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

Las Vegas has a roller coaster above the Strip. The Big Apple Coaster packs a 67-mph run, a 144-foot drop, and a famous 180-degree heartline twist into a short, loud burst of fun at New York-New York Hotel and Casino. I like the excellent Strip views from the train and the fact that you can add the Big Apple Arcade and the hotel’s mock Greenwich Village to the same outing. My main caution is comfort: this is an older, forceful coaster, and some riders find the side-to-side motion rough on the head, neck, or back.

I also like the easy half-day flexibility. You are not committing to a guided tour or a long drive. Buy one ride, wander the casino, play a few arcade games, and continue your Las Vegas day. At $25.65 per person, it is not a cheap amusement-park ride, but many people find the price fair for a distinctive Strip experience. Serious coaster fans may want a second ride for about $10, while families on a tight budget may prefer to do it once.

Key points at a glance

• 67 mph top speed: The train reaches about 108 kilometers per hour, making this a real thrill ride rather than a gentle sightseeing loop.
• 144-foot largest drop: The main plunge gives you a sharp view of Las Vegas before the track takes over.
• 180-degree heartline twist: This signature maneuver turns your body through a tight, unusual inversion-style movement.
• Views from above the Strip: You can see across Las Vegas and toward the desert from the train.
• One-hour visit, including waiting: The ride itself lasts only a few minutes, but the full stop can take about an hour when queues and lockers are included.
• 54-inch minimum height: Children below 137 centimeters cannot ride, and the seats can feel tight for larger riders.

What the Big Apple Coaster is really like

The Big Apple Coaster is attached to New York-New York, a casino hotel built around a playful version of Manhattan. Its track loops around the outside of the property, so the ride feels woven into the hotel rather than hidden in a separate amusement park.

The numbers explain the appeal. You climb high above the casino, then accelerate to 67 mph. The track includes a 144-foot drop, sharp turns, and the 180-degree heartline twist and turn. The train holds up to 18 people, so each run feels like a compact group ride rather than a private experience.

The actual coaster portion is brief, roughly three minutes according to rider timing. That may sound short for $25.65, but the ride is intense from start to finish. I would not compare it with a full day at a major theme park. Think of it as a concentrated Las Vegas attraction, one you can fit between lunch, shopping, gambling, or a show.

The coaster is also higher than many people expect. From the top, you get a fresh view of the Strip, the surrounding desert, and the hotel’s New York-themed buildings below. The sightseeing is not the main reason to buy the ticket, but it adds something special to the ride.

Getting to the coaster inside New York-New York

Finding the entrance can take a few minutes. New York-New York is a large casino, and the ride is not necessarily obvious from the main entrance.

From the front desk area, go right toward the Century Elevators. Take the escalators up toward Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs. Once you reach the top, the Big Apple Coaster entrance is to the left of Nathan’s.

That route matters if you have a timed plan. Allow extra time to cross the casino floor, find the escalators, confirm your ticket, and put away your belongings. The stated start time of 11:00 a.m. can be misleading because it is generally the opening time on days when the ride operates, not always a tightly assigned departure time. Going around opening time can help keep the wait shorter.

Operating hours are listed as 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours can change, and weather or mechanical problems can stop the ride. Check close to your visit instead of relying only on an old schedule.

The line, ticket, and one-hour timing

Prebooking gives you a mobile ticket and secures your place in the attraction’s ticket system. It does not guarantee that you will walk straight onto the train. Depending on the hour, day, weather, and operating conditions, you may still face a substantial line.

One Friday night, the queue took about an hour even though it moved steadily. At around 11 a.m., other riders found little waiting, particularly in November. That makes early arrival the best practical plan, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Have your booking code ready on your phone, but do not carry the phone onto the coaster. Some riders have reported confusion when a mobile ticket was not immediately recognized at the entrance, although staff allowed entry after checking it. A printed copy of the ticket is a sensible backup.

The attraction requires you to be in line at least 30 minutes before closing. That rule is important on the late schedule, since a midnight closing does not mean you can arrive at midnight and still ride.

Your ticket includes one ride and all fees and taxes. It does not include parking, hotel pickup, or arcade games. There is no transportation service attached to this experience, so you make your own way to New York-New York by foot, car, taxi, rideshare, or public transit.

The ride itself: speed, height, and roughness

The train’s first climb gives you time to take in the Strip. Then the coaster changes character quickly. The 67-mph maximum speed is enough to create real force, while the height gives the drop a strong visual effect.

The signature 180-degree heartline maneuver is the feature that makes this coaster different from a basic looping ride. Your body rotates through the turn as the track changes direction, creating a moment that feels more unusual than a standard hill and drop.

The ride is not known for a glass-smooth modern feel. Some riders find it perfectly manageable and exciting. Others report that their head moves from side to side inside the restraint, causing discomfort in the neck, head, back, or shoulders. The contrast is clear: coaster fans who expect a firm, older-style ride may enjoy the force, while anyone sensitive to rough motion should think carefully before paying.

Seat fit is another practical concern. The restraints and seats can feel tight for larger bodies. The stated information gives a minimum height of 54 inches, but it does not provide a maximum weight or waist measurement. If fit is a concern, ask staff before entering the line.

