tkts.how does it work ?
 

MY WIFE AND MYSELF ARE GOING TO NY IN THE LAST WEEKEND IN JANUARY.WE HAVE NEVER USED THE TKTS SYSTEM.IS IT RECOMMENDED THAT YOU HAVE A CHOICE OF SHOW IN MIND OR WILL THE BOOTH WORKERS GIVE A LIST OF ALL AVAILABLE TICKETS? HOW LONG WOULD WE HAVE TO QUEUE ON A SATURDAY FOR TICKETS TO A SATURDAY EVENING SHOW? ALSO WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO ARRIVE TO GUARANTEE GOOD SEATS.

We used TKTS when we visited NYC three years ago, and were able to get pretty good seats to the three shows we went to. They have a board listing what shows tickets are available for. Be aware that they don't take credit cards, it's cash only. I can't answer as to when is the best time to arrive for the best seats. I understand that sometimes theaters will release some unsold tickets an hour or so before performance time, but counting on that for a show you'd really like to see would probably be a gamble. We did buy our tickets each evening within an hour or two of showtime, and only had a 10 - 15 minute wait in line each time then (mid week in April). I do remember going there on a Saturday during the day when I was in NYC about twenty years ago and standing in line for over an hour. Maybe a regular patron can give you some better advice about timing.

yes, have a list of shows you want to see in mind. The shows that are available on any given day will be posted at the front of the booth (for that reason it's good to have 2 people go--one to keep a place in the line, one to look at the list when it is posted). <BR>There are 2 schools of thought as to when to go for tickets:<BR>Line up before the booth opens, or go at the last minute. If you go early, you can expect a longer wait--maybe an hour or more) but generally have a larger choice of shows. Sometimes additional seats are released at the last minute and the lines are usualy short, but you will have fewer choices. It all depends on how many shows you are considering (if there's only one to want to see, is it worth waiting in line only to end up with nothing? Or are you interested in any of 5 or 6 shows?)Also, keep in mind that there are 2 TKTS booths--one near Times Square, one in lower Manhattan. Both are outdoors so bundle up in either case.<BR>Also, keep in mind that the discount for many shows is 50% (some only 25%) and then there's a surcharge of $3 per ticket. Many of these same shows can be had for the same price without the waiting by signing up (for free ) at www.playbill.com or checking the NYC tourist office for discount ticket vouchers. I have received offers for many shows and musicals at rates of $45-55, about what you'd pay at TKTS, but without the wait. Are there specific shows you're interested in? We can give you an idea of how easily available they are.

Check the site: newyork.citysearch.com/feature/34843/<BR><BR>It list what shows were available on TKTS on the prior day. Generally there will be more choices on a tues or wed, than a fri or sat.

The citysearch website gives a listing of what is on the boards for that day. You may want to look at it a few days before you leave and see what shows keep showing up.<BR><BR><BR>http://newyork.citysearch.com/feature/34843/

Adding a few comments to those already given:<BR>1. Remember that Saturday night is the most popular performance, so you choices will be limited.<BR>2. While joining the Playbill club is a good idea, you'll find very few of the discount offers are good for Saturday evening performances.<BR>3. The TKTS booth opens at 3 p.m. for evening ticket purchases. It's best to get there at at 2-2:15 and wait. If there are two of you, you can take turns waiting in line (a good idea, especially if it's cold outside). There's a Howard Johnson's right across the street where you can go and get a cup of coffee to warm up.<BR>4. The lines at TKTS sometimes get long. Figure about a 25-30-minute wait for each block-long equivalent of the line. (Yes, it can get long on Saturdays.)

I'd like some help finding tickets to the Lion King performance. Are there discounted tickets to this performance through TKTS, Playbill, NYC Tourist bureau, or Ticketmaster?

I tried to get my hands on Lion King tix...if you want a weekend show, it's sold out months in advance. We planned a return trip to NYC just around LK. (I was willing to pay a surcharge, but not $375/tk as one re-seller advertised!) Forget about finding a discount somewhere...for this show, if you can get tix consider yourself lucky!

klam is right about The Lion King tickets. It'll be quite a while before they'll be available at discount prices for any performance!