New York NYE (with a 14y/o)

[IndianaMac]

Hi folks, looking to tap into the collective with regards to NYE in New York. We're going to be in NYC (Hilton Midtown) 28th Dec, flying home 3rd Jan.
I've been told restaurants book up NYE well in advance (like even greater than our Disney planning in advance!), so looking for any thoughts from experienced Dibbers re restaurant (steak will be fine...) for the evening, and a place for the celebrations (not corralled into Times Square with no chance of exit... Methinks I'm too old (and Tyke's too young) for that ). If restaurant could be combined into ball drop, perfect!
Also, any NYC tips in general greatly appreciated.
Selfishly, I'd like to step aboard the USS Intrepid, and I'd love to catch a hockey game, so I'll check the NHL schedules and hope the Rangers are at Madison Square Garden, and I'm sure the missus and nipper will have targets (thinking a show on Broadway also).
TiA

[Colette-S]

Originally Posted by IndianaMac

Hi folks, looking to tap into the collective with regards to NYE in New York. We're going to be in NYC (Hilton Midtown) 28th Dec, flying home 3rd Jan.
I've been told restaurants book up NYE well in advance (like even greater than our Disney planning in advance!), so looking for any thoughts from experienced Dibbers re restaurant (steak will be fine...) for the evening, and a place for the celebrations (not corralled into Times Square with no chance of exit... Methinks I'm too old (and Tyke's too young) for that ). If restaurant could be combined into ball drop, perfect!
Also, any NYC tips in general greatly appreciated.
Selfishly, I'd like to step aboard the USS Intrepid, and I'd love to catch a hockey game, so I'll check the NHL schedules and hope the Rangers are at Madison Square Garden, and I'm sure the missus and nipper will have targets (thinking a show on Broadway also).
TiA

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We were there for NYE when our kids were around the same age. Lots of restaurants offer packages with “view” of ball drop (you need to research any choices and make sure you get a live view of ball drop and not screen etc)
Unfortunately, most of them were suited to over 21’s as the packages included alcohol. There were a couple that offered family packages (Dave & Busters and I think TGI’s) but after I read the review I wasn’t keen. Then there was the question of the journey back to the hotel which would have been manic with the crowds.
We didn’t fancy Times Square itself as we didn’t want to be locked in pens from early afternoon without being able to leave for toilet breaks etc.
Eventually we decided to go to the party at our hotel which was really nice

[Colette-S]

No sure about ice hockey games but my husband and son went to an NFL game while we were there - Giants v Philadelphia. Tickets were easy to get and they really enjoyed it

[neilhd]

Having just been on similar dates (we flew flew out on 27th and home on NYE) I'd advise booking restaurants for all days if possible. It was mega-busy - especially around Rockerfeller and Times Square (which is getting ready for NYE from a few days before, so you can't go up the steps etc, and it takes up loads of space).

Most restaurants had hour-plus waits every night. You don't need to book months in advance or anything (NYE excluded), but a couple of weeks ahead should be fine.