OT -- anyone planned trips to New York too

[lilpixie]

Ok, this is way off topic, but . . .
I know many of the Disers travel other places in addition to Disney and have lot of experience planning trips. In addition to our next Disney trip, we are planning a trip to Manhattan with some good friends of ours. Do you know the best way to plan a package deal for airfare/hotel? What is the best hotel to stay in -- I don't even know which part of Manhattan is the best to stay in. I think we want to get tickets to see "Wicked", but not really sure how to go about that, either. In other words, I am lost at this point. Just wondering if anyone on the board had any info on this
thanks!

 

[#1mom3kids]

Yes, we went last August and it was the best trip. I dont like to buy the package deals. I find that I get a pretty good deal researching it all on my own. We stayed at the Doubletree on Lexington in Midtown. Thats a great area because you can walk anywhere from there and the subway is right there if you need it. Time Square is too crowded, too noisy and too expensive. August is the cheapest month to go for hotel prices. If you know when you are going email bonnief@eleisurelink.com and she will give you the best hotel deals she has as the time. They have the best deals around and the prices include the taxes. You have to snatch them up quick because they go fast. Also, Wicked tickets are very hard to get so start searching for them now. We were not able to get advance tickets for Monty Python (sold out a yr in advance) but walked up to the ticket counter on day of performance and someone so happen to turn in two tickets in orch seats - what luck. Wicked is a great show but if you havent seen Monty Python and Lion King they are a must! Hope this helps.

 

[emma'smom]

I travel to NYC with my husband and dd4 and dd1 on a regular basis. I used to live there adn now have mastered being a "tourist with young children" as well. I'd skip searching for a hotel/air package and check AirTran (if you have it near you) for their best deals on flights. They are usually very cheap if you look for their sales. Also, you can do a Travelocity or Hotels.com search for hotels. The above mentioned hotel sounds like a good location. It depends on what you want to do to determine where you want to stay. If you are into shows, you might choose to stay closer to mid-town. Times Square itself is a bit crowded and touristy, but you might consider the Clinton Hill area (the blocks west of Times Square). There are lots of good restaurants over here.

They put you in walking distance and you are close to subways. You can even walk down to Macy's if you are willing to do about 20 blocks (which I think is a nice walk- they go fast because there is so much to look at).

Here's my best advice- Don't believe that all restaurants in NYC are expensive. Most are very reasonable....just look at the menues and get out of the touristy areas (this doesn't mean go to dangerous areas, just go to areas where folks actually live). My family can usually have a nice meal for about 35-45 (we don't usually order alcohol) including an appetizer to share.

 

[lilpixie]

Thank you for your great tips and info!