You know the scene. Kevin McCallister, draped in an oversized robe, lounging on a massive bed in a suite that costs more than most people's cars, digging into a sundae that defies the laws of nutrition. It’s the ultimate 90s childhood fantasy. Honestly, even as an adult, the idea of checking into a world-class hotel with a "highly sophisticated" credit card sounds like a dream. But here is the thing: the Plaza Hotel Home Alone 2 package isn't just a movie prop. It is a real, bookable experience that people actually shell out thousands for every single winter.
Most people think it’s just a marketing gimmick that faded away after the VHS tapes stopped spinning. It’s not. The Plaza has leaned into this legacy so hard it’s basically part of the building's DNA at this point. If you want to live like Kevin, you have to know what you’re getting into because it isn't just about a room—it’s about the specific "Live Like Kevin" experience.
What Really Comes in the Plaza Hotel Home Alone 2 Package?
Let’s get the logistics out of the way first. When you book the Plaza Hotel Home Alone 2 package, you aren't just getting a standard room with a "Lost in New York" DVD on the nightstand. The hotel calls it the "Live Like Kevin" offer. It fluctuates in price depending on the season, but the core of it remains pretty consistent.
First, you get the ice cream. This isn't a scoop of vanilla. It is a massive, over-the-top "Home Alone 2" sundae delivered via room service. We are talking sixteen scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, and raspberry sauce. It’s a literal sugar coma on a silver tray. They even bring it up just like they did for Kevin, though hopefully with less attitude than the movie staff.
Then there are the gifts. Usually, the package includes a branded backpack and a copy of the movie on Blu-ray. It’s a nice touch, but let's be real—you’re there for the vibes. You also get a "Home Alone 2" themed photo experience.
But wait. There's a catch.
The package is technically an "add-on" to your room stay. You can’t just pay for the sundae and sleep in the lobby. You have to book a room or a suite at the current market rate, which, at The Plaza, is rarely what anyone would call "affordable." Depending on whether it’s a random Tuesday in November or the week before Christmas, you could be looking at anywhere from $900 to $3,000 a night just for the door to open.
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The Reality of Staying at 768 Fifth Avenue
The Plaza is old-school. It opened in 1907. When you walk through those doors, you’re stepping into a space designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. It’s all gold leaf, marble, and crystal chandeliers. It feels heavy. Important.
Kevin stayed in Suite 411. In reality, the "Kevin McCallister Suite" isn't a permanent museum. The rooms have been renovated multiple times since 1992. If you’re expecting the exact floral wallpaper and heavy drapes from the film, you might be a little disappointed. The modern Plaza is much more sleek, leaning into a "Luxe Beaux-Arts" aesthetic with white stone and clean lines.
One thing that hasn't changed? The lobby. It’s still just as grand. You can still walk the same path Kevin did when he met a certain future president near the elevators. That sense of scale is why the Plaza Hotel Home Alone 2 package works. You feel small in a way that makes the adventure feel big.
The Cost of Living Like a 10-Year-Old Millionaire
Let’s talk money. Honestly, it’s expensive.
If you want the full experience, you’re looking at:
- The Room Rate (Variable, but high).
- The "Live Like Kevin" enhancement fee (usually around $200-$300 on top of the room).
- Dining at The Palm Court (optional, but iconic).
- Transportation.
Some people try to DIY this. They book a cheaper hotel nearby and just go to The Plaza for tea. You can do that. But the hotel is pretty strict about guest-only areas. If you want the sundae in the room while wearing the robe, you’ve got to pay the piper.
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Beyond the Room: The NYC Home Alone Tour
If you’re doing the Plaza Hotel Home Alone 2 package, you’re probably going to leave the hotel at some point. Maybe. Kevin’s New York wasn't just Midtown.
You’ve got to hit Rockefeller Center to see the tree. In the movie, that’s where Kevin reunites with his mom. It’s crowded. Like, "can't move your arms" crowded. If you go, go at 4:00 AM. Seriously. That’s the only time it feels magical rather than claustrophobic.
