My NYC trip UPDATED 1/ 7/06 About This Page:

[2princessmom]

I thought I would do a trip report of my trip to NYC. I am hoping when I get back from the holidays to add in pictures. But I may need someone's help on that.

Pre-trip information
Back in September my DH came home and said that he had to go to NYC the week after Thanksgiving for a conference and there might be a way for me to go!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]

I have always wanted to go during the holidays but this would be a four day trip and would we be able to get babysitting? Before I even had a chance to ask his mom volunteered as long as we could find someone to watch the girls for the first day. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

So, now it was a for sure! We got the plane tickets and found a hotel The Park Central and I went to work on finding someone to help with the girls on the first day!

Amazingly, a neighbor said she would come down to our house at 3:30 am and watch the girls till Cassidy went to school and then take Caitlyn to her house until MIL could get to the house to pick her up. Yea!!!! Cassidy would stay with a friend so all is decided and now it was just wait until Dec 5th.

Day One
Dec 5th finally comes and I am all packed and ready to go. DH actually wakes up first around 2 am! I am up and showered and packed and ready to go by 3am. Now it was a waiting game to see if our neighbor would make it and then if the shuttle would come to early. Everything happens right on time and we are on the road to the airport by 3:45am! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

We get our bags checked in and are at the gate about an hour before our 6am flight. Unfortunately it is totally oversold and there will be no way for us to move to Economy plus but at least we are on the flight. It is a non-stop to LaGuardia and we arrive right on time at 4:05pm.

We find our bags and call for our driver and are on the road into NYC by 4:30.

The drive in was very interesting! My DH had lived in NYC for a year and was used to how people drive but I on the other was not. I had alot of fun with the driving but was amazed at how anyone could drive and NOT get hit! I was also amazed at how anyone got where they were going since 2 lanes are really 4 and if you stop for a second then all the pedestrians just start crossing the road etc. But it was fun to just experience it all.

We arrived at our hotel around 5:30 and were checked in and upstairs by 5:45. We were on the 11th floor I believe in room 1139. We had no view except for workers in the building next to us so our curtains were shut for the trip.

I had found my second wind and was ready to get out and see the town. I was also starving as the only food I had was some crackers on the plane. So we got the camera and headed to Times Square.

What a fun and vibrant place! For a first timer I couldn't stop staring at all the lights and there was so much to see! The best part was the giant KING Kong! It was premiere day so you could get your pictures taken with Kong! Very impressive! I think they said 900 lbs and 25 ft tall and very life like! I was hoping to see all the stars but we didn't.

We basically walked around, shopped for the girls at Toys R us and ate at Friday's. Although, I was very disappointed as they had a limited menu and the food was mediocre at best. Oh well.

After eating we went to the Hard Rock and bought a hurricane glass and key chain, took more pictures and then headed to Rockerfeller Center.

What an amazing sight! And will we make it to the top?

[BabieeMelly]

Great start! I was wondering how your trip went, I can't wait to read more!

[lauren-roxy]

Great start!! I love NYC!! My husband and I were frequent visitors before we had children!! Can't wait to read more!!

[crystalloubear]

Can't wait to hear more

[DopeyGirl]

Great start Dianna!!! I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] NYC . . . looking forward to hearing all about the rest of the trip!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

[Irene]

Wonderful!

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smileysanta.gif[/img] [b]<font color="red">H</font> <font color="green">a </font><font color="red">v </font> <font color="green">e . . . </font><font color="red">A . . . </font><font color="green"> M </font><font color="red">a </font> <font color="green">g </font><font color="red">i </font> <font color="green">c </font><font color="red"> a </font> <font color="green"> l . . . </font><font color="red">H </font> <font color="green">o </font><font color="red">l </font> <font color="green">i </font><font color="red">d </font> <font color="green">a </font><font color="red"> y </font><font color="green">! </font> [b]

[loobyoxlip]

I can't wait to one day make it to NYC myself. Sounds like a great beginning!

[jimmymac]

Getting around manhattan is indeed an art form. One of the myriad reasons it's the greatest city in the world!

[chezp]

What a great start – I can’t wait to read more. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img]

[2princessmom]

When I left off we were headed to Rockerfeller Center. Along the way we took many pictures and saw many fun window displays! Had to take a couple of pictures fo the Build A Bear store!

We finally made it to the plaza. We entered from 5th Avenue and looked down at the tree and all the Angels lining the way! Absolutely beautiful! On the building facing the plaza on 5th ave next to the church which I believe is St. Peter's was the coolest light display. This season they are celebrating the Swarozski (sp) crystals and this building had all different sizes of snowflakes that then does a light show about every 15 minutes. The music and show is amazing! It sounds like the music is coming from the church bell towers and just fills the air! We were able to video tape it and still are awestruck when we watch it!

