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

The Big Apple Coaster turns a Las Vegas hotel into a high-speed ride, sending you above the Strip at up to 67 mph before a sharp turn and steep drop. It is a short, intense burst of amusement-park fun in the middle of the casino corridor.

I like two things here: the ride gives you an unusual view over Las Vegas, and the ticket also puts you beside The Big Apple Arcade and the hotel’s Greenwich Village-themed streets. You can make a quick ride into a longer, easygoing stop without leaving the building.

The main drawback is the ride itself: it can feel rough, and some riders find the head and body movement uncomfortable. At about $25.65 for one ride, it is best value if you want the thrill and the Strip view, not if you expect a full theme-park day.

• The coaster reaches 67 mph, with a fast drop and a 180-degree heartline twist and dive.
• The view is part of the attraction: you get a high vantage point over the Las Vegas Strip.
• One ticket means one ride. Arcade games and any repeat ride cost extra.
• Allow roughly an hour overall, especially if you encounter a queue or a temporary ride stoppage.
• You must be at least 54 inches tall to ride, and loose belongings need to be stowed.
• Book with a little flexibility: weather and operational problems can affect service.

A high-speed ride above the Las Vegas Strip

The Big Apple Coaster is an unusual way to break up a day on the Strip. It runs around the outside of New York-New York Hotel and Casino, where the hotel’s New York theme sets the stage for a ride that is much more than a decorative feature. You climb, accelerate, twist, and drop with the city spread out below.

The coaster reaches a reported maximum speed of 67 mph. It also includes a 180-degree heartline twist and dive, a maneuver that turns the track sharply around the rider’s center of gravity. The drop measurement is not consistent across the supplied details: the FAQ and ride description give 144 feet, while another promotional description says 203 feet. I would treat the ride’s general character, fast and forceful, as the more useful guide than either headline figure.

Expect the actual ride to be brief compared with the time you spend getting there, queuing, and securing your belongings. One rider described the ride itself as lasting about three minutes; the full stop is estimated at around an hour. If the queue is short, you may be done much sooner. If the coaster pauses or the line is busy, the wait can take up a good part of that hour.

The ride’s strongest appeal is the combination of speed and setting. You are not simply paying for a coaster; you are getting a moving view of a famous stretch of Las Vegas, with the Strip and the desert visible from above. That view is a genuine bonus, though the ride moves quickly enough that it is not a slow sightseeing circuit.

What to expect at New York-New York

Your visit begins inside New York-New York Hotel and Casino. The coaster is not immediately obvious from the front entrance, so allow a few minutes to find it. Directions provided for the hotel say to head right from the front desk area toward the Century Elevators, then take the escalators toward Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs. The coaster is to the left of Nathan’s after you come up.

That route gives you a small taste of the hotel’s playful New York theme before the ride. Afterward, you can wander through its version of Greenwich Village, with brownstone-style buildings, tree-lined streets, and outdoor dining along Village Street. It is a hotel recreation rather than a visit to the real New York, of course, but it makes a convenient stroll if you are already there.

The Big Apple Arcade is next to the coaster entrance. It has classic and newer video and arcade games, but those games are not included in the coaster ticket. Restrooms are located in the arcade area, which is useful if you are visiting with family or need a quick stop before lining up.

The published experience time is about one hour, but think of that as a planning estimate, not a fixed appointment. A listed 11 a.m. start may reflect the ride’s opening time rather than a timed departure. The coaster’s hours are listed as 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday, though hours can change with weather and other operating conditions. Check the current schedule before you set out.

The ride: fast, forceful, and not for everyone

This is a thrill ride, not a gentle tour. The quick acceleration, inversions and turns are the point, and the coaster’s 67-mph top speed gives it real punch. If you enjoy compact, high-energy rides, the combination of the twist, drop, and views can make this a memorable Strip stop.

The ride can also feel rough. Some people describe it as a great thrill and say the head and body movement is manageable; others find the side-to-side motion uncomfortable, with their head bumping against the restraints. A number of riders who love coasters still call it rough, so you should not assume that being a fan of amusement parks means you will find this one smooth.

The seats may also feel tight if you are larger-bodied. The only stated ride restriction is a minimum height of 54 inches, or 137 cm. No weight limit is provided in the supplied information, so if you have concerns about fitting comfortably, ask the operator before paying or joining the queue.

The coaster train holds up to 18 riders. That capacity does not guarantee a short wait, since the line also depends on operating conditions and how many trains are running. A queue can move quickly, but busy periods and technical pauses can change the timing. One late-evening visit involved a long line that still took about an hour from arrival to finish.

