Your stomach will feel it fast. The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York turns a Manhattan mock-up into a red-track thrill above the Las Vegas Strip, including the first 180-degree twist. I love that it’s quick, but still delivers real speed close to 70 mph, and that night rides put the Strip’s lights right in your line of sight.

The trade-off is that this is a single-ride experience that ends sooner than you expect, and the motion can feel jostling. If you have a sensitive back, neck, or knees, you’ll want to think twice before you take the plunge into the twists and flips.

Big Apple Coaster Quick Hits

• 180-degree twist that’s built into the ride’s signature moments
• Near 70 mph speed for a short-but-loud adrenaline burst
• Night view option that makes the Strip look like a glowing backdrop
• Inside Manhattan-style track with turning, looping, and upside-down moments
• Plan for extra fees around lockers, photos, and storing your phone

Big Apple Coaster Basics: Speed, Twists, and a 180-Degree Signature

This roller coaster lives inside the New York-New York hotel-casino complex, so your starting point is right in the heart of the action on the Strip. The idea is simple: you fly along a red track that snakes through a Manhattan-style setting, then starts stacking momentum fast.

What makes the Big Apple Coaster worth your time is how much intensity it packs into a ride that doesn’t drag. Expect climbs that build tension, followed by the big drop, and then the coaster keeps going with loops and fast direction changes that can reach almost 70 mph. It’s the kind of ride that feels designed for people who want thrills now, not later.

And the standout tech detail is the 180-degree twist, which is highlighted as a first-of-its-kind feature for a roller coaster. You’ll feel it as a real pivot moment, not just a gentle turn, and that helps explain why even folks who don’t usually ride a lot can still come away impressed.

Where It Starts in Vegas: New York-New York and the Best Time to Ride

You’ll find this coaster at the New York-New York location on the Strip. The coordinates are 36.1014995, -115.1740094, which helps if you’re using a map app instead of following street signs.

Operating hours run:

• Monday through Thursday: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Friday through Sunday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight)

One practical choice matters a lot: day vs. night. When you ride at night, the views change from bright daytime scene-setting to glowing Strip lights that feel like they’re surrounding you while you’re upside down and spinning through turns. That’s a big part of why the ride often feels more memorable after dark.

Also, keep your timing flexible. The attraction’s operating hours can shift due to weather or other circumstances, so it’s smart to check the day-of status rather than assuming it will run normally.

The Ride Itself: From the Manhattan Setup to Loops and Upside-Down Moments

Here’s what you should expect when you’re on the coaster. You’ll start through a Manhattan mock-up area that gives the track a themed path. Then the ride starts building intensity with twists and turns as you accelerate along the red track.

The feeling is classic coaster progression: a climb that raises your heart rate, then that first major drop where you really get the speed. After that, the ride keeps its pace with spirals, loops, and turning sections that can whip you around from multiple angles.

Several riders describe the motion as fast and intense, with a sensation of being thrown around more than a smooth, glide-only coaster. One person even mentioned it being inside down and turning quickly, while another noted it can feel rocky if you’re on the smaller side. Translation for your planning: this coaster is not “relax and coast.” It’s active, physical movement.

If you’re excited by that, you’ll probably love it. If you’re the type who hates hard transitions, plan for the fact that some turns and dips can feel jarring.

Body-Friendliness, Clothing, and the Pocket-Check You Can’t Skip

Before you ride, treat this like a packing problem: take weight and loose items out of the equation. Some people found that if they didn’t remove items from their pockets, things could drop out during the motion. That’s a clear signal to you: don’t trust your pockets.

Also, the coaster’s forces can be noticeable. Multiple riders specifically warn about comfort concerns, mentioning things like neck, knees, and back sensitivity. One rider said it’s fun, but don’t have a bad back. Another mentioned that the ride throws you around a bit, so if you’re dealing with neck or knee problems, this is where you should pause and decide carefully.

Jewelry and anything that can poke or snag matter too. One rider advised removing large earrings so they don’t get poked during the ride. So I’d keep it simple: no dangling jewelry, minimal items, and plan for the coaster to move you around more than you might expect.