After we were able to get going again and pick our tongues off the floor we started toward the tree. NBC has photographers out there taking pictures if you want so of course we jumped in line. All I can say is that the advertising is a little off as it says they are there for one day but were there all three days that I was in town.
That is fine it is a no obligation picture and it did actually turn out pretty good.

After many many pictures we finally made to the tree and ice rink! Lots of people but the best part was it began to snow!!!!! Nothing could have made the night more romantic! We walked around taking pictures from all angles! Loved all the decorations! As we were walking to the tree we noticed big posters talking about the Top of the Rock and that it was now open so we found a policeman that told us it was open and open late! Woo Hoo!!!!

Off we went to get tickets and go to the top! It was at this point that the only bad part of the trip happened. My DH got a call from a friend of his that he was also in town and could we meet up. Back story here is that this friend has been terrible to my DH and at one point literally trying to derail my DH's job. Needless to say, I couldn't understand why he was talking to the guy much less agreeing to meet up with him and his girlfriend!!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shameonyou.gif[/img]

I told him that I wasn't interested in doing that but I didn't prevail so they decided they would meet up with us at the top! Yikes! Do I have to? Can I be nice?

Well, no matter I was going to see NYC from the top. So we get our tickets and are headed up to the third floor. We get off the elevator and are told to take everything off and put it thru the scanners. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/questionicon.gif[/img] What did you say? THe security guy then caught himself and said take your coats off, belts, shoes if they have metal, empty pockets and all backpacks, purses etc in the bins. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img] Ok, a little relieved here. The two guys behind us had a field day with the idea that they would have to strip to just get up to the top to see the view!

Well, we made it thru security and it only took my DH about 5 minutes to get his belt back on, his shoes, refill his pockets, put on his coat and everything else he had.

So now we are in a line to get another picture as we walk over a fake beam to mimic the famous picture of all the guys sitting and eating lunch on a beam at the top of the world. If you haven't seen the picture don't worry, I hadn't either. Then we had to watch a 20 minute film of really no importance before they take you in a group to almost the top.

The view was amazing but there were still two more levels to go to be at the very top so up we go! Finally after at least 40 minutes of hassle we make it to the top and it was still snowing and beautiful! We took some more pictures and went thru the gift shop and his friend and girlfriend arrive. Well, the girlfriend was very nice and not quite sure how she can put up with the friend and glad that I don't have too! I put on my happy face and try to share in the moment thinking that as soon as we were done we could go and be done with them. But NO! We had to go and get drinks! Yikes, more of a happy face! So we walk in the general direction of our hotel and find a Brewery and have drinks. Luckily everyone was tired and we only had to socialize for about 30 minutes.

After drinks we head to the hotel and call home to check on the girls and I figure out what I am doing tomm and then fall asleep by 11:30pm.

Tomm: Shopping and the World of Disney

[lauren-roxy]

Sounds like another fantastic day in NYC!!!! Can't wait to read more, I'm really enjoying this trip report!!!

[chezp]

Another excellent update – that Swarovski display sounds awesome. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] I hope we’ll get to see some of the photos of New York in the snow – it sounds just perfect. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[BabieeMelly]

Great update, Dianna! When the Top of the Rock first opened my Dad got a bunch of free tickets and we all went. The view was great! I'd love to see your pictures, if you can upload them. I'm SO looking forward to reading more!!!

[Colexis Mom]

What a great trip you're having [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] More please [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[2princessmom]

My first full day filled with shopping and World of Disney!

We had set the alarm the night before but it didn't go off and luckily I just happen to wake up about 6:45 and rolled over and woke up Ted. He flew out of bed as he hadn't really figured out where his conference was and how to get there and it started at 7:30.

He quickly made it out and I guess figured out how to get over to Weehauken.

I sort of debated about getting up and heading over to Rockerfeller Plaza to watch the Today show but decided to just relax a bit. I got showered and ready for the day and was out the door by 8:30. I planned on just stopping along my way for breakfast but somehow I got sidetracked and never did. This would be a theme for the whole trip.

I headed up 7th street to Central Park. It had lightly snowed the night before and everything looked so beautiful. It had no more than an inch of snow but just enough to give it the perfect Christmas coating. The snow stayed for the two days I was there!

I was blown away by Central Park. It was early and the park was empty! I just walked around and took pictures! Absolutely gorgeous! (I am working on getting them posted)

I found an open air market at the corner of Central Park by 8th street but they weren't open yet. I hoped to come back but never made it. Oh well! I headed back thru the park towards Fifth Avenue.

I can't tell you all the beautiful sights and many, many picture opportunities! Although, I am not anywhere near the league of Cheryl or Bill. I did manage to get about 320 pictures from my two days.

I hit 5th avenue and found the CBS studios and FAO Schwartz! Cool! More shopping for the girls! I went into to FAO and was greeted by a man and a monkey. He was hilarious! He reminded me of the jungle man from Jumanji! After my first of many smiles for the day I headed off to shop for the girls.