Then there’s Wollman Rink in Central Park. It’s still there. You can still skate there. It looks exactly the same, minus the sticky-fingered bandits lurking nearby. Also, don't forget the Gapstow Bridge. That’s where the Pigeon Lady hung out. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the park for a reason. It’s stunning.
Is the Toy Store Real?
This is the biggest disappointment for fans. Duncan’s Toy Chest? Fake. Sort of.
The store in the movie was based on FAO Schwarz. In 1992, FAO Schwarz was located right across the street from The Plaza. It was massive. It had the giant piano. It was legendary. However, that specific location closed years ago.
FAO Schwarz has since reopened at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It’s still cool. It still has the piano. But it isn't the "Duncan’s Toy Chest" building you see in the film (which was actually filmed in Chicago anyway, but let’s not ruin the magic too much).
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Why We Are Still Obsessed With This Movie
It’s about agency. As a kid, the idea of being in charge of your own life—having a hotel staff at your beck and call—is the ultimate power trip. As an adult, the Plaza Hotel Home Alone 2 package is pure nostalgia bait. It’s a way to buy back a piece of your childhood for 24 hours.
There’s also the New York factor. The movie is basically a love letter to a version of New York that feels safe but adventurous. It’s "gritty" enough to have a Pigeon Lady, but polished enough to have a hotel with gold-plated faucets.
Common Misconceptions About the Package
- It’s only available in December. Wrong. The Plaza usually offers this year-round because demand never really dies. However, it feels weird eating a 16-scoop sundae when it’s 90 degrees in July.
- You get to meet the cast. No. You’re more likely to see a celebrity at the bar, but it won't be a scripted encounter.
- The limo pizza is included. Sometimes! Some versions of the package have included a limo ride around the city with a hot cheese pizza, but you have to check the specific seasonal terms. Always ask the concierge before you book if the "Little Nero's" experience is part of your specific deal.
Navigating the Booking Process
If you’re serious about this, don't just use a generic travel site. Go directly to The Plaza’s official website. Look under the "Offers" or "Specials" tab.
If you don't see the Plaza Hotel Home Alone 2 package listed, call them. The Plaza is a Fairmont managed property. Their guest services team is used to these requests. They can manually add the "Live Like Kevin" amenities to almost any reservation if you're willing to pay the surcharge.
Also, keep an eye on the dates. New York is busiest during the "Gridlock Alert" days in December. If you want the movie experience without the three-hour wait for a table, try the first week of November or the middle of January. It’s colder, but it’s much more quiet.
A Quick Word on the Sundae
I cannot stress this enough: do not try to eat the sundae alone. It is designed for a family. It’s served in a massive glass bowl and comes with enough spoons for a small army. If you try to pull a Kevin and eat the whole thing yourself, you’re going to spend the rest of your New York vacation in a very expensive bathroom.
Actionable Steps for Your "Home Alone" Stay
If you are ready to drop the credit card (and hopefully it's not stolen from your dad), here is how to execute the perfect trip:
- Book the "Live Like Kevin" enhancement at least 48 hours in advance. The kitchen needs time to prep that massive amount of dairy, and the concierge needs to get your gift bag ready.
- Request a high floor. The views of Central Park from the upper levels of The Plaza are what you’re really paying for.
- Download a map of the filming locations. Don't just wing it. Map out a walking route from The Plaza to the Gapstow Bridge, then down to Rockefeller Center. It’s a classic loop.
- Dress the part. If you aren't wearing a slightly oversized wool coat and a knit hat, are you even doing it right?
- Check the "Palm Court" dress code. If you plan on eating breakfast where Kevin’s parents stayed, know that it’s "Smart Casual." No sweatpants, even if they’re designer.
- Budget for the "Extras." A cocktail at the Champagne Bar will run you $30. A burger at the Food Hall downstairs is $25. New York is expensive; The Plaza is "New York" on steroids.
Staying at The Plaza is a bucket-list item for many. Adding the Plaza Hotel Home Alone 2 package layers on a level of whimsy that takes the edge off the formal, sometimes stuffy atmosphere of a five-star hotel. Just remember to tip your bellman—preferably with something better than a stick of gum.