New York Adventure Question

[nunzia]

Ih ave a question for those who have been on this adventure. On the third day when you have lunch and the afternoon on your own, what time would be safe to make a lunch reservation? What time do you get done with the dance workshop and where is that located?
Also, I plan on going to Ellis Island the day before the adventure starts. I'm terrified of taking the subway, so what's the best way to get to the ferry from the Manhattan Club? I've looked at one of those on/off tours but don't know how well that would work to get me there. Any advice?

 

[Tozzie]

what terrifies you about the subway? They are safe quick and convient easpecialy in Manhattan where it can take a long time if you get stuck in traffic

 

[sayhello]

what terrifies you about the subway? They are safe quick and convient easpecialy in Manhattan where it can take a long time if you get stuck in traffic

I thought that, too, but if you look at her photo in her signature, it looks like she may have 5 kids. I'd be terrified to herd 5 kids on the subway, too!

Sayhello

 

[nunzia]

I thought that, too, but if you look at her photo in her signature, it looks like she may have 5 kids. I'd be terrified to herd 5 kids on the subway, too!

Sayhello

It is just me and my husband..those are grands. I live in a small southwest rural trown..we do not do subways..we do big trucks on open highways going 80. What terrifies me is I don't know how it works..you get a pass of some sort and then you figure out which train to get on and then have to maybe change trains, etc. We went to D.C. and took the subway but had friends with us to help, and I still found it confusing and if they had not been ther would probably still be on trying to figure out where I needed to be. I guess some research time is in order.

 

[sayhello]

It is just me and my husband..those are grands. I live in a small southwest rural trown..we do not do subways..we do big trucks on open highways going 80. What terrifies me is I don't know how it works..you get a pass of some sort and then you figure out which train to get on and then have to maybe change trains, etc. We went to D.C. and took the subway but had friends with us to help, and I still found it confusing and if they had not been ther would probably still be on trying to figure out where I needed to be. I guess some research time is in order.

Well, that does make sense! (And whoops about the goof with the Grandkids!) It *is* pretty easy to get turned around on the New York subway. I've done it, and I've been on subways all over the place. But you just turn around and go where you want. It really *is* the best way to get around, but this is a vacation, and who wants to stress out on vacation? Taxis would be your next best bet, but there is a good chance of getting seriously stuck in traffic (which scares me more! ) And it likely won't be cheap. But most New Yorkers I know treat taxis like their car, and think nothing of taking them.

Sayhello

 

[tgeorge]

Nunzia....I've lived in DC and used the metro all the time. The first time I went to NYC I was a little confused, but I found everyone incredibly helpful and willing to help me get to where I needed to be. The map I got from the hotel was also very helpful. However, if you're still uncomfortable the best way to go is taking a taxi. You can grab one outside the Manhattan club and they'll drive you right to where you need to go. Traffic, of course, can always be an issue, but I've never been stuck for very long. I wouldn't do the hop on/hop off bus. That would not be a very efficient use of your time to do what you want to do. Enjoy yourself! While I haven't done the ABD tour, I think you'll enjoy NYC and with all the specials that ABD offers I can't imagine not having a great time

 

[MagentaMulan]

I'm from NYC and take the subway all the time, but i do get confused when using other cities' transit system. The subway is the fastest and cheapest way to get to the ferry. You have to make at least one transfer. Since the Manhattan Club is in Mid-town and you're going toward the south ferry stop, the subway or taking a cab is what i recommend. Also don't be afraid to ask people for directions!

This website will help you with getting around the city and you can choose how you want to travel.
https://newyork.hopstop.com/search?xfr=cityscape

 

[kristilew]

If you have a smartphone, one thing I've found really helpful is the HopStop app. You select your city and put in where you want to start and finish, and what day/time you want to go, and it gives you detailed directions for how to get there using public transportation and walking. Super detailed, so you definitely get on the right train. You can play around for best times and tweaking all sorts of variables, and save various routes. You can do this from home before you ever get there, so you can think through what you will do, but it also adjusts for traffic and delays, so you can check it on the fly and make adjustments as needed. Might be worth downloading and playing with as you plan.

If you don't have a smartphone, googling nyc subway system will probably get you to a page that lets you plan a trip in similar fashion, so you can figure out which subway station is closest to where you want to start, and when the trains run, etc.

But I also echo that New Yorkers are incredibly willing to help someone who doesn't "get it." Over the years, I've asked for help purchasing passes, getting through turnstiles, going in the right direction when I changed trains, getting off at the right time, and which stairs to take up. Every single time multiple people have bent over backward to make sure I was in good shape.

 

[tstidm1]

Tips to help in a major subway system (Have used some of NYC, but not much. Know DC's Subway like the back of my hand.):

1. Find out how to get there before you get to the stop. Use MTA's website.
mta.info
2. Know where the end line is because it will help you find which platform you should be on.
3. Get a Metrocard for the full amount round trip and a few dollars more when you get to the station. It's required for the system. You can get it at any station. If you get lost, you have a little bit more to get to or from your destination. It's $2.50 one way for a regular trip (every stop) or $6.00 for an express train.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. The subway station attendants are friendly in a NYC way and will help you. They're used to many new folks everyday using the system.
5. Avoid Rush hours for the trains. They're really uncomfortable at those times of days.

Also, Don't forget you get a Ferry to Ellis Island as part of the cost for the trip.

Subways are a really cool way to travel. They're fairly fast in NYC and can take you nearly anywhere in the city. Hope you enjoy the trip.

