Empire State Building or Rockefeller Centre About This Page:

[chezp]

OK guys, I know the Empire State Building is THE place to go for views over New York City, but I also know that the lines can be horrendous for it. I know there's also an observation deck at the Rockefeller Center and I'm thinking that would probably have less lines, bearing in mind we're doing a flying visit to New York in October.

Has anyone done both or been up to the top of the Rockefeller Center? Would you recommend it or should I stick with the old faithful Empire State Building?

[disneygirl22]

Hi Cheryl. I usually only lurk on here but I figured I'd sign up to offer some advice. Definitely check out the Top of the Rock. We go all the time and it's a lot of fun. It gets pretty crowded (but not as bad as the Empire State Building) and it's just as expensive as the Empire State Building, but there's a lot more on offer. The elevator ride to the top of the building is worth the price of admission alone! It's a very, very cool ride but I won't give anything away The view's amazing and there are some really nice exhibits on the history of Rockefeller Center, including the famous Radio City Rockettes, NBC Studios, and the ice rink. It's definitely worth the trip!

[chezp]

Thanks for the advice - it does sound really neat.

[disneygirl22]

Originally Posted by chezp

Thanks for the advice - it does sound really neat.

You're welcome! What else do you have planned for New York?

[mcc0313]

Cheryl -

I would also have to give my vote for the Top of the Rock. It is a great view and their is also so much to see....(they have really incorporated so much into your visit).

The Empire State Building is great but if I had to make the choice it would definitely be the Top of the Rock....

[chezp]

Originally Posted by disneygirl22

You're welcome! What else do you have planned for New York?

My priority is to visit Central Park - in three previous visits, I've never made it there and I intend to put that right I think we'll probably also go out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, as DH hasn't seen Ellis Island and I have very fond memories of it from a previous trip. I also want to see some of the Financial District and the site of the World Trade Center - I feel that's something we should do while we're there. We hope to get to the World of Disney store and no doubt we'll see other buildings while we're there. We don't have long though, so it's just a case of trying to prioritise and cram as much in as we can.

[mcc0313]

I live at the WOD store....well not seriously but I work a few blocks away....Central Park is always nice especially in the Fall, maybe a trip to the Natural History Museum (that is like my favorite musesum in NY).....

[disneygirl22]

Originally Posted by chezp

My priority is to visit Central Park - in three previous visits, I've never made it there and I intend to put that right I think we'll probably also go out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, as DH hasn't seen Ellis Island and I have very fond memories of it from a previous trip. I also want to see some of the Financial District and the site of the World Trade Center - I feel that's something we should do while we're there. We hope to get to the World of Disney store and no doubt we'll see other buildings while we're there. We don't have long though, so it's just a case of trying to prioritise and cram as much in as we can.

That sounds like a lot of fun! Just make sure to prioritize since that's a lot to cram in. I saw that you'll only be in the city overnight and there's enough to do in Central Park to fill up a day alone. Central Park is a trek from the Top of the Rock but it's a relatively short cab/subway ride. Both sites are on the complete opposite end of the city from the WTC site and Financial District so definitely make sure you know what you want to do. The lines to get out to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty could waste an hour alone. It's all worth it, though, as I'm sure you know! Just make sure you have a good plan. Have fun!

[bau8]

Sorry I can't help you. I have been to NY many times but have never been to the observation deck of either. I think your decision should partly be based on where you are planning to visit. Meaning if you are looking to go to St. Patrick's then maybe you would be better off going to Rockefeller Center. But nostalgia plays a big part for Empire State Building.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by disneygirl22

That sounds like a lot of fun! Just make sure to prioritize since that's a lot to cram in. I saw that you'll only be in the city overnight and there's enough to do in Central Park to fill up a day alone. Central Park is a trek from the Top of the Rock but it's a relatively short cab/subway ride. Both sites are on the complete opposite end of the city from the WTC site and Financial District so definitely make sure you know what you want to do. The lines to get out to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty could waste an hour alone. It's all worth it, though, as I'm sure you know! Just make sure you have a good plan. Have fun!

Don't worry, I'm in the process of coming up with a good plan - and, as others here will tell you, we always manage to cram a lot of things into our days on vacation!

[bitterchickey]

I wouldn't miss the Empire. 30 rock has the Rainbow Room up top for dinner, etc. and has terrific views. But if I absolutely HAD to choose, frankly, I'd go for the Empire!

[disneygirl22]

Originally Posted by chezp

Don't worry, I'm in the process of coming up with a good plan - and, as others here will tell you, we always manage to cram a lot of things into our days on vacation!

I wouldn't doubt it! Are you going to write a trip report? I can't wait to follow along!

Originally Posted by bitterchickey

I wouldn't miss the Empire. 30 rock has the Rainbow Room up top for dinner, etc. and has terrific views. But if I absolutely HAD to choose, frankly, I'd go for the Empire!

The Rainbow Room is in another area, you can't get there from the Top of the Rock. If you've never been to the Empire State Building then it's something fun to do, but it's expensive for what you get. The Top of the Rock gives you great views plus a whole lot more, minus the humongous crowds. It also gives you an amazing view of the Empire State Building itself and some really unique photo opportunities with the building in the background!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by disneygirl22

I wouldn't doubt it! Are you going to write a trip report? I can't wait to follow along!

I certainly will.

[JoanW]

I've done both, during different trips, multiple times. I love the nostalgia of ESB, but also loved Rockefeller Center. We went the week before Thanksgiving one year and got to see them set up the tree and decorate.

Check out the websites for both places. We made reservations for a tour of NBC studios and RF, and that worked out great as we showed up at our assigned time. Saved us a lot of waiting in line.

ESB is a wait in line deal, but we also rode something similar to Soaring/Star Tours, which was like a helicopter ride over NYC. Very cool.

Always research and plan well, and have a back up plan. And have fun.

We also did Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty in the same day, and the bus dropped us off on Wall Street and we walked to Battery Park to ride the Circle Line to Ellis Island and SOL.

NY is a wonderful place to visit.

[wherethewildthingsare]

Originally Posted by disneygirl22

Hi Cheryl. I usually only lurk on here but I figured I'd sign up to offer some advice. Definitely check out the Top of the Rock. We go all the time and it's a lot of fun. It gets pretty crowded (but not as bad as the Empire State Building) and it's just as expensive as the Empire State Building, but there's a lot more on offer. The elevator ride to the top of the building is worth the price of admission alone! It's a very, very cool ride but I won't give anything away The view's amazing and there are some really nice exhibits on the history of Rockefeller Center, including the famous Radio City Rockettes, NBC Studios, and the ice rink. It's definitely worth the trip!

I'm going to second 30 Rock for that over the Empire State building, not just because I love the show, but because there's more to do both in and around the area. Plus, ice skating!