We were there last month and had a great seat right at the window. You can go out to the viewing ledge if you are dining at the restaurant. You have to take a seperate elevator to the restaurant, so I don't think that the general public can be on the viewing ledge. There is no music to the fireworks piped in the restaurant as in the past. I see your from Malverne, I have family there and I live in Glen Cove, pretty close!!