Okay - so your comment reminded me of an article that I read somewhere on MSN. It said the Empire State Building was one place to avoid. I went looking for the article and I think this is it - http://www.concierge.com/ideas/hotspot/tours/500723?mbid=wb&page=0 ...

Hope the rest of your trip is better!

Wow, that article was spot on Al. Thanks for sending. Recommended reading for any potential NYC newbies.

It's better to go up the Rockefeller building. No lines, almost as tall, and you can take pictures of the Empire State building from it. Plus a better view of Central Park.

I've been up the ESB on my last two trips to NYC. Maybe its just because I'm an engineer, but I found it to be extremely entertaining both times. The wait times are long, but its such a neat historical building and the views are unbeatable. The people I went with shared the same opinion as me.

Go after midnight. It's best at night and the lines are practically nonexistant.

I had the good fortune to top the World Trade Center when I visited oh so long ago.