Firstly I will echo the other reviewers. New York is a night town and nobody likes the mornings. The first trip to the Statue is at 8:45 and there were only five visitors with us on the first ferry across. This meant we didn’t have to queue for tickets (although we booked on line through the Statue Reservations site and it took longer to pick up the reserved tickets than to stand in line!), or for the ferry security, or for the ferry crossing, or to go through the Statue security, or to wait for the tour, or to go up to the observation deck in the lift. Any of these points could be a nightmare if the Statue was busy, but none more than the lift as you are no longer able to walk up to the deck and are reliant on the 30 person lift. As we were leaving the ferries were coming in almost filled to capacity which must have equated approx to a 10am departure from Battery Park and 300 visitors per drop.
For a first-time visitor this is an amazing and unmissable experience. The tour was OK and the museum is a little contrived but don’t forget that the grand old lady was the tallest structure in the world when she was first built and she is the symbol of all America stands for. No I am not whittering. Go there and you will understand.

We actually had to go to Liberty Island twice in two days since we didn't have a monument pass the first day so we were not allowed inside to view the statue's interior. To make the best of time, we walked around Liberty Island, took some pics and then headed for Ellis Island on the first day. With all of the security and crowds, you can expect to spend from 4 to 6 hours to tour both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

To see the inside meant making a reservation immediately for the next day by calling 1-866-Statue4. It's kind of funny since I made this call from the Statue of Libery's cafeteria pay phones!! I'm told you can also pick up these passes at the ferry box office as well but you should do it early in the morning since they have very limited numbers to actually give out.

We took the Observatory Tour which allows you to go up to the level just under the feet of Lady Liberty. You are also able to see the interior skeleton through a plexiglass window in the lobby of the observatory level. The tour starts off with a viewing of the original torch and afte that you are led through a museum that gives some history and construction information about the attraction. The end of the guided tour ends on the observatory level.

We visiting most attractions in the city using the 'New York Pass', and it included the ferry ride to the island but it does not include a pass to go inside the statue. You must somehow obtain this sperarately either by calling the toll free number or by going to the ferry box office and requesting one at that time. There should be some info on the Statue's website. Basically, we paid twice, but it was well worth it since we were able to interact with a piece of history.

We went to see the Statue of Liberty on a weekday afternoon and after a security check, we stood in a crowded hall with other tourists waiting for the boat to arrive. When we decked on Liberty Island where the statue stands, we were told that we had 10 minutes before the last boat of the day leaves for Ellis Island. After running around like maniacs to take a quick picture, we returned to find out that the boat already left and we cannot go to Ellis Island. Therefore, we walked around the Statue for a while but there was nothing to do and we were not able to go inside of it.
I would recommend going early and checking to see if the statue itself is open to the public.

We went during Thanksgiving week and I would say in the afternoon maybe around lunchtime or later and our waiting time was not that bad. We purchased our tickets that day on the New Jersey old train station site. They do have a strict security system - but after 911 I think they have the right to. We didn't enter the Ellis Island Immigration but viewed it from the ferry boat that stopped there and if that is something you are interested in - it is a great part of history. Taking the ferry and looking at New York from the water was fabulous and got some great photo shots. The Statue of Liberty tour was tremendous and our guide was pleasant and knowledgeable. As most of you know you can only go up as far as the bottom of her skirt and that was far enough - 154 stairs. They had elevators but I think they are just for handicapped. I didn't see anyone using them. I would highly recommend everyone experience this part of history and America.