I would skip the ride if you have a current injury, strong motion sensitivity, or a low tolerance for forceful movement. The experience is designed for adrenaline, not relaxation.

Phones, lockers, photos, and personal items

Loose items are a problem on any fast coaster. Do not try to keep your phone in a pocket during the ride. Riders have nearly lost phones when attempting to bring them along, and a phone can distract you from the experience even if it stays put.

Lockers are available near the attraction for about $1. That small fee is worth budgeting for if you have a purse, phone, wallet, sunglasses, or other loose belongings. You need to store everything securely before boarding.

The attraction takes photographs before the ride, during the run, and in a group shot. These are optional purchases, not part of the ticket. You can enjoy the ride without buying a picture, but the photo station can be a fun souvenir for a first visit or a family outing.

Restrooms are located in the arcade area near the coaster entrance. That is useful because you can take care of practical needs before joining the queue.

The Big Apple Arcade and Greenwich Village

The coaster does not need to be your entire stop at New York-New York. After riding, head into The Big Apple Arcade for classic video games and newer arcade machines. Games cost extra, so bring that into your budget if you want more than the coaster.

The arcade helps the attraction work for mixed groups. One person can play games while another watches, and younger children who meet the height requirement can have a second activity after the ride. It also gives you somewhere to wait if your group rides in turns.

Then take a walk through the hotel’s simulated Greenwich Village. You will see brownstone-style buildings, tree-lined streets, and outdoor dining along Village Street. It is not a substitute for New York City, but it is a cheerful bit of hotel design and a useful way to extend the visit without another admission charge.

I like this combination because the coaster is over quickly. The arcade and Village Street give the stop some breathing room. If you only want the ride, you can leave soon after. If you want a more relaxed casino break, you can turn it into a longer visit.

Is $25.65 good value?

At $25.65, the ticket costs more than a simple fairground ride and less than a full amusement-park day. The value depends on what you want from Las Vegas.

For a coaster enthusiast, the price is easier to justify. You get speed, height, a distinctive rotation, and a Strip view in one short attraction. The possibility of a roughly $10 reride makes the price more attractive if the first run goes well.

For a casual rider, the calculation is tougher. The ride lasts only a few minutes, and the coaster can feel rough rather than polished. Some people leave delighted, while others consider it average and overpriced compared with the larger rides at major theme parks.

I would call it reasonable value for a bucket-list Las Vegas activity, especially if you enjoy thrill rides and want something you cannot experience from a normal Strip sidewalk. I would not call it the best value for someone who dislikes roller coasters or wants a long attraction for the money.

Weather, shutdowns, and cancellation risk

The Big Apple Coaster requires suitable weather. High winds can stop operations, and mechanical or camera problems have also caused delays and closures. A prebooked ticket is not protection against a shutdown.

If poor weather cancels the ride, you can be offered another date or a full refund. For a voluntary cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

This is one reason I would avoid making the coaster the only fixed activity of a tightly scheduled day. Leave room for a delay, and check the operating status before crossing Las Vegas for the ride. If the attraction is closed during your visit, contact the booking provider promptly and keep your ticket details.

Who should ride the Big Apple Coaster?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Coaster fans who want a quick, unusual ride on the Strip
• Teenagers and adults who meet the 54-inch height rule
• Families who want a ride plus arcade games in one hotel
• Visitors who enjoy seeing Las Vegas from above
• Repeat Las Vegas visitors looking for something beyond casinos and shows

I would be more cautious if you are sensitive to head movement, have back or neck problems, dislike tight restraints, or expect a smooth modern coaster. This is not the right pick simply because everyone in your group feels pressured to check it off.

Most people can participate if they meet the height requirement, but the practical issue is how your body handles the ride. If you are uncertain, ask the staff about seating and restraints before committing.

My verdict: book it or skip it?

Book the Big Apple Coaster if you like real roller coasters, want a memorable Strip view, and can accept a ride that may feel rough. Arrive near opening, keep your phone and bags in a locker, and treat the arcade and Greenwich Village as part of the outing rather than expecting a full theme-park session.

Skip it if you want gentle sightseeing, dislike forceful turns, or are unwilling to risk a delay caused by wind or maintenance. At $25.65, it is a fair one-time Las Vegas thrill for the right person, but not an automatic bargain. The high 4.8 rating and 94 percent recommendation reflect its appeal, while the strong complaints about roughness and shutdowns explain why the attraction is best approached with clear expectations.

FAQ

What is the maximum speed of the Big Apple Coaster?

The coaster reaches a maximum speed of 67 mph, or about 108 kilometers per hour.

How large is the biggest drop?

The largest listed drop is 144 feet, or about 44 meters.

What is the minimum height to ride?

You must be at least 54 inches tall, which is 137 centimeters.

How long does the whole experience take?

The visit is listed at about one hour, including the queue and attraction time. The actual coaster ride lasts roughly three minutes.

What are the opening hours?

The listed hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours can change because of weather and other operating conditions.

Where is the entrance inside New York-New York?

From the front desk area, go right toward the Century Elevators. Take the escalators toward Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs. The coaster entrance is to the left of Nathan’s at the top.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable. If poor weather cancels the ride, you can be offered another date or a full refund.