Las Vegas has a lot of big-ticket shows, but this one is pure motion. At New York-New York, the Big Apple Coaster throws you through a Manhattan-style track on a red rail, including the standout feature: a 180-degree twist.

I especially like the mix of speed and skyline. You get that classic Strip feeling as you spiral, drop, and turn, and the ride is fast enough to keep adrenaline high without feeling like an endurance test.

One drawback to consider is the value question. It is an intense ride, but it can feel short for the price, and you may also deal with rules about what you can carry on board.

Big Apple Coaster at a Glance

• 180-degree twist makes this coaster feel different from the usual big Vegas loop
• Near-Strip views add extra payoff, especially at night
• Almost 70 mph speeds keep the ride punchy and exciting
• Plan for storage since items like phones may need to be locked away
• Not for under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm), and it can be rougher on backs and knees
• Single-ride ticket, so you are buying one shot at the thrill

Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York, what you are really paying for

This experience is basically one thing, a single-ride ticket on the Big Apple Coaster at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino complex. It is designed for people who want a fast hit of thrills rather than a long, staged activity, and it is one reason it fits so neatly into a Vegas schedule.

The ride itself is built around a Manhattan mock-up. You move through the track while the scenery stays themed, and that gives you something more fun than just riding around in empty coaster space. The track uses a red rail, which makes the coaster feel even more “showy” inside this hotel setting.

Price is set at $25 per person for the single ride. That can feel steep until you remember how Vegas works. You are not paying for a service that unfolds over hours. You are paying for speed, a major gimmick twist, and one of the most recognizable coaster experiences on the Strip strip-side.

The ride experience, from the first climb to a 180-degree twist

The pacing is built to get your heart up quickly. You start by climbing toward the first big drop, and that initial tension is the part most people feel right away. After that, the ride keeps momentum with loops and turning maneuvers that stay aggressive from start to finish.

A key highlight is the coaster’s 180-degree twist, noted as the first roller coaster to feature this kind of full reversal twist. If you are the type who gets bored by the same pattern of hills and standard loops, this twist is what keeps the ride from feeling “generic coaster.”

Speed is another big selling point. You are looking at speeds close to 70 miles per hour, which is fast enough to make the forces feel real, not just thrilling in theory. Multiple riders describe the motion as fast and forceful, with enough sideways and upside-down movement that your body feels the ride.

What you should expect in practical terms:

• the ride feels high-intensity for a short time
• the coaster can feel rocky depending on your body size and how you sit in the car
• turns and dips can feel snappy, not smooth and floaty

It is not a calm “look at the view” coaster. This is the kind where you learn quickly whether your neck, back, knees, and general balance tolerance are okay with being shaken around a bit.

Best time to ride, and why night shows off the Strip

Operation hours are generous, which helps you plan around your other Vegas activities. The coaster runs Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm and Friday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight). Hours can also change or pause due to weather and other circumstances.

Time of day matters because the ride layout gives you windows of bright Strip views while you are in motion. Several people specifically mention that night rides deliver an especially memorable view. If you like the idea of coaster thrill plus neon payoff, aim for later in your evening rather than mid-day.

Queues are also part of the timing equation. Some riders report little wait, while others mention long lines. That means your safest move is to choose a time that matches your tolerance for waiting: if you hate lines, go earlier; if you can handle waiting, evenings can be worth it for the lights.

Price and value, $25 for speed, photos, and storage fees

On paper, $25 for a single ride can sound like a lot, and some riders call it pricey for how quickly it ends. The ride really is over fast, and it may leave you thinking about doing it again if you love intense coasters.

But value in Vegas is rarely just the ride length. You are paying for:

• one of the faster-feeling coasters on the Strip
• the 180-degree twist feature
• Manhattan-themed scenery that matches the hotel’s larger entertainment identity
• a night-friendly view of the Strip

Then factor in the “small stuff” that can change the real total price. Riders describe needing to store items, and lockers have added cost in some cases. One rider referenced paying about $1 for storage. Another rider mentioned that photo packages can be expensive, citing about $38 per photo. If you want the ride photos, decide before you get tempted by impulse shopping after the ride.

