Travel Mum
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 26, 2010
This is exciting as this post is exactly one year before we arrive into NYC on 01 Jan 2017. Oh gosh it sure looks very cold !!!
We had a Disney December, Bahamian Xmas, NYC NYE and then some!! COMPLETED!
- Thread starter lffam
- Start date
lffam
Disney/Marvel Nutty Dad
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge
The next day was a glorious, but freezing day. Perhaps not the best day to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, but that’s what we were going to do anyway. We caught the subway from close by our hotel. I can’t remember which stop we had to get off at, but it wasn’t far and we could then see the bridge and the many other people who were doing the same thing we were.
There is a dedicated pedestrian level of the bridge which is above the vehicles. I found the bridge to be quite spectacular from architectural perspective. My tip when taking photos is to make sure you do your best to align the structure vertically and horizontal in your shots. It took us about 45mins to walk across, and this was stopping quite regularly for photos. It was cold, make no mistake. You can see it in our faces in the photos. There was a chilly wind which made it worse. But it was a really great walk across. You can see out Upper Hudson Bay and a keen eye can spot the Lady of Liberty and a zoom lens can get a nice shot of it. There were plenty of people walking over this day. Our plan was to walk over and then have lunch at Grimaldi’s Pizza’s which is exactly what we did.
Here are some photos from the walk over.
One World Tower
Walking up to the Bridge
Not sure if I took these because of the building or because it is part of Pace University, who started “Inside the Actors Studio”
Starting the walk
Clear day, but COLD!
DS wanted to take this for a spin
Impressive skyline
Love this one
Out to the Bay
The road below
continued next post....
The next day was a glorious, but freezing day. Perhaps not the best day to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, but that’s what we were going to do anyway. We caught the subway from close by our hotel. I can’t remember which stop we had to get off at, but it wasn’t far and we could then see the bridge and the many other people who were doing the same thing we were.
There is a dedicated pedestrian level of the bridge which is above the vehicles. I found the bridge to be quite spectacular from architectural perspective. My tip when taking photos is to make sure you do your best to align the structure vertically and horizontal in your shots. It took us about 45mins to walk across, and this was stopping quite regularly for photos. It was cold, make no mistake. You can see it in our faces in the photos. There was a chilly wind which made it worse. But it was a really great walk across. You can see out Upper Hudson Bay and a keen eye can spot the Lady of Liberty and a zoom lens can get a nice shot of it. There were plenty of people walking over this day. Our plan was to walk over and then have lunch at Grimaldi’s Pizza’s which is exactly what we did.
Here are some photos from the walk over.
One World Tower
Walking up to the Bridge
Not sure if I took these because of the building or because it is part of Pace University, who started “Inside the Actors Studio”
Starting the walk
Clear day, but COLD!
DS wanted to take this for a spin
Impressive skyline
Love this one
Out to the Bay
The road below
continued next post....
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lffam
Disney/Marvel Nutty Dad
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
Walking Brooklyn Bridge & lunch @ Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Our first view of Lady Liberty
Can you tell its cold for us?!
Approaching the other side
If you look close you can see on the sign on the lower left building it says 1 degree C. It felt a lot colder.
Off the bridge and looking for Grimaldi’s Pizza
Found it with a little bit of a wrong turn. Many reviews rate this as the best Pizza in New York and among the top 5 in USA. So they had a lot to live up to
It was around 12:30, we had a 20min wait to get in
The pizza was good, no doubt about it. Was it the “best” or the best I’ve ever eaten. That would be a big call. They definitely keep overheads down, the tables and chairs, at least where we were sitting the upholstery was all ripped, they serve the pizza on plastic plates and give you plastic cutlery. It wasn’t what I was expecting, while that doesn’t obviously change the taste of the pizza, I probably just had different expectations. oh and it is cash only just case you were planning to use a card to pay.
We decided to catch the subway back from Brooklyn to our hotel, rather than walk back over the bridge again. It is a really enjoyable walk over the bridge and I thoroughly recommend doing it. We will certainly be doing it again next time.
Our first view of Lady Liberty
Can you tell its cold for us?!
