Confusion re Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building

[Miss Jolly]

Thank you to all of my wonderful Cruise critic helpers.:D Now that I have Broadway and N.Y Yankees sorted out, I need to sort out the rest of our weekend in New York.

Our family of 4 (2 young teens) will be staying in the theatre district of New York 3-6 August on our way from Australia to Europe. We arrive 10:00pm Friday night so straight to Hotel for a much needed sleep.

Saturday plans include 1pm Yankees match and 8pm Broadway show. Sunday plans are to "sightsee" including Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building (probably at night) Central Park (maybe a Buggy ride) Ground Zero, Time Square and a general look around New York. If time, I would like to shop ... well, I am a woman;) . I think we should visit Macy's and if there is a Walmart nearby, we should go there. My children loved Walmart in Forida- we don't have Walmart in Australia.

I am quite interested in the factory outlets so maybe we could do that on Monday as long as we have covered what we would like to see in New York. I know that we need far longer than this to actually cover New York but at least we can see the main sights.

My main questions are re Statue ferry trip. As time is short, we would like to book ahead anything that we can. Should we take the option to go inside the Statue of Liberty. If so, I am confused at to when we need to arrive at Battery park if we have pre-booked. If we do not need to go inside, can we still pre-book the ferry ride and how much does this cost? I keep reading that it is a free ferry ride, but I cannot understand this.

My other question is about The Empire State Building. Am I correct in thinking that if we pre-book, we can use these tickets on any day at any time? Is the advantage that we do not have to line up for tickets? The pre-booked tickets are only for the lower floor. Are we best to pre-book these or wait to go to the highest floor?

I have noted that on some other threads, people have been very fortunate to have others virtually plan an itinerary of N.Y sightseeing for them - with directions. I would certainly appreciate this if anyone can spare the time. Otherwise, general suggestions would be warmly received.

Thank you for reading this rather lengthy passage.:)

Jennie

[Budget Queen]

You can VIEW the Statue of Liberty, from the free Staten Island ferry, which sails by it. OR you can get on the island where the Statue of Liberty is, with Circle line boats. IF you want to enter the base- my opinion, it isn't worth going there if you don't, you need access passes best reserved for in advance. Although they do give out a very limited number at 7am. I suggest you be there 2 hours before the time of the access. The boat lines can be long and security is slow moving. NO reservations for the boat, you get in line and get on.

 

As for the Empire State building, they now will be open until 2am. Later at night has less lines. It does pay to purchase your tickets ahead and by pass the ticket purchase line. If you go before 9pm, you can expect to be in line 1-2 hours. I ended up waiting an hour going at 10:30pm on a Thurs, but this included ticket purchase.

 

No Walmarts in NYC.

[nybumpkin]

Sunday plans are to "sightsee" including Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building (probably at night) Central Park (maybe a Buggy ride) Ground Zero, Time Square and a general look around New York. If time, I would like to shop ... well, I am a woman;) . I think we should visit Macy's and if there is a Walmart nearby, we should go there. My children loved Walmart in Forida- we don't have Walmart in Australia.

I am quite interested in the factory outlets so maybe we could do that on Monday as long as we have covered what we would like to see in New York. I know that we need far longer than this to actually cover New York but at least we can see the main sights.

My main questions are re Statue ferry trip. As time is short, we would like to book ahead anything that we can. Should we take the option to go inside the Statue of Liberty. If so, I am confused at to when we need to arrive at Battery park if we have pre-booked. If we do not need to go inside, can we still pre-book the ferry ride and how much does this cost? I keep reading that it is a free ferry ride, but I cannot understand this.

My other question is about The Empire State Building. Am I correct in thinking that if we pre-book, we can use these tickets on any day at any time? Is the advantage that we do not have to line up for tickets? The pre-booked tickets are only for the lower floor. Are we best to pre-book these or wait to go to the highest floor?

Hi Jennie - For the Statue of Liberty, there is no admission fee to the island or the statue itself, but there is a fee for the ferry. There are timed passes available to enter the monument. Details are available online at http://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm. When I went this past October, we opted not to go in the statue. You can get some great pictures of Manhattan and the statue by just walking around the island, and there is a park ranger guided tour of the island available - when you arrive at the island, there will be a sign at the visitors' center about guided tours. One word of caution on the ferry: if you are taking the ferry from Battery Park, make sure you're in the proper line for the Battery Park ferry. There are also ferries from Liberty State Park in New Jersey, and you don't want to be on the wrong ferry.

