Tracy L.
Yelp
So it took some research, backing into release dates, etc, but the time spent getting the crown tickets were well worth it!
We arrived at Battery park to get the ready for the ferry around 8:15. If you have tickets to the crown, you have to go get a wrist band that indicates you got the crown tickets BEFORE you get in line for security for the ferry. Once you have your write band and your paper ticket, get in line for security. Once you get through security, you line up for the ferry.
We got on the first ferry, and as soon as we landed on Liberty Island, we headed straight for the lockers to put our things away before lining up for the pedestal and crown stairs. And if you do have crown tickets, you really do need to put everything way except what is listed as acceptable (we just took our cell phones). The lockers are easy to use - deposit a quarter, turn the key and make sure to keep the key safe. At that point, line up where the rangers are and they will guide you through. After you climb up to the top of the pedestal, only those with wrist bands are allowed past another check point where you show your tickets and take off your wristbands before heading up. That's where the spiral stair case starts. Since we were on the first ferry out and went straight to the pedestal/crown stairs, we actually ended up being the first group up to the top so we didn't have to wait. We took our picture, enjoyed the top, and once we started going down (there were 3 of us and another party of 3 in "the crown" along with 2 rangers), the next group was allowed up to the platform. Once we got past the spiral staircase and got back down to the top of the pedestal, we went all around that level for more photos.
It was a great experience to go up to the crown!
We then went to the Statue of Liberty Museum, where we learned about the beginnings of the statue and my son did the Jr Ranger program and took the pledge.
After Liberty Island, you get on the ferry and head towards Ellis Island.