The Big Apple Coaster, formerly known as the Manhattan Express and The Roller Coaster, is a steel hyper roller coaster located at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It's a popular attraction for thrill-seekers visiting Vegas, offering a unique and exciting ride experience.
Key Features and Highlights:
- Themed to New York City: The coaster's trains are designed to resemble New York City taxicabs, adding to the immersive experience of the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
- High Speeds and Drops: The Big Apple Coaster features a 180-foot (55 m) lift hill followed by a 76-foot (23 m) first drop, and then another 144-foot (44 m) drop. It reaches speeds of up to 67 mph (108 km/h).
- Inversions and Thrills: The ride includes two inversions: a standard vertical loop and a dive loop (also known as a twist and dive element), where the train performs a 180-degree twist and then a half-loop.
- Unique "Heartline" Twist and Dive: The Big Apple Coaster was the first roller coaster in the world to feature a 180-degree "heartline" twist and dive maneuver, adding to its unique appeal.
- Views of the Strip: From the highest point of the coaster, riders can get a brief but thrilling view of the Las Vegas Strip.
Rider Experience:
The ride begins with a slow climb up the lift hill, building anticipation for the drops to come. After reaching the peak, the train plunges down the first drop, crossing over the New York-New York's driveway. The second drop follows shortly after, taking riders close to the hotel's entrance. The coaster then navigates through a series of hills, inversions, and a helix, providing a thrilling and intense ride experience.
Important Information:
- Location: The Big Apple Coaster is located inside the New York-New York Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
- Height Requirement: Riders must meet a minimum height requirement to ride the coaster.
- Tickets: Tickets for the Big Apple Coaster can be purchased at the hotel or online.
- Operating Hours: The coaster's operating hours vary, so it's best to check the New York-New York Hotel and Casino website for the most up-to-date information.
Overall, the Big Apple Coaster is a must-try for roller coaster enthusiasts visiting Las Vegas. It offers a thrilling and unique ride experience with elements that set it apart from other coasters.