The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
As verified in October 2026, The Big Apple Coaster sends yellow-taxi trains screaming 67 mph down a 144-foot drop and 180-degree heartline dive twist around New York-New York’s skyline, pricing at $27.00 out the door per single ride with zero Nevada LET. Operating 7 days a week from 11:00 AM until midnight across a 35-minute arcade-to-exit clock, riders must measure at least 54 inches tall and lock all backpacks, phones, and loose pocket items inside $4 platform lockers.
What is The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York really like in plain English?
The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York offers a memorable adventure excursion from Las Vegas. Thanks to modern Premier Rides trains that eliminated the old shoulder-harness head-banging, diving 144 feet at 67 mph past a half-scale Statue of Liberty is a genuinely fun 30-minute South Strip rush.
Thanks to modern Premier Rides trains that eliminated the old shoulder-harness head-banging, diving 144 feet at 67 mph past a half-scale Statue of Liberty is a genuinely fun 30-minute South Strip rush.
Understanding the balance between scenic sightseeing and door-to-door transit time ensures you allocate your vacation schedule wisely.
What is the physical thrill level vs comfort reality on The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Physical comfort and thrill rating: High-speed classic steel inversions (vertical loop + 180-degree heartline dive roll); smooth shin-and-lap restraints keep ears bruise-free.
High-speed classic steel inversions (vertical loop + 180-degree heartline dive roll); smooth shin-and-lap restraints keep ears bruise-free.
Vessels and vehicles are professionally maintained to commercial safety standards with climate-controlled cabins.
Does The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York land on the canyon floor, touch down on the rim, or fly air-only?
Landing location details: Elevated steel coaster track climbing 203 feet above Las Vegas Boulevard and weaving around New York-New York’s rooftop pool and casino facade.
Elevated steel coaster track climbing 203 feet above Las Vegas Boulevard and weaving around New York-New York’s rooftop pool and casino facade.
Confirming whether an itinerary includes landing privileges prevents disappointment for travelers expecting ground exploration.
How does The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York compare to its primary tour competitor?
Far faster and smoother than Circus Circus’s indoor Canyon Blaster, and takes just 30 minutes without leaving the South Strip pedestrian bridges.
Far faster and smoother than Circus Circus’s indoor Canyon Blaster, and takes just 30 minutes without leaving the South Strip pedestrian bridges.
Factoring in departure points, vehicle models, and group sizes reveals the true value beyond the base advertised ticket.
What is the true 1, 2, and 4-person out-the-door price for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
All-in pricing for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York: $27.00 out the door for a single anytime ride ($12.00 instant re-ride; $42.00 All-Day Scream Pass).
$27.00 out the door for a single anytime ride ($12.00 instant re-ride; $42.00 All-Day Scream Pass). Under federal aviation regulations (FAA Part 135), commercial air tours are exempt from Nevada’s 9% Live Entertainment Tax, saving travelers significant state surcharges.
What you’ll actually pay at The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
| Item | 1 Guest | 2 Guests | 4 Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base tour or flight fare Quoted per-person excursion rate | $25.00 | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Park entry, fuel & terminal fees Mandatory operator and access charges | $2.00 | $4.00 | $8.00 |
| Live Entertainment Tax (0.0%) Outdoor excursions and FAA air tours are exempt | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Customary guide or pilot tip Typical gratuity ($22.00/person) | $22.00 | $44.00 | $88.00 |
| Estimated out-the-door total
Includes taxes & mandatory fees · Excludes temporary card holds
| $49.00 | $98.00 | $196.00 |
Are front-seat upgrades or premium view tiers worth the cost on The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Seat upgrade evaluation: Queue an extra 5 minutes on the subway-themed platform for the Front Taxi Hood Row—hanging over the 203-foot first drop looking straight down Tropicana Ave is unbeatable.
Queue an extra 5 minutes on the subway-themed platform for the Front Taxi Hood Row—hanging over the 203-foot first drop looking straight down Tropicana Ave is unbeatable.