Approaching the other side
If you look close you can see on the sign on the lower left building it says 1 degree C. It felt a lot colder.
Off the bridge and looking for Grimaldi’s Pizza
Found it with a little bit of a wrong turn. Many reviews rate this as the best Pizza in New York and among the top 5 in USA. So they had a lot to live up to
It was around 12:30, we had a 20min wait to get in
The pizza was good, no doubt about it. Was it the “best” or the best I’ve ever eaten. That would be a big call. They definitely keep overheads down, the tables and chairs, at least where we were sitting the upholstery was all ripped, they serve the pizza on plastic plates and give you plastic cutlery. It wasn’t what I was expecting, while that doesn’t obviously change the taste of the pizza, I probably just had different expectations. oh and it is cash only just case you were planning to use a card to pay.
We decided to catch the subway back from Brooklyn to our hotel, rather than walk back over the bridge again. It is a really enjoyable walk over the bridge and I thoroughly recommend doing it. We will certainly be doing it again next time.
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lffam
Disney/Marvel Nutty Dad
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
It is a great walk I agree.
We really wanted to do the High Line walk but didn't get the chance. It will be on our list to do in June next year for sure.
Travel Mum
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 26, 2010
I've got it on my list to subway across to Brooklyn and walk back the other way towards Manhattan. I'm certainly not looking forward to the cold though. Brrrr.
I've also got possibly walking the Highline on the list but just not sure if we'd be experiencing it to the full when walking it in winter.
I've also got possibly walking the Highline on the list but just not sure if we'd be experiencing it to the full when walking it in winter.
Aussie Wendy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2008
You old romantic, you! How sweet. Love your photos of Central Park with the skyline - just brilliant.
Aussie Wendy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2008
I was thinking all that hassle we would have been so stressed out, DH espy would have been saying to me, why did you organise this etc, as he would have been uncomfortable with it all. I have also thought watching live footage that NY Eve in Times Sqe while iconic, somehow doesn't seem as good perhaps as some other cities in the world. The ball drop espy just doesn't seem to me to say "wow" so interesting to hear your point of view..but yes, you are there, one time event, so I think your choice was a good one (standing in the crowds in the cold for 8 hours isn't!!). Mind you now that makes me think - so why do I buck at paying $70-$100 for ringside seat events at Riverfire? On the other hand we watched the 4th July fireworks in NYC (for free on the riverbank down a little from where you are staying) and that was a great experience, mostly because of atmosphere with locals around us, though again the fireworks weren't a patch on Riverfire or NY Eve in Aus or various events in Melbourne. Maybe we are spoilt?
Aussie Wendy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2008
Congratulations on your anniversary by the way. Your photos of the Brooklyn Bridge are great - looked cold though. Again so different to our walk where we were melting in the heat. We chose to subway to Brooklyn and walk the opposite direction. You seemed to have a lot more people walking it too, I guess Xmas-NY break. Gah, you keep making me want to go back to NYC!
lffam
Disney/Marvel Nutty Dad
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
I have read that people have said the walk the from Brooklyn to Manhattan is better. Who knows, we'll have to compare notes after @Travel Mum !
lffam
Disney/Marvel Nutty Dad
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
I'm choosing my favourites to get printed and hang on our walls at home.
The more I reflect on it the more I firm up my view that it's done now forever! just at dinner tonight DW said she thought that I didn't write much about how stressful it actually was. I guess I didn't want to put to many people off but still tell of our experiences. I had certainly read of worse experiences before we left, so in perspective it turned out out and we did all enjoy it.
Next summer we will feel that heat you speak of. If we do walk it again, we will probably do it the other way just to see!
lffam
Disney/Marvel Nutty Dad
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
Lady of Liberty - Staten Island Ferry
Today saw us venture to see the Lady of Liberty. We were well informed that the Staten Island Ferry was a great, free option to see this iconic attraction. The Staten Island ferry left from South St Ferry and not surprisingly goes to Staten Island, passing the Statue of Liberty with some fantastic views. It does not actually dock at Liberty island, so if this is what you want to do then you do have to go one of the many commercial providers. We caught the subway from near our hotel and caught the #1 red line to the South Ferry Station. When we came out of the subway we were met with a throng of “hawkers” spruiking for tours to and of Statue of liberty. It was actually quite misleading. They had people with jackets on with “Security” blazoned on them saying “This way, following straight down this side, come down this way etc” So it almost seemed like you had to go a certain way, we veered off to the left and sat alongside the bay so we could get our bearings. We were able to get a view of the Statue from the water’s edge. We then realised that we had gone left out of the subway station when we should have gone right and pretty much have done a U turn, which then the Ferry terminal was right in front of us.