Tickets, queues, and belongings

The ticket costs $25.65 per person and includes one ride, with fees and taxes included. Prebooking gives you a mobile ticket and helps secure your purchase in advance, but do not read skip the lines as a promise that you will board immediately. You may still need to wait for the next available train, and ride stoppages can affect the line.

Keep your booking code accessible on your phone. There have been cases of ticket codes not being recognized at the entrance, so it is sensible to save the confirmation where you can retrieve it easily. If there is a problem, speak with the attraction staff before leaving the entry area.

Do not plan to take your phone onto the ride. Riders have reported lockers near the attraction, with one person noting a $1 charge, and the ride’s movement makes loose items a poor idea. Stow your phone, purse, and anything else that could fall or distract you. Photos are taken before and during the ride, as well as in a group shot, and you can buy them if you want a souvenir.

The ticket does not include arcade play, parking, or hotel pickup and drop-off. New York-New York is near public transportation, but you will need to make your own way there. If you are driving, account for parking separately. Repeat rides may be available for an additional charge; one rider reported a $10 re-ride price, but confirm the current cost at the attraction.

The listed advance booking average is 18 days. That is useful context if you like to plan ahead, but it does not mean you need to book that early for every visit. The practical benefit is having your ticket ready and knowing the price before you arrive. For a flexible day, check that the coaster is operating before making a special trip.

Is $25.65 good value?

For a single ride, $25.65 is not a bargain in the ordinary amusement-park sense. You are paying for a short experience, and the arcade games, parking, and repeat rides are extra. If you compare the price with a full day at a large theme park, this coaster will feel expensive.

Its value depends on what you want from a Las Vegas stop. If you are already at New York-New York and enjoy roller coasters, the convenience, speed, and Strip views can make the price worthwhile. If you want a longer activity or a smooth, polished coaster, you may feel the ticket costs too much for the few minutes on the track.

The ride’s appeal is especially clear for coaster fans who want to try something distinctive while staying on the Strip. Families can also make it part of a broader visit, with the arcade and hotel’s themed streets nearby. But the height requirement rules out younger or shorter children, and the rough motion may not suit everyone in a group.

You may be able to ride again for an extra fee, but treat that as a separate decision. If you are unsure after the first ride, ask about the current re-ride price before buying. There is no need to commit to multiple trips in advance.

When timing and weather matter

The coaster’s hours vary by day of the week and can change. The stated schedule is 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. Favorable weather is required, and wind or other operating conditions can lead to a closure or delay.

This matters because a prepaid ticket does not protect you from a ride outage. Technical problems have caused interruptions, and some people have arrived when the coaster was not running. If the ride is a major reason for crossing town, check its status as close to your visit as you can.

The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refundable, and changes made during that period are not accepted. If poor weather cancels the experience, the stated options are a different date or a full refund. Since operating problems can occur for reasons beyond weather, keep your confirmation and contact the seller promptly if your ride cannot go ahead.

Who should ride the Big Apple Coaster?

I would put this high on the list for anyone who enjoys fast rides and wants an unusual Strip activity without arranging transport to an amusement park. It is also a sensible choice if you are already exploring New York-New York and want to pair a thrill with the arcade and hotel’s themed streets.

It is less appealing if you dislike rough coasters, are sensitive to head movement, or want a long ride for the price. It is also a poor fit if your schedule leaves no room for a queue or an unexpected pause. The one-hour estimate is helpful, but it cannot guarantee that you will be on your way after exactly 60 minutes.

Book it if the speed, turns, and high-up view are worth the cost to you. Skip it if you would rather spend that money on a longer activity, or if a jarring ride would spoil your day. If you do go, check the operating status, arrive with your ticket code ready, and secure your phone before boarding.

FAQ

How much does a Big Apple Coaster ticket cost?

The listed price is $25.65 per person. It includes one ride and fees and taxes.

How long does the experience take?

The estimated overall duration is about one hour. The actual ride is much shorter, and the queue can make the total visit longer or shorter.

How fast does the coaster go?

The Big Apple Coaster reaches a maximum speed of 67 mph, or about 108 km/h.

How high is the coaster’s biggest drop?

The provided details are inconsistent. The FAQ and ride description state a 144-foot drop, while another description gives 203 feet.

Is there a minimum height to ride?

Yes. Riders must be at least 54 inches tall, or 137 cm.

What are the coaster’s opening hours?

The stated hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours may change due to weather or other operating conditions.

Are arcade games included with the ticket?

No. The ticket covers one coaster ride. Video and arcade games are not included.

Is parking or hotel transport included?

No. Parking and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The attraction is near public transportation.

How many people fit on a coaster train?

Each train can carry up to 18 riders.

Can I cancel my ticket for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refundable.