OT: New York City

[Longsx3]

Thanks that is just what I was wanting to know....sounds like Jeans for me!


On another subject after having a week of very cold weather in here in Germany and no end in sight plus seeing the North East getting hammered with snow....I started thinking I may need a back up plan in case of bad weather. If that happens I will head south....hopefully Savannah's (DD) Best friend can come with us! We will pick her up in DC and keep driving, spend 4-5 days in Fl, drop her back off in DC, get to NYC in time to have lunch at the American Girl Store and catch our plane!

 

[csmommy]

Kelly,

I hope this helps I just received this e-mail for discounted Little Women tickets:


Join the remarkable March sisters - Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy - as one of America's most beloved books soars to the stage in LITTLE WOMEN - THE MUSICAL. Starring Sutton Foster and Maureen McGovern this dazzling new musical, based on Louisa May Alcott's timeless tale about the power of family, friendship and romance, is capturing the hearts of a new generation and captivating audiences of all ages!

LIMITED TIME OFFER for Playbill Members for performances through June 5:
SAVE 35% FOR TUESDAY - FRIDAY EVENING PERFORMANCES.
Wednesday matinee and weekend performances are also discounted 25%!

But hurry, you must order your tickets by April 30!




$65* for weekday evening performances (Tues - Fri) and
$75* for Wednesday matinee and weekend performances (Sat - Sun).
Regular price: $100.

Little Women the musical
Virginia Theatre
245 West 52nd Street
Tuesday 7pm, Wednesday - Saturday 8pm
Wednesday & Saturday 2, Sunday 3pm
www.LittleWomenonBroadway.com


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3 Easy Ways to Get Your Discount Tickets:

1. ONLINE: Click Here or visit www.broadwayoffers.com and enter code: LW3DPBL

2. BY PHONE: Call Telecharge.com at 212-947-8844 and mention code: LW3DPBL

3. IN PERSON: Bring a printout of this page to the Virginia Theatre Box Office - 245 W. 52nd Street.

*Blackout dates may apply. Subject to availability and prior sale. May not be combined with any other offers and discounts. Not valid on prior purchases. All sales final. No refunds. No exchanges. Limit 8 tickets per order. Offer expires April 30, 2005, but offer may be revoked at any time.

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[Lewisc]

Return your rental car early and stay in stay in Manhattan your last few days.

The LGA Marriott is going to charge you for parking. It's really not very convenient for going to NYC. The Marriott Marquis and Renaissance are in the Times Square area and are both Marriott's. There is also a Courtyard in NY. You may need more points but you don't want to be going from the LGA area to Manhattan. You'll probably wind up spending a lot of money on cabs.

 

[MrsPete]

While we're on the subject of New York, I'dlike to ask a couple new questions.

My family is planning a cross-country driving trip, and I've been working on the planning. Neither DH nor I have ever been in New York City, but we're planning about two days there toward the end of our trip. Can anyone help with these questions?

1. We'll be driving into New York City from the Philadelphia area. I keep reading one thing loud and clear: don't bring your car into New York City. I'm fine with leaving the car and using the subway -- I have no desire to deal with the traffic, parking, etc. But HOW do we go about doing this? Where do we leave the car? Should we use the subway or taxis? We will each have a backpack with just enough clothing for an overnight.

2. We're planning to see the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, and Fort Clinton. Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the site where the World Trade Center stood are must-sees. We want to see a Broadway play in the evening. We read about a restaruant called Jekyl and Hyde that looks pretty cool; it's in G-Villlage? We have no plans to shop. That's going to be a pretty full two days. Any advice on these (or other places) would be appreciated.

3. We're tenatively thinking of staying at the Times Square Hyatt. Is this a good choice for a family? Any suggestions for places we should eat in the area?

Any advice on any of the above would be greatly appreciated!

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Hey there (from NYC).

1. I would look for coupons or codes for a hotel in NYC which has a discounted parking rate and leave your car there (although they will let you take it in and out at will, without charge). We've gotten excellent deals downtown in Embassy Suites and some internet rates midtown (not far from TS for Le Parker Meridian).

2. YOu have 2 very full days. I would make a list of the definate must-sees, kinda must-sees and extras. Try to do the things that are nearest each other together. This will save commuting time - also try to stick with the subway, the buses are S-L-0-W and cabs expensive and hard to comeby in the bid tourist attractions you are planning to see.

3. Jekyl & Hyde is in "the" village and I believe there is another mid-town. It is kind of like Hard Rock and Planet Hollywood stuff. Cool stuff to see inside, food - not the best. If you are staying in Times Square look for Hamburger Harry's (excellent burgers and fries for like $5). And if you get downtown, Chelsea Market has some great little counter service bakeries, a top notch soup place and cute little shops. If it's cold the Chicken Pot Pie (don't remember the name of the place but ask anyone inside) is excellent!

I hope you have a great time and I hope this helps somewhat!

