awesome (saw it twice) but so is Beauty and the Beast. The next show on my list of must-sees is Wicked. The Producers is also a fun, typical broadway-type show and one I think mom would really enjoy as well.

Restaurants: Oh man.....so many to choose from. There's several theme restaurants in the broadway area that the kids would enjoy and lots of good italian restaurants in Little Italy as well as lots of good chinese restaurants, too. For something special, try Patria--a cuban, sort of eclectic restaurant with great food and lots of energy. (expensive though) There are also tons of good steakhouses that you can't go wrong with: Michael Jordan's, Ruth's Chris, Smith & Wollensky. Bobby Flay has 2 restaurants in NYC and so does Mario Battali which we've been to as well--all were excellent.

Bring your pocketbook, however, and make sure it's full. NY is VERY expensive.

 

[drgnfly30]

I'd love to hear more about Spamalot - that is one I am thinking of. Not sure Mom would like it, but my dh has gotten my 17 y.o. into Monty Python.

Am I being too wimpy in trying to avoid the Subway? I've done the Metro in D.C. & MARTA in Atlanta, but I'm not sure about the NYC subway (part of it is clausterphobia!)

I took DH, DS15 & DS10... we all loved it.. there are parts that are a bit 'bawdy' I don't think my Mom would have appreciated it or quite understood it... I hear it's pretty hard to get tickets now.. I bought mine a couple months back...

The subway can be intimidating but it really wasn't too bad.. we screwed up once & ended up in Brooklyn... we simply got off, went up the stairs & back down to the opposite platform & made our way back to Manhattan...no biggy! I'm just glad we got out of town the day before the London attacks.. DS10 would have freaked if he saw cops with big guns in the subways!

 

[njzieglers]

I agree about Christmastime. Our favorite time in the city. DW is a NYC gal, so we do tend to go in a lot. If you're doing all the touristy things, you don't need to bother with the subway. Cabs are much easier, and there's four of you. New York's subways are different than the ones you've mentioned, and not the easiest system to get around in.

 

[puggymom]

A great mid town restaurant near the theatre district is Pietrasanto's on 9Ave and either 47 or 48th. Awesome and not bad prices (for NYC)

 

[rascalmom]

You guys are great! Thanks for all the ideas & tips - I am going talk to my Mom about possible going Christmas break - I know she's always wanted to see WDW at Christmas & there would be lots of special things in NYC too. The Radio City show would be a big hit with my crew, I'm sure.

The girls & I have seen Mamma Mia, but my Mom hasn't. That's one to consider. My girls have been into dance & musical theatre big time, so any of the musical shows will be good with them.

Hotels - I want somewhere with enough room that the 4 of us won't be on top of each other. We usually like Embassy Suites type places. We're DVC members & are spoiled by the one-bedrooms. My mom will want her coffee first thing in the morning. We don't have to have 5* luxury, but I want this to be special (without spending an arm & a leg - gotta save funds for all those show tickets & shopping!)

 

[Cass]

What a wonderful gift your Dad has given you all!

I would love to stay at the Plaza, have a meal at Terrace on the Green & the Russian Tea Room, do Lion King, Wicked, Mamma Mia and of course the Empire State Building.

Have a great time!

 

[rascalmom]

Any recommendations on LaGuardia or JFK? Looks like LGA is closer, but sometimes the closer airport isn't really the best. Should I book a car service from the airport, or is there another good way to get to our hotel?

Any recommendations on good places to take teens shopping? They'll want to actually buy stuff, not just shop at the "look-but-don't-touch" expensive places.

Site seeing must do's? Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, MOMA. What else should we plan?

 

[PixieintheCity]

Hi there -

Been a New Yorker all my life. Can't really say much from a tourist perspective, but I can give you some suggestions.

Can't say much about hotels, except that some friends of mine recently stayed at the Beacon Hotel on the Upper West Side and really loved it. It's a suite hotel with kitchenettes in the room, close to the Museum of Natural History (a must see) and their new space center. Also close to Lincoln Center. Not sure of price, but I can guarantee it is less expensive than the Times Square hotels. Another advantage to this hotel is that it might be a welcome change from the very crowded 42nd street, yet not far at all from there and the other city attractions. Their website is advertising fall specials and theatre packages.

A word on the subway. Maybe I'm biased as a native, but to be honest it is the easiest and fastest way to get around town. Cabs are plentiful, but can get expensive when there is traffic (as is ALWAYS the case in midtown). Another option though, not mentioned yet, is the bus system. Buses are plentiful, run up and down every avenue and cross town every ten blocks or so. Cost the same as the subway, with free transfer from one to the other if you use a metrocard. You can buy an unlimited weekly metrocard for $24 and ride all the buses and subways you want for the entire week! Buses also let you see the city between destinations.