 

How comfortable are you with public transportation in new cities? For me, the easiest way to go to Battery Park from the theater district is to take the #1 subway train from Times Square-42nd Street to South Ferry, which is the last stop on the line and only a short walk to the ferry. When you return after visiting the statue, Ground Zero is another fairly short walk north. I'm not sure if there are other things you'd like to see in lower Manhattan; it's also an easy walk to Wall Street, South Street Seaport, etc. From Ground Zero, you can take the E subway train back to Times Square-42nd Street. (If you want to shop at Macy's on the way back, get off the train at Penn Station-34th Street, which is the stop right before Times Square. Macy's is on 34th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues. There's no Wal-Mart in Manhattan, though - NYC doesn't have them, either;) .) Subway information is available online at http://www.mta.info/nyct/subway/index.html.

 

You mentioned a free ferry ride - you may have been confused with the Staten Island Ferry. It's a 25-minute ride from lower Manhattan to Staten Island, and it is free. Details are available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/masstran/ferries/statfery.html#info. Great views of the harbor.

 

I'm afraid I can't help too much with the Empire State Building and advance reservations. Last year when I took my kids, we just stood in line for tickets. I did read, however, that the ESB has expanded its hours due to the large number of people who want to visit at night; the observation deck is now open until 2 am. I've only gone to the 86th floor observation area, not the 102nd floor. Visitors' information is online at http://www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_visitorinfo.cfm?CFID=21441862&CFTOKEN=36121068. There's no need to take public transportation to the ESB from the theater district; it's an easy walk.

 

Hope this helps - I'd be happy to help with other questions if I can.

[05mak05]

We were in NYC last June and I asked the same questions as you've posted. The Statue of Liberty tours are totally confusing. If you actually decide to go to the island, you'll have to be at the ferry in time for the first sailing to avoid the huge crowds. And that means you might have to deal with rush hour subway traffic from midtown. We stayed at Embassy Suites in the Financial District (lower end), got up early, walked to the ferry and got our tickets for the first departure. What it amounts to is long lines for security - more long lines for security - over and over and over again. I think we finally got back around 1 p.m. as it took the entire morning of our 3 day stay. I'd skip it and view the statue as you cruise by. We loved Chinatown and Canal Street. Best shopping is between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Don't miss Central Park and the buggy rides pulled by bikes (not the horses.) We loved eating at Tavern of the Green. You'll read it's a tourist trap. Maybe so but so impressive and we thought the food was delicious. Have you picked a show? We saw "Hairspray" - what a hoot. NYC is wonderful - have fun!

[greatam]

Just a little more info on Statue of Liberty. The visit to the actual island and Statue is long and involved, due to security and advance tickets needed.

 

The Staten Island ferry has great views and is free. There is also the little harbor cruise-Circleline runs one on the Miss New York and there is the Lady Liberty. http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/harborCruises_schedule.html and http://www.affiliate.viator.com/brochure/product_show.jsp?ID=1010&PRODUCTID=1016&CODE=3448LADY&AUID=2511

 

You don't actually go to the island, but you go around the harbor, with a great photo op when the captain gets as close as possible to the Statue. You also cruise past governor's island, great views of lower Manhattan, and the narrator points out lots of NYC landmarks.

 

I have gone 6-7 times and have never bought an advance ticket, although they are available. Just went to Battery park, found the line to buy the tickets (have never waited long-maybe 5-10 minutes) and got on the little cruise. Make sure you are in the line for the harbor cruise and NOT the line for the Park Service cruise to the island. That is the long, involved line.

 

The line to buy the tickets for the harbor cruise is right at the water-in front of the mime portraying the Statue of Liberty and in front of the Fulon Gong (chinese religion) protestors/demonstrators. It really isn't confusing, once you see the little boats. Just don't get in the REALLY long line. Enjoy!!!

 

You may also want to spring for the Hop On/Hop off bus. Great little tour of NYC. Just like the ones in London. Some narration and at least you have transportation from sight to sight, although if you get off, you may have a wait until the bus comes back around.

[willysgrandma]

I recently took my grandsons to the inside of the Statue - I hadn't been inside since I was a kid and we were able to actually walk up the statue.

 

Inside the statue, you will see the original torch, then can go up to the base and look up to see the inside. You can't see very much inside - I think I barely could see the winding staircase. If you are really trying to pack in a lot of NYC in a day - I'd skip going inside. If you have time, go t Ellis Island - we found it much more interesting.

 

You will need to get to Battery Park at LEAST an hour before your scheduled departure time. If the lines are not long, you will be able to take an earlier ferry over.

 

There are no Walmarts in NYC.

 

If you prebook the Empire State Building, I think there are still lines to wait on.

 

You might also want to consider Top of the Rock - you can go to the roof at Rockefeller Center for a real spectacular view - there is clear glass outside so you have a really clear view rather than obstructions from gates.

