My kids and I actually like Times Square, but yeah, they know to stay away from the characters. Some of the costumes are actually pretty good, there are a couple of Spider-Man's that actually climb street lights, etc, but some also look like they got their costumes from the dollar store. And if you don't leave a tip, often other nearby characters will join in the harassment, almost like they are in a union, Charecters Local 311. There are also toppless women with body paint walking around doing the same picture taking scam (much to the enjoyment of my son) and its legal. Although now that Toys 'R Us is closed, TS is not as much as a destination for kids. We hope to be there Saturday night, but we are flying out Sat morning standby (non-revenue) and there's only a few seats left. Fingers crossed.