New York Pass Blog

In April 2011, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg made a fantastic and game changing announcement. Starting in the 2012 season, Disney Cruise Lines will be offering 20 cruises onboard the Disney Magic to set sail from New York Harbor at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. The combination of one of the greatest cities on Earth with one of the most loved companies and cast of characters is set to bring forward a whole new level to the New York City tourist experience.

Over the last few decades, cruising has become a choice method of vacation for many Americans as well as foreign visitors in New York and around the country. New York is ranked among the top 10 cruise ports in the United States due to the shopping and dining options available to cruisers before and after their journey, which allows those interested in extended vacations the option to take advantage of the many attractions and sightseeing options available in New York as part of the cruise vacation experience.

The addition of Disney Magic and its estimated 56,000 passengers is set to increase tourist revenue to the City of New York by $11 million. In fact, cruising and the overall concentration on the tourist industry is one of the primary reasons that New York seems to be heading out of the recession faster than many other American cities.

In addition to the economic benefits of this partnership, New York City as a port-of-call for Disney Cruises will allow a whole new set of tourists – children – the opportunity to experience the Big Apple first hand. There are many sights in New York that are child-friendly and the diversity of cruise lengths and destinations opens the door for a new type of New York vacation experience whereby parents can rely on some old friends to provide entertainment for a few days before heading to more “sophisticated” fare on land.

Disney Magic will be offering 20 individual cruises from May-September 2012. These will include 8-night trips to the Bahamas, 5-night trips to New England and Canada, and 2-night “weekend getaway” packages. The diversity of offerings will allow visitors to consider a cruise as a part of their New York experience or add New York as part of the cruising experience.

The longest trip to the Bahamas is a special treat as cruisers will be able to visit Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas as well as Port Canaveral, FL. When in Florida, each cruise passenger will receive a one-day park hopper pass to Disney theme parks as well as transportation to and from the parks as part of that port-of-call. The trip to New England will include stops at Nova Scotia, St. John, Halifax and New Brunswick.

The Disney Magic took its maiden voyage in 1998 and is honored to have none other than Tinkerbell as the godmother of the ship. It can accommodate up to 2,700 passengers and boasts 10 expansive decks. It is 964 feet long by 106 feet wide with a cast and crew of 950 people aboard the ship. Disney cruise line offers activities and care for even the smallest of passengers in several age-specific and themed kids clubs.  Parents are then able to take advantage of adult-only activities at the different ports-of-call.

Ever since that sunny Tuesday almost 10 years ago, Lower Manhattan has been synonymous with fear and destruction rather than the beacon of life and commerce that it was in the 1990s. Other than mourners, few tourists have seen Lower Manhattan as much of a destination in the past decade, but the city is out to change that.

This is why in partnership with New York Mayor Michael Bloomburg, NYC & Company, which handles marketing and tourism for the city, has launched the Get More NYC: Lower Manhattan campaign. Running through September 6, 2011, the purpose of this campaign is to draw tourists to a revitalized Lower Manhattan to experience all that it has to offer in terms of hotels, restaurants and shopping.

Since the tragic events of 2001, the area that surrounds what was once the World Trade Center has been a booming area for building and growth. The population living in Lower Manhattan is more than twice what it was in the 1990s and tourist visits have been steadily climbing over the past few years. Several hotels have been built and the area has once again become a cultural center for native New Yorkers as well as visitors to the city.

The Get More NYC: Lower Manhattan campaign has partnered up with 11 local hotels to offer guests late checkout as well as a free Downtown Culture Pass that will give each holder 3 days of entry to 9 attractions in Lower Manhattan and surrounding areas. These attractions include: Fraunces Tavern Museum, Museum of Jewish Heritage, Museum of American Finance, National Museum of the American Indian, The New York City Police Museum, 9/11 Preview Site, Tribute WTC Visitor Center, The Skyscraper Museum and Wall Street Walks (a walking tour of Wall Street).

While in Lower Manhattan this summer, make sure to take advantage of many of the free events and concerts that are taking place near the waterfront. The Harbor also offers many boating trips and tours as well which, in conjunction with a New York City tourist pass, are affordable ways to get a real picture of the city.

On your next trip to New York, don’t get lost focusing only on Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Remember that Lower Manhattan holds a wealth of treasures for you to see and experience and ways to make your trip a memorable one.

New York Pass, the all-inclusive one-stop tourist pass for the most active of New York City tourists announced recently that there will be several upgrades to its offerings beginning in the summer of 2011. This begins with the addition of seven new attractions that are now included in the price of the NY Pass. These attractions are:

• Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour
• The Skyscraper Museum
• Museum of American Finance
• NYC Mob Tours
• Wall St. Walks: History of Wall St. Tour
• Museum of Jewish Heritage
• Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour

New York Pass has long been the premiere choice for active tourists who wish to see as much of New York as possible in a 1, 2, 3, or 7 day period at a discounted rate. The addition of these seven new attractions goes a long way towards helping this pass compete with the more tour-heavy New York Explorer Pass, offered by Smart Destinations.

