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

Las Vegas has a roller coaster in a casino. The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel and Casino gives you a quick burst of speed, a 144-foot drop, and a memorable view over the Strip. I like the ride’s unusual setting and its 67-mph pace, which make it more than a standard indoor amusement attraction. I also like that the arcade and simulated Greenwich Village are right nearby, so you can turn a short ride into a larger stop. The main caution is comfort: some riders find the coaster rough, with head and body movement that can make the ride unpleasant.

At $25.65 per person, this is not a bargain-bin casino attraction, but it can be good value if you enjoy roller coasters and want a simple activity between larger Las Vegas plans. Book ahead for convenience, but do not assume that a prepaid ticket means no wait. Lines can still build, and the coaster may close for wind, technical trouble, or other operating problems.

Key points before you ride

• 67 mph at the top: The coaster reaches a maximum speed of about 67 miles per hour, or 108 kilometers per hour.
• A 144-foot main drop: The official ride information gives the largest drop as 144 feet, while other promotional material describes a 203-foot drop. Treat the 144-foot figure as the more consistent measurement.
• A rare 180-degree heartline twist: This turning maneuver gives the ride its signature movement and adds more than simple up-and-down drops.
• The view is part of the attraction: From the high sections, you can see the Las Vegas Strip and the desert beyond the resort.
• Plan for a possible queue: A visit can take about an hour once you include the line, boarding, and exit.
• The 54-inch height rule matters: Every rider must be at least 54 inches, or 137 centimeters, tall.

The ride begins inside New York-New York

The Big Apple Coaster is not a separate theme park. It is built into the New York-New York resort, where steel track curls around the hotel’s imitation Manhattan skyline. That setting gives the attraction its odd but entertaining Las Vegas character: you are walking through a casino, passing restaurants and brownstone facades, then suddenly climbing into a roller coaster train.

Finding the entrance can take a little patience. From the front desk area, go right toward the Century Elevators. Take the escalators toward Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs. After you step off, the coaster entrance is to the left of Nathan’s.

This is useful to know before you arrive. New York-New York is large enough that you can lose time wandering through casino corridors, especially if you are meeting family or friends at a set time. Staff can point you in the right direction, but having the route in mind helps.

The attraction is near public transportation, and restrooms are located in the arcade area by the entrance. Parking is not included, so you should factor in the resort’s parking arrangements if you are driving.

What the 11 am start time really means

The listed start time is 11 am, but this does not function like a guided tour with a precise departure. It is generally the opening time for the coaster on days when it operates from 11 am. The attraction’s stated hours are 1 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and 11 am to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours can change, so check the operating schedule before you set out.

Going close to opening can be smart. One rider arrived around 11 am and found only a short queue, while another reached the coaster at 10 pm on a Friday and waited about an hour. That contrast tells you what you need to know: timing can affect the value more than the ticket price.

You must be in line at least 30 minutes before closing. A mobile ticket is accepted, but keep the booking code easy to access. It is wise to save it on your phone before entering the casino. One customer found that the entrance staff could not immediately locate a prepaid ticket, although the issue was resolved. A printed copy can also be useful if you prefer not to rely on a phone screen.

Advance booking can reduce the hassle at the ticket counter, but it cannot protect you from an operational delay. The coaster has stopped temporarily for camera problems, wind, maintenance, and other technical issues. Check that it is running on the day of your visit if your schedule is tight.

The Big Apple Coaster’s speed, drop, and twist

Once secured in the train, the ride delivers its main attractions quickly. The coaster reaches 67 mph and includes a 144-foot drop. It also features a 180-degree heartline twist and turn, a maneuver designed to rotate your body through the curve rather than simply carry you around a flat bend.

That combination gives the ride a strong Las Vegas punch. You get speed, height, turns, and a view, all without leaving the resort. Riders who like compact thrill rides often find it exciting enough to repeat, and repeat rides are available for $10 according to customer feedback.

The experience is not especially long. One description calls it a three-minute thrill ride, while the full visit can take around an hour with the queue. That distinction matters. You are paying for a concentrated burst of action, not a full-day amusement park ticket.

The ride’s height also gives you an unusual angle on Las Vegas. At the highest points, you can look across the Strip and out toward the desert. The view is brief and constantly interrupted by speed and turns, but it gives the coaster more character than a ride enclosed inside a dark building.

Comfort is the biggest question mark

I would not call this a universally smooth coaster. Some riders praise the excitement and say they have experienced rougher rides. Others report repeated side-to-side and up-and-down movement that caused discomfort in the head, neck, back, or body.

That difference may come down to your tolerance for older or forceful coaster design. A serious coaster fan may see the roughness as part of the ride’s personality. If you are sensitive to head movement, expect a more physical experience and think carefully before paying for a repeat.

The seats can feel tight for larger riders. The minimum height is 54 inches, but the supplied information does not give a maximum weight or body-size rule. If you are concerned about fitting comfortably, ask the staff before entering the queue.

Secure loose items before boarding. Phones, purses, and other belongings cannot safely come with you. Lockers are available for a fee of $1, and the practical advice is simple: use one rather than risk losing a phone or having an object fly away. The attraction takes photos before, during, and after the ride, with purchase options if you want a souvenir.

