A more relaxed way to view the Big Apple (Top of The Rock (New York City))

Member Name: R8IT

Product:	Top of The Rock (New York City)
Date:	18/05/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: More room at the top to walk about, good value for money, great view

Disadvantages: None

In my opinion if I had to choose a better experience it would be the Top of the Rockfeller Centre over the Empire state building - why you ask? well more freedom at the top, no long queue. I went a few years back. Its open from 8am to midnight with the last lift going up at 11pm

I went to the top of the Rockfellow which is located between 5th and 6th avenue on 50th street at the time the tickets cost $20 but I paid for a city pass which included the Rock. Arriving at about 10pm it was dead less than a handful of people at the top.

You start by working round some boards with pictures and information about the building (this forms part of the queue process, so if you did have to queue then you are not left just standing). You then make your way to a theatre room and watch a small video more to do with the Rock.

Then its into the lift which is not only surprisingly fast but when it moves the frosted roof becomes clear so you can see the lift moving up the floors at speed which is a nice touch. Then your at the top or at least the top of 1 of 3 floors. The big plus is the ability to walk around between the three floos and get all the sites including a great view over Central park. One floor contains a touch sensitive musc room with cameras in you stand on different floor panels and this with a combination of triggering the cameras sets off a music and light display.

The views are great as rather than iron railings to stop the jumpers, its surrounded by thick sheets of glass, the downside is taking pictures due to reflection on the lens but gaps about 1-2" between the glass sheets allow you to poke your camera through and take a snap.

Going at night was great with all the lights of the city and the ability to have some space at the top without loads of peoiple shuffling about made it even better. Ive heard it doesnt get too busy during the day either. Then you finish off with the lift back down (again with the view from the glass roof in the elevator).

Summary: If you want to get the views without the queues the the Top of the Rock is for you