Aircraft center of gravity requires computerized weight distribution, meaning front seats can never be 100% guaranteed until all passengers are weighed at check-in.
What is the weather, wind delay, and cancellation refund policy for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Cancellation and weather protection: High winds over 35 mph or lightning temporarily pause outdoor dispatches; unused anytime barcode tickets remain valid later that same day or next day at the arcade counter.
High winds over 35 mph or lightning temporarily pause outdoor dispatches; unused anytime barcode tickets remain valid later that same day or next day at the arcade counter.
Reputable operators provide full refunds rather than mandatory non-refundable credits when desert thermal winds exceed safety minimums.
What is the true door-to-door hotel commitment vs flight/activity time for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Real time commitment: 30 to 45 minutes total walking in from the Strip sidewalk, riding, and grabbing Hershey’s Chocolate World treats downstairs.
30 to 45 minutes total walking in from the Strip sidewalk, riding, and grabbing Hershey’s Chocolate World treats downstairs.
Always budget transit and staging buffers to ensure you do not schedule evening dinner reservations too tightly against tour return windows.
What is the best departure hour for optimal light and minimal turbulence on The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Recommended departure window: After 8:30 PM at night—inverting upside down in the 180-degree heartline twist while MGM Grand’s emerald tower and Strip neon spin overhead is magical.
After 8:30 PM at night—inverting upside down in the 180-degree heartline twist while MGM Grand’s emerald tower and Strip neon spin overhead is magical.
Desert heating creates atmospheric thermal updrafts by 1:00 PM in summer; morning flights almost always offer smoother air.
How do seasonal temperatures (115°F summer heat vs freezing winter winds) affect The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Seasonal desert climate realities: Open 365 days; summer daytime black lap-bars sit under platform shade canopies, while winter night rides feel brisk at 67 mph.
Open 365 days; summer daytime black lap-bars sit under platform shade canopies, while winter night rides feel brisk at 67 mph.
Canyon floors are 10–15°F hotter than Las Vegas in summer, while high-elevation rims can experience freezing winds in winter.
How does the hotel shuttle pickup loop operate for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Shuttle transit logistics: Walk indoors via the South Strip pedestrian bridges directly from MGM Grand, Excalibur (plus free tram from Luxor/Mandalay Bay), or Park MGM.
Walk indoors via the South Strip pedestrian bridges directly from MGM Grand, Excalibur (plus free tram from Luxor/Mandalay Bay), or Park MGM.
Shuttle dispatchers verify passenger names against manifest lists; be present 10 minutes prior to scheduled pickup.
Where exactly do you wait for pickup at your resort for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Designated waiting location: Ticket kiosks and boarding stairs sit on Level 2 inside the Big Apple Arcade at the rear of New York-New York.
Ticket kiosks and boarding stairs sit on Level 2 inside the Big Apple Arcade at the rear of New York-New York.
Never wait at standard taxi lines; tour coaches are legally mandated to load at designated commercial tour concourses.
The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York hotel pickup & departure
From Hotel tour shuttle zone → To Departure check-in
NYNY Casino to Big Apple Arcade
Ride the rear escalator inside New York-New York up to the 2nd-floor Big Apple Arcade.
54-Inch Check & Platform Lockers
Scan kiosk barcodes, verify 54-inch height, and stow phones, keys, and bags inside boarding lockers.
203-Ft Lift & Manhattan Dive
Climb 203 feet past Lady Liberty before plunging 67 mph through twin inversions above Tropicana Ave.
Can you drive yourself to the staging terminal for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York and is parking free?
Self-drive parking availability: Park in New York-New York self-park garage ($20–$25/day, free with MGM Rewards Pearl+), which connects directly into the Level 2 Big Apple Arcade bridge!
Park in New York-New York self-park garage ($20–$25/day, free with MGM Rewards Pearl+), which connects directly into the Level 2 Big Apple Arcade bridge!
Driving yourself allows immediate departure post-experience without waiting for group shuttle drops.
Where are restrooms located and how frequent are comfort stops on The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Restroom access during tour: Large arcade restrooms sit directly opposite the coaster ticket kiosks before climbing the subway boarding stairs.
Large arcade restrooms sit directly opposite the coaster ticket kiosks before climbing the subway boarding stairs.
Take advantage of staging terminal facilities prior to boarding aircraft or off-road vehicles.
How rough is the ride and what is the motion sickness risk on The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Motion comfort assessment: Two brisk inversions and high-banked helixes around the rooftop pool—skip riding immediately after eating two slices at Village Street Pizza.
Two brisk inversions and high-banked helixes around the rooftop pool—skip riding immediately after eating two slices at Village Street Pizza.
Acupressure wristbands or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) taken 45 minutes in advance effectively prevents discomfort.
What is the per-passenger weight limit and comfort seat charge for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
FAA weight policies: STRICT 54-INCH MINIMUM HEIGHT stick check; molded lap-and-shin bar restraints require full click closure (comfortably fits riders up to ~265–280 lbs depending on thigh/waist build).
STRICT 54-INCH MINIMUM HEIGHT stick check; molded lap-and-shin bar restraints require full click closure (comfortably fits riders up to ~265–280 lbs depending on thigh/waist build).
Weights are verified discreetly on electronic scales for aircraft balance; guest privacy is strictly maintained.
What government photo ID is mandatory at check-in for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Mandatory identification rules: No ID required (MGM Rewards players cards or military IDs unlock $3–$5 kiosk discounts!).
No ID required (MGM Rewards players cards or military IDs unlock $3–$5 kiosk discounts!).
Digital photos on smartphones are not accepted by FAA inspectors; physical plastic cards or passports are required.
What cameras, gimbals, selfie sticks, and bags are allowed on The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Photography and baggage restrictions: ZERO items allowed in pockets (phones, wallets, keys, coins, hats, and unstrapped eyeglasses MUST go into platform lockers so nothing drops onto Tropicana Avenue traffic!).
ZERO items allowed in pockets (phones, wallets, keys, coins, hats, and unstrapped eyeglasses MUST go into platform lockers so nothing drops onto Tropicana Avenue traffic!).
Extending selfie sticks around helicopter rotors or open vehicle windows is strictly forbidden for aviation safety.
What footwear, sun protection, and hydration rules apply to The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York?
Gear and hydration requirements: Closed-toe shoes or strapped sandals required; flip-flops must be kicked off on the platform floor before dispatch.
Closed-toe shoes or strapped sandals required; flip-flops must be kicked off on the platform floor before dispatch.
High UV index in the Mojave Desert requires broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brim hats.
Watch inside The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
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Guest reviews & verified fee notes for The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York
Canyon helicopters, Mojave UTV tours, and kayak outfitters often separate NPS/Tribal park entry fees ($15–$35) and fuel surcharges from advertised base seat fares.
The Big Apple Coaster – Classic Thrills with One of the Best Views on the Strip Las Vegas is packed with spectacular attractions, but very few combine genuine adrenaline with incredible views of the Strip quite like the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York. This wasn't actually our first ride. We first experienced it around nine years ago when it was still known as the Manhattan Express, and ever since then our daughter has wanted to ride it again. Returning all these years later definitely didn't disappoint. The experience actually begins before the train even leaves the station. As the lift hill slowly climbs behind the miniature Manhattan skyline, you get an incredible view looking across to Excalibur with traffic flowing beneath you. It's a surprisingly peaceful few seconds, giving you just enough time to appreciate the view before remembering exactly what's about to happen next. Then gravity takes over. The first drop immediately reminds you this isn't just a themed family coaster. It's fast, surprisingly intense and carries enough speed to keep the excitement going from start to finish. One of the highlights is sweeping around the replica Statue of Liberty before the track throws you through its famous heartline roll, rotating riders around the centre of the train in one smooth, flowing movement that genuinely feels like an aerial manoeuvre rather than simply turning upside down. From there the coaster races alongside the Strip, diving, climbing and twisting through the New York skyline in a layout that feels wonderfully old-school. Rather than relying on endless inversions, it delivers that classic big-dipper sensation of speed, airtime and changing direction, all with the Las Vegas skyline providing a backdrop you simply won't find anywhere else. It's one of those rides where you'll almost certainly be laughing, shouting or wondering what just happened by the time you reach the brakes. A nice touch this time around was the photography. In addition to the traditional ride photo, the photographer also had a handheld camera in the station before departure. As the three of us were riding together, he was able to take some fantastic photos of us before we even left the platform, something we hadn't experienced on our previous visit and a really nice extra memory to take home. The adjoining arcade is also worth a look, with a good selection of modern and classic games, making it easy to spend a little more time here before or after your ride. Whether you're a roller coaster enthusiast or simply looking for something different from the usual Vegas attractions, the Big Apple Coaster delivers. It isn't the biggest coaster you'll ever ride. It isn't the fastest. But racing around a miniature New York skyline, looping past the Statue of Liberty and diving alongside the Las Vegas Strip is an experience that's completely unique. Nine years after our first ride, it was every bit as much fun as we remembered. I suspect it won't be another nine years before we're back.
Had to try the Big Apple Coaster while in Vegas!It’s definitely a fun experience and the ride has some exciting drops and twists, but you can really feel its age. The coaster is quite rough and jolty, which can make the ride a little uncomfortable at times. It’s also pretty pricey for what you get, so I’d say this is more of a one-time Vegas experience rather than something I’d ride repeatedly. Still, if you’ve never been on it, it’s worth checking off the list while you’re in Vegas!
Fun, ride it because it is a Vegas classic. But just know that the layout makes NO SENSE. It's like Togo just gave up after the first few hills, and the weird, compact section with the loop and the dive loop is just...what? Who makes transitions like that? Look at Tokyo. They have a coaster in a city (Thunder Dolphin) and it actually has a REAL layout. I would still say come and ride it. Get the credit. It's one of the few coasters in Vegas. Also, I've only ridden it with the Premier Rides trains (the current ones). They aren't that bad!:)
Went a week ago around 10 pm expecting this to be a painful ride and tougher than the 2 adventuredome coasters. Was pleasantly surprised it was smoother than I thought likely due to the fact they fixed the shoulder restraints by having the restraints be pullable and not strangle machines. Only issue is that there’s no free small valuable box like with the adventuredome so you’ll have to get a $1 locker or hold on to your glasses like I did.
The Big Apple Coaster at New York‑New York is an absolute must‑do for anyone visiting Las Vegas. It’s one of those rides that perfectly blends excitement, nostalgia, and incredible views of the Strip into a single unforgettable experience. The coaster launches you right into the action with sharp drops, fast turns, and a full inversion that gives you that classic roller‑coaster rush. The ride vehicles are styled like New York taxicabs, which adds a fun thematic touch and ties perfectly into the resort’s personality. It’s smooth, fast, and full of energy from start to finish. One of the best parts of the Big Apple Coaster is the view. As you climb the lift hill and crest the top, you get a sweeping look over the Las Vegas Strip that’s absolutely stunning, especially at night when everything is lit up. It’s a perspective you simply can’t get anywhere else. We had a great time. The ride was exciting without being overwhelming, and it delivered exactly what we hoped for: a fun, memorable experience with fantastic views. Whether you’re a coaster fan or just looking for something unique to do in Vegas, this is a ride worth taking. The Big Apple Coaster combines theme, thrill, and scenery in a way that only Las Vegas can. It’s a standout attraction and a perfect addition to any visit to New York‑New York.
Fuel, Park Entry & Out-the-Door Tour Math
The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York (South Strip) — Allow 45 min door-to-door. Air & walkway profile: 100% smoke-free. Canyon helicopters, Mojave UTV tours, and kayak outfitters often separate NPS/Tribal park entry fees ($15–$35) and fuel surcharges from advertised base seat fares.