I took a bunch of friends and their kids last year and we had a blast. The refreshments and such at City Hall afterwards were lame -- there were a few frosted cookies and some dreggs of cider, IIRC -- but the trolley ride and the extravaganza is worth the ticket price.

I too was surprised at how quickly tickets sold out. I agree with the mom upthread ... it really can be quite an ordeal if you don't have a lot of flexibility.

I have to do the self-drive tour this year which wont be as much fun, but will allow for more candid commentary. :-)