Bowsprit, thanks for asking. At the moment, she's still with crutches, gradually putting more weight on her foot/leg each day while walking very very carefully and slowly. It is indeed going to be a challenge. I'm taking her to physiotherapy often and am hoping that by July 30th when we go, which is in over one and a half months, she'll be okay walking. I know it won't be a trip where we're walking our socks off, and we'll have to do it a little more slowly and not too intensely. I figure by then, she'll be okay for going up and down stairs at the subway - or at least I hope.

What do people who are disabled and in wheelchairs do in NYC if they're at a station without an elevator?

Any other advice on this issue is greatly appreciated. Thanks again for mentioning this.

skatedancer - you make a good point re Ellen's. For one thing, it's going to be really cool for her - it's not something she's ever seen before. And as you say, worst comes to worst, it's just a meal! (how is the food, btw?)

What do people who are disabled and in wheelchairs do in NYC if they're at a station without an elevator?
------------------------------------------------------------

Honestly, they use the bus. Or cab. New York City is a walking city and not terribly accomodating to those who aren't walking.

I'm assuming you've already consulted with her orthopedist and physical therapist about this trip but if you haven't, let them know; they might be able to tailor some of her therapy to the skills she'll need to handle stairs, longer walks, etc.
---------------------------------------------------------
Re. Ellens: The food is generally awful. If you get anything, get a dessert or drinks.

Here's the other thing: The subways can be jostling and if she's forced to stand during the ride, the movement of the train could cause her to lose her balance if she's not prepared.

Re: Ellen's. I haven't been in a few years, but I remember the food being fine. It is a diner, albeit big and bustling and with entertainers. It has no pretenses to fine dining. It is called Ellen's Stardust DINER for a reason.

We went multiple times. My D wanted to have her birthday dinner there with her friends before we went to Chicago City Limits when she turned 14. That was after already having been there a few times and from our being frequent visitors to the city.

There are FAR worse choices one can make eating in the theater district.

and, btw, it's not a set show or a staged production at Ellen's. The wait staff each take turns performing show tunes, songs that they've each picked out that they want to sing or by request. It's just some exuberant, decently talented young people trying to make their way in the city and entertain people at the same time.

(stick with dessert).

You'll be fine with a meal at Ellen's. IMO the ambiance is definitely on the side of campy (though I don't think the waitstaff think of it that way). Stick with popular diner items - burgers, classic salads and sandwiches, milkshakes, etc. - and it's just as good as any other diner. Like a traditional diner, the menu is enormous!

Believe me, I've had to go to Ellen's plenty, every time friends or family visit the city with kids. I wouldn't disparage the food as much as Bowsprit... As skatedancer said, there ARE far worse dining choices in the Theater District! For example, Juniors is renowned for its cheesecake and their restaurant here in Brooklyn is an institution. But their Theater District location is awful, a parody of the real deal both in food and decor.

It's worth noting that there is additional seating downstairs at Ellen's; the scene is the same if a little darker for lack of daylight. I've seen people waiting and waiting for a table at street level, but don't feel you need to do that unless for the physical aspect (getting up/down a flight of stairs).

Do you know about menupages.com? It's a great resource for restaurant details and user reviews.

// As for the subway:
- Use it for any long-haul excursions - like if you want to go to the Met Museum, or to the financial district.
- If you are switching trains on the same line in the same direction (for example from the 4/5 express to the 6 local), it will be on the same platform 99% of the time. If you are transferring train lines (for example from the 4/5/6 to the 7 train), it will likely involve stairs and corridors, some of which have elevators.
- Large stations will have elevators and the website mta.info includes a section on elevator status, because they're not always working. (They're not always the cleanest, either, but otherwise if they're working they're fine - just hold your breath!)
- Buses are a great option. You get to sight-see at the same time! Since by their nature they run in city traffic, as recommended above do leave enough time to get from A to B.
- Try to organize your itinerary so that you're not using transportation during rush hours. Trains, buses and roadways are of course most crowded then.
- The most crowded public transit in the city is up and down the east side.

Yes, there are worse places than Ellen's for food, but I wouldn't send you there, either. ;)

Thank you all, again, for your sincerity. I just came back from physiotherapist, who said dd should be walking fine in a few weeks. We'll just do everything she's instructed re exercises, etc. and hope for the best....

Anyways, I have a question - I do want to ask something unrelated to the title of this thread. I think the theatre issue has been resolved, and again, with the utmost appreciation. Should I start a new thread with the new question??

The question is: DD and I are arriving on Monday, July 30th. We'll arrive at the hotel around 3:30/4 p.m. What would be the best first thing to do regarding giving her an orientation to the city - a bus-ride, boat-ride, or some other thing, to give her some context of where we are.

I haven't been to NY in about 20 years (I'm in my 40's) and the truth is that then, I came several times for a few days and saw as much theatre as I could, twice a day when possible. I didn't really do touristy things. And the last time I did that was, as I said, when I was in my 20's!!

So:
Now, the question is: should that question be on a new thread?

Yes :)

Copy/paste what you just told us, and include where the hotel is located.

...I think you and I are about the same age, and I moved here about when you last visited. It's an understatement to say that the city has changed! Can't wait to see your new post to help you there too. :D

After you get settled into your hotel and get something to eat or drink you might consider going to Top of the Rock or the Empire State building for the beautiful views. Where are you staying?

You can also do a forum search with your question. You'll see lots of information to past posters with the same concern.

<i>Yes, there are worse places than Ellen's for food, but I wouldn't send you there, either.</i>

True, I'll give you that! :)
(But were I to go, I would order a sandwich LOL.)

Thanks for advice ggreen and Bowsprit. I will start a new thread.

Tamaraten, my DD shattered her ankle in mid-May 2008, so badly that after surgery she wasn't allowed off the couch for 8 weeks. Nevertheless, we went to Egypt in mid-August. She'll be fine :-)

It's great you've gotten the 'all clear' from your P.T. and orthopedist; experts in your daughter's medical status. :)

You mean unlike me? :-))

sf: Where'd you eat when you were in Mystic for the wedding? I'll be in that area in a few weeks and am hoping for a breakfast recommendation...

OT: Bowsprit, we didn't eat breakfast out because we had a house on the island, but I'll ask some friends if they have a recommendation. We did have a very good lunch on the way from New Haven to Stonington at a place called The Hidden Kitchen in Guilford, and we had an excellent lobster roll on the way back, I think in New London.

ok, Thanks! Which island?