I probably spent about an hour or two and then headed off down the street. Next stop was Trump Tower. By now, I had realized that I was hungry and thirsty. I headed in to Trump Tower and got a hot chocolate from Starbucks. I have to say that Trump Tower was way too gold for me! It looked like they also had just gotten done doing some filming for his show as well.

After having enough of Mr. Trump, I continued on down the street anxiously awaiting the arrival of WOD. I found it and immediately was in my happy place! The window displays were amazing!

I took many pictures. One in particular that I have to post for Cheryl. Eeyore was in a Christmas ornament in the window!

I walked in and just stood in the doorway not knowing which way to go! I was so excited! I spent at least two happy hours in the store! I bought out the store! My only disappointment was that they didn't have a NYC pooh. They had Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy. I think they even had a Donald but no Pooh! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I did find some pj's and a beautiful Christmas sweater. I found wonderful sweaters and jackets for the girls. As well as many other fun souvenirs. I went up to the third floor knowing that they had character meet and greets and stood in line. I was the only grown up and many looked at me like I was crazy but that is ok.

After five minutes the doors opened and we were greeted by CHip and Dale in Christmas hats and at the other end was Santa Goofy! Goofy was so fun! Since I was the last one in line Goofy and I played peek a boo and hide and seek. THe CM's said that they were so excited to see someone so happy to be there.

After playing with the characters and my purchases made and shipped home. I headed back out on the street. I wanted to go back to Rockerfeller Center to get pictures in the day time. I have to say it is just a beautiful during the day. While I was there, they were filming Inside Edition. So that was fun to watch!

What I thought was really interesting was the Dayna Devon looked totally tailored from her head to her knee's. But then from her knee's down her pants had no hem and were so long she almost couldn't walk and they were very dirty!

I then went over to the NBC store and tried to find Law and Order Criminal Intent gear for my mom. But no! Only Special Victims gear or the original show!

By now, it was around 1 and I was starving! As I was walking around Rockerfeller Center I saw an Auntie Anne's and got a pretzel. I then went back up to the Top of the Rock for daytime pictures.

When I was done, I bought a ticket for a double decker bus tour as I had heard from several that it was a good way to see the city. I was supposed to meet Ted at the World Trade Center and used the bus to get there. I really enjoyed the ride! I learned alot about the City and saw some things that I might not otherwise have seen.

Ted was running late so I just walked around and took in the scene. It was definately overwhelming and I liked all the information they had posted on the barriers. I thought there was an overlook where you could look down but I didn't find it. What was sad is that one of the buildings that was severly damaged and the owners have been working so hard to restore are unable to do so and the building will have to be torn down.

I was also amazed by the story of the church! It is amazing to see how close it was to the site and not to have suffered any damage is truly a miracle from God.

I just can't imagine what the area looked liked before and to see the whole and what so many people lost was just mindblowing.

Once Ted and I found each other we continued to walk around and then decided to go to Battery Park and see what time the last ferry was over to the Statue of Liberty. We had long since passed the time but we got some amazing pictures of Lady Liberty at sunset.

At this point it was about 5pm and I had been walking and going non-stop since 8 and I was totally exhausted!!!!! I could barely walk anymore! We tried to catch a cab but none were going in our direction so we hit the subway and were back to the hotel in about 15 minutes.

We had no plans for the evening except for a carriage ride in Central Park. We went to the concierge to ask for dinner recommendation and she mentioned a place called Kennedy's. She made a reservation for 7:30 and we went back to the room to rest for a bit.

After a rest we headed to Kennedy's. What a great place! It is an Irish pub and eatery. The atmosphere is a total 10! The food was a 10! They were out of the prime rib so we had the filet and it was a melt in your mouth piece of meat! The baked potatoe was actually baked in an oven and was delicious!

I will say that since this was my only meal of the day, it is highly possible that my brain would have liked anything that I put in my mouth. But I highly recommend this place to anyone! It also seemed highly reasonable in price!

Once we finished we headed to Central Park to see about a carriage ride. This was the only disappointment in the trip. We had asked prior to dinner how much a ride was and were told it was 34.00 for 30 minutes. However, when we got on the driver went for about 15 minutes and told us that we were done and that it was 40.00 and that he would take us thru the rest of the park for 80 dollars and let us off at 5th Avenue. He didn't speak much English and it was very hard to understand and before we could really make a decision and wouldn't stop. Ted decided it wasn't worth it but at least was romantic so we stayed on. But it really put a damper on my ride and I felt taken advantage of.

After our carriage ride we walked around the streets for a bit more before heading back to the hotel. I know we somehow ended up at Rockerfeller Center but I can't remember where else we went.

We got back around 11 and crashed pretty quickly!

Will I get up in time to make it to the Today show?