Should we purchase tickets to go to the top of the ESB in advance? If we already have tickets, how long will the wait be? How early should we arrive? Thanks.

It's been a couple of years, but I went over Labor Day weekend and the wait wasn't log at all. Of course, we got there early.

My husband and I went about 3-4 years ago. Definitely buy the tickets ahead of time; it'll save you a little to a lot of time, depending on the crowds. The day we went, the line wasn't bad downstairs (the ticket purchasing area), but it was horrible upstairs, where you wait for the elevators. The line snakes down a long, airless hallway, which in April was too warm for comfort. We saw people giving up and leaving the line. It's worth the wait, though, IMO. I think getting there early is a good suggestion, too.

The other good time to go is just around dusk. The day time people will be leaving and it is before the city lights go on. Weekends are also bad, of course. Sunday night, Monday night. The night time view is great. YES, purchase your tickets ahead of time. While you may save only 20 minutes while at the building, it counts!

Regardless, plan to wait in line. We brought books, and the kids had their Gameboys. Might as well settle in for the long run.

Can't hurt to buy ahead. Last cpl of times I've been there hasn't been a line but I could have gotten lucky? I'd encourage you to go up at night...very cool!

Go between 5PM and 7PM because that is when people are getting ready for the theatre/dinner.

We recently went to the ESB (Wed May 10th) and went at 10 pm. We bought tickets ahead but really didn't have to. The line was about 10 minutes long (mainly waiting to have the "picture" taken that they hope you buy at the end. We saw where the line ups would have been at a busy time and it seemed like the line ups at Disney with everyone going back and forth. Glad we went when we did and the view was terrific!