You ll want to get there EARLY. The ball drops at broadway and 42nd-43rd streets. People are allowed to start standing at 44th street and higher. Most of the spots on what most people think of as Times Square will be taken up by 4pm - 6pm. The best spots to view the ball and performances is typically at 46-48th streets. Once you are in, you re in. You cannot leave and return. That said, there s typically some McDonald s or something that s open where you can go inside to get a drink or use the bathroom. BUT most of the times locations will close their restrooms even to paying customers. So try to go beforehand, or before it gets too busy. You ll notice that at around 8pm, streets will start closing above 49th street, and police will direct people further uptown. You will NOT be able to access any streets leading towards Broadway between 42nd street or sometimes 40th street and whatever street is currently filling. The last few years, this event has attracted about 2 million people from around the world to Times Square each year, so be prepared to be stuck with a lot of people. It will be cold, so you should probably move around as much as possible - the nice part - they play music so you can dance. Most people around you will join in. After about 9pm, the streets will be closing so quickly that you cannot walk fast enough to keep up with closures.Also, know where you re going before you need to leave. If you re leaving by subway, have your metrocard already loaded with money, know where the closest station with your train is. Know how to get there. If you ve driven into the city... good luck. If you re taking a bus at the Port Authority Bus Terminal - this is important - BUY your ticket in ADVANCE. You know you re going to take the bus home, so buy your ticket home when you arrive to the city. NJ Transit tickets are good for like 7 days or more, so get it ahead of time. NYPD and PAPD will be at the terminal and only allow ticketed passengers to the gates. You don t want to get turned away and have to wait in line to get your bus ticket. All in all, its a fun experience, and a lifetime accomplishment. Planning ahead and knowing what to do will make that experience all the better.
I m going to be there too! I ve heard that you should bring cardboard to stand on so your feet don t get as cold as if you re standing on the cement. Also I ve heard that you should try to find a spot to stand near a coffee shop or something that will stay open and allow you to go in and use the bathroom (you ll have to buy something, of course).
If you can get there as early as possible but you can see the ball drop all the way back into the 50 s. It s a hurry up and wait night. Bring cards or hand held games because there isn t much to do til 11:45. It is fun and an experience in life!!!!! It is for the young and or strong so do it while ya can; ) Only drink water,pee before you line up and hold it til 12:30.
You want to know what to expect, yet, don t want anything negative ? When it comes to times square on that night, there is not much in the positive department; which is why we who live here never go.