Times Square TKTS questions

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 1:31pm

So, this is going to be a little involved...

I was browsing the TKTS app and came across this little tid bit of information:

At TKTS Times Square, window #12 is designated as a Play-Only window. If you prefer to see a play (a non-musical production) you may go directly to that window for a much shorter wait, (although plays are sold at all windows).

And then this...

At TKTS Times Square, window #1 is a 7-Day Fast Pass Window. That means, if you have made a purchase at TKTS, you may return within 7 days with your ticket stubs, and go directly to window #1 to purchase same-day discount tickets to another performance, thus avoiding the lines.

My question is for the TKTS booth users in the summer months: Have you done this - used the Play-Only window, say on a Friday evening, then went back on Saturday to get tickets for musicals, both the 2pm and 8pm shows? If so how long were the lines for Play-Only on Friday, and the Fast Pass window the next day? 

To try and save some money, I’m now thinking about going into my July birthday trip with no tickets for Gary at the Booth, Tootsie, and Beetlejuice, and just getting them at the TKTS booth. But I don’t want to spend an hour or more waiting in line each time.

Just need some advice from those who have purchased Play / Musical tickets on consecutive TKTS visits.

 

 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 1:42pm

In my experience, the play line and the fastpass line both tend to be very short. Not even close to an hour-long wait. 

[CarmenA3]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 2:24pm

dmwnc1959 said: "So, this is going to be a little involved...


To try and save some money, I’mnow thinking about going into my July birthday trip with no tickets forGary at the Booth,Tootsie,and Beetlejuice,and just getting them at the TKTS booth. But I don’t want to spend an hour or more waiting in line each time.
 

If you're going to come in without tickets, you should also look into what the rush/lottery policy is for each (they'll all be open by that time and you can follow threads to get an idea or rush lines). Yes, it won't be a center seat, but if you're looking to make your $ go further, it's a great way to do so (and you will probably be able to see 2 shows (rush/lotto are usually around $40) for the price of 1 TKTS ticket).

Whatever you decide.... have a great time!!

[ImAProphet]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 4:52pm

The Lincoln Center location will let you buy tickets for Friday night AND the Saturday matinee, plus there's hardly ever a line. If they have what you want (they usually have the same options as Times Square, but check the app) and it's at all convenient to get yourself up there, I'd get tickets for the first two shows in one visit, then hit the fast-pass line at Times Square on Saturday afternoon.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 6:48pm

Thanks for all the great tips and insights! Such great help!!!

For the Friday I arrive into NYC it’ll be very late in the afternoon, and getting up to The Lincoln Center may be a little tight in my scheduling after hotel check-in around 6pm in the Chelsea part of town. Just depends on the timing of that. But right now it looks like it may be my best option to score two tickets at one stop.

As for the Rush / Lottery policies for all three shows, I’ll definitley have to keep my eyes peeled for any threads that come up. Not sure how Rush works, or taking my chances on a Lottery, but it may be worth it up until my day of arrival.

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 7:25pm

For what it's worth when I used to have an office in new York I'd roll up to the tkts window at 6:50 for a 7 pm show or 7:50 for an 8 pm show. Got some amazing seats that way that weren't released until just before the show. (riskier for shows that are selling well, of course, but if a show consistently has empty seats and is on the board until showtime there's really no reason to get there super early.)

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 7:58pm

I’ve never waited even in the regular line all that long that I can recall.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 8:23pm

JBroadway said: "In my experience, the play line and the fastpass line both tend to be very short. Not even close to an hour-long wait."

 

A lot less more like 15-20 minutes tops

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 3/10/19 at 8:41pm

So, best case scenario is that I can get my tickets from the Lincoln Center TKTS for Gary at the Booth (or The Cher Show, which ever one is better, not sure) and Tootsie at the same time for the Friday night and Saturday Matinee shows respectively, then go to Times Square Saturday for my Beetlejuice ticket. Very exciting!!! 

Updated On: 3/10/19 at 08:41 PM