 

What show are you seeing? If you haven't bought tickets, I just saw a new show called Curtains that is opening March 22 nd was FABULOUS. I'm sure once it is reviewed, tickets will quickly be sold out.

[Jac199]

Hi Jennie,

 

I have always loved the Empire State Building. I have not been up to the 102nd floor since they reopened it, but have gone up a couple of times in the 1980s. For me, the big bang has always been the 86th floor observatory. I think you would be satisfied with staying on this level if the lines for the 102nd floor ticket purchase are too long.

 

The last time I was at the ESB you could purchase a "head of the line" ticket for $36. I was touring with a 4 year old so only had to pay for my ticket. We were escorted to the front of every line and were able to get up, see the sights, and get out in about 35 minutes. I am not sure if they still have this option, but if they do it might be worth it if time is tight.

 

I hope you have a fabulous time touring our great city! :)

 

-Janine

[Miss Jolly]

Thanks everyone. Please keep these ideas and suggestions coming. I'll keep checking here for extras. By the way, we have booked tickets for Wicked after several suggestions on these boards. My daughter and I are looking forward to our fabulous day. Thanks again. Jennie

[Laurab23]

We visited NYC in Dec.and went to the Empire State Building. They do offer express tickets,which while expensive,IMHP are more than worth the price. The regular line wait time was 3 hr(it was Dec) and we were up to the top in less than 15 minutes.

 

Laura

[M&A]

Jenny,

 

We went to NYC last September and we bought a 2 day pass on the Gray Line tours open top double decker busses. They give you a guided tour and its a great way to see a brief tour of the city, you can hop on hop off anywhere. There are so many interesting places - don't miss Harlem, China Town, Grenwich Village, Times Square, the pass included the Empire State bldg and the Statue of Liberty. We loved just wandering around Central Park its beautiful have to see Strawberry Fields and the castle.

We were there for 3 days and there was too much to see.

 

Mike

[Miss Jolly]

We were in NYC last June and I asked the same questions as you've posted. The Statue of Liberty tours are totally confusing. If you actually decide to go to the island, you'll have to be at the ferry in time for the first sailing to avoid the huge crowds. And that means you might have to deal with rush hour subway traffic from midtown. We stayed at Embassy Suites in the Financial District (lower end), got up early, walked to the ferry and got our tickets for the first departure. What it amounts to is long lines for security - more long lines for security - over and over and over again. I think we finally got back around 1 p.m. as it took the entire morning of our 3 day stay. I'd skip it and view the statue as you cruise by. We loved Chinatown and Canal Street. Best shopping is between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Don't miss Central Park and the buggy rides pulled by bikes (not the horses.) We loved eating at Tavern of the Green. You'll read it's a tourist trap. Maybe so but so impressive and we thought the food was delicious. Have you picked a show? We saw "Hairspray" - what a hoot. NYC is wonderful - have fun!

Can you actually get buggy rides in Central Park that ARE pulled by horses?

By the way, we are going to see Wicked.

Thanks for the help.

Jennie

[Miss Jolly]

Jenny,

 

We went to NYC last September and we bought a 2 day pass on the Gray Line tours open top double decker busses. They give you a guided tour and its a great way to see a brief tour of the city, you can hop on hop off anywhere. There are so many interesting places - don't miss Harlem, China Town, Grenwich Village, Times Square, the pass included the Empire State bldg and the Statue of Liberty. We loved just wandering around Central Park its beautiful have to see Strawberry Fields and the castle.

We were there for 3 days and there was too much to see.

 

Mike

Hi Mike, How much did the 2 day pass cost please. Is it actually 2 days or 48 hours from time of purchase? When you say it included Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, does that mean entry tickets? If so, does that mean going inside Statue of Liberty and also what floor of The Empire State Building. I see you'll be in Sydney soon. I hope you enjoy it.What do you plan to see or do here? We live about 1 hour north of Sydney. Please feel free to ask any Sydney related questions - I'll be happy to try to help you out.

Jennie

[greatam]

Can you actually get buggy rides in Central Park that ARE pulled by horses?

By the way, we are going to see Wicked.

Thanks for the help.

Jennie

 

Yes-lovely way to spend some time. I like early evenings the best.

[greatam]

Hi Mike, How much did the 2 day pass cost please. Is it actually 2 days or 48 hours from time of purchase? When you say it included Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, does that mean entry tickets? If so, does that mean going inside Statue of Liberty and also what floor of The Empire State Building. I see you'll be in Sydney soon. I hope you enjoy it.What do you plan to see or do here? We live about 1 hour north of Sydney. Please feel free to ask any Sydney related questions - I'll be happy to try to help you out.

