Liberty Island and Ellis Island
posted July 10, 2013 3:00 PM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Sat August 3 at 12:00 PM, Embarkation point for the Statue of Liberty
Castle Clinton, Battery Park Underpass, New York, NY, USA (Map & Directions)
UPDATE 7/24/13: We are going to visit the Statue of Liberty on August 3, and will be meeting at noon at Castle Clinton, the embarkation point in Battery Park. If you would like to join us, purchase ferry tickets with monument access (if available) for the 1pm timeslot. Ferry tickets do sell out, so if you plan to come, don't wait until the last minute.
ORIGINAL POST: I have lived in New York for six years. I have never been to either of these places. This must change. Friends, I want to go to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and I want to do it with you, before the end of the summer. UPDATE 7/21/13: We are planning to go August 3. Confirm whether you will join us by 5pm Tuesday July 23rd. THE TIME IS NOT YET DECIDED.
posted by ocherdraco to Meetup (65 comments total)

Ellis Island is closed indefinitely due to Hurricane Sandy damage. It's really worth visiting, definitely try to get there once they re-open!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:34 PM on July 10, 2013


Darn, I guess I assumed it had reopened along with Liberty Island. Well, let's say this is just for Liberty Island then!
posted by ocherdraco at 5:43 PM on July 10, 2013


I guess it's not that surprising. The bulk of Ellis Island is landfill (that is, it used to be some small islands and they just filled in and expanded them by bringing in dirt.) That probably does not stand up as well to weather. How high do they let people go up the statue these days? (I've been to the crown, but I was too chicken to go up the arm back when they let you.)
posted by Karmakaze at 5:09 AM on July 11, 2013


DO we get to stop Magneto?

I was led to belive a trip to Liberty Island means fighting Magneto.
posted by The Whelk at 7:40 AM on July 11, 2013


I want to climb the Statue, but not in Summer.
posted by Eideteker at 8:16 AM on July 11, 2013


Whelk, you are always welcome to fight Magneto.

Is there any particular day we should be aiming for? Do we want to do this in July?
posted by ocherdraco at 1:46 PM on July 11, 2013


I'm totally up for this, but I'm out and about all summer long, so don't mind my preferences when setting something and I'll just make it if I can.
posted by unannihilated at 2:19 PM on July 17, 2013


Ditto unannihilated.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:33 AM on July 19, 2013


Okay, I propose Saturday, August 3. Sound good?

We need to get tickets, and they will sell out (for example, next Saturday is already sold out).
posted by ocherdraco at 8:54 AM on July 20, 2013


works for me.
posted by The Whelk at 8:58 AM on July 20, 2013


Alas, we will be cruising. Kiss Lady Lib for me!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:46 AM on July 21, 2013 [1 favorite]


Okay, let's go on the 3rd. Please confirm whether you are coming by 5pm Tuesday, and we'll decide which timeslot we'll take then.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:25 PM on July 21, 2013


I'm a yes, and I'mma bring my hubs and kiddo. Also bringing an awesome out of town guest, former mefite flex! (so that's me+3, although the guest option doesn't allow for it.)
posted by gaspode at 7:40 AM on July 22, 2013


I'm game, sign me up.
posted by The Whelk at 8:22 AM on July 22, 2013


I'm in.
posted by unannihilated at 11:41 AM on July 22, 2013


Can't commit yet, going to check my work schedule when I get home.

I haven't been to Liberty Island in years. Like most New Yorkers, I only go to tourist spots when relatives visit from out of town, so it was back when my cousins from California came. I was about 11, and what I recall most clearly was experiencing seasickness for the first time on the ferry.
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 4:14 PM on July 22, 2013


"We need to get tickets"

Where? (how much, etc.)
posted by Eideteker at 9:19 PM on July 22, 2013


The tickets are purchased here. I'm guessing we'll go for monument access, as it's the same price as just going to the island.

