NY Day 4 : Friday
We intended to get to the American Natural History Museum but took the wrong Express train. Nevertheless, it worked out fine because the train stopped at Rockefeller Centre where I was absolutely dying to visit for the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
Sign for TOTR at the subway
The iconic photo of lunching workers on a beam
The 70th floor of the TOTR (for short) is recently opened after closing in the 1980s and a visit here came highly recommended. Even better views and shorter queues than Empire State Building they said. After a quick ticket buy ($17.50 per adult, kids free), we joined the security queue. There is a photo opportunity to sit on the beam like the iconic photo of workers taking lunch on a high beam before you join the crowd, watching a good short film on Rockefeller centre.
We were then moved to the queue for the lift. The lift itself is amazing. Besides moving 60 odd floors in mere minutes, the roof is made of glass. There is another short film projected on the glass ceiling which just force your eyes to look nowhere but up and you can actually see the lift moving up the shaft.
Views of Central Park with the Hudson River at a distance
Views on the other side with the Empire State Building. Now this a view you won't get in you are in the ESB itself!
The 70th floor of the TOTR (for short) is recently opened after closing in the 1980s and a visit here came highly recommended. Even better views and shorter queues than Empire State Building they said. After a quick ticket buy ($17.50 per adult, kids free), we joined the security queue. There is a photo opportunity to sit on the beam like the iconic photo of workers taking lunch on a high beam before you join the crowd, watching a good short film on Rockefeller centre.
We were then moved to the queue for the lift. The lift itself is amazing. Besides moving 60 odd floors in mere minutes, the roof is made of glass. There is another short film projected on the glass ceiling which just force your eyes to look nowhere but up and you can actually see the lift moving up the shaft.
Views of Central Park with the Hudson River at a distance
Views on the other side with the Empire State Building. Now this a view you won't get in you are in the ESB itself!
We left TOTR on Sixth Avenue and passed by Radio City Music Hall. They had a Dora show that day hence the proliferation of Dora balloons and kids waving light sticks.
Nintendo World
Inside the shop
Pikachu!
Pikachu!
A short walk away and we were at the Nintendo World store. We had fun pointing out the old Game and Watch game to the little one. She does not look very impressed, what with Nintendo DS and PSP available now. Sigh!
Entrance to Sony Wonderlab. The Robot reacts to the people in the queue and later we found out that it is operated by a staff member with headphones and mic.
Spiderman on the other side.
We went to the Sony Wonderlab next. They recommended booking the free tickets beforehand but I was not sure what time we can fit it in. A quick question to the staff and we found we could get tickets in the next half hour. Was wondering what was the fuss with the timed entrance but once we were on the entrance at the 4th floor, it became clear.
Each guest was given a pass with a barcode strip to personalise with photograph and voice. You can swipe the card at the various exhibits to switch them on and collect more data. The little one was ecstatic. We had a go at musical composition, sitting in a real audio booth that mixes the sounds that we chose. There were exhibits so that you can pretend to be a Surgical Imaging Specialist guiding a tiny camera down the throat to the stomach. You can also have a hand a games design or TV production or train a computer to say your name.
We did as much as we could. It was certainly the highlight of the little one’s trip and her ultimate favourite. At the exit, you can swiped your card and certificate is printed out with your photo and all the things that you did.
We went to the Sony Wonderlab next. They recommended booking the free tickets beforehand but I was not sure what time we can fit it in. A quick question to the staff and we found we could get tickets in the next half hour. Was wondering what was the fuss with the timed entrance but once we were on the entrance at the 4th floor, it became clear.
Each guest was given a pass with a barcode strip to personalise with photograph and voice. You can swipe the card at the various exhibits to switch them on and collect more data. The little one was ecstatic. We had a go at musical composition, sitting in a real audio booth that mixes the sounds that we chose. There were exhibits so that you can pretend to be a Surgical Imaging Specialist guiding a tiny camera down the throat to the stomach. You can also have a hand a games design or TV production or train a computer to say your name.
We did as much as we could. It was certainly the highlight of the little one’s trip and her ultimate favourite. At the exit, you can swiped your card and certificate is printed out with your photo and all the things that you did.
Strolling on a street in NY
Giant pretzel bought from a street vendor. They are everywhere. We dusted off most of the salt particles (the white stuff) because it's too salty.
Display in Disney Store
Buzz Lightyear!
A quick read of the directory and we found out that Disney characters make appearances for photos and autographs on the 3rd floor. It was Woody and Buzz Lightyear that day. No queues and we had a wonderful time. We can use our own camera but the staff gave us a photocard so that we can view and share the official photographs on the Disney website. Buying the photo online is optional.
Outside the store... closer look...
Hmm... he looks familiar. Didn't he play for Man Utd once?
The display outside the store. Who is the prince? Closer look. None other than Beckham. The U.S. sports news have been abuzz about his impending move to U.S. soccer club, LA Galaxy.
We turned into 58th street and walked to the Apple Store. MH had been waiting for this. The store is actually in the basement with an impressive glass structure roof. Disappointingly, it is not as big as the one in London, Regent’s Street and the range is limited but with the strong £, prices are definitely cheaper.
The legendary FAO Schwarz is just next door. We cannot resist taking a photo with the soldier dressed doorman before going into the store. All manner of soft toys in varying sizes dominate the ground floor. We headed up the second floor to see other toys and the little one had fun at the painting session with very friendly sale assistants.
Inside FAO Schwarz
Newborn Nursery on 2nd floor. The sale assistant is dressed like a nurse.
The other thing I have to say, we are amazed by how friendly everyone is. A few of my friends had told me of snobbish New Yorkers but the people we met throughout our trip have been so friendly and helpful. The little one were fussed over on countless times.
The other thing I have to say, we are amazed by how friendly everyone is. A few of my friends had told me of snobbish New Yorkers but the people we met throughout our trip have been so friendly and helpful. The little one were fussed over on countless times.
After a quick break, we walked toward Columbus Circle to catch a direct train to the American Natural History Museum. Somehow, we took the Express instead of the local train and had to track back. The guide book said the museum close at 8.45pm on Friday but apparently it was only on certain holidays. It was closing at 5.45pm that day and we had 13 minutes. Argghhh!
The little one was so disappointed not to see the dinosaurs and burst into tears. The guard felt so bad and let us in for free and advised we go up to the 2nd floor. We missed the real dinosaur exhibition on the 4th floor but the free standing dinosaur display on the 2nd floor was amazing. So is the mammal dioramas. The lighted displays in a darkened room were very effective. A whirlwind stop at the Museum shop for souvenirs and the little one was happy. We sat at the steps for a while before heading home
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