In addition to these attractions, NYP has unrolled additional discounts offered to pass holders as well. This includes a care kit included free with a $75 purchase at Sunglass Hut, a 50% discount on your first drink at the Brooklyn Winery (the tour is also included in the pass) and a $10 discount off of the Real Bronx Tours.

Finally, New York Pass was also excited to enhance its relationship with Uncle Sam’s Tour company. Previously, pass holders were allowed to participate in one of these walking tours. However, the Summer 2011 updated pass will include all of the following tours:

• Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour(Self Guided)
• Food on Foot Tours Harlem One-Stop Cultural Walking Tours
• Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour
• On Location Tours: Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour
• Wall St. Walks: History of Wall St. Tour
• NYC Mob Tours(or take their bus tour)

Some of these tours require preregistration, however, so it is important to call ahead to make sure that you can get a slot.

New York Pass is available in 1, 2, 3 and 7 day formats at a cost ranging from $80-$200 for adults and $55-$160 for children ages 3-12. It can be pre-purchased online before your trip to New York and comes with a complimentary 176-page guidebook to help you plan your New York getaway.

In April of 2011 the museum at Discovery Times Square welcomed a new exhibit Harry Potter: The Exhibition, which will remain in the city until September 5^th. Located at 226 West 44^th Street and open daily from 10am-8pm this is an exciting addition to an already exciting museum and city.

The exhibit will include over 200 props and costumes from the film. Each of these pieces will be displayed in areas that are inspired by the films as well, such as the Great Hall, the Gryffindor Common Room and Hagrid’s Hut.

There will also be an opportunity for a hands-on experience of the wizarding world. There is a Quidditch room where children can practice throwing the Quaffle ball. There is also an opportunity to pull a Mandrake in Herbology and meet Buckbeak the hippogriff and a giant Acromantula spider.

This is the last stop that this exhibition has scheduled in North America. It is a must-see for any die-hard Potter fan that has received fantastic review across the country. Though not unique to New York itself, any Potter-lover planning to visit the city this summer should take advantage of this wonderful addition to an already dynamic museum at Discovery Times Square.

New York Pass, one of the premier discount tourist offerings for New York visitors, is proud to announce that all pass holders will receive free entry into this exhibit – valued at $25.00 for adults and $19.50 for children – as Discovery Times Square is one of the sights included in its price.

New York Pass is an all-inclusive discount tourist pass that costs adults between $80-$200 and between $55-$160 for children 3-12. Passes are available for 1, 2, 3, and 7 days and can be pre-purchased online before arriving in New York. The NYP allows holder free entry and fast track lines at over 55 of New York’s hottest attractions.

If you are planning a trip for two to New York, it’s likely that you have a lot of seen a lot of suggestions for the “perfect view” or “best meal” or “most romantic walk.” However, while conventional ideas like the Empire State Building á la An Affair to Remember or the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center are always popular, there are many other options to make even a short visit to New York a romantic and memorable one without resorting to cliché.

The Great White Way

So many New York travelers neglect one of New York’s cornerstones – Broadway – in favor of the more recognizable landmarks or stereotypical shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Yet, as Neil Patrick Harris so eloquently sang at the 2011 Tony Awards, “it’s not just for gays anymore.” Broadway offers a rich smorgasbord of fare for everyone from the theatre junkie, to the musical virgin with everything in between.

If you are planning a trip to New York with your better half on any given Friday or Saturday night there are shows that can suit whatever mood you are in or type of relationship you have. Like comedy? Try The Book of Mormon written by the creators of South Park. In to classic musical theatre? Wicked, one of Steven Sondheim’s perennial classics, has been revived. For the more serious, The Normal Heart, which chronicles one man’s battle with AIDS, is an excellent and critically acclaimed choice.

It is never inappropriate to dress to the nines for a show or really to go anywhere in New York at night and paired with an elegant dinner at a hideaway restaurant (see next section), opting for Broadway over massive lines at the ESB can be downright dreamy.

Inconspicuous Treasures

It is no secret that New York is a beacon for culinary talents the world over. Its multinational population paired with its close proximity to the Culinary Institute of America, make finding a great meal in New York as easy as walking up to the nearest food truck. And, truthfully, that is an experience worth having unto itself.

