Surprise 30th birthday trip - NYC, Las Vegas, or Disney??
 

I am planning a surprise 30th birthday trip for my husband who is turning 30 on December 24th. I was thinking of doing a short trip in the week before Christmas (probably the 16th-22nd). It would be just the two of us (we don't have any kids or anything) and i wanted somewhere that would be fun and memorable.
We live in the UK so it would be our first trip to the US. The three options i had thought of were New York City, Las Vegas, or Disney world. I know all three will be very busy at that time of year.

NY is somewhere he has always wanted to go, we watch Home Alone 2 without fail every Christmas :) and so this would be somewhere special. Las Vegas, again is somewhere he wants to go, it looks like fun, a bit like an adult disneyworld i guess. Disney World, i know is probably a silly place to go for a 30th birthday, but he has never been (and i have been only to Disneyland in Paris) and deep down i know he would love it.

So any advice on where people think is best at that time of year, and also what the weather is like in these places, and most of all which you think would be the most memorable and fun experience.

Thanks in advance!

I think Las Vegas

Disney World would be the warmest at that time of year, and even then, it is not guaranteed to be warm. Highs may be in the 50s-60s. NYC could be cold and snowy, it could be moderate. Not too sure about Vegas but it would probably be in between these 2.

Id probably look at NYC (and maybe add a few days in DC). Maybe fly into NYC and fly home from DC.

You're in for a few days, I suggest you pick one spot and stick with it.

All three are different enough that you should have a sense of what it is you want to do. If you want to visit theme parks, maybe a few decent restaurants and a bit of nightlife go to Orlando.

You want to gamble, party, have some decent mealss and shop a bit with adults go to Vegas.

If you don't care about the weather and you want a bit of culture and numerous places to eat and drink then New York.

In terms of Disney, the week before Christmas could be a good time to go. US kids are still in school (mostly) so it won't be packed during the week. I would suggest you stay at a WDW hotel to take advantage of easier transportation.

Vegas is a blast. But, after three days in Vegas I'm ready to head to rehab to detox. Flights to Vegas as always full of energy. Flights home everyone is sound asleep.

My fellow NYers will probably disagree, but if thinking NY I might suggest you save your jet lag and visit Paris instead. Comparable in terms of weather and the things that make New York great in the winter are those things that are also in abundance in Paris (museums, great dining, romantic hotels.) Heck, you can even visit Disney for the day if you go to Paris. New York is a much better city to visit in the spring and fall when you can really enjoy the outdoor things like walking around Soho, Central Park, and walking to Brooklyn Bridge, to name a few.

I would never recommend Las Vegas for a first trip to the US for foreign visitors. Plus, it is about 2,000+ miles more to travel (each way).

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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

i'd definitely go for disney. like others here have said, it'll be the warmer option (even though it could be cold to us floridians). just wear jeans and sweaters. there'll be plenty of rides and food. and lots of photo opportunities for your memories.

Ask him the pros and cons of each city. Sin City is in the middle of a rather stark desert. Disney is infested with at least a few spoiled brats scattered among the nice children.
About a third of the population of NYC is in some warmer climate at that time of year.
Coming from England, I would suggest flying to Boston. Spend 24 to 30 hours there recovering from your jet lag. Take a morning Northeast Regional Amtrak train ($98 for 2) to New York. Spend 3 days there. Take another NE regional ($98/2) to Washington DC for the remainder of your time. Fly home from BWI or Reagan National.

Why would you fly to Boston to recover from jetlag when the additional distance to NY by air is about 20 minutes of flight time? Get off a plane 20 minutes earlier to then require getting on a train for 5 hour a trip on a vacation that is only 6 days in length? That makes zero sense. (Weren't you also the guy who suggested that someone who didn't want to drive in NYC when coming from NJ drive instead 45 miles into Long Island to then take a train 90 minutes back into NY?)

BTW, saying 1/3rd of the population isn't here is ridiculous. Regardless, even if true I'd think that is a selling point for a tourist.

Choose one and go to one place. For one week the pros and cons of these three distinct places are obvious. And by the way, the week before Christmas, NY is still filled with NY'ers.

Thanks for your replies. I just wanted to make it clear, i only intend on going to one of these destinations. The three places are just options to choose from.

I'd pick New York since you said it's someplace he's always wanted to go and would be specials. NYC has so much to offer in terms of culture, theater, museums, history, restaurants, etc. I think it's a must see. Disney to me would be better for a trip with kids. Vegas is fun too, but it can be a little bit sleazy. To me it's good for about three days. I wouldn't want to stay that long there, so I lean towards NYC.