There was a Ferry just leaving but we missed this one. There was another not long, maybe 15-20 mins for memory. A queue was starting form so we joined it and made our way on. The queue seemed to stretch back quite some way but when we were on the ferry there was plenty of room. It didn't seem crowded at all.
We seemed to have an escort with the Coast Guard following alongside. Before too long we were getting a close up view of the Statue which was pretty amazing I must say. I had watched a documentary about the history of the statue and it had piqued my interest so seeing it up close was a great experience. I think next time we might make look into going to Liberty island, but for this trip seeing the Statue of Liberty like this was a great experience.
We docked and some people bolted to catch the ferry back, but we just took our time and by the time we got off and approached the return area they had closed the doors. This was fine by us, we found a nice place to sit and have some lunch and just watch the day go by. After this we caught the ferry back for the return journey and some more pictures.
Took a while to make sure it was real
You guessed it, it was COLD!
From Battery Park
One World Trade Centre
Working out how to get to the Ferry Terminal.
We seemed to have an escort
Some great views of The Statue of Liberty, and all for free!
After lunch at Staten Island
Today saw us venture to see the Lady of Liberty. We were well informed that the Staten Island Ferry was a great, free option to see this iconic attraction. The Staten Island ferry left from South St Ferry and not surprisingly goes to Staten Island, passing the Statue of Liberty with some fantastic views. It does not actually dock at Liberty island, so if this is what you want to do then you do have to go one of the many commercial providers. We caught the subway from near our hotel and caught the #1 red line to the South Ferry Station. When we came out of the subway we were met with a throng of “hawkers” spruiking for tours to and of Statue of liberty. It was actually quite misleading. They had people with jackets on with “Security” blazoned on them saying “This way, following straight down this side, come down this way etc” So it almost seemed like you had to go a certain way, we veered off to the left and sat alongside the bay so we could get our bearings. We were able to get a view of the Statue from the water’s edge. We then realised that we had gone left out of the subway station when we should have gone right and pretty much have done a U turn, which then the Ferry terminal was right in front of us.
There was a Ferry just leaving but we missed this one. There was another not long, maybe 15-20 mins for memory. A queue was starting form so we joined it and made our way on. The queue seemed to stretch back quite some way but when we were on the ferry there was plenty of room. It didn't seem crowded at all.
We seemed to have an escort with the Coast Guard following alongside. Before too long we were getting a close up view of the Statue which was pretty amazing I must say. I had watched a documentary about the history of the statue and it had piqued my interest so seeing it up close was a great experience. I think next time we might make look into going to Liberty island, but for this trip seeing the Statue of Liberty like this was a great experience.
We docked and some people bolted to catch the ferry back, but we just took our time and by the time we got off and approached the return area they had closed the doors. This was fine by us, we found a nice place to sit and have some lunch and just watch the day go by. After this we caught the ferry back for the return journey and some more pictures.
Took a while to make sure it was real
You guessed it, it was COLD!
From Battery Park
One World Trade Centre
Working out how to get to the Ferry Terminal.
We seemed to have an escort
Some great views of The Statue of Liberty, and all for free!
After lunch at Staten Island
lffam
Disney/Marvel Nutty Dad
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
9/11 Memorial
We got back to the Ferry Terminal. The Ferry terminal is not far from 9/11 memorial, it was about a 15min walk. We had not booked any of the tours or going up to the Observatory, so were planning just to go and see the memorial. I found it quite a haunting experience. To see the names of the people of died was moving, and to let your mind wander to what it must have been like was chilling. We spent a good amount of time walking around, reflecting and just taking things in. Next time we go to NYC we will be sure to visit the Observatory.
