The much-heralded "new Times Square" is just that! Those seamy establishments and pornography parlors of yesteryear are all but gone (perhaps to New Jersey, Governor Pataki recently quipped) and in their place are refurbished theatres, squeaky clean fun spots and, most prominently, Mickey Mouse. The Disney Company has rescued the New Amsterdam, an Art Nouveau playhouse on 42nd Street dating from 1903, which had fallen into seedy disrepair. Celebrating the revival, there will be a parade on June 14 in Times Square, timed to coincide with the release of Disney's "Hercules," and in the fall, a live version of "The Lion King" will open at the New Amsterdam. So bring your cameras and enjoy. I would still advise, however, hanging on to your wallet. New York is, well, New York.

February 2005 Update...
Don't miss the giant Toys R Us Ferris Wheel inside the store in Times Square. Also recommended: Dinner at "The View," a revolving restaurant atop the Marriott. Be sure to make reservations so you'll get a table by a window!

For news of the Times Square Centennial, April 8th 2004, stop by my update on Dance in NYC, March 2004-March 2005.