Broadway - oh I love Broadway! TKTS is great, but you gotta get there early to get the good shows. I hear their second location in the South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan is less crowded, but it is also farther away - although the SSS is a great place to eat, lots of good restaurants - but maybe not good for the seafood allergy.

Shows - for an all girls' outing - I MUST advocate Beauty and the Beast - absolutely beautiful! Lion King, for me, is a close second. Wicked, if you can get tix, is also really good. The hot ticket in New York lately has been Avenue Q (puppets, for adults, but a bit racy). Chicago is great, as is Hairspray. Most recently I saw Moving Out, the Billy Joel musical, and that was good, too, just bear in mind, the actors do not speak at all, the entire story is told through Billy's songs, but there is a live singer/pianist. For a New York classic, try Phantom of the Opera.

Also for an all girls' outing, if you are into it, you can check out the American Girl Doll store, very nice. On that note, check out the newly updated World of Disney store on Fifth Avenue near Rockefeller Center. They actually sell stuff straight from Walt Disney World there, as well as some cool NYC Mickey stuff. They have character meets on the upper floors, too. Most recently it was Jojo and Goliath from Playhouse Disney, but I was told they rotate. If you have a young girl in the bunch, she may like the Cinderella "princess for a day" experience.

Dining - so many good restaurants all over. Recommend Dallas BBQ near Times Square - inexpensive, good food (great baby back ribs), even better and bigger drinks (Malibu Colada! yum). Carmines, mentioned in a different reply is also excellent. Yoshinoya (times square) is a great Japanese restaurant - good value, great teriyaki chicken and beef bowls. For a treat - gotta go to Serendipity - 60th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues (east side though). Three words - Frozen Hot Chocolate!

Other must do's - Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art (there's a musuem for almost everything in New York), Madame Tussauds wax museum - really cool.

Finally, all seasons have their pros and cons in the city - but Christmas is extra special. The tree, ice skating, window shopping, light show, etc... For a little change of pace, the Bronx Zoo (right outside Manhattan and three blocks from a subway stop) has Holiday Lights - cool light statues, ice sculptures, and a big smores roasting pit. Bronx Zoo is nice in the other seasons, too - free admission on Wednesdays (not for the Holiday Show) and right next door to the beautiful New York Botanical Garden. Just remember, it gets cold in winter and many things are outdoors.

Okay, that's a long post, but I hope you find something of use in there somewhere. I do LOVE my city, and know you will, too. Have a great time!

Carol (with some input from my brother Jay)

 

[PixieintheCity]

Any recommendations on LaGuardia or JFK? Looks like LGA is closer, but sometimes the closer airport isn't really the best. Should I book a car service from the airport, or is there another good way to get to our hotel?

Any recommendations on good places to take teens shopping? They'll want to actually buy stuff, not just shop at the "look-but-don't-touch" expensive places.

Site seeing must do's? Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, MOMA. What else should we plan?

Both LGA and JFK are in Queens. LGA is a lot closer to the city, but not all destinations into there are direct. You can take a bus (M60) from Laguardia into the city and then transfer to the subway to get downtown. From JFK, you have the AirTrain monorail that will take you from your terminal to the Howard Beach Subway Station where you can take the "A" Express train into Manhattan. Neither of these options are quick or easy with lots of luggage! My suggestion, in this case, catch a yellow cab outside of the terminal. They are plentiful, do not have to be booked in advance, you don't have to make stops at other people's destinations, and they have a flat rate into Manhattan (think it's around $45 bucks).

Teen Shopping. A lot of things are expensive in Manhattan proper (downtown and midtown), but 34th Street after Macy's has lots and lots of stores. Chinatown is good for realistic knockoffs and jewelry. SoHo (SOuth of HOuston Street), down Broadway, before Chinatown, is trendy, but deals can be found. But, if you are thinking of visiting the Apollo theatre or Historic Harlem (it is quite safe in the daytime I assure you), then the 125th street corridor is great for shopping, especially teens (urban fashion trends). If you get up there, be sure to check out Sylvia's Soulfood - yum.

Nighty Night

Carol

 

[rascalmom]

Carol & everyone - thank you SO much!

This is exactly the type of info I am looking for! I will be printing out this thread & using it to make my plans. My 13 y.o. will want to do the A.G. store - she has truly outgrown the dolls, but she is still "sentimental" about Samantha & Molly.

We've done Macy's in Dallas many times - we don't have them here. The one in Dallas isn't anything special - should I plan on that in NYC? The girls like the funky little boutiques more than big chain stores - particularly any stores that carry very petite sizes. Shoes! - anyone know a store that carries a size 4 1/2? DD17 has tiny feet & finding "cool" shoes for her is a problem.

Central Park - I envision a carriage ride tour. Is there such a thing? Or would you all recommend another way to see it?

tia