Once we hit 5pm today, we'll pick a timeslot, and individual mefites will buy tickets for their group. (I am unfortunately unable to buy tickets for everyone and be reimbursed; I don't have that much cash or credit.)
posted by ocherdraco at 9:32 AM on July 23, 2013


[Question about crown access redacted because it's booked up for July & August]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 11:04 AM on July 23, 2013


Okay. Monument access tickets are limited to 8am, 1pm and 2pm at this point. I suggest we get 1pm tickets. Anyone have a problem with that?
posted by ocherdraco at 2:04 PM on July 23, 2013


(If there are no problems noted by 8pm tonight, please assume that we are go for 1pm, and purchase your tickets.)
posted by ocherdraco at 2:43 PM on July 23, 2013


1pm works!
posted by The Whelk at 2:44 PM on July 23, 2013


Nooooooooo, lack of crown access! 1pm works.
posted by unannihilated at 2:56 PM on July 23, 2013


ditto what unannihilated said
posted by Eideteker at 3:12 PM on July 23, 2013


Yeah, crown access is sold out all summer, and has been since I started looking at this.
posted by ocherdraco at 3:28 PM on July 23, 2013


Okay, get 1pm tickets with monument access, everybody! I just got mine. Again, tickets are purchased from here.
posted by ocherdraco at 8:06 PM on July 23, 2013


done and done!
posted by gaspode at 9:06 PM on July 23, 2013


Confirmed.
posted by Eideteker at 7:53 AM on July 24, 2013


Purchased! and it looks like the ferry leaves at 12:30 and arrives on Liberty Island at 12:53, wonderful!.
posted by The Whelk at 9:08 AM on July 24, 2013


Yes. The website recommends we arrive at the embarkation point 30 minutes before our departure, so please aim to arrive at noon. (Hey! The time I posted ended up being right!)

Some important info from the website:

SHOES: Wear comfortable ones.

BAGS: Large bags are not allowed on Liberty or Ellis Islands. There are no locker facilities at the New York and New Jersey embarkation points. Backpacks, strollers and large umbrellas are not permitted in the Monument.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:18 AM on July 24, 2013


Ugh, how large is "large"? Not allowed?

This could end up being a very short trip. *sigh*
posted by Eideteker at 9:53 AM on July 24, 2013


I think they basically mean don't bring a suitcase. Here's more info:

Other large items

Large (bigger than a milk crate) suitcases, parcels, packages and carry-on luggage are not permitted onto the ferry or the island. There are no storage lockers for these types of items at the ferry terminal, so leave them in your car or place of lodging.

Strollers, backpacks and small parcels

These items are permitted on the ferry and in the park, but not in the monument itself. Cameras, handbags and small personal items are allowed in the monument. In addition, you may not eat, drink or smoke in the monument. Lockers are available to rent before the monument's security station.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:59 AM on July 24, 2013


I'm confused. Why do my tickets say check in time 1pm? And now y'all are talking about noon? Did I totally fuck up? Looks like it. I bought 1pm tickets like you said...
posted by gaspode at 10:24 AM on July 24, 2013


Mine say check in time 1pm, but in the confirmation email it also says:
Departure Info: Battery Park - New York
We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes (1 hour June to August and during holidays) in advance to allow ample time to retrieve your tickets and go through the security screening process. You will need to provide your confirmation number and all adults need to be prepared to show a valid photo ID.
So I guess I'm still suggesting we gather at noon.

Whelk, what time does your ticket have listed for "check in time"? I don't see the times you're talking about anywhere on my tickets or confirmation.
posted by ocherdraco at 12:40 PM on July 24, 2013


(Sorry about all this, by the way; all the information on the website and tickets is super confusing.)
posted by ocherdraco at 12:40 PM on July 24, 2013


Ok cool. Yeah, I was a little freaked out by the whelk's specificity
posted by gaspode at 1:02 PM on July 24, 2013


AHHHHHH I understand now I thought I had to get myself to Liberty Island, the ticket includes the ferry price and service. Okay.

Departure Info: Battery Park - New York
We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes (1 hour June to August and during holidays) in advance to allow ample time to retrieve your tickets and go through the security screening process. You will need to provide your confirmation number and all adults need to be prepared to show a valid photo ID.

About the Tour: Reserve with Monument Access
This Reserve Ticket to Liberty Island includes round-trip ferry service and a Free Monument Pass that allows you to go inside the pedestal, see the interior structure of the Statue, take in sweeping 360-degree views from the pedestal observation deck and Ft. Wood. Ellis Island is still closed for repairs.

posted by The Whelk at 1:07 PM on July 24, 2013


Okay, I'm purchased!
posted by unannihilated at 4:29 PM on July 24, 2013


I'll be coming from Jersey, so I'll take the 1pm ferry from Liberty State Park. Meet you all there?
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 3:57 PM on July 28, 2013


By "Meet you all there?" I meant meet you at Liberty Island.

