| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/2/2008 7:53:34 PM | I'm in the process of planning a trip to New York for me and my daughter. She's 12 years old. She wants to see a Broadway show. She chose Rent. I'm wondering if anyone has seen it. I'm thinking it might be a bit old for her. Also I would like to know which hotels would be the closest or best near Broadway shows or and the Statue of Liberty. I'd also like to take her to a special restauarant with a great view of the city. I heard the bus was a good way to get around and see the city. Does anyone have a list of the must do's or tips? I'm thinking three days since I saw the cost of hotels are outrageous. I do not mind less than $300 a night but $400 is outrageous. I'd like to find a nice $200 a night room with a good view but that's probably too much to ask. Any ideas? Any tips? I tried to get my daughter to do a nice Carribean Vacation so I could relaxxxxxzzzzz but she wants to make it tough so New Yawk it is!
Top things on our to do list(should I add something)?? It would be great to have a must do list for New York.
Statue of Liberty
Broadway Show
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Swank Restaurant with a Killer View
maybes?
Ground Zero
Radio City Music Hall
Thanks for any help | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/3/2008 2:52:20 PM | Hi FairyTale,
What a wonderful mom you are to be taking your daughter on this trip!
Unfortunately, $200 a night near Broadway is going to be really tough to find - Manhattan is one of the priciest places in the world to visit. Have you tried bidding on Priceline?
You may be right in thinking that Rent might have a bit too much R-rated content for a 12 year old. It is an amazing show and I would absolutely recommend it for an adult - however, it starts with one of the main characters discovering he has AIDS because he finds his girlfriend has committed suicide by slitting her wrists in the bathtub, and has left him a note. The gory stuff is mostly offstage, but there are themes of drugs, street violence, death, prostitution and sex (both straight and same-sex) throughout. In the end it does have a very life affirming message, but still... I would suggest either Mamma Mia, Wicked or Hairspray might be a better choice if you want to stay away from the Disney shows.
You've got a good list there - I would add a visit to the top of the Empire State Building - and since it is a girl's bonding trip after all - a visit to Macy's flagship store for a little shopping! Also, no trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Central Park.
Have a great trip!
Cheers,
Dejathoris | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/4/2008 12:45:57 PM | I have not seen Rent, but, I have seen Wicked and Hairspray (in Toronto). Either play would be ok for a 12 year old.
My favorite of the two is Wicked. It is the Wizard of Oz story told from the witch's point of view. Very creative!!
Enjoy your trip! | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/4/2008 8:33:51 PM | | Thanks for letting me know about Wicked. I had looked at that one. I think it will be a good choice! | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/5/2008 11:03:56 AM | Hi. I read your post regarding plans for a mother daughter vacation in New York City.
I was in New York May 15-19. Stayed at the Westin Hotel at Time Squares. I normally book my hotels through expedia.ca since the deals offered are quite attractive.
I would agree with previous replies posted that the average cost for a hotel room is high in the Broadway area.
A magazine that you might want to look at is www.where.ca select New York. Lots of great ideas and information for travelers.
A suggestion for you would be to purchase the hop-on-hop off 2 or 3-day tour - since the stops will take you close to most of the major attraction site. Saves money on taking the subway or taxi. When I did this tour, it included a 90-min cruise.
Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to see any plays. Wishing you and your daughter all the best and an enjoyable time when you eventually travel. I am actually planning on going back to NYC in August. So anything you can share once you return would be great!
Enjoy! | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/6/2008 12:56:21 PM | Hi thefairytale,
I have been to NY 14 times in the last 5 years.
Add Top of The Rock to your list, the view of the Empire State Building and Central Park is fantastic. Go to either of these just before dusk so you see the city in both daylight and dark. You will see the city come alive in Neon.
Go for a browse to Tiffany if shes a grown up 12 yo, or to Toys r Us if shes a young 12.
If you want to see the Statue of Liberty, get the Staten Is Ferry and you will see it quite good without having to waste a half day. Just go there and back. Cab's are very cheap but the metro is safe and cheap.
There are loads of good shows on and if you have time buy your tickets from the Ticket stand in Time Square, you could save half the price. If your hotel does breakfast at a reasonable price have it. You can fill up for the day and even take some fruit or muffins back to your room for later.
BEFORE you book any hotel, check it out on www.tripadvisor.co.uk. they have real peoples photo's and comment on the room, service, staff, ammenities, and loads more.
Check its not cheaper to book the flight and hotel direct as sometime the hotels have specials that agencies dont pass on.
Dont be afraid to NOT tip cab drivers or waiting staff if the service is not good.
If you want any more help, please let me know.
