Las Vegas: New York-New York Hotel Big Apple Coaster Ride

Roller coaster time in Vegas is always a good idea. The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York delivers high-speed thrills near 70 mph and a memorable 180-degree twist as you race past a Manhattan-style city set. One thing to keep in mind: the ride is short, and the price can feel steep for how fast it ends.

I like that this is a single-ride ticket with an option to skip the ticket line, so you spend less time waiting and more time strapped in and holding on. You’ll also want to plan for a bit of “ride-day discipline,” since you may need to put items away and stow your phone before you get on.

Key Highlights Worth Getting Excited About

• 180-degree twist that’s the headline move on this coaster
• Nearly 70 mph speed with spirals, loops, and fast drops
• Manhattan mock-up on a red track that keeps the theme going through the ride
• Night rides look great, with the Strip lit up around you
• Heights matter: minimum 4 ft 3 in (130 cm)

Big Apple Coaster: A Strip-View Thrill That Hits Fast

The Big Apple Coaster is built for people who want real momentum, not a slow “tour” ride. You start with a climb that builds tension, then the coaster turns your nerves into seat-grip speed—snaking through a Manhattan-style look-alike as you go.

What makes it especially fun in Vegas is the setting. You get that mix of amusement-park chaos and famous-Strip lighting, so the ride feels like you’re blasting through a movie set that’s also hovering over the action.

The Ride Experience: Manhattan Sights, Loops, and the 180-Degree Twist

The track is red, and the ride weaves through a Manhattan mock-up, so even when you’re upside down or snapping through turns, you still feel like you’re inside the theme. Expect climbs that set you up for the first drop, then nonstop intensity after that.

The big selling point is the 180-degree twist, the kind of move you feel in your shoulders and core because it changes your direction fast. After the first drop, the coaster keeps pressing: loops, spirals, and a series of turning moments that can feel a bit “bouncy” depending on your body and how you’re seated.

Speed is part of the appeal here. The coaster is described as reaching speeds of almost 70 miles per hour, which is a big deal for a ride that’s over quickly. If you’re chasing thrills, this is the kind of ride that gives you a strong hit without wasting your day.

How the Timing Works: Hours, Closing Cutoffs, and Best Time to Ride

This is an all-day plan in the sense that your ticket is valid for 1 day, but you’ll ride once. Operating hours are long, though:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Friday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight)

There’s also a practical rule: you must be in line 30 minutes prior to closing. That matters more than people think. If you show up late, you may miss the ride even if you can see the entrance.

For timing strategy, I’d aim for night if your goal is that wow factor. One of the most common “yes, do it again” moments is the view of the Las Vegas Strip at night, when the whole world looks like it’s lit for a party.

Tickets and Value: Is $25 Worth One Ride?

The price is $25 per person for a single-ride ticket. For many visitors, that feels like a lot until you factor in two realities of Vegas:

1) you’re paying for a fast adrenaline hit in a prime Strip location, and

2) this coaster packs big sensations into a short window.

A few people noted it felt pricey for how quickly it ends. That’s a fair concern. If you’re the type who wants a longer ride with more time to soak in the sights, you might walk away wanting more track time.

Still, the overall rating is strong, and the common theme is clear: speed, thrills, and a ride that delivers the kind of jolt first-time visitors remember. If you’re spending a day building a “best-of Vegas” list, this is the kind of stop that gives you an instant memory.

Skip the Ticket Line, but Expect Item Rules on Ride Day

One advantage you get here is the ability to skip the ticket line. In a busy city, that alone can make the difference between enjoying your plan and feeling stuck in a queue.

Now for the part you should treat as real life, not optional: plan on storing items. Riders have reported needing to remove phones, wallets, and keys from pockets, then paying for storage/locker access. One person said they had to store a phone and paid for it, and another mentioned a mandatory locker fee.

Here’s how to make this painless:

• Wear simple clothes with fewer loose pockets
• Skip dangling accessories (one rider specifically warned about earrings)
• Keep your focus on the ride, not your gear

Also note a pass-related annoyance that’s come up: you may need your phone to show a pass, but then you can’t take it onto the coaster—so have your storage plan ready before you reach the ride area.

Height, Comfort, and Who Should Ride This One

This coaster is not suitable for people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm). If you’re on the right side of that number, you’ll still want to think about comfort.

The ride is intense. Some riders mention turns and dips can feel painful, and that you get thrown around a bit. If you have a bad back or neck issues, you’ll want to be cautious and consider whether you’re comfortable with the kind of motion a coaster like this produces.

A practical tip: if you’re likely to get sore, plan to go when you’re rested, not after a marathon day of walking and slot-hopping. The coaster is quick, but the forces can linger in your body.

What to Do Before and After Your Coaster Run at New York-New York

Because this is a single-ride experience, your best move is to treat it like a timed “event” inside a bigger Vegas day. Go in with energy, not fatigue.

Before you ride, spend five minutes doing a quick prep check:

• Secure anything you might otherwise keep in pockets
• Wear shoes that don’t make you fumble
• If you’re wearing jewelry, consider swapping to something smaller for the ride

After you ride, you’ll have a few useful options. You can return later within your operating hours window, or you can roll right into nearby attractions and food. Since the coaster’s intensity is the main event, I’d avoid stacking it right before something that requires you to be fully “upright and careful,” like a long hike.

Night vs. Day: Which One Fits Your Style?

If you want the best visual payoff, go at night. At least one rider called the night view of the Strip amazing, and the timing matches the hours well since the coaster stays open until late.

Daytime can still be fun, especially if you’re trying to fit the coaster into an earlier schedule. But day rides won’t give you that same light-show effect.

So here’s the easy decision rule:

• If your priority is scenery and the Vegas lights look cool to you, ride at night.
• If your priority is pure adrenaline and you’d rather get it done earlier, ride daytime.

The Honest Bottom Line: Should You Book Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you want a high-speed roller coaster that delivers a headline move fast: loops, spirals, and that 180-degree twist. It’s also a good pick if you’re short on time but still want a true “Vegas moment” at a famous location.

Skip or think twice if you’re sensitive to rougher ride motion, have back or neck concerns, or you’re the type who feels frustrated when a coaster is over in a flash. Also, if you hate extra fees, remember that lockers and photo pricing can add up—plan to be okay with spending a little more than just the ticket.

If you’re going to do it, go prepared, go rested, and don’t overpack your pockets.

FAQ

How much does the Big Apple Coaster single ride cost?

It’s listed at $25 per person for a single-ride ticket.

How long can I use the ticket?

The ticket is valid for 1 day, and you can check availability for starting times.

What are the operating hours?

Monday through Thursday run 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Friday through Sunday run 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight).

Do I need to arrive before closing?

Yes. You must be in line 30 minutes prior to closing.

Where is the meeting point?

The provided coordinates are 36.1014995, -115.1740094.

Can I get a refund if I can’t ride?

No. This activity is non-refundable.

Is there a height requirement?

Yes. It’s not suitable for people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm).

Is a single ride included, or can I ride multiple times with one ticket?

You get a single-ride ticket.

Does the ticket let me skip the ticket line?

Yes. It includes skip the ticket line.

What should I do about phones and personal items during the ride?

You may need to store personal items such as phones and keys in a locker before riding, since riders report not being allowed to take phones onto the coaster. Plan for a paid storage locker option on arrival.