Hello 2012! We’ll be Watching You Arrive at New York’s Times Square Ball Drop
Posted: December 2nd, 2011
If You’re One of the Many Braving the Crowds at New York’s Times Square Ball Drop, Check Out These Helpful Hints to Make Sure You’re Experience is as Safe and Enjoyable as We Hope 2012 Will Be.
10 Tips for Watching the World-Famous Ball Drop in New York’s Times Square
The Times Square Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve is an amazingly high-energy, exciting, entertaining, and historic New York Event to be part of, but there are definitely things you’ll want to consider before joining the crowds for many hours before the stroke of midnight. To enjoy the experience as much as possible, follow these ten tips carefully. You’ll be glad you did. And then have a fabulous time in New York’s Times Square for New Year’s Eve, where you’ll be one of the thousands celebrating as one year memorably becomes the next.
1. Pack Lightly – and Discreetly. With throngs of people jostling each other around in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, it’s easy to lose something or have it lifted from your purse or pocket without ever noticing, so leave whatever you don’t need back at the hotel. It’s also important to note that bags are not allowed in the Times Square on New Year’s Eve for the Ball Drop and security will be enforcing this. Keep valuables like IDs, credit cards, and money under your clothing. Money belts are a great option.
2. Dress Warm and Strategically. If you aren’t familiar with the northeast climate, prepare to be cold. Really cold. You’ll be standing outside for hours, the sun will go down, the temperature will drop, and you will be unpleasantly chilled if you’re not dressed appropriately. Wear gloves, a scarf, hat, warm socks, and have layers to add as needed. Consider a jacket or coat with pockets, too, so you can pack snacks. It’s not about sexy in this scenario; all the smart people will be dressed just like you and those who aren’t will wish they were.
3. Where’s the Restroom? At your hotel. Or at the public restrooms at the nearby Port Authority. Go before you arrive to Times Square. The Charmin holiday toilets at 1540 Broadway between W 54th and W 46th Streets will be available, but plan on really long lines.
4. Stay Nearby. If you’re fortunate enough to get a hotel in the area, you’ll appreciate the conveniences of not having to use public transportation, using your room’s restroom at the last minute, and being able to quickly get to your bed when you’re finally done celebrating.
There are many choices for a Times Square Hotel including the historic, newly remodeled Milford Plaza Hotel, a Times Square New York City Hotel. Located in Times Square, Milford Plaza Hotel is surrounded by Manhattan’s famous landmarks and attractions including NYC’s Theater District, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and countless other NYC attractions.
5. Arrive Early. How crowded it gets can’t be stated enough. Thousands of people pack in and most start arriving throughout the late afternoon. Once your spot is chosen, plan on keeping it until midnight.
6. Know the Best Viewing Areas. The best spots to see the Times Square Ball Drop are along Broadway from 43rd St to 50th St and along 7th Ave up to 59th St.
7. Eat a Big Lunch. If you find your spot in Times Square in the afternoon and stay put until after the ball drops, you’re looking at many hours without a full meal, so eat a big lunch.
8. Pack Snacks. Packs snacks and beverages (but remember not to hydrate more than necessary due to the bathroom situation). You may want to bring a warm beverage in a thermos. Remember that no alcoholic beverages are allowed.
9. Participate in what’s available. Every hour as different countries around the world ring in the near year, there is a mini-celebration in Times Square. There is also a wishing wall at the Times Square Visitor Center and if you can add your wish before New Year’s Eve, your wish may be part of the confetti that floats down on the crowd at midnight. There will be performances, celebrity appearances, laser lights, and complimentary masks, hats and balloons for those who are there by 7 p.m.
10. Be a good sport. With so many people trying to find a good view of the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, you’re bound to get bumped, stepped on, and have your view blocked. Stay calm, be patient, and keep in mind that you’re there to celebrate, so stay positive and end one year and begin the next on a good note.
About Milford Plaza Hotel - A Times Square Hotel
Milford Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of New York City, surrounded by Times Square, the Broadway Theater district, Manhattan’s best restaurants and nightclubs, the Empire State Building, the subway, shopping and more – and is undergoing a $140 million renovation to remain among the best NYC Hotels in Manhattan with 1,300 Guest Rooms and Guest Suites.
The Milford Plaza Hotel is readying all new Guest Rooms, Lounge, Fitness Room, and accommodations that will impress guests worldwide. This historic Times Square Hotel is perfectly located near all NYC Activities and Attractions that bring visitors to Manhattan – for business or pleasure. Jacob Javits Convention Center, the financial district, Madison Square Garden, MOMA, Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, Greenwich Village, and much more is within minutes by walk or ride. Come see the best of NYC and stay at The Milford Plaza Hotel – the favored destination for a Times Square Hotel.