We got back to the Ferry Terminal. The Ferry terminal is not far from 9/11 memorial, it was about a 15min walk. We had not booked any of the tours or going up to the Observatory, so were planning just to go and see the memorial. I found it quite a haunting experience. To see the names of the people of died was moving, and to let your mind wander to what it must have been like was chilling. We spent a good amount of time walking around, reflecting and just taking things in. Next time we go to NYC we will be sure to visit the Observatory.
Travel Mum
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 26, 2010
Yay thanks for the update - I'd been hoping for another one soon 
Aussie Wendy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2008
Some brilliant pics of Lady Liberty. 9/11 memorial was still a building site when we were there so its a definite for our next visit. Interesting to see your pics.
Travel Mum
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 26, 2010
What's up next ???
Travel Mum
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 26, 2010
Lffam, has, by chance ,the planning of your next US trip got in the way of finishing this one? I would totally understand if it has but I'm still really keen to find out how this trip finished. Pretty please
lffam
Disney/Marvel Nutty Dad
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2010
NBC Studio Tour
Today was our last full day in NYC . We had tickets booked for a Studio Tour at the NBC Studios which are in “30 Rock” –Rockerfeller Centre. Both DS & I are huge media, TV, movie production fans, so any chance to get behind the scenes is something we love. The NBC studios here in NYC are working studios, ie they really make shows and broadcast from here. Some of the well-known shows they produce from these studios are Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, The Meredith Vieira Show to name a few.
We arrived quite early and looked around Rockefeller Center and then the NBC shop where they had lots of merchandise and some nice photo ops.
You weren’t allowed to take photos or video on the tour itself unfortunately, but that is pretty normal for these types of tours. We were taken on the tour by and NBC “Page” which is like a paid intern from what I can gather. We actually went in on the Saturday Night Live set and saw them preparing for the show which was pretty cool. We didn’t get to see Jimmy’s set unfortunately which was a little disappointing, but hey maybe next time!
Certainly was cold
The culmination of the tour was the group we were with got to make our own “Tonight show”. We were led into a studio and were told the parts/roles that were available. These were Host, Guest, Announcer, band, camera operators, sound control room. The page called for volunteers for each role, starting with Host. DS waited a few seconds so as not to seem too eager. No one else wanted to be Host so he jumped at the chance. DW was in the and, though her other two band mates were not really happy to be in it. I was a camera man. The people in the sound control room were meant to play the laugh and clapping tracks on cue but they didn’t really do a very good job of it so this made it difficult for DS to stay on his script at times but he did a great job despite their efforts.
Here is the video which they upload for you to keep
Today was our last full day in NYC . We had tickets booked for a Studio Tour at the NBC Studios which are in “30 Rock” –Rockerfeller Centre. Both DS & I are huge media, TV, movie production fans, so any chance to get behind the scenes is something we love. The NBC studios here in NYC are working studios, ie they really make shows and broadcast from here. Some of the well-known shows they produce from these studios are Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, The Meredith Vieira Show to name a few.
We arrived quite early and looked around Rockefeller Center and then the NBC shop where they had lots of merchandise and some nice photo ops.
You weren’t allowed to take photos or video on the tour itself unfortunately, but that is pretty normal for these types of tours. We were taken on the tour by and NBC “Page” which is like a paid intern from what I can gather. We actually went in on the Saturday Night Live set and saw them preparing for the show which was pretty cool. We didn’t get to see Jimmy’s set unfortunately which was a little disappointing, but hey maybe next time!
Certainly was cold
The culmination of the tour was the group we were with got to make our own “Tonight show”. We were led into a studio and were told the parts/roles that were available. These were Host, Guest, Announcer, band, camera operators, sound control room. The page called for volunteers for each role, starting with Host. DS waited a few seconds so as not to seem too eager. No one else wanted to be Host so he jumped at the chance. DW was in the and, though her other two band mates were not really happy to be in it. I was a camera man. The people in the sound control room were meant to play the laugh and clapping tracks on cue but they didn’t really do a very good job of it so this made it difficult for DS to stay on his script at times but he did a great job despite their efforts.
Here is the video which they upload for you to keep
Last edited:
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