New Years Eve in Times Square

Okay, I'm going to Times Square for the first time, and wonder what to expect. Has anyone here gone (seems like a silly question) and what advice do you have?

I just want to do it once while I'm young enough and healthy enough to survive!

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I wouldn't drink anything that day. Seriously. Once you're inside the barricades you are not allowed to leave, even to go to the bathroom. I know of some people who said they could but that really is out of the norm. It's very cold, very cramped and really a very exhausting experience.

I felt exactly the same way you did and attempted last year only to leave Times Square. I do not want to discourage. You must attempt it to say that you did it, but it is like an endurance test or an Olympic event. I believe many people do it to test their endurance.

First, if you want to be anywhere near the ball drop, you will be corralled as early as 2 or 3p (thats 9-10 hours in the elements with no bathroom break). Otherwise, based on the time you get there you are assigned a pen and there are no in/out privileges. Last year it was bitter cold and I lasted about an hour.

Plus, as the night progressed the energy gets more frenetic and people can and do start sneaking substances of all kinds (even though its not allowed). This is when people start going potty in the corrals and foolish. So it is basically when you are your most run down that people start acting the worst.

However, I say go for it to cross it off your list. At least attempt it. I made it for an hour, then headed to a toasty bar and had the best time ever! Happy New year!

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Thanks for all the advice---and yes, I am nuts! But have to do it once...

Then again, a lychee martini at the Blue Room is starting to sound pretty good...

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Did it once & it is a madhouse.

Had the experience & no desire to do it again.

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I can taste that martini now....

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I seriously believe the martini is a much better idea!

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That is the best description of New Years in Times Square I have ever heard.

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I will buy it.

By the way, is Dick Clark being rolled out this year? Let us remember him as he was & let someone take over the duties full time.

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Updated On: 12/25/09 at 11:08 PM

And HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Do you like feeling trapped? Do you like being thrown up on? Are you interested in observing the very basest of human behavior?

If you answer yes to the above, by all means GO and have a wonderful time.

If you didn't - and if those questions make you go 'hmmmmmm . . .' then I'd reconsider your options.

If you don't mind being herded like cattle and standing for hours in the cold, surrounded by the intoxicating aromas of piss and vomit, you should love it! Happy New Year!

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If you are the least bit claustrophobic, going there would be suicide.

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