 

[dawnhaze]

NYC subway fares are not different for express trains. All fares are the same except for special express BUS routes that most tourists will not take, as they are primarily commuter routes to and from the outer boroughs.

Also, another app I like in addition to HopStop is Exit Strategy. Helps figure out if you should be in the front, middle, or back of a train to most easily get to the right exit at your destination. Many subway stops have multiple entrances/exits at different streets.

 

[SingingMom]

I am from New Jersey and visit NYC frequently. I even worked in midtown Manhattan at one point in my younger days. I have been on the subway once. LOLOLOL

I had no problem using the subway in Toronto and did great using the Underground in London on my two trips there! Yet, I take cabs or walk in Manhattan! I will walk blocks and blocks just to avoid the subway. Silly of me, but I just can't do it! Lol

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

 

[calypso726]

For the afternoon on your own we made lunch reservations at The Russian Tea room at 2 pm. I don't remember what time the dance studio part was over but it was probably about 1 pm judging from my post about it on FB. We did take the subway with help from the ABD guides back to the hotel.

 

[nunzia]

For the afternoon on your own we made lunch reservations at The Russian Tea room at 2 pm. I don't remember what time the dance studio part was over but it was probably about 1 pm judging from my post about it on FB. We did take the subway with help from the ABD guides back to the hotel.

First off, thank ALL of you for the great suggestions.. I really appreciate it
I'll be checking out the links and apps and feel a little better about it all. As far as the cab, how far away is the island ferry? What is the estimate of cost? I hate to say that the majority of my experience with New York is from TV..so I envision masses of people scurrying and not being all that helpful and cab drivers being surly.

So, the dance thing is over at about 1..and when do we need to regroup for dinner before the show?
My dilemma..I have a friend who goes to NY frequently (and also doesn't get why I'm intimidated by the subway, but she's afraid of revolving doors so we all have our own stuff, right?) and she tells us we HAVE to eat at Serendipity. OK.. The first day, before the adventure, I 'll do Ellis Island. I already got the ticket for that and foolishly chose 12:00 thinking if I took the bus it might take forever to get there. So maybe not be done with all that until 4? Then find a way back into where we need to be...maybe 5? But then how long to get seated and eat, etc., then a show at 7 (Wicked..I had great seats for Newsies but they are CLOSING a week before I get there so now need to see it in Tucson). Anyway..time seems tight. The only other day is the dance workshop day, so wondering if I have time to go there that day and eat early enough to actually have room for the farewell dinner? I guess Serendipity is famous for Hot Fudge Sundaes and Frozen Hot Chocolate (I'm not a sweets person but my DH is) so guess we can split a plate and then just focus on dessert. Advice?
It's starting to get close ...

 

[Tozzie]

First off, thank ALL of you for the great suggestions.. I really appreciate it
I'll be checking out the links and apps and feel a little better about it all. As far as the cab, how far away is the island ferry? What is the estimate of cost? I hate to say that the majority of my experience with New York is from TV..so I envision masses of people scurrying and not being all that helpful and cab drivers being surly.

So, the dance thing is over at about 1..and when do we need to regroup for dinner before the show?
My dilemma..I have a friend who goes to NY frequently (and also doesn't get why I'm intimidated by the subway, but she's afraid of revolving doors so we all have our own stuff, right?) and she tells us we HAVE to eat at Serendipity. OK.. The first day, before the adventure, I 'll do Ellis Island. I already got the ticket for that and foolishly chose 12:00 thinking if I took the bus it might take forever to get there. So maybe not be done with all that until 4? Then find a way back into where we need to be...maybe 5? But then how long to get seated and eat, etc., then a show at 7 (Wicked..I had great seats for Newsies but they are CLOSING a week before I get there so now need to see it in Tucson). Anyway..time seems tight. The only other day is the dance workshop day, so wondering if I have time to go there that day and eat early enough to actually have room for the farewell dinner? I guess Serendipity is famous for Hot Fudge Sundaes and Frozen Hot Chocolate (I'm not a sweets person but my DH is) so guess we can split a plate and then just focus on dessert. Advice?
It's starting to get close ...

IMO Serendipity is just average or less it survives on its past reputation and tourism.

The problem with taking cabs isn't the distance but the time and cost.
NYC taxi fares are $2.50 the second you step in the cab, then 50 cents each additonal 1/5 of a mile or every 60 seconds the cab is not moving for example from the Manhattan Club to Battery Park (where the ferries are) is a little less than 5 miles and should take 15 minutes but it can take much longer, on Friday I was going from E 23 street to E34 st which is a shorter distance and it took me 40 minutes just because of traffic. The cab fare (without Traffic, which never happens) would be approx $15. add on 15 Minutes for traffic and the fare is approx $23 one way.

 

[nunzia]

Super helpful!

 

[timandlesley]

We are doing this Adventure in August and have friends meeting us for the day from Jersey. So what time is a good time to meet up with them? When should we plan on saying good bye in order to get to the evenings activity? Do you ALWAYS see a Disney musical or is Newsies an option?

 

[Rapunzellover]

I almost never use subways as I don't like being underground, and prefer when visiting a citytobe able to actually see it.


Taxis in NYC aren't that easy to get though, sometimes. And when I took a Taxi during my my NYC trip (not ABD) it didn't drop me off precisely at the right point due to traffic, so I still had a bit of wandering till I found the ferry building. Just FYI if your taking a taxi. But of course, it's still much closer than the subway.

There aren't taxi stands/ranks in NYC like in Europe. So catching a cab from the ferry back to the hotel might take a bit of waving. But don't let NYC scare you. It's not as scary as it seems.