One World Observatory New York

[Princess Fiona]

A brief report on this. If you don't have time to read on then I'll say it upfront:
Just do it !!!
Amazing experience
Some pics


Several different types of tickets. The one I got was timed entry with priority access $49. Trust me, you want priority access as the general queues are massive. Priority Access gets straight to the front of the line and has its own security lane for scanning.
Another thing worth considering is whether or not you should get the next category up which allows a week long any-day pass in case the weather is rotten. My original ticket was for yesterday evening but when I got there was advised that very low cloud meant zero visibility and that I could line up to change my ticket. At the window I was told that it was a one-time change only ( free of charge) so I swapped it for tonight and landed very lucky as conditions were perfect.
Sunset in NY is 8.30pm so I booked a 7.15pm slot (15 minute admission intervals). I arrived at 7.05 and thanks to priority access I was on floor 100 by 7.30pm. You can stay as long as you like. I left at 9.30pm once it was truly dark.
Like Top of The Rock the best vantage windows get secured early. I sat down in a window facing the sunset over New Jersey and there was a young Japanese couple sitting next to me. The guy disappeared for a bit and returned at sunset with a ring and flowers to propose to his girlfriend- really amazing moment and the large assembled crowd cheered and clapped. Very Sleepless In Seattle - she said yes of course. They had a friend with them taking a video and asked me to take pics of the three of them against the backdrop of the sunset.

This is undoubtably a really great attraction downtown. Although expensive I think it was totally worth it and I'd happily return when I'm next in NY.

 

[coriander]

Mrs C and I are heading to NYC next year, so this has definitely gone on the list. Last time I was in NYC, I was able to view the city from the top of the WTC - actually outside on the roof if I recall correctly (March 1981). I see GA is now $54 and "next category" is Weekday Flex at $85 (which is what I think we will choose). Great idea for picking sunset (we did that in AKL's Sky Tower as well). Thanks for your post.

 

[amaroo]

Will happily add this to the itinerary for SWMBO birthday special next year.

Have done the big three WTC, ESB, the Rock ... adding another one will be fun.

 

[JessicaTam]

Thanks for the review, Princess Fiona. It was also favourably reviewed in this weekend's press - but your opinion holds more value IMHO.

 

[dk4]

Trust me, you want priority access as the general queues are massive. Priority Access gets straight to the front of the line and has its own security lane for scanning.

Damn it, I already bought mine for next week with Standard Admission, thanks to their website stating that a lot of the "OWO experience" is bypassed with the priority service. Damn it, damn it, damn it. :evil:

Seems the only quintessential experience missed out on, with the Priority option, is that of a New York Line?

 

[Princess Fiona]

Damn it, I already bought mine for next week with Standard Admission, thanks to their website stating that a lot of the "OWO experience" is bypassed with the priority service. Damn it, damn it, damn it. :evil:

Seems the only quintessential experience missed out on, with the Priority option, is that of a New York Line?

Priority can do that if they wish. It's a short walk. The second pic above in the corridor is from that section.
Priority gets to the front of the timed admission queue and separate entrance/ security otherwise it's the same.
To be honest if you've done WTC etc. before the queues will be fine and you'll enjoy it.
One thing I wouldn't do is book a dusk spot after 7.30pm without priority.

 

[Alanslegal]

Awesome suggestion! Will definitely add it to my list of 'tourist things to do' when I get there in 6 weeks

 

[little brown dog]

Damn it, I already bought mine for next week with Standard Admission, thanks to their website stating that a lot of the "OWO experience" is bypassed with the priority service. Damn it, damn it, damn it. :evil:

Seems the only quintessential experience missed out on, with the Priority option, is that of a New York Line?

We went first thing in the morning 2yrs ago in Sep - was a bit cold but there were no queues and the weather was fantastic

 

[Princess Fiona]

We went first thing in the morning 2yrs ago in Sep - was a bit cold but there were no queues and the weather was fantastic

I'm not sure which attraction you mean?
The One World Observatory opened on May 29th 2015.

 

[doczim]

Thanks for the review. This will definitely be on our list in Dec/Jan.

 

[TheTravellingWino]

Thanks for the heads up on the priority pass. I'll be on New York in a fortnight and was planning to go. I like the idea of being up there for the sunset. Is it packed though?

 

[Warks]

We were at the 9-11 memorial at an early hour and there was already a very long queue to get into One World. We could only afford one of the tower attractions while in NYC and had booked Top of the Rock as it has a better view than the Empire according to friends. I think that's correct with great views of the Empire State! However One World is right down the other end of the island so has a very different perspective. Nice photos!

How's that Tetris apartment block up near Central Park? Wonder if that will have a deck when completed? I think it's as tall as the Empire State but only a very small footprint. 432 Park Avenue is its inspiring name.

 

[amaroo]

Will happily add this to the itinerary for SWMBO birthday special next year.

Have done the big three WTC, ESB, the Rock ... adding another one will be fun.

We missed the birthday visit in May however, I've managed to squeeze this in for early July.

Have taken PF's advice and just booked a flexible weekend (once only access) ticket with priority access. Now need to make up my mind if it will be day or night. If it's a clear day - I think I'll go for day. Decisions, decision....

 

[Princess Fiona]

We missed the birthday visit in May however, I've managed to squeeze this in for early July.

Have taken PF's advice and just booked a flexible weekend (once only access) ticket with priority access. Now need to make up my mind if it will be day or night. If it's a clear day - I think I'll go for day. Decisions, decision....

I'd hedge my bets and take an early dusk spot. You can stay as long as you like and you'll get the best of both worlds I think.

 

[Dr Ralph]

The One World Observatory opened on May 29th 2015.

This is the officially recorded date as opening to the public. But its not the dated that it opened.

 

[Princess Fiona]

This is the officially recorded date as opening to the public. But its not the dated that it opened.

And?
I was replying to a poster who stated they had gone there in Sep 2013.

 

[Renato1]

We went there two weeks ago at around 5pm, paid the cheaper fare which applies before 7pm, and had no trouble getting in and up.
I didn't like the prices they were charging for meager snacks and drinks up there - where people had to eat them standing up at high tables. After seeing the prices for snacks, I didn't bother checking the restaurant.

Views were very good, but because one is behind glass, photos often didn't turn out so well because of glare or reflections in the glass.
Regards,
Renato