Regarding seeing the windows before 8 am...would this also pertain to Sundays? or just weekdays? Since we only have 2 days, I was counting on strolling by the windows mid-morning Sunday. Do you think the crowds will be as heavy?

katie, they'll be packed. Go as early as possible.

BTW, you will not be able to stroll leisurely, you'll be jostled.

thanks again to all for your suggestions. we are back from a wonderful 1 1/2 day trip to NYC. we were able to see some windows on fifth ave,visited american girl, fao, and disney. and spent some time in rockefeller center.

we stayed at the affinia 50, which was fabulous! what great service. the staff is genuine in their approach to care for their visitors, even the little guys. upon arrival, my 2 and 3 year olds were each given a full sized coloring book and a ziploc bag full of crayons. how nice! at our departure, our kids were each given a book (the type you press a button and it makes noise). upon request, we were given the handicap room which was available. it was HUGE and perfect for two kids. the kitchenette was great for storing milk in the full size fridge and heating up oatmeal in microwave in the morning.

we headed out at 9am and were still able to catch some windows and actually "stroll" (not for long, though it was enjoyable.

i did purchase two umbrella strollers and took our double side by side as well (which is very compact). we used the double side by side exclusively at all times of day and it was relatively painless. a bit crowded in small restaurants but we were surprised at how accomodating everyone was (more so than where we currently reside in baltimore). new yorkers were a pure delight! what a pleasure.

btw, we had pizza at alonzo's restaurant, a short distance from affinia 50. it was fantastic!!! and, so accomodating of children. our kids prefer to sit in booths when given the choice over booster and highchair. worked out great. quick service and great pizza.

again, thanks so much!!!!! to everyone for your suggestions. you made it possible and the trip was a glowing success! the only negative... upon our arrival, we realized we had left our main bag with all the kids and my clothing... and toiletries at home. a quick trip to the rite aid around the corner solved our toiletry and socks/underwear problem... we had to wear our clothing a second day... worse things could have happened!

in any event, it was such fun!!!! thanks again! happy holidays!

Thanks for checking back and filling us in. Sounds like a great time. Happy holidays ((*))((*))((*))