Katrina

 

[Lewisc]

1) Depends how much you want to pay for parking. Some people go so far as to park in NJ. Decide how much you're willing to pay vs convience.
Places to look
http://www.iconparking.com/
http://www.parkfast.com/
2)http://www.jekyllandhydeclub.com/home.html More like the Adventurers Club in PI than a Planet Hollywood

3) The Hyatt isn't in Times Square. You really can't use PL for a family. Depending on your price you might look at the Doubletree or Marriott in Times Square. Consolidators like http://www.quikbook.com/ or even hotel kingdoom is a good source. The NY Times sunday travel section, check your local library, has ads for hotel specials in NY.

 

[funhouse8]

CSMOMMy, I'm glad you gave Kelly the link for the discounted tickets because I don't think she should try to get two-fers because you have to wait on a line forever to get tickets and being she is not in the city that long I don't think she wanted to waste time. Better to have tickets and a plan ahead of time.

I agree with the central park zoo, american girl store disney store and here is a link to something cool and free but you have to make ressies ahead of time.
http://www.sonywondertechlab.com/explore/index.shtml

 

[Longsx3]

Return your rental car early and stay in stay in Manhattan your last few days.

The LGA Marriott is going to charge you for parking. It's really not very convenient for going to NYC. The Marriott Marquis and Renaissance are in the Times Square area and are both Marriott's. There is also a Courtyard in NY. You may need more points but you don't want to be going from the LGA area to Manhattan. You'll probably wind up spending a lot of money on cabs.

First I want to thank everyone for their suggestions! Everyone has been so helpful. Based on all of your responses here are our updated plans:

April 6 Arrive JFK. We are renting a car and driving to just outside of Baltimore...I expect to arrive about 7pm. I have a hair appt with a curly hair expert the next morning.

April 7 I have an 1130 appt in Pikesville Md. I can not even explain how excited I am about this! The hair stylist I am going to is going to DRY cut my naturally curly hair then we will head down to DC

April 8 & 9 Spend time with friends in DC

April10 Drive to New Hampshire to see family.

April 12 Drive to NYC....We are dropping off the rental car back at the Airport then taking a prearranged car service into the City....Staying at the Marriott in Time Sq. Thanks to a CSMOMMY for the codes for Little Women we will be sitting Orchestra ROW E at the 7pm Peroformance.

April 13 Sightseeing, maybe the sony wonder lab. Really we are playing it by ear. I would like to take her to see the Statue of Liberty but I have decided to let the weather dictate if we get there, maybe if we don't hit any delays on the 12th we can go before the play.

April 14 Lunch at the American Girl Store. 2pm Car pick up for our 755 Flight back to Germany.

I looked at many other options other than renting the car in NYC, flying to DC and then to NH, taking the train, etc. But none of them worked as well as renting the car, all were more expensive and over all the time savings wasn't even that significant.


Once again thanks to everyone....if anyone ever needs help with a European trip just let me know!


Kelly

 

[Longsx3]

I am considering also going to a show on the 13th, which would ya'll recommend Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Mama Mia?

Kelly

 

[Longsx3]

Any opinions on Tavern on the Green....I showed DD the pictures and she was in AWW, so is it worth the price?

Kelly

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Yes! And you can always just go for appitizers and dessert!

 

[ladysoleil]

April 13 Sightseeing, maybe the sony wonder lab. Really we are playing it by ear. I would like to take her to see the Statue of Liberty but I have decided to let the weather dictate if we get there, maybe if we don't hit any delays on the 12th we can go before the play.


The Statue is not what it used to be, post 9/11. Someone please correct me, but as far as I know, they will not let you actually go inside anymore. I believe you can still access the stuff in the pedestal. Maybe it's my jaded old self talking, but I don't think it's as magical without being able to climb up to the observation deck in the crown. I do think it's a wonderful thing that everyone should be able to see. I might be a bit spoiled by the fact that I've been able to look at it for most of my life.

If you just want a pleasant view of the statue itself, on a nice day it's probably feasible to head downtown to Ground Zero, then walk down to the Staten Island ferry terminal and take a ride (free). You'll ride past the statue and can take some photos. This will take you about an hour, there and back, though, as you'll have to hop off in SI and reboard the next ferry back. It can be a nice ride if it's pleasant weather, you can get snacks and sodas onboard and enjoy the wind and the view.

 

[Longsx3]

If you just want a pleasant view of the statue itself, on a nice day it's probably feasible to head downtown to Ground Zero, then walk down to the Staten Island ferry terminal and take a ride (free). You'll ride past the statue and can take some photos. This will take you about an hour, there and back, though, as you'll have to hop off in SI and reboard the next ferry back. It can be a nice ride if it's pleasant weather, you can get snacks and sodas onboard and enjoy the wind and the view.[/QUOTE]


Thanks I will print out your post and take it with me, I think Savannah (DD) is really going to enjoy all that I have planned!

