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

The Big Apple Coaster turns a Las Vegas hotel into a full-size thrill ride. You climb above New York-New York’s replica skyline, reach speeds of 67 mph, and plunge through a 180-degree heartline twist with Strip views flashing past. It is a quick, noisy, memorable burst of amusement in the middle of the Strip.

I like the excellent view from the train and the easy follow-up at The Big Apple Arcade. I also like that you can book ahead with a mobile ticket and avoid some ticket-counter hassle. The main catch is comfort: some riders find the coaster rough, with head and shoulder movement that can spoil the fun.

Big Apple Coaster highlights

• 67 mph top speed: This is a serious ride, not a gentle sightseeing loop.
• 144-foot advertised drop: Some promotional material also gives a 203-foot figure, so check the current ride details if the exact height matters to you.
• 180-degree heartline twist: One of the coaster’s signature maneuvers, and the reason the ride feels more than a simple up-and-down circuit.
• Strip and desert views: The height gives you a fresh angle on Las Vegas, especially before the first major drop.
• The Big Apple Arcade: Classic and newer arcade games give you something to do before or after riding.
• About one hour total: The ride itself is brief, but the line, lockers, ticket check, and boarding can fill out most of your visit.

Why this hotel ride is different

New York-New York Hotel and Casino is built around a playful version of New York City, complete with brownstone facades, tree-lined paths, outdoor dining, and a Greenwich Village-style street. Above it all, the Big Apple Coaster loops around the hotel’s exterior.

That setting matters. You are not traveling across town to reach an amusement park. The coaster is part of a larger Strip stop, so you can combine it with a meal, casino visit, arcade games, or a walk through the hotel’s New York-themed streets. For a first Las Vegas visit, that makes the ride easy to fit into a busy day.

The coaster is best for someone who already enjoys fast rides and wants a compact thrill between other activities. It is less convincing as a stand-alone day attraction. At $25.65 per person, you are paying for one ride, not an all-day amusement-park pass.

The price is easier to accept if you value the setting, the height, and the convenience. It is harder to justify if you compare it with major amusement parks that offer many rides for a similar admission price. Repeat rides are available for $10, which gives enthusiasts a reasonable way to get more value after the first run.

Finding the entrance inside New York-New York

The ride is not always obvious when you first enter the hotel. From the front desk area, go right toward the Century Elevators. Take the escalators toward Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs. Once you reach the top, the Big Apple Coaster is to the left of Nathan’s.

That route is worth noting because the hotel’s casino floor and themed streets can be confusing. Give yourself extra time if this is your first visit. Staff can point you in the right direction, but you do not want to spend your scheduled ride time simply trying to locate the entrance.

The coaster opens at 1 pm Monday through Thursday and at 11 am Friday through Sunday. Hours can change, and operation depends on suitable weather and other conditions. The listed 11 am start time is best understood as an opening time on days when the ride begins then, not necessarily a private timed departure.

If you want the shortest likely wait, go near opening. An 11 am visit has produced little or no queue at quieter times of year. Friday nights can be much busier. A line may still move quickly, but a full visit can stretch to an hour or more.

What happens during the one-hour visit

Your ticket includes one ride and all fees and taxes. It does not include parking, hotel transportation, arcade games, lockers, or ride photos.

The mobile ticket is convenient, but keep your booking code ready before you reach the entrance. There have been instances of ticket-scanning confusion, so save the confirmation on your phone and, if possible, carry a printed copy as backup. The phone itself cannot come on the ride unless it is secured in a locker.

After the ticket check, you wait for boarding and store loose belongings. Lockers near the ride have been available for $1. Use one for your phone, wallet, glasses, purse, and anything else that could fall out. Handing a phone to a companion is not a good substitute if you want everyone to enjoy the ride without worrying about dropping it.

The ride seats up to 18 people per train. The harness keeps you in place during the drops and turns, but the seats can feel tight if you are larger-framed. The minimum height is 54 inches, or 137 centimeters. No other size or weight details are provided, so anyone concerned about fit should ask the attraction staff before buying.

The moving portion is roughly three minutes, based on the practical timing reported for the ride. Add the queue, locker stop, boarding, and exit, and the full visit is usually close to the advertised hour. That is a useful distinction: you are buying a short, intense ride inside a longer hotel stop.

The ride itself: speed, height, and force

The Big Apple Coaster reaches 67 mph, which gives the ride enough force to feel substantial even if you have been on larger coasters. The first climb gives you time to take in the Strip and the desert beyond it. This is the best sightseeing moment because the later sections arrive quickly.

The signature feature is the 180-degree heartline twist. Your body rotates through the maneuver while the track changes direction, producing a sensation that is different from a standard turn. The ride also includes several drops and turns, so you should expect movement in several directions rather than one long straight plunge.

The height adds to the experience. You can look down toward the hotel’s New York-themed streets and out across the Strip before the train gathers speed. If the view matters to you, sit alert during the climb and early sections. Once the train begins its faster work, you may have little time to admire anything.