I know you will both have a fabulous time | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/9/2008 10:15:02 AM | | Great info thanks a bunch but if I wait to get tickets won't I have a hard time getting good seats. Also I am thinking of delaying the trip a bit due to the hot weather. Are hotels cheaper in October? I will defintely check out the Top of the Rick. Thanks for all the great suggestions! | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/9/2008 10:37:50 PM | I saw RENT on Broadway last summer and absolutely loved it! I don't think it would be that bad for a 12 year old, but the above suggested Wicked and Hairspray would also be great! If you go to Broadway.com, it has a complete listing of shows and dates. I've seen the Hairspray movie and am reading Wicked now. (The original Wicked Witch on Broadway was played by one of the original RENT cast, who also had a role in the recent Disney movie Enchanted.)
Going to the top of the Empire State Building is pretty cool, and I caught an awesome late-night jazz show just off Lincoln Centre. I picked up a copy of Let's Go for NYC and planned a bit of my itinerary around a few of its suggestions. I also loved the Met, for sure! I was sad not to go to the Guggenheim, and apparently the Museum of Natural History is also really cool. (The museums are all very close to each other, on the east side of Central Park, I believe.) I think a 12-year-old might enjoy the latter.
I'm not sure if hotels are cheaper in October, but I wouldn't doubt it. It's probably a good time to travel there. :)
Have fun! | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/11/2008 9:30:14 AM | OP: I saw Rent. I'm not sure how you feel about your 12 yr old seeing this play. The play is based on homosexuality, bisexuality, AIDS, and it is a bit "mature". However, as her parent it's really your call.
When are you planning on visiting?
You could try the following sites:
- Central Park (There is also a zoo within the park - lots of beautiful sights!!!)
- Radio City Music Hall
- Madison Square Garden
- The Water Club (Restaurant on the East River and a nice view - I've never been there)
- Ellis Island
- Statue of Liberty
- Circle Line
- Metropolitan Museum
- Coney Island (Historical landmark and entertaining for everyone - beach is soso)
- Bdway Play i.e. Spamalot, Wicked (these I did not see personally, but I heard good things about them)
- Dave & Busters in Time Square (Arcade - really cool!)
- Chelsea Piers
- The Village
http://www.thewaterclub.com/
http://www.nytours.us/tours/tourType.cfm?ttid2=5734&gclid=CL3uh-Lm7JMCFQrPGgodWFzZWA
http://www.coneyisland.com/tourism.shtml
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/kids/section/things-to-do?CMP=KNC-GOOGLE
http://www.chelseapiers.com/
http://www.citysightsny.com/
There is a lot to do, I'm just not sure on you and your daughter's likes/dislikes. I provided some links for your reference. Feel free to ask any questions.
Enjoy your trip!!!!
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/12/2008 10:57:02 AM | I just got back from NYC last week. Had a fantastic time.
A couple of quick travel tips from me....
-Get your tickets to the Empire State building online in advince. The lines can be UNBELIEVABLY long even in todays crap tastic economy. Youll save valuable time.
-The MET is one of the coolest places to visit in NYC if your into that kind of stuff. You dont HAVE to pay the suggested amount. 5 bucks gets you in just as quick as the full $20.00. And go there early. That way your feet wont hurt and you wont lose out enjoying the cool sights.
-The MoMA has free Fridays. No admission charge.
-Go to Grimaldis pizza in Brooklyn. Its every bit as good as the reviews say. But be prepared for a wait.
-Avoid Times square unless you just really want to take a few photos. There aint nothing there but a bunch of big box stores and tourist trap types trying to hawk you theatre tickets. And it smells bad over there. Your better off sight seeing other parts of the city.
Theres lots more to tell.... Have a great time. | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/13/2008 6:18:14 AM | The one thing I always tell people when they come here is Tray to see the whole City...Not just Manhattan...
NYC is made up of five parts Brooklyn Queens Manhattan The Bronx and Staten Island... theirs a lot to see!!
But yous look like yous have a nice list! | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/13/2008 11:45:35 AM | | I only got a far out of the city last week as the Bronx just to see the Yankees play at the Stadium. But of course we went through Queens a couple times to and from La Guardia. Im FASCINATED by how many graves there are in Queens. (Kinda morbid but that stuff just boggles my mind.) I read that there are over 5 million people buried in Queens. Soem sort of act passed in the 1850s that gave way to that. Id love to go walk around and check some of those out one of these days. | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/13/2008 5:05:06 PM | My problem with RENT was that I couldn't follow the story line very well at all! This must be a problem others had as well since, at the theatre I went to, they handed out a plot synopsis when you came in.