 

[ericafny]

Hi. I live in Queens and I can tell you now that you may encounter ALOT of delays once you land at JFK. It will prob take a while to get your luggage, stand in line to get the rent a car, and then find your way out of the stinkin airport (Welcome to NYC!!!)....

Not to discourage you though, I want to help. My suggestion is similar to another person's who suggested you stay in NYC for the nite. There are alot of decent hotels that dont cost alot. Check expedia.com or priceline.com for cheap rates. If you are going to stay in the city for the nite, then you should not pick up your rent a car until the next day. It is VERY easy to get to NYC from JFK. Take the tram to the LIRR Jamaica station. Take the next train into Penn Station (NYC). Hop on a cab to your hotel---and ENJOY THE CITY! May I suggest going to the top of the Empire State Building (your daughter will love it). Also, go to the Toys R Us in Times Square, its HUGE and has a Ferris Wheel in it---so cool. There is also a wax museum called Madame Tousands on 42nd Street and that should be pretty fun too!

If you need any more suggestions I would be happy to help, after all I live here!

Erica

 

[tiggrbaby]

There are some sites that offer discounted tickets to certain plays; perhaps LW is on one of them. I believe playbill is one of the sites. They may also have some discounted lodging.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think Tavern is worth it. There is a revolving restaurant at the top of your hotel called the View.

 

[lindym]

Also going to Ny March 27-30. Definitely going to world of disney store. Wanting to see Beauty and the Beast but right now discount codes on broadwaybox.com only good till mar 20. Hoping they extend them unless anyone knows of other ways other than 1/2 price on day of play. Staying at Marriott Marquis. Two moms and 2 17 yr olds (boy and girl. Any other suggestions on things to see. Thinking of Grayline 48 hour hop on hop off to see everything. Do you suggest that? Any restaurants? Any info would help. None of us has ever been there. What about the broadway play Chicago? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[ladysoleil]

Also going to Ny March 27-30. Definitely going to world of disney store. Wanting to see Beauty and the Beast but right now discount codes on broadwaybox.com only good till mar 20. Hoping they extend them unless anyone knows of other ways other than 1/2 price on day of play. Staying at Marriott Marquis. Two moms and 2 17 yr olds (boy and girl. Any other suggestions on things to see. Thinking of Grayline 48 hour hop on hop off to see everything. Do you suggest that? Any restaurants? Any info would help. None of us has ever been there. What about the broadway play Chicago? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

For older kids, it might be interesting to check out some of the museums, depending on what they're into. They'll probably also want to walk by the MTV studios in Times Square, too. For teenagers, I'd suggest a walk down through the St. Marks Place area- there are some fun punk/alternative clothing and music shops that they might be interested in. Definitely hit the big Sephora store in Times Square with the 17 year old girl, too. (Mom friendly too...every makeup and bath product you could think to want. The boy will probably want to run away as fast as he can...)

If you want to do a classic tourist trip, the Empire State Building has a fantastic view after dark. (Yes, it's cool in the daytime, but at night with all the lights on in the city, it's really worth seeing).

If you want some downtime, see what's playing at the big sony Imax theatre by Lincoln Center. (and take a walk through that area, too!)

Central Park is fun, but not the best in chilly weather.

I'm not sure I'd go for a long hop on/hop off tour- I constantly see those big buses sitting in traffic, and most of the places they'll take you are easily accessible by subway, foot, or cab ride. It depends, if you really hate the idea of taking the train, it might not be a bad idea, but I don't think I'd bother.

As for restaurants, there are hundreds of them in the city- any specific types of foods you like? That might help for suggestions. I tend to like off the wall inexpensive places with ethnic foods...like this great Ethiopian place on 10th avenue. But there's so much variety, you can find almost anything you could think to want.

Chicago is really good, and the kids are old enough to enjoy it. Can't go wrong with Phantom, it's a classic. Rent is great too, but it's edgy, so it depends on what your comfort zone is.

 

[lindym]

Thanks so much for your suggestions. Only reason we thought of gray line hop on hop off is because we want to see all the tourist sights, empire state bldg, statue of liberty, ground zero, trump towers, central park, etc. Also again anyone know of any codes for discounts on beauty and the beast? Thinking of eating at Tavern on the green, What do you suggest?

 

[wdw_dine_junkie]

I just wanted to jump in because I'll be in NYC on 3/24-3/27. We are staying at the Courtyard Marriott in Times Square because of free nights with points, Category 5.

We have tickets for Spamalot and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, neither of which would be appropriate for a child. But we saw Wicked last year and it is great! Enough depth for an adult and enough "emerald city" for a child. We were able to get front row seats via the lottery for $25 each. It's worth a shot! We'll be trying again next Thursday. I have the making of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on DVD and it looks like it would be fantastic for children.

Last time we flew in, we waited over an hour for our luggage to come out so be prepared if you don't get out exactly when expected. But we also flew in to LaGuardia so maybe you'll have better luck at JFK. Have fun, it's a wonderful city!