Here is the important comfort warning. The ride is not new, and some people find it rough. Reports include side-to-side head movement, shoulder contact, and discomfort in the back or neck. Other riders find it perfectly acceptable and say they have experienced much rougher coasters.

Your own tolerance matters. If you are sensitive to jolting, have a sore neck or back, or dislike tight harnesses, this may not be a good choice. If you regularly seek out large coasters, you may find the ride fun but only average compared with major amusement-park machines.

The ride photographs passengers before, during, and after the run. Those pictures are optional purchases, not part of the ticket. Keep your hands and belongings secure, and do not attempt to bring a phone along for your own photos.

The view is part of the ticket value

The strongest reason to ride is not only the speed. It is the viewpoint.

From the elevated track, you see the Las Vegas Strip from an angle that pedestrians never get. You can also see toward the desert, depending on the train’s position and the surrounding conditions. The view gives the attraction a local Las Vegas character, rather than making it feel like a generic coaster transplanted indoors.

That view also helps explain why some people consider the $25.65 price worthwhile. You get a thrill ride and a brief aerial look at the Strip in one package. For a first-time visitor who wants a memorable Las Vegas activity without spending half a day away from the main hotels, that combination is useful.

Still, keep expectations sensible. This is not a slow observation ride. The best views come during the climb, while the rest of the ride is about speed, turns, and force. If you want relaxed photographs or a calm panorama, choose a dedicated observation attraction instead.

The Big Apple Arcade and Greenwich Village

After exiting the coaster, The Big Apple Arcade gives you an easy way to extend the stop. It has a mix of classic and newer video and arcade games. Game play costs extra, so set aside money if you want more than the coaster.

The arcade works well for families with different interests. One person can ride while another plays games, though anyone who dislikes coasters should confirm the exact waiting arrangements with staff. The arcade is also useful if you arrive early or need a short break after the ride.

Then take time to walk through the hotel’s Greenwich Village-style area. Brownstone buildings, trees, and sidewalk dining create a playful New York setting. It is not a substitute for New York City, but it gives the attraction a sense of place and makes the visit more than a quick queue-and-coaster transaction.

You can also use this area to make the ticket feel like part of a larger outing. Have lunch or a snack, play a few arcade games, and stroll the themed streets. The extra activities are not included, but they require no separate trip across Las Vegas.

Timing, weather, and canceled rides

The coaster operates only when conditions are suitable. Wind and other weather problems can stop service, and mechanical or camera issues have also caused delays or closures. This is the biggest practical risk of booking far ahead.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. If the ride is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The normal cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, refunds are not available, and changes are not accepted.

Because the ride is outdoors, avoid placing it immediately before an important dinner reservation, show, flight, or tour. If your schedule allows, go early in your Las Vegas stay. That leaves room to try again if weather or operations interfere.

The attraction asks you to be in line at least 30 minutes before closing. Do not treat the published closing time as the final moment to arrive. Operating hours may change, so check the current schedule before setting out.

Who should book the Big Apple Coaster?

I would book this for a coaster fan, a teenager who meets the height rule, or anyone looking for a strong Las Vegas thrill that takes about an hour. It also suits repeat visitors who have already seen the major Strip sights and want something less predictable.

Families should check the 54-inch minimum carefully. A child who is tall enough may still dislike the speed and rough movement. The arcade and themed streets help make the stop worthwhile for mixed groups, but the coaster ticket itself is only for one rider and one run.

I would hesitate if you are mainly seeking value per hour, dislike rough coasters, or have neck and back concerns. I would also hesitate if this is your only planned Las Vegas activity and you expect a full day of rides.

For enthusiasts, the $10 repeat-ride option can change the calculation. One run lets you judge the comfort. A second run gives you another chance at the view and the signature twist without paying the full first-ride price again.

Should you book it?

Book the Big Apple Coaster if you want a fast, high Strip ride with a memorable setting, and you can accept that it may feel rough. Go near opening when possible, keep your booking code ready, store every loose item, and leave room in your schedule for weather or operating delays.

Skip it if you want a smooth, gentle ride or a full amusement-park value. At $25.65, it is not cheap for one short run, but it can be a good Las Vegas splurge for the right person. The view, speed, 180-degree twist, arcade, and New York-themed hotel make it a distinctive stop, while the comfort issue keeps it from being a universal recommendation.

FAQ

How fast does the Big Apple Coaster go?

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

How large is the biggest drop?

The FAQ lists the largest drop as 144 feet. Some promotional information gives a 203-foot figure, so check the current attraction details if the exact measurement is important to you.

What is the minimum height to ride?

All riders must be at least 54 inches tall, or 137 centimeters.

How do I find the coaster 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 after you reach the top.

What are the opening hours?

The listed hours are 1 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and 11 am to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours can change, and operation depends on favorable weather and other conditions.

Can I bring my phone on the ride?

You should not take your phone on the coaster. Lockers are available near the entrance for a fee, and loose belongings should be secured before boarding.

What does the ticket include?

The ticket includes one ride and all fees and taxes. It does not include parking, hotel pickup or drop-off, arcade games, or optional ride photos.