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

The Big Apple Coaster is Las Vegas in miniature: loud, fast, a little over the top, and built right into a casino resort. The train climbs above New York-New York, then races at up to 67 mph through a 144-foot drop, sharp turns, and the coaster’s signature 180-degree heartline twist.

I like two things here. First, the ride gives you a fine view of the Strip before the real action begins. Second, it is easy to pair with other things at New York-New York, from the Big Apple Arcade to the hotel’s playful Greenwich Village-style streets and outdoor dining.

The catch is comfort. Some riders find the coaster rough, with head and shoulder movement that can hurt, while others call it smooth enough and thoroughly enjoyable. This is a serious thrill ride, not a gentle sightseeing loop, and the $25.65 price feels worthwhile mainly if you enjoy coasters.

Big Apple Coaster at a glance

• 67 mph top speed: This is a proper adrenaline ride, not a slow hotel attraction.
• 144-foot drop and 180-degree heartline twist: The main thrills arrive quickly once the train leaves the station.
• Views from above the Strip: The climb gives you a different view of Las Vegas, the desert, and New York-New York itself.
• One ride ticket included: Fees and taxes are covered, but arcade games, parking, and transport are extra.
• Easy add-on to a casino visit: The arcade, Village Street, restaurants, and public transport links make this simple to fit into a day.
• 54-inch minimum height: Children and shorter riders cannot board, regardless of age.

What the Big Apple Coaster actually feels like

You begin with a climb that lets you look across the Strip and out toward the desert. That first rise is part of the appeal. It gives you a moment to see the scale of Las Vegas before the train drops and the ride turns into a blur of speed and movement.

The coaster reaches 67 mph and includes a 144-foot drop. The ride also features a 180-degree heartline twist and dive maneuver, a move that turns your body through a tight rotation while the track changes direction. You are secured by a harness, and the train can carry up to 18 riders.

The ride itself lasts only a few minutes, but the full visit usually takes about an hour once you include the line, ticket check, locker stop, boarding, and exit. That difference matters when you are comparing this with a longer attraction. You are paying for a concentrated burst of speed, not an all-day experience.

I would describe the ride as thrilling but not universally comfortable. Some people find it rough and complain of repeated side-to-side movement against the harness. Others, including riders who have tried many coasters, consider the motion acceptable and would ride again. Your tolerance for older, forceful coaster movement will make a bigger difference than the ride’s statistics.

If you already know you dislike rough coasters, this may not be the best use of your money. If you like strong drops, quick turns, and the sensation of leaving your seat under a harness, the ride delivers plenty in a short space of time.

Finding the ride inside New York-New York

The attraction is inside the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, but the casino floor can be confusing on your first visit. From the front desk area, go right toward the Century Elevators. Take the escalators up toward Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs. When you reach the top, the Big Apple Coaster is to the left of Nathan’s.

That route is worth noting because finding the entrance may take longer than expected. Staff can point you in the right direction, but it is wise to allow extra time instead of arriving at the last minute.

The coaster sits beside The Big Apple Arcade. Restrooms are located in the arcade area near the entrance, which is useful if you are visiting with children or waiting for part of your group.

Your mobile ticket should be ready on your phone for scanning. Keep the booking code easy to reach before joining the line. A few people have had ticket-check issues at the entrance, so I would save the confirmation in advance rather than depend on a weak casino signal.

Why booking ahead can help

The ticket costs $25.65 per person and includes one ride, all fees, and taxes. Parking, hotel pickup, and arcade games are not included.

For Las Vegas, that is not an outrageous price for a major ride, but it is not a bargain if you are judging it by ride time alone. The value improves if you already plan to visit New York-New York and want one memorable attraction without committing half a day. It feels less attractive if your group includes people who will not ride, or if you are comparing it with a full theme park ticket that includes many coasters.

Buying ahead can help you get to the entrance with your ticket ready instead of dealing with the ticket window. It does not remove every possible wait. At busy times, you may still face a line, and the ride can pause because of weather, technical problems, or other operating issues.

The attraction is often booked around 18 days ahead, so reserving before your Las Vegas visit is sensible if riding is important to you. Confirmation is issued within 48 hours, subject to availability. Do not assume that a listed 11:00 am time means a private timed ride. The posted operating hours say 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and 11:00 am to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours can change.

Stop one: the casino and Greenwich Village setting

New York-New York is not a quiet place to begin a coaster ride. You enter through a casino resort designed around a playful version of New York, with brownstone-style buildings, tree-lined streets, and sidewalk dining along Village Street.

I like this part because it gives the ride a setting rather than leaving it as a stand-alone machine in a parking lot. You can eat, walk around, find a restroom, and let non-riders enjoy the hotel while the coaster fans queue.

The Greenwich Village theme is theatrical rather than authentic. It is a Las Vegas interpretation of New York, not a substitute for the real neighborhoods. Still, the streets and building fronts make the waiting area more interesting than a plain fenced queue.

The casino itself can add noise and confusion. If you are meeting a group, agree on a clear meeting point before separating for the ride. Once inside, it is easy for one person to head toward the coaster while another gets distracted by food, games, or casino entrances.

Stop two: The Big Apple Coaster

At the coaster entrance, you show your mobile ticket and prepare for the ride. You should be in line at least 30 minutes before closing, and I would arrive earlier than that if the attraction is a priority.

Lockers are available for a fee of $1. Use one for phones, wallets, loose clothing, and anything you do not want moving around. You cannot safely hold a phone during the ride, and trying to hand a phone to someone else can create needless stress. The attraction also takes photographs before, during, and after the ride, with those images available for purchase.

