Guests love the Explorer iPad
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“Rent the iPad like device that is offered. It is well worth the money. One per group is probably okay. It answers many questions you will have. Even native New Yorkers around me appreciated this, as knowing how something looks from the ground and looking down on it are slightly different experiences."
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“I would highly recommend renting one of the iPads they have to explain the view. You can stand looking out at the view with the ipad, and click on different buildings on the ipad and get a little video and history of the site. Really great experience."
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“There is a desk where they rent iPADS to experience the views of NYC and to virtually go the places that you see from the observatory tower like statue of liberty or empire state etc.. its 15$ and if you like technology then worth a try"
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I can't believe some people. There are some unjustified bad reviews of this experience. Most are aimed at the "rip-off" cost of admission. $64 for me and Beverley. We paid more than that for a cab ride from hell the day before. Now THAT'S exploitation! From the moment we got in line, the staff were courteous and friendly. The elevator ride itself was worth the entrance fee alone. Totally unexpected. Tip..... get your camera out before you get in. You'll miss it if you don't. Then there is another graphics show that has a twist.
One of the major gripes is the supposed hard sell of the interactive tablet. Rubbish. It is a short presentation that the majority of people don't choose to go with. We did and for $15 it is worth doing. We stayed in the tower a lot longer by having the tablet, thus getting more value for money from the experience. It is a bit tricky to get used to but once you crack it you'll be like a kid with a new toy.
The actual viewing area is very much like the Hancock Tower in Chicago. The only dissapointment for me was the glass floor portal. I had thought it was actually a view beneath your feet to the ground. It's not. It is a projection image. Whines about the photo thing are also misplaced. There isn't an attraction in the world that doesn't try to sell you a photo memento of your visit. Just say "no thanks" next time. You won't be tarred and feathered. Honest.
A great experience that will become a must do thing - if not THE must do thing - when visiting NY city."
"I want to add one more detail. They will rent to you a tablet kind of gadget that is amazing. You point it out the window, it will identify the buildings and landmarks you see around the 360 degree view. That's not all, you tap the screen on some object which is identified, such as Coney Island. Within seconds you visually "fly" to that location, maybe at three times the speed of sound, then land right at the spot. Its much more than Google Street view. Actually, as an engineer, I'm still trying to figure out how it works. It is worth the $15.00 USD." - Mark R. Salt Lake City Utah. November 5, 2015
"worth hiring their iPad option at $15 as it knows what direction you're looking and labels/describes the key landmarks in your line of sight...pretty cool. Highly recommend this slick operation."
"The $15.00 interactive tablet view finder is worth the expense because it identifies most of the interesting buildings you see."