Las Vegas: New York-New York Hotel Big Apple Coaster Ride

Las Vegas is better when you’re strapped in. The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York throws you through a Manhattan-style track with a famous 180-degree twist, plus fast loops that push close to 70 mph. I love that it gives you skyline views of the Strip while you’re moving, and I love how the ride packs big adrenaline into one ticket. One consideration: it is not a long ride, and some people find the price steep for how quickly it ends.

Here’s the good news if you want thrills without a full day of planning. You’ll follow your single-ride ticket, get in via the faster entry setup, and then focus on the part that matters, the red track, the climbs, and the sudden intensity as you spiral through twists and inversions. The main drawback to know up front is that it can be physically jarring, so if you have neck, back, or joint issues, think twice and go in prepared.

Key things to know before you ride

• A 180-degree twist is the headline feature, and it shows up early enough to set the tone fast.
• Manhattan mock-up scenery runs alongside the coaster, so it feels like a themed tour even while you’re upside down.
• Near 70 mph speed plus loops means you get real intensity, not just a gentle spin.
• Night rides look great because you see the Strip lights while the coaster is in motion.
• You must fit the height rule (not suitable for under 4 ft 3 in, 130 cm), and the ride throws you around a bit.

Where the Big Apple Coaster starts at New York-New York

This experience takes place at New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas. The activity’s meeting point is listed at coordinates 36.1014995, -115.1740094, which puts you right in the middle of the Strip zone where everything feels walkable and loud.

If you’re building a day around it, I like treating it as a quick, high-impact stop. You are not committing to a long tour. You’re committing to a single ride that feels like it hits the main thrill button right away.

You’ll also want to plan for the area vibe. It’s a hotel-casino setting, so lines and crowd energy can change hour to hour, even when the coaster is running normally.

The coaster itself: Manhattan-style track and big twist energy

The Big Apple Coaster uses a red track that snakes through a Manhattan-inspired setup. That matters because you’re not staring at blank walls. You’re weaving through a themed environment as the pace builds.

What I love here is the sequence of moments you feel in your body. There’s the climb and tension building toward the first drop, then the ride keeps escalating with spirals, loops, and fast transitions. The speed guidance is clear, it reaches almost 70 miles per hour, and the motion stays active rather than letting up for long stretches.

The signature moment is the 180-degree twist, the first roller coaster to feature it in that way. Even if you do not study coaster tech, you’ll feel it as a major directional change, the kind of move that makes your brain go, wait, we’re doing that.

And yes, it can get rough in the “you will feel every turn” way. Several riders mentioned being thrown around, and one noted it can feel rocky for smaller riders. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, it just means you should respect the physical sensation.

How the ride flow feels from start to finish

You’re basically doing one cycle: arrive, get your ride time, store what you cannot bring on board, then lock in for the show.

First, you’ll be using your single-ride ticket. The setup is meant to help you skip the ticket line, which is a real win in Vegas, where time disappears fast.

Next comes the part that surprises people. You might need to store your phone and other items. One rider described needing their phone for pass verification, then not being allowed to take it onto the coaster, plus a storage fee. So if you want photos, plan for that workflow, not for pulling your phone out during the ride.

Finally, you’ll board and experience the full thrill run: climb, first drop, then loops and faster spinning elements. The ride is short by nature, so you do not get the slow “warm-up” phase some coasters have. It’s more like, strap in, and the coaster gets serious quickly.

Price and value: what $25 really buys in Vegas

The listed price is $25 per person for a single-ride ticket. In Vegas terms, that can feel normal-ish. In theme-park terms, it can feel pricey for how quickly you’re done.

Here’s how I’d judge value, not just cost. If you came to Vegas for a mix of sights and adrenaline, this ticket is a clean, simple way to get a high-thrill moment without losing half your day. You get a legit speed target, a signature twist, and Strip views if you time it right.

But if you’re the type who measures value by ride length alone, be warned. Multiple people noted the coaster is over in a flash, and some described it as expensive for what you get. That doesn’t erase the fact that it’s fun and fast, it just changes who should buy it.

My practical take: if you want one coaster and you care about intensity, $25 can be fair. If you want lots of time on track, you’ll probably want to pair it with another activity or plan an extra ride option separately.

Best time to ride: day hours versus night Strip views

The coaster operates on a schedule that you can plan around. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Friday through Sunday, 11:00 am to 12:00 am, with hours subject to weather and other circumstances.

For me, night is the easiest sell. One rider specifically called out that doing it at night gave an amazing view of the Strip. That’s the kind of payoff you only get when the city lights are on and the coaster is moving above them.

