Rockefeller Center's Skylift: Soar 900 Feet Above NYC in a Spinning Glass Pod!

New York City's skyline experience has reached new heights with Rockefeller Center's latest attraction, Skylift. Launched on October 1, 2024, this innovative ride offers thrill-seekers and tourists alike a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Big Apple from a staggering 900 feet in the air.

Skylift, situated atop the iconic Top of the Rock observation deck on the 70th floor, takes the concept of city viewing to the next level. The attraction features a circular platform that both ascends and gently rotates, providing unparalleled vistas of New York City and beyond.

The Skylift Experience

Visitors enter a glass-paneled enclosure standing about 6 feet tall, capable of accommodating up to 13 people at a time. As the platform rises, it twirls slowly, resembling a spyglass telescope opening against the city backdrop. The entire journey lasts 3½ minutes, during which riders can enjoy a colorful LED light show on the stand below.

One of Skylift's unique features is its see-through floor, adding an extra thrill for those brave enough to look down during the 900-foot ascent. While there's a slight shake during rotations and some wind passes through the glass panel separations, the ride is generally smooth and comfortable.

Visitor Reactions

Early riders have expressed enthusiasm for the new attraction. French tourist Nathalie Mary, a frequent Top of the Rock visitor, praised Skylift's efficiency: "You just need to go around once to see everything, instead of walking around the different areas of the observation deck."

Even younger visitors found the experience enjoyable. Eleven-year-old Holcombe Hardin from Tennessee commented, "It was pretty cool … and I definitely felt safe up there. It was also really fun to walk around the platform as it moved."

Skylift vs. Other NYC Attractions

Skylift stands out among New York City's observation experiences. It sits one story higher than its sister attraction, the Beam, which opened 10 months earlier. While the Beam offers more of a thrill ride experience, Skylift provides a smoother, more relaxed journey – akin to a sky-high merry-go-round with pop music.

Elizabeth Hardin, who visited both Skylift and the Empire State Building, noted Skylift's unique advantage: "At the Empire State Building you can see all the things, but not at the same time. You don't get an unobstructed view like this very often."

Pricing

For those interested in experiencing Skylift, it's available as a $35 add-on to regular Top of the Rock admission. The total cost, including the ride, ranges from $75 to $96. It's also included in the attraction's $190 VIP package. For an additional $40, visitors can purchase photos and videos of their sky-high adventure.

As the newest addition to New York City's observation experiences, Rockefeller Center's Skylift offers a fresh perspective on the city that never sleeps, promising visitors a truly elevated NYC experience.