The seats can feel tight if you are on the larger side. The only listed restriction is a minimum height of 54 inches, or 137 centimeters. The supplied information does not give a maximum weight or chest measurement, so anyone concerned about fit should ask staff before paying or joining the queue.

The train holds up to 18 riders. That capacity helps the line move, but waits can still become long when the ride is paused. One particularly frustrating situation is a technical shutdown after tickets have already been scanned. Weather can cause another interruption, especially wind. If the ride is closed during your visit, ask immediately about the operator’s rebooking or refund process and keep your ticket details.

Once dispatched, the opening climb gives you a strong view of the Strip. Then the speed and turns take over. You get a quick, forceful ride with the major drop, the heartline twist, and fast changes of direction.

There is an odd inconsistency in the supplied ride information: one description refers to a 203-foot drop, while the FAQ and detailed ride description identify the largest drop as 144 feet. I would use 144 feet as the dependable figure when comparing this attraction with other coasters.

The view is part of the ticket

The Big Apple Coaster is not only about mechanical thrills. From the higher sections, you can look over the Strip and toward the desert. The view is brief, but it gives the ride a setting that an indoor coaster cannot match.

You may see New York-New York’s themed buildings below and the wider Las Vegas scene beyond. For many people, that view is what turns a standard coaster ride into a distinct Las Vegas experience. I would try to keep your eyes open during the climb, because the fast sections leave little time for sightseeing.

If you are a serious theme-park coaster fan, the view may not compensate for the short ride or the rougher motion. Riders used to the largest coasters in the United States may find the Big Apple Coaster merely average. If your aim is to try a famous Strip attraction and enjoy the city from an unusual angle, it makes more sense.

The Big Apple Arcade and what to do after

After the ride, you can continue into The Big Apple Arcade. It includes a mixture of classic and newer video and arcade games. Games cost extra, so bring this into your budget if you are visiting with children or anyone who wants to keep playing after the coaster.

The arcade also gives non-riders something to do while the rest of the group boards. That makes the attraction easier to organize than an activity where everyone must participate together.

You can then walk along Village Street, with its brownstone-style fronts, trees, and outdoor dining areas. This is a pleasant way to slow down after the ride, though the setting is designed entertainment rather than an actual New York neighborhood.

A second ride may be available for $10. I would consider that only after the first ride. If you love the coaster, the extra ride gives you another chance at the view and the twist without paying the full original price. If you find the ride rough or merely average, the discount will not change your opinion.

Timing, queues, and weather

The listed start time is 11:00 am, but the attraction’s hours vary by day. Friday through Sunday hours are listed as 11:00 am to midnight. Monday through Thursday hours are listed as 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Morning visits can be smart on days when the coaster opens at 11:00 am. Some riders have found little or no queue around opening time, while late-night Friday visits can bring a much longer line. A long queue may still move quickly, but you should not build a tight dinner reservation around the ride.

The attraction requires favorable weather. Wind can stop operations, and technical problems can also close the ride without much warning. The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refundable, except that if the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

This is one reason I would avoid booking it as the final fixed activity of a short Las Vegas visit. Give yourself another opportunity to ride if possible.

Who should ride it?

I would recommend the Big Apple Coaster to:

• Coaster fans who want a quick ride during a Strip visit.
• Teenagers at least 54 inches tall who enjoy drops and fast turns.
• Couples and friends looking for a shared thrill that takes about an hour with waiting.
• Families with mixed interests, since non-riders can use the arcade, restaurants, and themed streets.
• Las Vegas first-timers who want an attraction close to major hotel and casino areas.

I would be more cautious if you have neck or back problems, dislike rough movement, or expect a modern theme-park coaster with a long, polished ride. The ride can feel harsh, and the seats may be tight for some body types.

Most people who can meet the height rule can participate, but that does not mean the ride suits every body. If you are uncertain, speak with the staff before buying or entering the queue.

Should you book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you like roller coasters and want a distinctive Las Vegas experience with a strong Strip view, a large drop, and a famous themed setting. The $25.65 price is fair for a one-time thrill, especially when you combine it with the arcade and New York-New York’s restaurants.

Skip it if you are sensitive to head movement, want a smooth modern coaster, or are unwilling to risk a weather or maintenance delay. I would book ahead for a weekend morning, keep your mobile ticket accessible, arrive early, and store every loose item in the $1 locker.

My practical verdict: this is a good choice for thrillseekers, a reasonable choice for curious first-time visitors, and a poor choice for anyone who already knows that rough coasters leave them sore. The ride is short, but the speed, height, and Strip view make it a memorable Las Vegas add-on.

FAQ

How much does the Big Apple Coaster cost?

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

What is included with the ticket?

Your ticket includes one ride on the Big Apple Coaster. Parking, hotel pickup and drop-off, and video and arcade games are not included.

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 largest drop listed in the detailed attraction information and FAQ is 144 feet, or 44 meters.

What is the minimum height to ride?

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

When is the Big Apple Coaster open?

The listed hours are 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and 11:00 am to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours may change and operation depends on favorable weather and other conditions.

Where 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. At the top, the coaster is to the left of Nathan’s.

How early should I arrive?

You must be in line at least 30 minutes before closing. Arriving early in the operating day can help reduce your wait, though queues vary.

Can I bring my phone on the ride?

You should not take your phone onto the coaster. Lockers are available for $1, and you should store phones, bags, wallets, and other loose items before boarding.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.