If you ride earlier, you may trade some of that lighting magic for more predictable logistics. Still, crowd levels can shift, so if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who hates waiting, try to avoid the peak late evening rush when possible.

Also note the rule that you must be in line 30 minutes prior to closing. That matters because you do not want to arrive thinking you have time, only to find the queue won’t take you.

What to bring, what to leave, and how not to regret your pockets

This ride is all about motion. That affects what you should carry, and how you dress.

First, be ready for item storage. Reviews mention not being allowed to take items like a phone onto the coaster and paying for storage. If you want your phone for your day, bring it, but treat storage like part of the plan, not an afterthought.

Second, think about what you wear. One rider advised removing large earrings because the ride motion could poke. Another pointed out that you need to keep everything out of your pockets or items can drop out during the turns.

Third, listen to your body. People described the ride as fast, intense, and turning upside down. A rider even suggested not riding if you have a bad back. That’s not medical advice, but it is a strong signal about the physical feeling of the coaster.

So my checklist is simple:

• Wear something secure, no dangling jewelry
• Use a bag or storage setup for your phone and wallet
• If you have mobility or spine issues, decide carefully before you line up

Photos, arcade, and the stuff you might spend money on

Even if your main goal is the coaster, be aware of the add-ons. One rider said the photos were $38 each, which is the kind of fee that can surprise people once they see the quality and the price tag.

Another review mentioned an arcade nearby and called it a nice bonus. That means you can turn this into a short Vegas stop with a little extra browsing if you want something besides just one ride.

If you’re trying to control spending, decide ahead of time whether you want photos. If you’re the type who likes proof of thrills, it can be worth it. If you hate surprise costs, take a breath before you step into the photo sales zone.

Who this coaster suits best, and who should skip it

This attraction is not suitable for people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm). If that rule fits you, then it comes down to tolerance for motion.

It’s a strong match for:

• Thrill seekers who want speed and loops
• First-time roller coaster riders who are ready for real intensity
• People who like theme settings, since the Manhattan mock-up helps the experience feel more like a Vegas production

It’s a tough match for:

• Anyone with significant back or neck problems, given how riders describe being thrown around
• People who hate being upside down or do not handle rapid turning well

In other words, if you can handle the sensation of speed plus intense turning, you’ll probably have a blast. If you need gentler rides, there are plenty of other Vegas attractions that do not shake you quite as much.

A simple way to fit it into your Las Vegas day

Because your ticket is valid for 1 day and the ride is a focused one, I like planning it like this.

Start by checking your timing against closing. Remember, you need to be in line 30 minutes before close. Then decide whether you want night views or earlier comfort. If night appeals to you, aim for late enough to see the Strip lit up, but not so late that you feel rushed into the queue.

Once you’re at the coaster, keep your movement tight: get in, store what you need stored, then settle. The ride moves fast, and the day will feel smoother when you avoid wandering around right before boarding.

After the ride, you can either grab your photo if you want one, or use the surrounding hotel-area options to keep your momentum. You’re not done with Vegas just because you’re off the track.

Should you book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you want a single, high-adrenaline experience with a 180-degree twist and near 70 mph speed, plus the chance to see the Strip lights while you ride. At $25 for one go, it can feel expensive, but the excitement level is exactly why people come to Vegas in the first place.

Skip it, or reconsider if you strongly dislike intense motion. The coaster is described as fast, intense, turning, and upside down, and some riders warn about back comfort and how the ride throws you around. Also skip if you’re expecting a long ride, because it is the kind of thrill that ends quickly.

If you’re a fit for thrill rides and you time it well, this is one of the easiest add-on “Vegas wins” you can buy.

FAQ

What is the Big Apple Coaster ride?

It is a single-ride ticket on the Big Apple Coaster at the New York-New York area in Las Vegas. The ride includes a Manhattan-style track with twists and loops.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $25 per person for a single ride.

Is it only valid for one ride?

Yes. This booking includes a single-ride ticket on the Big Apple Coaster.

What are the operating hours?

Monday through Thursday it runs 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Friday through Sunday it runs 11:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight). Hours can change due to weather and other circumstances.

Where do I meet for the activity?

The meeting point is listed at coordinates 36.1014995, -115.1740094.

What time should I arrive before closing?

You must be in line 30 minutes prior to closing.

Is the ticket refundable?

No. The activity is listed as non-refundable.

Is there a height requirement?

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

What should I do with my phone or personal items?

You may need to store items before boarding. Some riders report they cannot take a phone on the coaster and that there can be a fee for storage.

Are photos available after the ride?

There are on-site photos available, and at least one rider reported photos costing $38 each.