I think going with the 3 day flexible option shows GREAT restraint in overplannin! I tend to be that way too, and try to not do that so much anymore. Hard to give up old ways.

There are audio tours/tickets but it is my understanding from when I looked in 2008 - I do believe (any local correct me??) that you need to do this in advance ? I THINK when I looked it was stuff that sold out? Or am I thinking of Alcatraz?? Lots has happened since 2008...

Alcatraz sells out, and it is possible that the same can hold true for SoL and EI. I think at this time of year, it may not be as likely.

Isn't the Statue of Liberty closed for renovation?

As of October 29, 2011, access to the interior of the Statue of Liberty will be temporarily limited due to long-planned improvements to the interior. Both Liberty Island and Ellis Island will remain open and views of the Statue of Liberty will be unobstructed. Programs and tours will continue to be offered on both Islands.

cat, the problem with trips to NYC in winter is that the days are a LOT shorter.

Plan. Go ahead. Plan. You won't be sorry you did.

Leave 2-3 hours open a day with ideas to choose from, but you'll waste a LOT of time going back and forth without a plan.

My .02 anyway.

My philosophy exactly, starrs! SO and I did so much back and forth in Normandy, as that was the part of the trip he was supposed to plan. grrrr! Same with NYC, when he and I went 5 years ago. That is how I missed SoL that time, because we ran out of time, and it was the one thing I wanted to see. Grrrr again!

I am planning things - or else nothing will get done - we have been to NYC fairly often - due to family this is my daughter's 3 trip in the city - and basically we just love the theater - and want to see the pretty decorations etc - I am still toying with squeezing another show in...

So, plan

Plan the two (or three) big things a day and mix in 2-3 free hours of "What do you want to do?". Have a list of possibilites ready to choose from and then pick.

I've told the story before but my SIL and her DD joined us for a December trip to NYC - but didn't want me to plan(control?) the trip. So I told my ex we were going to do whatever she wanted to do, whenever she wanted to do it. We left the Frick and she wanted to go down to South Street Seaport (she'd read about it). We grabbed a cab - and she complained about the expense and said we should take a bus. So we hopped on a bus - and she had no idea of where it was going. She asked me. I shrugged. That lasted for less than 2 full days. We went back and forth with no plan and everyone was exhausted. Then she asked me to plan the rest of the trip.

I really like HOHO (not just in NYC) because it's 1) transportation to and from the typical tourist sights, 2) gives you a chance to rest and 3) you can SEE stuff as you ride by - versus the subway - and 4) is cheaper than taking cabs.

Ok, so I will go for the HOHO, but now am wondering about the value of the New York Pass. It includes admission to all the museums, plus we don't have to wait in line if it is crowded. $60 more. But we'd probably pay that in museum entrance fees, no?

"It includes admission to all the museums"

Look again. It doesn't.

It includes admission to a LOT of really small (and not very much visited) museums, but very probably not the ones you would choose to visit as a priority.

What am I missing here?

http://www.newyorkpass.com/attractions/

Nothing. You are right. I'm wrong. I scanned quickly.
I saw MOMA the first time but not the Met or Natural History.
My bad. I was wrong.

No worries, starrs! I am notorious for misreading these kinds of things. It never hurts to have a second pair of eyes checking them out. So do you think that would be a good deal?

How many days are you going to be there?
I'd add up the things you want to see most and then cost it out. I haven't looked at it that closely (obviously). I was looking for the Frick and scanned the list. I'll look at it again later and give you feedback.

Hi Aduchamp: Thanks for the list. This intrigued me:

Sandwiches-Dafonte- Is it in Brooklyn?

We are arriving Wed. Night, two full days, then home Saturday day.

My first thought is "no". You won't have time to use enough of those to be cost effective in that short of a visit - but I'll take a closer look at it after dinner.

cat, I think the first one you linked to would probably be better. Why don't you start a new thread to talk about these passes? I'm concerned that we are going out on a tangent that won't be welcomed on this thread. I have some ideas/suggestions but it's specific to your trip - and not generic holiday ideas per this thread.

Some of the museums included in the New York Pass are museums that have free nights or are pay-what-you-wish at all times. I think the passes represent false value and are difficult to justify, especially for a short trip.
http://gonyc.about.com/cs/museums/a/museumdeals.htm