My practical take on value:

• If you are chasing adrenaline and you like coaster forces, $25 can feel fair.
• If you want a long experience with minimal extra costs, this might feel like a quick splurge that ends too soon.

Logistics that matter, skipping the ticket line and arriving on time

The ticket includes single-ride entry, and it is designed to help you skip the ticket line. That matters in Vegas, where “standing around” can eat half a plan.

You also need to respect closing time. You must be in line 30 minutes prior to closing. If you show up right at the end of operating hours, you may lose your ride even if you technically have a ticket.

Meeting point details are straightforward. The activity’s coordinates are 36.1014995, -115.1740094. Since this is at New York-New York, treat that as your “pin” for navigation apps, then build in extra walking time on the hotel-casino floor where crowds can slow you down.

Also note that this ticket is valid for 1 day, so you should pick a day and time window you can actually commit to.

What to bring (and what to leave), phones, pockets, and lockers

This is one of the areas where small decisions can make the experience smoother. You should plan around the reality that the coaster ride itself does not work well with loose items, and multiple riders report needing to store personal belongings, including phones.

One common pattern described is:

• you need your phone to show your pass before riding
• then you cannot take it onto the coaster
• you end up storing it in a locker and paying a storage fee

So bring with intention. Keep essentials minimal. If you have a phone, expect to lock it away. If you bring cash, keys, or other items, assume you will have to deal with storage rather than keeping everything on your person.

If you are the kind of person who likes to ride with a phone for selfies, this is not that. Go for the ride first, not the camera. You can always buy photos after if you want something keepsake-style.

Comfort and safety, height rules and the “don’t ignore your body” factor

This coaster is rated for height. It is not suitable for people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm). If you are booking for kids, measure first. In Vegas, “almost tall enough” can still mean you are turned away.

Comfort is the other big consideration, and it is not about fear, it is about body tolerance. Riders mention:

• the ride can be rocky, especially for smaller frames
• you can be thrown around enough that neck, knees, and back can feel it
• people advise not to wear large earrings that could poke during movement

So if you have back issues, knee trouble, or you know you get stiff with jerky motion, consider whether this coaster matches your tolerance. Even if you are not scared of coasters, your joints and posture might be the real deciding factor.

If you like intense rides, great. Just go in with eyes open. This coaster does not feel like a gentle city tour.

Who should book this coaster, and who should skip it

This is best for you if:

• you love adrenaline and want speed plus a twist gimmick
• you like the idea of seeing the Strip while you ride
• you are comfortable with a ride that is intense and finishes quickly

It can also work for families with older kids. One rider described taking three grandsons and calling it the best coaster they have experienced, and other comments mention kids around 11 and 12 enjoying it. Still, height rules apply, and the ride force is real.

You might skip it if:

• you dislike rough motion or have sensitive joints
• you want a long, gentle activity
• you are strongly budget-focused, since storage and photo add-ons can change the total

Should you book Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?

Book it if you want a high-impact Vegas thrill with a clear highlight, the 180-degree twist plus near 70 mph speeds. It is simple on the schedule, runs for long hours, and you are buying a straightforward experience: one ride, then you are back to the Strip.

Skip or think twice if you are sensitive to jerky forces, have back or knee concerns, or dislike paying extra for lockers or photo packages. At $25, the main complaint is not about whether it is fun, it is about how quickly it ends.

If you are the kind of person who hears “fast coaster with a major twist” and feels excited, this is a solid choice. Just go prepared for the motion, the short duration, and the reality of limited items during the ride.

FAQ

How much does the Big Apple Coaster cost?

The single-ride ticket price is listed as $25 per person.

How long is the experience?

It is listed as 1 day, and the ticket is for one ride on the Big Apple Coaster.

Where is the meeting point?

The provided coordinates for the meeting point are 36.1014995, -115.1740094.

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). Hours can change due to weather or other circumstances.

Do I need to arrive before closing?

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

Is this ticket refundable?

No. The activity is listed as non-refundable.

Is it a single-ride ticket or multiple rides?

It is a single-ride ticket on the Big Apple Coaster.

Is there a height requirement?

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

Is the ticket line skipped?

The included info says it skips the ticket line.

Can I bring my phone on the coaster?

Some riders report that you cannot take phones onto the coaster and need to store items in a locker after showing your pass.