This coaster makes the Strip feel close. The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York turns the lights of Las Vegas into a motion blur, with real speed and near-constant action from lift hill to the final snap of track. I especially love the 180-degree twist—it’s the headline moment—and I also like that the ride’s made for night views, when the whole Strip glows below. One heads-up: it’s a short, high-thrill experience, and the extra costs (lockers, photos) can sneak up.

You’ll board the red track inside the Manhattan mock-up, then get fired off through climbs, a big first drop, spirals, and loops that keep your body guessing. Based on rider tips, the ride can feel a bit rough if you’re sensitive in the neck, knees, or back, so go in expecting motion, not a gentle thrill. If you want a longer coaster for the money, this might feel pricey for how quickly it ends.

Big Apple Coaster: Why This New York-New York Thrill Works

Las Vegas can be loud, flashy, and a little chaotic. This attraction is different because it’s focused: one big roller coaster ride that’s built around speed, twists, and that signature first 180-degree twist. You’re not just riding around the Strip—you’re carving through a Manhattan-style set with the Vegas skyline right in your line of sight.

The other reason this coaster hits so hard is momentum. You climb, drop, and then the pacing stays aggressive. There’s no long lull where you’re just waiting. Even if you don’t love roller coasters, you’ll feel the pull of the track and the way the ride keeps stacking moments.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• 180-degree twist that’s the standout feature
• Near 70 mph speed for a real rush
• Manhattan mock-up theme that makes the ride feel like a story
• Night rides deliver some of the best Strip lighting
• Single-ride ticket that’s quick to fit into your day
• Fast ride duration, with the trade-off being it ends sooner than you might expect

Getting Your Timing Right Above the Strip

Your ride plan is straightforward: you’re buying a single-ride ticket, and you go during the operating window. Hours run Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Friday to Sunday, 11:00 am to midnight. Weather and other conditions can suspend service, so I’d treat your “last slot of the night” as a maybe, not a promise.

If you’re deciding between daytime and night, I’d lean toward night. Multiple riders called out the view of the Strip after dark as a big payoff. Daytime can still be fun—you’ll see the theme elements clearly—but night turns the experience into something sharper and more dramatic.

Also, plan for the real schedule pressure. The attraction requires you to be in line 30 minutes before closing, so don’t show up at the last minute if you want zero stress.

Price and Logistics: What $25 Really Buys

At $25 per person, this isn’t a bargain, but in Vegas that’s not shocking. The value is in the intensity: you’re paying for a single, action-packed ride with a headline twist and speeds close to 70 mph. If you want a “one-and-done” thrill that doesn’t waste your afternoon, it’s a clean fit.

What can change the real cost is what happens before you board. Riders report you may need to use a locker for items, and that lockers cost extra. Some also note a small fee to store a phone, and that you may not be allowed to take your phone onto the coaster. Then there are photos: one rider mentioned photo prints around $38 each. If you’re a souvenir person, that’s the moment your budget can jump.

If you want the best value, go with a plan:

• Bring only what you truly need.
• Decide upfront if you want photos, or just skip them and enjoy the ride.
• Expect storage fees to be part of the experience.

Before You Ride: Lines, Lockers, and the Stuff-Out-of-Pockets Rule

Even though you’ve got a single-ride ticket, your pre-ride time matters. The attraction offers a way to skip the ticket line, which helps a lot if you’re trying to stack this with other Vegas stops.

What you should prepare for is the “no loose items” reality. Several riders said they had to keep things out of pockets, and some described having to pay for storage. That means:

• Leave large items behind.
• If you wear jewelry, consider removing pieces that could snag.
• If you want photos, plan to buy them after the ride when you can see what they captured.

One more practical note: a few riders mentioned the ride can throw you around enough that you’ll want to be careful with comfort. If you have issues with back or neck, or you know you get sore easily, treat the coaster like a workout for your posture.

The Ride Sequence: Manhattan Theme to First Big Drop

The Big Apple Coaster starts with a themed approach—think Manhattan mock-up and a red track running through the set. Then the main event kicks in: lift, climb tension, and a first drop that sets the pace for the rest of the ride.

Here’s the rhythm you can expect:

1. Climb and tension toward the first drop
2. First drop that snaps your attention forward
3. Loops and spirals that keep the momentum going
4. Fast turns and inversions, including being upside down

The key is that the ride doesn’t just spike once. It keeps working. After that initial surge, you’ll feel repeated moments where your body gets lifted, rotated, and pushed into the next element without much time to recover.

Speed, Loops, and the 180-Degree Twist Moment

This coaster’s reputation comes from two things: speed and the way the track twists rather than just banking through turns. The ride reaches speeds of almost 70 miles per hour, and riders describe a feeling of speed that ramps quickly.

The standout is the 180-degree twist, which is the first roller coaster to feature that kind of maneuver according to the ride’s highlights. What it means for you is simple: you’ll feel the track rotate in a way that changes your orientation fast. Even if you’ve been on other coasters, that moment tends to be the one people remember.

And yes, there are loops and turning elements. Riders also talked about being turned upside down, which matches the quick, aggressive style of the track layout. If you like thrill coasters more than scenic coasters, you’ll probably grin through the whole thing.

