8pm Lion King - 7 teens - What before?
 

We'll be in NYC for my son's 18th birthday this Saturday and have tickets to see the Lion King at 8pm. If it's nice out, we plan on walking around Chinatown... getting something to eat, then to to the show. If it's cruddy out, we plan on the Mus. of Nat. History... then a bite to eat, then the show. Any suggestions on where to eat? I figure if we're in Chinatown, that would be where... but specifically? What about if near the Nat. History Museum? Also, is it best for a group of 7 teens/2 adults to get around via subway or bus using the Metro Card?
Thanks!

7 teens/2 adults??? That size group won't even fit in 2 cabs (4 in a cab max). A minimum of 2 trips for 9 on the subway or bus is $36. If you think that's all you'll do (ie to Chinatown or museum and from there to theater)buy a metrocard to cover that. There is a 1 day pass for $7/person. If you think each person will take more than 4 rides, consider that.

Near the Mus., Isabella's is a popular place. You could also go to the Carmine's up on Broadway & 90th (10 blocks north of museum) or go down to the one in Times Square. They should take a reservation for that size group. Huge portions so don't over order.

You are planning alot in a one day span. Chinatown has sooooo many restaurants just about any one will accomodate you. However, if you would rather eat in the Times Square Area I do have some recomendations. Someone suggested Carmines which is on 43rd St. Literally around the corner from the theater. If you can get a reservation (doubtful at this late hour) you will be treated to an unbelievable Italian feast (family style). Let your waiter do the suggesting...as she said..the portions are HUGE so beware not to OVERORDER. Also in the same area like a block is the Hard Rock Times Square, ESPN Zone and Bubba Gumps Shrimp Emporium. Bubba Gumps is a fun place overlooking Times Square. Get a window table and watch the WORLD go by under your table. The food is good...not gourmet..think Applebees (one around the corner also) type with lots of fried shrimp dishes. Within three blocks of the theater there are literally 50 restaurants...have fun!

I have to assume you are coming into the city just for the play. Are you taking a train in? Penn Station or Grand Central? Or are you driving and parking the car someplace to get to after Lion King is over? My suggestion is to eat a big, late lunch, then do an activity, go to theater and eat again afterwards (teen boys can always eat). That way, you avoid lots of crowds, probably easier to get a res. for that many people and you're not stuffed while you're watching the play. Knowing which train station would help people suggest late lunch spots.

I grew up in NYC (UWS) and visit often with my teen kids. My son (15) really is no longer interested in the Museum of Nat. History. Is your son? It is his birthday, maybe he should decide what activity he would like to do w/his friends. Chinatown is interesting to walk around but more so for girls, who are enthralled with all the fake Kate Spade etc. Yes, it can be interesting to look at some of the produce and fish markets but will it really keep the interest of 7 teens?

I always think underground transportaion is faster and easier than surface transportation. You do have to make sure that they all get on the subway, and know when to get off. It can be hectic to those that are not used to the subway and you have a lot of people to keep track of.

Good luck and enjoy your visit!

ALso, keep in mind that chinatown is a bit of a distance from the theater district. You would have to leave chinatown at least 45 minutes prior showtime.

I think subways make the most sense. there is a 4 passenger max for cabs, so you would need 3. Subways generally are the quickest way to get around, but on weekends you may have to wait 5-10 min for a train to come.

With a group that size, you need a reservation whether chinatown or not. I would make a 6pm reservation in the theater area. You can always go to either the museum or chinatown earlier in the day if you have time.

Carmines is family style Italian. Also in the tehater area are John's which has great pizza, Ollies for Chinese, Virgil's for bbq, and Dervish for turkish (with $20 prix fixe which is quite good). Check menupages for more restaurant ideas.

Is there a reason you wouldn't want to walk around Times Square and grab a bite to eat there before the show?

I agree about 18 year olds and Museum of Natural History. If he/they have a real interest in some of these subjects I would go to the museum web site and pick out what sections you'll want to see (you'll have tine for only a couple - and at the moment the Human Evolution seciton is closed).

If it's just a general interest - it's much better for little kids (we did as our 2nd grade class trip) and pre-teens.

(We were there yesterday and it was tons of families with little kids, plus some obviously serious older students and adults. Not a hot bed for teens. Think they would be more likely to want to see one of the art museums, or a giant music store or even the Intrepid - based on their interests.)

Definitely try one of the many famous and legendary NYC deli's.

Thanks for the all the speedy responses!!

We will be coming into Penn Station around 2pm, and getting everyone a $7 Metro Card for the day. That seems to make the most sense.

We'll either head over to the Museum of Nat. History which will be okay for our group of 7 teens... my son is always up for science related things... as are his friends... BUT, if it's nice out, I think Chinatown may be more interesting, since they've not been there (at least most of them).

Okay, now for dinner... I guess I'll try and make definite plans -... for 6pm... Son now wants something ethnic... so Dervish sounds really interesting.. any other suggestions close to the theater district (or not, since we'll have our trusty MetroCards)?
Thanks again!!

Pasha is a good Turkish not far from the Mus. of Nat. Hist.
Via Brasil is good Braz. in the theater district.
Wondee Siam and Siam Inn near the theaters for Thai.
Havana Central in the theater distr. for Cuban.

Also in the theater district is Pongsri Thai,244 W 48th St. It's between B'way & 8th Ave. My sister was there last week before she went to theater. She hadn't been in awhile and said it was still wonderful. Check menupages for reviews.

Just an observation: Why would you buy $7 metro cards for the day? I don't how your group would possibly take 4 separate subway rides during the day to justify the expense. Based on your planned itinerary, I see 2, maybe 3 rides.

Hi again! Well, we've decided on Dervish... thank you MFNYC!!! I have read a lot of reviews and they're all pretty glowing!! The price is not bad for the pre-theater meal either!!

Also, Howard, I thought the $7 Metro Cards would work best... we'll be traveling from Penn Station to either Chinatown or the Museum of Nat. His...then to the Theater District to dine at Dervish... then walk over (most likely) to the Lion King, then subway it back to Penn Station. I thought the $7 would be best... you think not?? I figure, that way, if the kids get bored of one thing or another, we have flexibility to be spontaneous...Have a better option? I'm willing to hear it... Thanks again!!

The distance from The Lion King to Penn Station is a mere 8 blocks. So you don't need a subway ride for that. Thus, based on your planned itinerary, you'll only travel twice. And, at $2 a ride, a $7 pass seems a waste of $3 for each person.
With an 2 p.m. arrival and a departure after the show, I don't see any further need for the subway.