We visited from the New Jersey side and based on t...

We visited from the New Jersey side and based on the reviews it said to arrive early. Our boat departure was 9:30. We got there at 7:30 and were the first to arrive. The first boat went out at 9:00 and they let us through at 8:30. The one thing I didn't realize was security was intense. They say airport like screening but this was more than that. Maybe because I have precheck and aren't used to regular airport screenings but you take off everything (jackets,belts,watches,hats ect..) so be prepared for that. This happens twice (at the state cruise terminal and again when you go inside the statue of liberty which was a pain but the feeling of knowing you were secure was a plus and security was friendly) Some things we wished we knew in advance were the audio tour starts in order. First outside, then then the musuem inside,then the pedestal. We did it backwards. Still worked out but would have been nice to hear it in order. They have two gift shops. The one that leads you into the pedestal is small and worth skipping. The one outside when you first enter is better but they have the same items at Ellis Island and it was less cramped so I would visit there instead. Allow at least 3 hours to see the statue without feeling rushed. The boats come every 20 mins but the boat back to New Jersey requires you to go to Ellis Island first and then wait for that boat which took about a hour for everything. We missed out exploring Ellis Island in detail due to time even though we were on the first boat of the day so plan a day to do both with nothing else in the afternoon to get your money's worth.