Just in case someone thought I expected you to schlep to Jersey.
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 6:54 PM on July 28, 2013


Sounds good.
posted by ocherdraco at 9:47 PM on July 28, 2013


I've got a guest in town, so I'm looking to sell my ticket (or buy one, if someone somehow has an extra?). So if you wanted to go to this but tickets sold out before you could get one, email me!
posted by Eideteker at 8:38 AM on July 30, 2013


Bonehead and I are planning coming down to New York this weekend, we'll see if we can make it for 12! It would be nice to meet some of the NY mefites!

Is there a rain date, since it seems it's going to pour on Saturday?
posted by LN at 7:28 AM on August 1, 2013


No rain date (tickets are non-transferable), but current forecast says 30% chance of rain, so we can hope that the 70% chance of non-rain prevails.
posted by ocherdraco at 10:11 AM on August 1, 2013


Just talked to bonehead. Count us in! :)
posted by LN at 5:04 PM on August 1, 2013


Great!
posted by ocherdraco at 7:23 PM on August 1, 2013


Eideteker, if you are still looking for an extra ticket, it turns out my boyfriend can't go, so I've got one.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:41 AM on August 2, 2013


Thank you! Given the rain and the limited amount of time Janet's in town for the weekend, we've elected to visit the (indoor) MTA museum instead.

So my ticket is still up for grabs; LN, do you and your SO have tickets (if not, between us, ocherdraco and I have two available)?
posted by Eideteker at 7:59 AM on August 2, 2013


We have that multi-attraction New York City pass, one attraction of which is the Statue of Liberty. As far as I know, we can just go straight to the security line with this thing. So I believe we're good.

I will be wearing a bright green shirt with an orange logo on it and brown shorts, for those trying to figure out who we are.
posted by LN at 11:01 AM on August 2, 2013


Aaaaah we both woke up with a summer flu, we may to skip this, which totally sucks,
posted by The Whelk at 7:39 AM on August 3, 2013


Yes, and in addition it is also raining. But I am going for certain if anyone wishes to join me. (Rain weeds out the weak.) I am actually headed out now so I can take the scenic route (walk) but I am wearing jeans and a purple shirt, long blonde hair, lady.
posted by unannihilated at 7:44 AM on August 3, 2013


I am about to head out. I will be in a gray t-shirt and black yoga pants and will somehow attempt to affix the metafilter logo to some part of my person.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:48 AM on August 3, 2013


Cool, we are heading out as well. We are two women, one man and a 5 year old who is coughing up a lung like she needs to cut back to a pack a day.
posted by gaspode at 7:59 AM on August 3, 2013


I...will somehow attempt to affix the metafilter logo to some part of my person.

Nerd.

posted by unannihilated at 8:03 AM on August 3, 2013


I'm sitting in bed coughing and sneezing so I expect pictures.
posted by The Whelk at 8:09 AM on August 3, 2013


I am in Castle Clinton, standing under an overhang by the restrooms. I have a piece of paper with the Metafilter logo hanging off my shirt and I'm holding a red umbrella.
posted by ocherdraco at 8:55 AM on August 3, 2013


Now boarding ferry from NJ.

@ocherdraco: you remember what I look like, right? Let's be on the lookout for each other.
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 9:48 AM on August 3, 2013


Ok, inside the monument now. Have you all made it in yet?
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 10:31 AM on August 3, 2013


Some of us are at the cafe because we were hungry. I'm not sure where the rest are.
posted by ocherdraco at 10:36 AM on August 3, 2013


Milling around outside. Heading to monument in about 15
posted by gaspode at 10:39 AM on August 3, 2013


Heading to monument now.
posted by ocherdraco at 10:53 AM on August 3, 2013


Ok, I'll wait at the top of the pedestal.
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 11:24 AM on August 3, 2013


That was fun, and I am worn out! Thanks for coming with me, y'all.
posted by ocherdraco at 7:17 PM on August 3, 2013 [2 favorites]


That was a great day! I'm so glad I came despite the initial rain. I fell asleep on the subway home and conked out as soon as I got back. Thanks to ocherdraco for organizing this logistically challenging meetup!
posted by unannihilated at 5:53 AM on August 4, 2013 [3 favorites]


Bonehead and I just got home from NY, thanks to everyone for the great meetup, it was a lot of fun (and stairs!). Thanks especially to ocherdraco for putting it all together!
posted by LN at 11:17 AM on August 5, 2013 [3 favorites]



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