However, if you are looking for a romantic spot for dinner, dining at any exclusive restaurant run by someone with a television show is always an option, but it is by no means a necessity if you want great food. Literally, some of the best places to eat in New York don’t even look like restaurants at all upon first glance. One of the best meals I have ever had in New York was at an Italian restaurant that was somewhere in the vicinity of Grand Central and found randomly because I was hungry and on my way to the train. The place was vertical (the waiters literally took an elevator between tables and the kitchen) and not easily seen to the untrained eye, but the food, the atmosphere and the experience were like none other. I’ve been to B.B. Kings, the big restaurants in Times Square, they all blend into one after awhile, but not this place.

The key to a unique eating experience, a romantic and memorable eating experience in New York is observation, a little risk, and an open mind. Look for places people who know where they are going to flock. Ask doormen for uncensored recommendations. You will not be disappointed.

Remember the Outer Boroughs

So many people when they come to New York fixate on Manhattan. And while most of what tourists associate with the City is found on this tiny island, its real treasures are on the outside. There are many places in Brooklyn with food that will leave you wishing you could eat more, the Botanical Gardens in Flushing, Queens are unmatched in beauty, and even Monument Park at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx can woo a die-hard baseball fan.

Getting to the outer boroughs alone can be a unique experience. Anyone visiting New York needs to take at least one taxi. If you’re brave, the subway is another option that will usually make for good stories around the family holiday table. The system is not even close to the best in the world, but it has a personality all its own that is worth seeing. Plus, the people who live outside of Manhattan will usually provide a different perspective on the New York experience.

Bottom Line: It’s All About You

Sometimes the experience of just being together among a population as vast as New York’s can be romantic in itself. The important thing is not to limit yourself when deciding where to go, how to get there and what to do. There is so much that this city has to offer beyond the emblematic that a little research specific to your tastes can uncover. So make sure that when you plan your trip, you look at yourselves and what you like. That is the true key to unlocking romantic New York.

Many people associate the idea of “spring break” with college kids, beaches, sun and too much to drink. Yet, traveling to New York City, though not nearly as sunny, can be equally as rewarding, much more enriching and, with CityPass, financially gratifying.

A New York CityPass costs only $79 for adults ($59 for children 6-17). Even if you only have a few days in the Big Apple, the discounted entry costs to the Empire State Building, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The American Museum of Natural History, and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) as well as the option to visit either the Guggenheim Museum or Top of the Rock, and The Statue of Liberty or the Circle Line Cruise cannot be beat.

CityPass is the choice among discount travel passes for those interested in museums and the spring is really the perfect season to visit these amazing landmarks. With the CityPass, you have the option of using your tickets for up to 9 days, allowing you to go with the flow in terms of finicky spring weather and choose the best days for the cruise and ESB while spending the remainder of your trip wandering the hallways in some of the best art houses of the world.

This begins with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, known only as The Met to most art enthusiasts and New York locals. Boasting over two million different pieces that span 5,000 years, the Met was founded in 1870 and has remained one of the world’s finest and most famous art museums ever since. Among the Met’s collection you will find such famous pieces as Emanuel Luetze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware, paintings by Monet, Cézanne, and Rembrandt, as well as a separate museum, the Cloisters, which was founded by John D. Rockefeller and is dedicated to medieval art.

The American Museum of Natural History is the next option for CityPass holders. Founded in 1869, and holding over 32 million specimens, this museum is one of the world’s largest and most celebrated treasures. Home to meteorites, dinosaur bones, a planetarium and one of the greatest libraries on natural history in the worls, there is literally something for everyone at this place. It is located on a beautiful piece of land just outside of Central Park.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is another New York treasure. The foremost museum dedicated solely to the exhibition of modern and western artists, here you will find Picasso’s Les Desmoiselles d’Avignon, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans and many, many other familiar and ground-breaking pieces. MoMA contains over 300,000 artist’s books, books and periodicals, as well as files on over 70,000 artists. MoMA was founded in 1929 and is dedicated to facilitating the enjoyment and appreciation of modern and contemporary art. Showing films, rotating exhibits and really projecting a different type of museum atmosphere, MoMA is a must-see for even the most reluctant of museum-goers.

Finally, one of CityPass’s two option tickets allows travelers admission into the Guggenheim Museum. Worth seeing for its architecture alone, New York’s Guggenheim is part of a network of museums around the globe with additional branches in Venice, Bilbao, Berlin, and Abu Dhabi. Another museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art and artists, the Guggenheim hosts daily tours.

For the art-lover, choosing to travel to New York City with the deep discounts of the CityPass can be a great way to experience the best the city has to offer at a reduced rate. By choosing to go to New York in the spring, you are given the added benefit of reduced crowds, a chance at warmer weather, and a guarantee to take away more than just a sunburn.