Tickets, Lines, Lockers, and Why Your Phone Matters

Your ticket here is a single-ride ticket, and you can typically use it to skip the ticket line. That’s a real time-saver in a place where queues can form around high-demand attractions.

But here’s the catch: roller coasters are strict about what you can bring onto the platform. Several riders describe a system where you need to store a wallet/phone, and that storage isn’t always free. One person mentioned paying for a locker, and another said they had to store a phone because it couldn’t go on the coaster, with a small extra fee to store it.

So my practical advice is to treat your ride like a “no loose gear” event:

• Bring only what you truly need for check-in
• Assume your phone and wallet will need storage
• Expect extra costs around lockers and photo add-ons

Timing also matters in terms of closing. You’ll need to be in line 30 minutes prior to closing, and that matters if you show up late. If you’re aiming for a night ride, give yourself cushion time so you don’t have to rush your storage and entry.

Photos and the Real Cost of Souvenirs in Vegas

This is one place where the math can surprise you. Photo packages aren’t cheap here, and one rider mentioned photos costing $38 each. That doesn’t mean you should buy them, but it does mean you should decide ahead of time whether you want that souvenir.

A smart approach: if you do want photos, go in mentally prepared for the price, and don’t do it on impulse during the adrenaline rush. If you’re only after the ride experience, you might save money by skipping the photo upsell.

You’ll also find extra things around the attraction area. One rider mentioned the arcade, and a few noted the gift shop experience. So even though the coaster itself is a short ride, you can still fill the time before and after with nearby distractions.

Value for Your Vegas Plan: Who Should Book, and Who Should Think Twice

For adrenaline seekers, this coaster checks a lot of boxes. It’s fast, it has loops and upside-down moments, and it includes that distinctive 180-degree twist. If you’re building a Vegas “high-thrill” day and you want something concentrated instead of a long activity, this is a strong fit.

It also works for families in some cases, including riders who took kids. One review mentioned bringing three grandsons and calling it the best roller coaster they’ve been on, while another talked about boys around 11–12 wanting to go again. Still, the key qualifier is comfort. If your group has anyone dealing with back/neck/knee issues, the motion intensity can be a deal-breaker.

There’s also a clear height requirement: it’s not suitable for people under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm). If you’re traveling with younger kids, check this before you commit so you don’t end up disappointed.

One-Ride Ticket vs. Trying It Again: What the Ride’s Short Length Means

This ticket is set up as a single ride. And yes, many riders say it’s over quickly. That’s exactly why the value question matters.

If you’re the kind of person who needs a long ride to feel satisfied, you might end up feeling it’s priced high for the time on track. On the other hand, if your goal is a real adrenaline hit with iconic Vegas views, the short runtime can actually be a feature. You get your thrill without burning half a day.

Some riders also mention all-day pass options and the chance to ride again for a reduced fee after the first ride. That suggests other ticket types can exist on-site, but your included option here is a single ride. If you think you’ll want repeats, you’ll want to compare ticket options before you pay.

Should You Book the Big Apple Coaster Ride?

Book it if you want a fast, high-energy roller coaster with the 180-degree twist, real speed, and the chance to see the Las Vegas Strip from a unique angle—especially at night.

Skip or reconsider if the idea of being jostled through sharp turns and dips doesn’t sound fun for your body, or if you’re sensitive to comfort issues in your neck, back, or knees. Also think hard about value if you feel you need longer rides for the price.

If you’re doing a short list of must-do thrill stops in Vegas, this is one of the most straightforward ways to get that rush.

FAQ

What ticket do I get for the Big Apple Coaster?

You get a single-ride ticket for the Big Apple Coaster.

How long is the experience?

The activity is valid for 1 day.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at coordinates 36.1014995, -115.1740094.

What are the operating hours?

Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Friday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am midnight.

Is the attraction always operating?

Hours of operation are subject to weather conditions and other circumstances, which may suspend service.

Do I need to be in line before closing?

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

Can I cancel for a refund?

No. This activity is non-refundable.

Does the ticket skip the ticket line?

Yes, it includes skipping the ticket line.

Is there a height requirement?

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

Does my ticket let me ride more than once?

This activity includes a single-ride ticket. You would need the relevant option for additional rides if you want more than one.

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