Comfort Tips: When Your Body Matters More Than Your Bravery

This ride is made for thrill seekers. Still, I’d respect how rough it can feel for certain bodies. Multiple riders warned that the coaster can be a bit rough—things like dizziness, being thrown around, and stress on the neck or knees came up more than once.

So here’s my practical advice:

• If you’ve got a sensitive neck, back, or knee history, think twice before you choose this on a tight schedule day.
• Wear shoes that feel secure. You’ll be bracing against forces.
• Skip dangling jewelry. Some riders said the ride is not the place for earrings that might poke.
• If you’re prone to headaches or motion sensitivity, know this is high-speed with loops and turning.

One funny-but-useful reality: if you don’t like being physically jostled, don’t negotiate with yourself mid-ride. The whole point is that it feels intense.

Night Riding: Using Las Vegas Lighting as Part of the Experience

If you can swing it, this is one of those attractions where the time of day changes the payoff. Riders who did it at night highlighted the view of the Strip as a major bonus, with the bright lights acting like a backdrop for the inversions and fast turns.

Night also adds a different kind of excitement. During the day, you might focus on the theme set and the track layout. At night, you’ll feel more like you’re blasting through the lights—especially in that moment when the ride accelerates and your eyes have something bright to lock onto.

Photos and Souvenirs: Decide Before You Shop

The ride itself is the main event. The main budget trap is photos. One rider reported photos priced around $38 each, which is pretty steep by any standard.

My recommendation is simple:

• If you’re happy with phone-free fun, don’t let the photo booth upsell guide your choices.
• If you do want photos, set a cap in your head before you ride. It’s easier than deciding while you’re buzzing from adrenaline.

Also, a couple of riders mentioned you may not be allowed to take your phone onto the coaster, and that storage can cost extra. If you want pictures, figure out where your phone will live ahead of time—or plan to rely on the official photos.

Is It Worth Booking? My Honest Value Take

Let’s be real: you’re paying $25 for a single ride that can feel short. That’s the trade-off. The coaster delivers a lot of speed, a headline 180-degree twist, and looping action that makes it feel like a full thrill even though it’s not a long session.

So the value depends on what kind of traveler you are:

• If you want one strong adrenaline hit and you’re in Vegas anyway, it’s a good buy.
• If you want a long coaster experience that lasts for multiple runs, the pricing may feel heavy unless you’re there for a full day of attractions and you’re okay repeating.

Also consider that it can be easier to squeeze in than bigger multi-hour shows. If your schedule is tight, this coaster gives you a clean plan: go at your slot, ride, then move on.

With a 4.6 rating across 647 reviews, it’s clear most people are thrilled with the payoff. The main complaints cluster around cost and the “over fast” feeling.

Who Should Ride (and Who Should Skip It)

This is a thrill coaster. It’s most likely to fit these kinds of plans:

• Families with kids tall enough for the ride (height requirement: 4 ft 3 in / 130 cm)
• Groups where someone wants a fast adrenaline moment without committing to hours
• Night-leaning visitors who want the Strip to be part of the experience

I’d skip it if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion or inversions
• You have significant back, neck, or knee issues and you already know you’re affected by jostling
• You want a calm attraction or a slow scenic ride

And keep your expectations honest: it’s intense but brief. It’s not a half-day theme park ride.

Quick Tips That Improve Your First Ride

• Choose a time slot that leaves margin. Being late to line up is your enemy since you must be in line 30 minutes before closing.
• Bring minimal items to reduce locker hassle and extra fees.
• If you want photos, treat it like a separate decision with a separate budget.
• If you’re doing it at night, expect the Strip glow to be part of the thrill, not just background.

Should You Book the Big Apple Coaster?

Book it if you want one memorable roller coaster experience in Vegas that delivers speed, loops, and that 180-degree twist with a great chance of stunning Strip views at night. It’s also a nice fit when you’re trying to avoid long, complicated plans.

Don’t book it if you’re not into intense motion, if you’re budget-sensitive about add-ons like lockers and photos, or if you’re expecting a longer ride for the money. If you’re on the fence, consider this: the people who love it tend to love it fast—because the thrill hits quickly and stays intense until it’s over.

FAQ

What is the Big Apple Coaster ride at New York-New York?

It’s a single-ride roller coaster ticket for the Big Apple Coaster experience, located at New York-New York in Las Vegas.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $25 per person.

How long is the experience?

It’s listed as 1 day, but it’s specifically a single-ride ticket for the coaster.

What makes this coaster special?

The highlights include an 180-degree twist and high-speed excitement, with speeds of almost 70 miles per hour.

What are the operating hours?

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

Where is the meeting point?

The provided coordinates are 36.1014995, -115.1740094.

Do I need to arrive early?

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

Is the ticket refundable?

No. The activity is listed as non-refundable.

What height requirement is there?

It’s not suitable for people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm).

Can I bring my phone on the coaster?

Some riders report you may not be allowed to take your phone on the coaster, and you may need to pay for storage.

Are photos available, and how much do they cost?

Riders mention that photos can be expensive, with one rider noting $38 per photo.