Jennie

 

Here is the link to the 2 day tour. $77.00.

 

http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/destinations/us/newyork.go?mode=activityDetail&apid=1373&sid=529

 

It is 48 hours and you pick the start time. Observatory level of the ESB.

 

Going to the Statue is where the long lines for security are in Battery Park. The National Park Service recommends TWO hours before boarding the ferry to clear security.

[Kanukkacruise]

You're getting an answer from a Texan! Maybe someone from NYC will see your posting. We were told that horses are not allowed in Central Park, and we didn't see any at all except lined up in front of "Tavern On The Green." We were about to pay assuming that the ride did go through Central Park when someone stopped us and told us to go with the two-seater carts that are pulled by young men on bikes. (It was FUN!) We haven't seen "Wicked" - that's on our list along with "Jersey Boys." I bought an expensive NYC Subway map only to discover that the big foldout maps are free in the Subway stations where you buy your tickets. If there are none displayed, ask for one as these are the best.

[smeyer418]

The Hansome cabs (the Horses) tend to line up on Central Park South(59th Street) just off fifth Avenue and yes they go though the park...at least part of the way. 59 to 72 and then back down inside the park to 60th and 5th avenue....there is a horse path in Central Park....who even told you no horses doesn't know NY...

[Miss Jolly]

The Hansome cabs (the Horses) tend to line up on Central Park South(59th Street) just off fifth Avenue and yes they go though the park...at least part of the way. 59 to 72 and then back down inside the park to 60th and 5th avenue....there is a horse path in Central Park....who even told you no horses doesn't know NY...

Thank you. My horse loving teenage daughter is going to love this news. We are all going to love New York but she is going to have a particularly great time.

Jennie

[madelinerose]

Hi, Sid...

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but since we're talking August, I believe that if the temp exceeds 90 degrees, the ASPCA police will pull the Hansom cab horses off the street and send them back to their stables.

 

 

The Hansome cabs (the Horses) tend to line up on Central Park South(59th Street) just off fifth Avenue and yes they go though the park...at least part of the way. 59 to 72 and then back down inside the park to 60th and 5th avenue....there is a horse path in Central Park....who even told you no horses doesn't know NY...

[smeyer418]

Hi, Sid...

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but since we're talking August, I believe that if the temp exceeds 90 degrees, the ASPCA police will pull the Hansom cab horses off the street and send them back to their stables.

that is true but I don't think there was a day in August last year that they were off the street. The also don't allow them when it below some temp. but that is different than a blanket no horses.

[Miss Jolly]

Thanks everyone for your help. I'm gradually getting our stay in New York City sorted out. I have our tickets for Yankees and "Wicked" on broadway. I now know I can also take my daughter for a horse drawn buggy ride through Central Park (as long as it is not too hot). I am still confused as to whether I should book tickets for the lower viewing platform of the Empire State building ( tosave time) or wait and go right up to the top????(which viewing platform do they use in "You've Got Mail?) I also still can't decide whether we should go on a cruise past Statue of Liberty or actually get off on the island and go inside. (I walked up her in 1981 and my husband walked around her a couple of years ago but our teenagers have never been to New York City. My original plan was to get off and go inside but I am now worried about the time factor. We really only have Sunday to do our sightseeing. It is very difficult to plan whilst in Sydney what is best. We don't want to sacrifice time unecessarily somewhere and miss out on something else, but we also do not want to rush through somewhere that we should have devoted more time to. More suggestions PLEASE.

Jennie

[johnql]

It was the 86th Floor Observatory where Cary Grant waited in vain for Deborah Kerr in An Affair to Remember, whereas Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan met there at the end of Sleepless in Seattle.

[0ldog]

NYC Had Wal-Mart before Wal-Mart had Wal-Mart............. it's called Filene's Basement. If you're a shopper then this store's for you.

 

Enjoy your stay in America.

[smeyer418]

NYC Had Wal-Mart before Wal-Mart had Wal-Mart............. it's called Filene's Basement. If you're a shopper then this store's for you.

 

Enjoy your stay in America.

 

actually New York had Walmart before there was Walmart it was called Korvettes now defunct. NY City does have K-Mart and there are many discount stores other than Filene's. If you are from out of town you can get a 13% discount off most items(including those on sale) at the Mezzaine in Macy's Herald Square. NBR === never buy retail....

[johnql]

You know, Miss Jolly, if you're going to be in Lower Manhattan (for either the Statue of Liberty ferry and/or Ground Zero), and you want to take in some shopping, you should check out Century 21 Department Store. It's a great store. You can check it out on the following link:

 

http://www.c21stores.com/nyc.asp

[smeyer418]

We left out Syms as well....PS Target is in NY City.