With a 12 y.o. kid, you could consider one of the, ulp!, Disney musicals, such as "Lion King" or maybe "Mary Poppins." | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/16/2008 4:15:40 AM | Just wanted to add to what others have said about NY. It is true that getting hotel is not cheap at all.
A hotel you may like to try is The Beacon Hotel, it is on 74th St, one express subway stop from times square..you are there in like 10 mins. It is a little quieter and less crowded than hotels around broadway. the hotel is also 3 blocks from central park.
Also RENT has a ticket lottery each day, 2-3 hours before the performance you go to the theatre and put your name in a bucket. The tix are $20 each and in the front 2 rows..you feel every emotion on the stage from there, they also offer tickets for like 1/2 price if you dont win the lottery. | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/16/2008 11:33:37 AM | | We actualy stayed at the POD on 51st. That was an interesting experience.... | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/26/2008 5:29:11 AM | | I live just north of the city. Hotels are very $ right now. Since the Euro and the pound are high, They are keeping the hotels high for the Europens that are come over. there money goes along way. Summer is more $ than Oct and xmas is very high. You might want to consider maybe a few nights in the city and a few nights in the subburbs and take the train to the city (20 mins) Since she is 12 shrek the musical just came out. If u need more help let me know. the statue of liberty is off the lower tip of NYC and Broadway district is about 2 miles north. Bus can be congested so I would say the subway to go downtown | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 6/26/2008 5:31:57 AM | | The tickets at the booth are for taht days shows only. They are only the shows that arent sold out. It would be a shame to come all the way and not get tickets. Do a google search for the place in time square and call them. They can tell you what show will be sold out. I just saw young Frankenstein and it was a great sh0w | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 7/1/2008 9:23:15 AM | | Thanks for all the info. I am sure by October I will have enough info for a great trip. | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 7/1/2008 10:02:39 AM | http://www.thetimeny.com/
http://www.mayfairnewyork.com/mayfair/index2.htm
2 small boutique hotels in the theatre district for less than 200 per night, usually. | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 7/2/2008 7:24:09 PM | Broadway tickets are easy to purchase half price...same day as the show....
There are alot of plays to choose from.
I took the bus to NYC... and was lucky to have a friend offer me a room in his apt. I cannot say I liked being in Harlem but south of there...it is alllllll very good. The subway system is amazing and you can get to anywhere and everywhere. If you plan on moving about, it is fairly cheap for a weekly pass. Downtown Manhattan is expensive to stay.... so do not be afraid to be adventurous as the subway is fast... there are 2 lines, one is express and one that stops at each stop.... Heck, that is why I love NYC.... I did not have time to travel every burough but I did see Manhattan. The Soho area is great for eating...fun, lively.... and appeals to those with eclectic tastes.
One thing I really liked about NYC.... I felt safe walking by myself even in the block I had to travel from the subway to the apt in Harlem, although I might not be inclined to do that late at night.
Kudos to your daughter... Your trip will be memorable for both of you.
D. | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 7/3/2008 1:03:29 PM | You and your daughter are going to have a fantastic time. I just got back (6-29) from taking my son there for his 18th b-day/graduation present and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
We stayed in Newark and took the train in to the city each day because it was less expensive. I would recommend the Fairfield Inn in Woodbridge if you want to do that. It is a very nice hotel in a better part of the city. They have free shuttle from the airport (Newark) and free transportation to Newark Penn Station for NYC access. If you fly into JFK or LaGuardia, you can take a train to the airport for hotel pick-up.
Any tickets you can get online ahead of time definitely saves you time and lots of time money. Definitely don't rent a car. Parking and traffic is not worth it. You can get a subway map at any of the Walgreens or CVS stores in Manhattan if you want to have one handy. My son and I just used the map posted at the stations and could find the right train to take us where we wanted to go.
We went to see Phantom of the Opera the first night we were there and it was the favorite part of our trip. I don't know how long you are staying but 4 days was not long enough for us to do everything we wanted to do. So, make you list of priorities and definitely have a plan of action each day to maximize what you can do. We walked most everywhere just so we could see the sights. We already know that at some point we are going back (probably not together). It is an incredible city that has so much to do and see.
Have a great trip and enjoy the time with your daughter - the time with my son was the highlight of my trip. | |
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| New York Broadway Trip
Posted: 8/26/2008 9:33:39 AM | I went to NYC and saw a Broadway Show...at the time it was The Odd Couple. We got tickets at the discount place at Times Square.
I stayed at the Lucerne Hotel, very nice but the room service sucked. It was close to Central park and the Met. also close to subway.
I travelled on the subway which was really easy.
I found the site www.nyc.com to be very helpful planning my trip and for things to do.
Hope you have a great time. | |
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