Questions about trip to American Girl in Chicago

[smiller]

Hi! Chicagoan here - sounds like you all have a fun trip in store! I'm sorry I can't really speak to much as to which hotel to pick - my best advice is to choose something nearby, in your price range, and where you feel comfortable staying.

I'm sure I'll be taking DNiece4 to AG soon - she already loves coming into the city on the big train to see Auntie!

If you need any other ideas/suggestions of what to do in Chicago, just ask!

As others posted, Navy Pier isn't really within a comfortable walking distance. Well, distance-wise it isn't that bad, but you go under some large streets and it isn't the nicest place to be walking. My recommendation: only go to Navy Pier for three reasons - Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Ferris Wheel, and the Chicago Children's Museum. Or a lake/river cruise, but that isn't a terribly desirable option in December!

 

[crzykid]

I used to work by the American Girl Place. That place is always crowded. Like someone said get there at rope drop. I just looked and the Four Points Sheraton on Rush street is 115 a night. The hotel is located 4 blocks south of the American Girl Place and one block west of Michigan Ave.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

I'm a little surprised to find that the Intercontinental's pool was panned. It's actually a historic landmark -- originally part of the shriner hall that was on that site. Your dates may still get you a decent deal. The Embassy Suites on Columbus (E.S. Lakeshore?) and the Embassy Suites on State have been known to run good specials at that time of the year. I think my parents scored a room at the Lakeshore ES for $115 last year for 12/26-12/29, which includes breakfast and evening reception.

The Christmas Market will be over by the time you get to Chicago, so you can concentrate your efforts on the MagMile/River North area.

I agree with the other posters regarding walking distances to the Pier from AG. I think it's about 1.5-2 miles. While doable, probably not the best walk to take in the winter.

Another event that will be going on at the Pier while your here is the Winter Wonderfest. There are some small rides, attractions, and activities for kids. There's a separate admission fee, but it's not that bad. It's located in one of the exhibit halls toward the east end of the Pier.

Finally, no matter what time you plan on going to AG, it will be crowded -- like jammed with people. Bring a good sense of humor and take your time: you'll get to see everything. If you have a lunch reservation made, don't worry about getting there when they open the doors. Just know that it may take you longer to get through the store.

Have a great time in Chicago! It's a fabulous city! Feel free to PM me if you have any more specific questions.

 

[jrogalny]

A Chicagoan here! Don't let the weather scare you. Last year on Christmas Eve I walked our dog outside in jeans and a sweater. It doesn't get really cold until late January/February.

As far as hotels, the Marriott's are nice. Chicago is truly beautiful in Decemeber so if you don't get a hotel right next door it won't be a big deal. You can always grab a cab and if I remember correctly, trollys do run.

Check out this website. It should be pretty helpful to you.

egov.cityofchicago.org

 

[MrsPooh]

Oh, you'll have a great time.

I took dd when about three years ago for her birthday to purchase her AG doll. We flew in for the day so I can't comment about hotel but we used Chicago transit to get to AG Place. If you decide to stay far enough away that you need transportation you can go to the Chicago Transit website, email them where you want to go and they'll email you specific route information with great details. Worked perfectly for us.

I would highly recommend eating a lunch at the store. The food was ok but the experience was so special it was worth the cost. We purchased my dd's doll when we arrived. We also had her hair done while we waited until our lunch time and bought an additional outfit.

Our budget and time constrants did not allow for us to see the show but we really wished we could have done that.

We were not dressed up because it would not have been convenient for traveling through the airport so we were just in comfortable jeans and a nice sweater. I did see many people dressed up but I did not feel funny being dressed so casual.

Reservations are very important for lunch, tea or shows so make sure you plan that far in advance.

Donna

 

[mom0299]

DH and I took DD8 to Chicago this year. We had a fabulous time. We stayed at a Travelodge near the Buckingham fountain in Grant Park. It was close to public transportation and we used that a lot.
We had a fabulous time at the AG store. No one had told me to be there at "rope drop". We had dinner reservations so we went about an hour before that. DD brought Elizabeth and we bought her Felicity. They gave her two treat seats for the dolls during dinner. It was a lot of fun. She had a great time.
Chicago is a wonderful city. We have always loved going to NYC, but we may have found a new favorite city. Have a great time!

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

Also, they are showing a special AG Christmas musical, instead of the regular one, if they're any tickets left!

 

[mom2grace]

A Chicagoan here! Don't let the weather scare you. Last year on Christmas Eve I walked our dog outside in jeans and a sweater. It doesn't get really cold until late January/February.

That depends on how thick your blood is!

 

[selting73]

We stay at the Omni which is only 1 block over from AG. We love the hotel and service! However, you will definitely not want to walk to Navy Pier in December - BRRR! Have the doorman hail you a cab. We LOVE, LOVE downtown Chicago. The AG store is one of my DD's favorite places.

 

[GreatLakes5]

We stay at the Embassy Suites Chicaco - Lakefront. We're a family of five so this gave us plenty of room and we could all stay in one suite as opposed to booking two rooms in some of the other hotels. When we go in spring/summer/fall we DO walk to Navy Pier and to American Girl Place - just not in the same trip This particular hotel is located equal distance from both.

The pool is on the lobby floor - I suppose more of an exercise pool though there is sitting and families certainly use it to swim and have fun in. Complimentary breakfast and a "manager's reception" each evening with free drinks and snacks.

Not as elaborate as some of the others but still quite nice and fit for families. The Am. Girl packages at the upscale hotels are nice if you have the $ to spend on lodging - a nice way to go, perhaps a bit underappreciated by the younger girls in your group.

December is a fabulous time to be in the city. I'd agree with the previous poster that Navy Pier (especially this time of year)...well, I wouldn't put it quite so high on my list of must dos....and we weren't even that impressed with the children's museum there - it was fine, just not what I expected from Chicago. I'd hit the aquarium before I'd go to the Pier (except in the summer).

You'll love AG and the city - we certainly do!