The arcade adds value after the coaster

The Big Apple Arcade is directly connected to the attraction and gives you something to do before or after riding. It includes classic video games and newer arcade games, with enough space to make the stop more than a quick queue-and-leave visit.

Arcade play costs extra. It is not part of the $25.65 coaster ticket, so budget separately if you plan to spend time there. For families, this can help balance the attraction. A child who meets the height rule may enjoy the ride, while younger children can still have something to look at or play with nearby.

The arcade also gives non-riders a place to wait. That is useful in a group where one person wants the adrenaline rush and another prefers to remain on solid ground. The attraction is easier to manage as a mixed-interest stop because the arcade, restrooms, casino, and dining areas are all close.

Greenwich Village gives the stop some personality

After the ride, take a walk through the resort’s simulated Greenwich Village. New York-New York uses brownstone-style buildings, tree-lined streets, and outdoor dining on Village Street to create a playful New York setting.

This is not an authentic New York neighborhood, and you should not expect it to replace a visit to Manhattan. Still, it works well as part of the resort’s theme. The coaster makes the setting feel more active, while the streets and restaurants give you a slower place to recover after the ride.

I like this pairing because it lets you choose your pace. You can race through the coaster, spend time with arcade games, then settle into a meal or walk. It also makes the attraction easy to fit into a wider Strip itinerary. You do not need to give up half a day or arrange transportation across the city.

Is $25.65 a fair price?

The value depends on how you measure a Las Vegas activity. At $25.65, the ticket costs more than a simple arcade session but much less than many major Las Vegas shows and full attractions. You receive one ride, all fees and taxes, and access to the resort setting. Arcade games, parking, food, photos, and repeat rides cost extra.

For a coaster fan, the price can be fair because the ride offers a distinctive combination of height, speed, Strip views, and a 180-degree twist. Some riders considered it one of the best-value activities on the Strip because the thrill is immediate and the stop does not consume an entire day.

For a serious amusement-park enthusiast used to very large modern coasters, the value may be weaker. One family’s teenagers found it average after riding major American coasters elsewhere. Another customer enjoyed the ride but felt the ticket was expensive and did not think a $10 repeat ride was worthwhile.

My advice is to compare it with your own interests. If you rarely ride roller coasters, this is a memorable way to try one in a famous setting. If you are chasing the biggest, smoothest, most advanced coasters in the country, you may find the ride short and rough for the price.

Weather and closures can change your plans

The Big Apple Coaster requires favorable weather. Strong wind can stop service, and technical problems can also close the ride without much notice. A prepaid ticket does not remove that risk.

The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable, and changes inside that window are not accepted. If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Operational closures are more complicated in practice. Keep your confirmation and any communication about the closure. If the ride is not running, ask the on-site staff what options apply before leaving. This is particularly important if you have booked through a third-party ticket service.

Who will enjoy this coaster most?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Roller coaster fans who want a quick, physical ride in an unusual setting.
• Families with older children, provided every rider is at least 54 inches tall.
• Couples and friends looking for a short Strip activity with a clear thrill factor.
• Repeat Las Vegas visitors who have already seen the major casino attractions and want something different.
• Visitors who like views with their rides, since the high sections reveal the Strip and desert.

I would be more cautious if you dislike rough motion, have concerns about head or back comfort, or expect a polished modern coaster. The ride has a strong fan base, but the comfort reports are mixed enough that you should not treat it as a gentle sightseeing attraction.

Practical tips for a smoother visit

Arrive near opening if you want the best chance of a short wait. Friday through Sunday hours begin at 11 am, while the stated Monday through Thursday opening time is 1 pm. Later evening visits can bring long lines, especially on a Friday.

Keep your mobile ticket code ready, and consider printing it as a backup. Do not carry your phone onto the train. Use the $1 locker for loose items, and remove anything that could fall out during the turns.

Allow about an hour for the full stop, even though the actual ride is much shorter. Add extra time if you want the arcade, photos, or a walk through Greenwich Village.

Finally, confirm the coaster is operating before you make a special trip. Wind, cameras, maintenance, and other service problems have caused missed rides. That small check can save you a long wait and a frustrating argument about refunds.

Should you book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you want a fast, memorable Las Vegas thrill ride, especially if the Strip setting and 67-mph speed appeal to you. The coaster is easy to combine with dining, arcade games, and the New York-New York resort, and the $25.65 price is reasonable for a major one-time thrill.

Skip it if you need a very smooth ride, dislike forceful turns, or are comparing it with the largest theme-park coasters in the United States. For the best chance of good value, go near opening, confirm the ride is operating, protect your belongings in a locker, and treat the experience as a compact three-minute thrill rather than an all-day attraction.

FAQ

How fast does the Big Apple Coaster go?

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

How large is the biggest drop?

The official ride information gives the largest drop as 144 feet. Some promotional descriptions list a 203-foot drop, so the figures are not fully consistent.

What is the minimum height to ride?

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

What are the opening hours?

The stated hours are 1 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, and 11 am to midnight Friday through Sunday. Hours can change and service depends on favorable weather and other operating 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. The Big Apple Coaster is to the left after you leave the escalator.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refundable. If poor weather causes the attraction to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund.