Scream Above the Strip: Braving the Big Apple Coaster

Hold on tight, this is a helluva rough ride!

By Keith Salwoski, Editor-in-Chief, LASDiscounts.com

If you've ever walked past the New York-New York Hotel & Casino, you’ve heard the sound: a mechanical roar followed by a chorus of screams echoing off the replicas of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. That’s the Big Apple Coaster, a Las Vegas icon that has been delivering adrenaline hits to millions of riders since 1997.

Tipping the scales with a 203-foot peak and speeds exceeding 67 mph, this isn't just a sightseeing tour. It’s a high-octane journey through the Manhattan skyline, right in the middle of the desert.

Insider Tips for Your Ride

Before you buckle into one of those famous yellow taxicab-themed cars, here is the LAS Discounts guide to mastering the coaster:

• Secure Your Savings: A single ride typically costs around $25, but the real pro tip is the re-ride discount. If you have the stomach for a second go, you can often get a re-ride ticket for significantly less (sometimes as low as $10) if you purchase it immediately after your first run.
  

• The "Head Back" Rule: This coaster is a classic "Togo" model, which means it can be a bit bumpy. To avoid the "head-banging" some riders complain about, keep your head pressed firmly back against the headrest throughout the inversions.
  

• Ride at Night: While the daytime views of the Strip are great, riding at night is a completely different experience. Flying through the neon lights of the New York-New York exterior while the city glows below is easily one of the best views in town.
  

• Check the Height: Riders must be at least 54 inches tall. They are quite strict with this for safety reasons, so measure the kids before you wait in line to avoid disappointment.
  

• Empty Your Pockets: The coaster features a 180-degree "heartline" twist and dive maneuver (simulating a jet fighter roll). If it’s in your pocket, it will fall out. Use the lockers provided near the entrance for your phones, wallets, and loose change.

Post-Ride Decompression

Once you find your "land legs" again, don't rush off. The exit leads you directly into the Big Apple Arcade, which is packed with classic and modern games. It’s the perfect place to let your heart rate return to normal while competing for high scores.

• IN OUR BLOG: The MGM Resorts All-Inclusive Package Includes a Ride on Big Apple Coaster.