The Big Apple Coaster at New York New York Hotel and Casino

Vegas goes full New York on wheels. The Big Apple Coaster mixes big-drop adrenaline with sharp views over the Las Vegas Strip, all right inside the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

I really like how the ride itself feels built for thrill seekers: up to 67 mph, plus a 180-degree “heartline” twist and a big drop that puts you in that classic rollercoaster swing-and-fling zone. I also like the payoff after you ride, because you’re not stuck walking in circles afterward. You can head straight into The Big Apple Arcade and then wander the hotel’s Greenwich Village streets with brownstones and sidewalk dining vibes.

One thing to consider: this coaster isn’t described as a smooth, gentle ride. Some people find it rough or tight on the body, so if you’re sensitive to head/neck jolts or you’re larger in size, it’s worth going in with that in mind.

Key Things You’ll Notice Right Away

• Skip-the-line advantage with prebooking so you’re spending less time waiting and more time riding
• Up to 67 mph with a 180-degree heartline twist and dive-style maneuver
• Big views from high up over the Strip and nearby sights
• You can keep the fun going with The Big Apple Arcade right there in the same complex
• Tight timing on your ride window since you must be in the line in time before closing periods

Big Apple Coaster Value: What You’re Actually Paying For

At $25.65 per person, you’re not buying a cheap entertainment token. You’re buying a fast pass to a specific, high-energy attraction: one coaster ride with enough speed and forces to make it memorable.

Here’s how I think about the value. If roller coasters are your thing, this is one of those “when in Vegas” purchases that saves you from the regret of skipping it. It’s short (about 1 hour total for the experience), and the experience is concentrated: you ride, you see the sights from the train, and then you still get additional entertainment nearby in the arcade area.

If you’re not a coaster person, or you’re only looking for low-impact fun, then the price might feel steep. Several reviews reflect this: some people loved it for the thrill and views, while others felt the ride was rough or not special enough for what they paid.

Also remember the tradeoff with thrill rides: you’re trading smoothness for intensity. That balance is personal.

Entering New York-New York: Finding the Coaster Without Losing Time

The Big Apple Coaster is built into New York-New York Hotel and Casino, so you’re not dealing with a separate theme park map. But you still want to find it quickly when you arrive, especially if you’re trying to avoid long lines.

From the front desk area, go right toward the Century Elevators. Take the escalators up toward Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs. Once you step off the escalator, look to the left of Nathan’s and you should see the coaster area.

A practical note that matters: this is an attraction inside a casino, so it can be easy to get distracted by everything around you. Give yourself a few extra minutes and focus on the signage and the main route. If you’re coming from another end of the resort, factor in the time it takes to walk through crowded casino corridors.

The experience is also near public transportation, which can help if you’re not driving or don’t want to deal with parking logistics.

The Ride Specs That Turn Heads: Speed, Twist, and Drop

This is where the Big Apple Coaster earns its reputation. The ride’s maximum speed is listed as 67 mph (108 kmph), and the design includes an 180-degree “heartline” twist plus a dive-style maneuver.

You’ll also see different numbers floating around for the drop depending on how it’s described:

• The FAQ lists the largest drop as 144 feet.
• Other descriptions of the attraction mention a 203-foot drop.

Either way, the main point for you is what your body feels: the train climbs, hangs for a beat, and then you drop and twist through a sequence that’s meant to be intense, not gentle. The height restriction is 54 inches (137 cm), so most adults and teens can ride, but kids under that mark should plan for something else.

One helpful detail from the design: each coaster train can hold up to 18 riders. That doesn’t mean you’ll never wait, but it suggests the ride isn’t like the mega-capacity attractions where you’re packed in for ages. If you prebook and show up ready, your time on the coaster can feel efficient.

What the 1-Hour Plan Feels Like: Arcade Time and Greenwich Village Walks

The experience is structured like a simple two-part flow. You ride first, then you hang out in the fun areas around the coaster.

Stop 1: Casino at New York-New York (and the Arcade setup)

When you arrive, your first stop is basically the home base around the coaster. After your ride, you can go directly to The Big Apple Arcade, which has a large mix of classic arcade and video games.

This matters because you’re not stuck with a “done it” feeling after one coaster cycle. You still have activities within the same building. If you’re traveling as a group with different thrill levels, the arcade can be the “everyone can do something” fallback.

Then take a low-effort stroll through the hotel’s simulated Greenwich Village area. You’ll get those brownstone streetfront vibes and tree-lined lanes, plus sidewalk dining along Village Street. It’s not real New York, of course, but it’s a fun change of pace after the intensity of the ride.

Stop 2: The Big Apple Arcade & Coaster (the money moment)

This is the part you came for. Prebooking helps you skip the longer lines, which is a big deal on busy days.

Your slot time is shown with a start time of 11:00 am, but also pay attention to ride hours. The coaster lists operating windows as:

• 1 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday
• 11 am to midnight Friday through Sunday

Hours can shift with weather and other conditions.

That means your best move is to arrive with extra breathing room around your chosen time window. The ride requires you to be in line 30 minutes prior to closing, so you don’t want to stroll in late and then get shut out because the queue closed.

