AGP Chicago or New York? Which one and why?

[AGMommy]

I know some of you might have fun answering this one and I want to hear everyone's thoughts. DH has agreed to let DD and I go to AGP this summer. This will be a super-early birthday gift for her, (birthday not until November) and I want to do the best one. The airfare would be less expensive to Chicago (we're from Dallas), and if we went, it would just be DD and I for two days. (We really don't plan to do anything else in Chicago, as DH wouldn't go with us.) However, DH WILL go to NY, as we'd make more of a 'family vacation' out of it with a 4-day trip. (There are other places we'd like to visit.) DD and I still would have the day to ourselves at AGP. Are there certain extras in Chicago that we shouldn't miss? Our DD is 10, and she'd really prefer to have her Dad go with us. (I might have answered my own question.) Should I just plan for the one in NY? I'd like to have DH go too, but I didn't know if Chicago's better. Thanks for your help

[Elle123]

I think you have made the decision. Take a family trip to NYC and work AG in. There is so much to do and see in my beautiful city, your family will have a great time. There are some things that Chicago has that NY does not (a photo thing, I think is one of them) but for the most part, the experiences are similar.

[jaydon724]

I think the NY store may be bigger. I've only been to the Chicago store (I'm form Chicago), though. I think the trip to NY may be better if your DD would rather have her dad with her.

[QNPoohBear]

I like the NY store better. It's a little bigger and better organized, I think. I felt that Chicago was very chaotic and I would never have found anything on my own. NY has a lot to offer for everyone, so does Chicago. I liked Chicago as a city better. It was slower paced and more friendly. People didn't try to run you over when you crossed the street!

[AGMommy]

It's a tough decision. We'll probably go to New York. I WOULD like the slower pace in Chicago, but know my DD would want to share her immediate excitement (once we leave AGP) with 'Daddy.' We also want to see the ferris wheel inside the NYC Toys R' Us, etc. I'm still tossing the ideas around, though.

[judiaci]

Both trips sound great. Whatever you decide, you can't lose! I have only been to Chicago, and I love it there. It is a beautiful city. You can visit some great museums that are not too far away from AGP. It is fun to do just a mother and daughter trip, also. It will be a lot less expensive to do 2 days in Chicago with 2 people versus 4 days in NY with 3 people. Either way, you can't go wrong. Have fun planning!

[KimberBee]

I can't really help much, as I've only been to AGPNY. I haven't been to Chicago, but I heard that the AGP is smaller. When me and my mom went to New York together we went on a 3 day weekend and did a lot of other stuff. We went and saw Beauty and the Beast on broadway (my favorite disney movie ever) and had a lot of fun. I'm not sure what plays would be availible when your going, but that might be something to look into [img]smile.gif[/img] Also we went to the central park zoo. Its not a huge zoo but I really liked it. Whatever you decide to do I'm sure you will have a great time [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]

[dolllover]

NY!It's a little bit bigger than Chicago and it's less chaotic(usually).

[AmericanGirlLover2982]

NY deftinatly, I have not been Chiacago yet, and I dont think Ill ever get to go there, so Ill have to say NY.
Nikki [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]

[dianasmama]

I was lucky enough to go to both cities and both AGP's this year. I love both.

Personally, I didn't think there was any difference between the two stores. I had no problems navigating the two stores at all. Me, my SIL and Diana went to Chicago and she loved it all, but she isn't old enough for the show so we missed that. But Chicago has the photo shop and she got her picture on the cover of the magazine, which she loves, it's my avitar! All three of us had lunch in the cafe, very special also.

DH and I went alone to NYC in November for a long weekend for his 50th! Still, I spent 3 of the days in AGP! He even came with me one time and looked around the store.

We've decided we definitely want to take Diana when she's older (she's only 4-1/2 right now). The reason for waiting for NYC is so she can walk further distances. We LOVE New York City. We stayed at the Milford Plaza which was very close to Times Square and all the theatres. We walked everywhere, we never took a taxi at all. We only took the subway down to WTC and once to upper west side to his neice's apartment. I would recommend NYC for the following reasons:

family time

share the experience with Daddy too

at least invite him to have lunch or have him meet you after the day for dinner in the cafe to give him the whole experience too.

catch a Broadway show like Lion King or Beauty and the Beast

Toys r us with the ferris wheel

if you went at Christmas time you could see the Rockettes (which we want to do)

Ferry ride to Statue of Liberty, and of course, you'd have to get the Liberty outfit for Coconut!

I'm sure the local New Yorkers could also give you many other good ideas too.

I love Chicago too, and plan to go back with my SIL maybe next summer again and have it be a "girl's" tradition. Maybe after the NYC trip, just you and your daughter could begin that tradition of going to Chicago alone.

I just think it helps to pull the men into the mix too and it makes AG all that much more enjoyable.

Laurie