Hi Laurajay,

I only say Vegas because I visited there recently in late January. Granted the time you will be going there I believe will be much colder. I went around with a coat at night and a light jacket (if that) during the day. Vegas is always always fun and definitely something great to experience. We stayed at Club 36 which was super chic and made us feel like high rollers http://www.bluegreenrentals.com/vegas/

I'd pick NY because it's your first trip to the US, and of the three places you mentioned, it's the only one that is actually "organically American" -- the other two could be absolutely anywhere on the planet. (I am an admitted Las Vegas-phobe --- one day every ten years is enough for me; and although I love Disneyland, again 1-2 days is plenty. New York on the other hand, could keep me occupied for a very long time).

Of the three, I pick NYC even though it is not my favorite city.
Rockefeller Center is beautiful at that time of year.
By the great circle route, Boston Logan is 2838 miles from Heathrow and JFK is 2999 miles. I'm sure you can find plenty to do in NYC for 6 days. My consideration was to see more than 1 city. Have fun no matter what you choose.
Last Christmas my wife and I were in Las Vegas but we only go there to rent a car and go see family in The Mojave Desert.
They would have to pay me to go to Disneyland or Disney World the week before Christmas.

Of the three choices and the time frame you're looking at, Vegas would probably be the least crowded. I love the occasional trip to Vegas - there are some really good restaurants there, the shows, shopping and going to different spas.

While not as crowded as the week between Christmas and New Year's, WDW will be PACKED. However, the Christmas decorations are really great.

If you're only planning a short trip and if travel time cutting into "fun" time is a consideration, I would choose either NYC or Disney.

Unless the weather is a major factor, I say New York. But do be prepared for the possibility of very cold weather and snow. This is a very popular time to visit New York, the Christmas decorations are up, and the cultural season is in full swing.

So my order would be.
Vegas
New York
Disney.

As much as I love WDW and I do, after hours what are 2, 30 year olds going to do?

My husband and I just spent NYE in Vegas and it was a blast. We saw 3 show (Cirq du soliel, Cher and Comedian Sinbad). Toured the hotels (you can spend a bunch of time just doing that), gamble a little bit (we're not big gamblers). The Christmas decorations in some of the hotels were spectacular and don't even get me started on window shopping the "high end" boutiques.

The food was great, the weather was chilly but Sunny so even with the chill we could walk the strip.

Unless your husband has a mickey mouse fetish, I'd eliminate Disney and choose between LV and NYC. I love both destinations for different reasons. NYC can be very pretty at the holidays but I tend to agree with Ryan that it is more enjoyable when the weather is nicer. Vegas will not be all that busy the week before Christmas (the week between Christmas and NYE is another story). You may be able to get some decent rates/packages. Downside is probably the distance factor. It's a long haul from the UK.

My vote would go to Las Vegas just because you said that's where HE wants to go, and it's his birthday party!!

New York City around the holidays is classic, of course. But it's cold and for me personally that's not all that appealing in a vacation.

I think the idea of Florida and Disneyworld would be fun, and have nice weather as mentioned already.

Disney world
if you want to take him there why not take him to paris some time
las vegas
i love going there and they have great shows. the #1 reason that people go there is still to gamble and and i'v "heard" you can lose your money.I would definetly not visit vegas as my first and only stop in the U.S.
NYC
would definitly be my choice but I would give him the gift on his birthday of a trip to NYC at a future time when the weather is better and you can get out and enjoy walking around the city.

My personal choice would be NY, but it's not my birthday. NY will be cold. We were there last December and last January nearly freezing.....and we're from Minnesota! That cold wind can really curtail walking around. It will also be quite expensive for a decent hotel. Consider your budget. The three places will be vastly different in cost. However, the strong GBP may make it all seem like a bargain for you. Having said that, I love NY in December. The holiday displays are pure joy....just magically romantic.

I do like DisneyWorld and the first week in December is a good time to be there regarding fewer people, however it will still be busy. You can easily spend a week there doing a different "land" each day and taking it easy. It will be much warmer than NY, but not laying by the pool warm most likely.

I, personally, get bored in Vegas in a day or two. As others have said, it's much farther to fly and not as varied.

Good luck and HB to your DH.

NYC - no contest.. the other two options are essentially 'amusement parks' of varying degrees. It will likely be cold in those locales as well. In addition, a direct, much quicker flight will serve you well due to the relative shortness of your stay.

For that time of year NYC is best choice. The Xmas tree is up, lots of shows, not too hot, not too cold, etc.
BTW, you could take a bus to Atlantic City to check out the casinos... that'll take care of your gambling bug.
Ifcourse Vegas is a better choice in Dec than in June-Aug as its not hot. But drive from Vegas to LA is too long.

It won't be busy at all in Las Vegas at that time of year. You'll find some cheap hotel rates. And cheap one-way flights to the LA area.

I saw your post saying that you would choose one of the three but I highly recommend going to both LV and Disneyland. Three days in Las Vegas is enough.

It is only a 4 hour drive from LV to LA and it is only about 48 minutes flying. You can buy a ticket today for LAS to Long Beach on jetBlue for $59 one-way (on Dec 19). Or, on the same day it is $69 to LAX. I would not be surprised if those fares dropped $10 or $20.