Views and Photos: The Best Part You Can’t Fake

A lot of the praise for this coaster comes from the view component. When the train lifts and you’re up in the open air, you get fresh angles of the Las Vegas Strip and nearby hotel areas. It changes your perspective fast. Instead of seeing the Strip from the sidewalk, you see it from a moving vantage point.

Then there’s the photo factor. You may be prompted to take pictures before and during the ride, including a group shot. People who loved the experience often mention these photo moments as part of what makes it feel like more than just a quick thrill.

If you’re planning to capture your own photos, note one practical thing from real-world experience: don’t try to bring a phone into the ride area. There are lockers available (commonly used for stowing belongings), and if you show up with your phone in your pocket and then realize you can’t keep it, it can throw off your timing and your mood.

Lockers show up around the coaster/arcade zone. Some people report a $1 locker cost. If you want the smoothest experience, bring a small amount of cash or be ready with a method to access locker fees.

Also, plan for the physical side of the ride: the harness and seating can be snug. If you’re anxious about seat fit, arrive early enough that staff can help you get positioned safely.

Comfort Check: How Rough It Can Feel (and Who Might Want a Backup Plan)

Let’s talk honestly about the ride feel. A chunk of people rate this coaster as a must-do and say it’s thrilling and worth it. Another group calls it rough, jerky, or physically uncomfortable—especially in the head/neck/back area.

So here’s the balanced take for you:

• If you’re fine with rollercoaster jolts and you like intensity, you’ll probably enjoy this a lot.
• If you dislike rough track motion, it might not be your favorite. Some riders even said their head felt like it was constantly hitting the sides, which is not the kind of feedback you ignore.

Seat size is another consideration. One common complaint is that it can be a bit tight to get into seats if you’re larger. You can still ride if you meet the height requirement, but comfort is not guaranteed.

My practical advice:

• If you have a sensitive neck or back, consider that this coaster may not feel smooth.
• If you’re unsure, do the arcade plan afterward and treat the coaster as the gamble. If the ride doesn’t suit your body, at least you didn’t waste your whole day.

Scheduling and Timing Tips That Save the Day

You’ll want to plan around two time realities: the coaster’s daily operating hours and the rule about being in line before closing.

Operating hours are tied to the day of the week and can shift due to favorable weather. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.

That matters because Las Vegas can be windy at times. If conditions are poor, the ride may not run.

One more timing tip: prebooking is sold as a way to skip lines. That’s usually true in practice, but it only works if you show up ready, with your ticket accessible. Some people specifically emphasized that they needed booking info at entry.

If you’re using your phone for ticket access, keep your entry ready. Then once you’re on the ride, follow locker rules. Don’t plan on bringing electronics on the ride with you.

Price and Logistics: Is $25.65 Worth It for You?

Let’s make this decision easy.

This is a strong value if you:

• Love roller coasters and want a real thrill in a short window
• Want Strip views but don’t want to spend hours walking and sightseeing first
• Like having a plan B inside the same resort (arcade + Greenwich Village stroll)

It may not feel worth it if you:

• Hate rides that are rough or physically jolting
• Are expecting something like a smooth, family-friendly coaster
• Only want a casual experience and would rather spend your money elsewhere

One more value angle: rerides can sometimes be cheaper than a full new ticket, and many people like that option. If you’re the type who wants to ride again to chase the best seat or just to repeat the thrill, that flexibility makes the original purchase feel less risky.

Who Should Book This Coaster Right Now?

Book it if you’re:

• Traveling with teens or other adrenaline types
• Doing a short Vegas stay and want one iconic coaster moment
• The kind of person who likes mixing thrills with an easy hangout afterward

Maybe skip it or rethink it if you’re:

• Very sensitive to head/neck impact
• Expecting a smooth track ride
• Planning to bring lots of electronics and don’t want to deal with lockers and storage

If you do book, give yourself time inside the resort to find the coaster, check your locker situation, and calm your brain before you strap in. Roller coasters are easier when you’re not rushing.

Should You Book the Big Apple Coaster?

I’d book this if you want one focused, high-adrenaline experience that also gives you Strip views and an immediate after-ride hangout at The Big Apple Arcade. The strongest case is for coaster fans who want something fun without wasting half a day.

I’d hesitate if you know you’re sensitive to rough ride motion or if snug seating could be an issue. In that case, weigh the cost against your comfort level, and plan to use the arcade and Greenwich Village walk no matter what.

If you’re on the fence, my practical rule is simple: if you’re excited to ride and you’re okay with thrill-ride physics, this is a solid Vegas checkbox. If you’re looking for gentle fun, put your money elsewhere.

FAQ

What is the price for the Big Apple Coaster?

The price is $25.65 per person.

How long does the Big Apple Coaster experience take?

It’s listed at about 1 hour.

What is the minimum height to ride?

You must be at least 54 inches (137 cm) tall.

How fast and how big is the drop on the coaster?

The coaster has a maximum speed of 67 mph. The largest drop is listed as 144 feet.

What are the Big Apple Coaster opening hours?

It’s open 1 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and 11 am to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours can change with weather and other factors.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, it includes a mobile ticket.

Where do I go inside New York-New York to find the coaster?

From the front desk area, go right to the Century Elevators. Take escalators up toward Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs, then go left of Nathan’s for the Big Apple Coaster.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, it won’t be refunded.