I suggest flying into LV on the 16th and then fly to LGB or LAX on Monday. Then back to home on the 22nd or 23rd.

LV, right before Christmas is very slow. Yes, better deals on hotels. I like the above suggestion of LA/LV combo. Or head to Disneyworld.

Have you thought about Mayan Riviera or the Caribbean?

It would be relatively cold in Las Vegas, maybe 55F for the high and could get to freezing overnight. Anaheim would be around 65F for a high and 55F for the lows (20 degrees warmer than NY).

I like the idea of Las Vegas then Disneyland. Even though cool that time of year it will likely be sunny. Could you fly into Vegas and out of LAX?

Nothing wrong with NYC at Christmas time. Coming from the UK would be the easiest logistically and shortest flights.

It's just these couldn't be a more different kinds of trips!

I say NEW YORK....especially since it is his "dream" & you love Home Alone, what could be more perfect???

New York would be my choice, hands down! I've never been there at Christmastime and would love to see the decorated windows, Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, all the sparkle of the holidays. Also wonderful museums and other sights to visit, as well as great restaurants, Broadway and so much more.

This is purely a personal preference suggestion, as I have no desire to go to any Disney destination, and Las Vegas is not high on my list either.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful first trip here and Happy 30th birthday to your husband.

Forgot to mention how wonderful the holiday shopping is in NY in December. I attended the shops at both Bryant Park and Union Square. The booths are all heated, so the weather isn't a factor. There is an ice rink in the middle of the one in Bryant Park. Lots of good food and people watching. There are a ton of booths with hand made art items for sale. Its all lit with twinkling lights at night. They are magical. There are also holiday markets at Columbus Circle and St. Barts and Grand Central Station.

http://www.essential-new-york-city-g...ay-market.html

The Bergdorf windows are worth a trip all unto themselves. Then there is the Rockettes' Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall and the Angel Tree at the Metropolitan Museum.

Yes...bundle up, cuddle up and go to NY. Its the place to be in December.

NYC, for sure. For all the reasons everybody has said.

I happen to really enjoy Las Vegas and visit it a few times a year, but it wouldn't be my recommendation for this trip, and I don't think it's the best place to go for a first trip to the US.

Disney World, I would not even consider. Save it for another time.

I wouldn't go to New York. If you're in the UK, London can't be that far away, and London and NY have a similiar feel. (I prefer London, myself, with its history, but the two are comparable.)

That leaves two very American experiences: Disneyworld and Las Vegas. You're not going to think that you're in anywhere else in either of these places (well, at least this Disney is *the* Disney).

I vote for Disney. Vegas would be nice, and you could daytrip to see the Grand Canyon, but a lot of people start feeling older at that 3-0 mark, and I think it would be a gentle reminder that growing older doesn't mean you have to lose your sense of fun. And if deep down he would love it, then that's even better. The weather should be fine.

Vegas is good, but it's not quite that much fun. I mean, it seems more stressful fun in a way. The casinos are huge, and at the end of the day you'll probably lose money at them and you have to pre-plan what shows you want to see. And then you've got the people shoving adult flyers at you and the smoke and noise and lights. Sensory overload. Vegas is the adult fun-the gambling and the drinks and the sex-but those can also be reminders of the bills you have to pay and the hangover you'll have and temptations of cheating on your spouse.

But Disney's like...oh! That ride looks fun! Let's go on that one! No hangover. No losing money. It just seems more playful.

So did you end up choosing New York? Looks like it based on your other post. I was going to suggest the Staybridge Suites there, a nice new hotel that's very contemporary with a kitchen, etc. but looks like your budget is much higher. Hope you guys have a wonderful trip!

NEW YORK!!!

Unless you love to gamble, Las Vegas is boring after a couple of hours.

Unless he's said, "yay Disney" forget it.

Go to NYC. Even if it's chilly there's plenty to do and a variety of that plenty to do. Vegas- one thing. Disney- one thing. After a day these things would be boring.

I love New York!

New York -- finest time to visit.

Disney World is appropriate for a third birthday, but not a thirtieth.

Vegas is pure kitsch with a veneer of vice.

Now from a guy's perspective ;)

I remember when I was turning 30. For my birthday I definitely would have opted for Vegas. You're still young and haven't had kids yet, and you can still appreciate the wild nightlife that Vegas has to offer. See a spectacular Cirque du Soleil Show, gamble a little, and dance in the world class nightclubs. Sure, New York has great nightlife, but it is comparable to London. Vegas really is Disneyworld for adults when you understand it's totally manufactured nature. You're only young once.

Fly in and out of Los Angeles. Sample a little of the unique California life and go to Disneyland.

I'd save New York for your birthday or for another romantic occasion.

Leave Disneyworld for a few years down the road when you can take your kids.