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RiseNY: What to Expect

ByLanie van der Horst Updated on

Are you interested in visiting RiseNY but want to know what to expect before you purchase a ticket?

RiseNY is a newer exhibit open in Times Square where you can learn about New York City and go on a ride “above” the city. While it sounds cool, is it worth the NYC price tag?

My family visited New York City again, while our kids were 9+10. I used to live in NYC, and even when I lived there, I enjoyed doing touristy things. When I heard about RiseNY, I put it on my list of things to do, but I couldn’t wrap my head around what it was and if it was worth the money to take my whole family.

If you are looking for a quick answer, yes, we thought it was worth the money. Keep reading to find out why.

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Purchase Tickets

It is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance, especially if there is a specific time you wish to enter.

Tickets can be purchased at the RiseNY website.

Generally, RiseNY is open from 10 am until 5 pm or 7 pm from Sunday to Thursday and from 10 am until 7 pm or 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Their schedule seems to change due to the seasons, and they stay open late in the summer months.

While they are open on holidays, they may have shorter hours.

The last entry time sold is an hour before the building closes. If you want to take your time, reserve an earlier time slot.

Note that they do offer ticket exchanges, as long as you put in a request more than 24 hours in advance.

Purchase your tickets to RiseNY!

Arriving at RiseNY

RiseNY is located at 160 West 45th Street, which is between 6th and 7th Avenues, closest to 7th. RiseNY is across the street from The Museum of Broadway.

As we had the first time slot of the day, we queued outside before the doors opened exactly at 10 am. There is a roped-off section to stand in while you wait for your time.

Inside the lobby is small, so don’t enter until your allotted time. Be prepared to show your ticket to the front desk so they can scan your QR code before you enter.

Then, take the stairs or the elevator to the 2nd floor.

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The Subway

As soon as you enter, your first stop is a replica of the first-ever New York City subway station, where you sit on benches and watch a movie that is about 7 minutes long.

Finance

The museum at RiseNY has 7 different themes, starting with finance.

Begin at the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street before “heading” uptown to see New York City’s famously tall buildings.

NYC Skyline

Learn about New York City’s most famous buildings. It is easy to compare sizes when they are all in a row.

Television

After learning about the building in New York City, you will wander into the television section of the museum.

I was excited for the FRIENDS couch, but to be honest, it was kind of a disappointment after sitting on it both at the FRIENDS Experience and at Warner Bros Studio in LA.

Other photo opps include Jimmy Fallon’s Later Tonight desk set and a photo with Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch.

In this section of RiseNY, you can read about popular television shows that take place in New York City.

Fashion

Another thing New York City is known for is its fashion scene. This section had famous clothes and a movie about fashion in NY.

Unlike the first movie, this one is on a small screen with just a bench meant for a couple of people at a time. Many people skipped it, but my kids wanted to watch the entire thing.

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Music

The music room has a few more photo opps and interactive areas. Like the other spaces, there is information that you can read at your own pace.

Movies

We caught up to everyone in the movie room, where there is a loop of movie scenes set in NYC playing at all times.

There is a little bit of seating around the edges of the room, but many people were standing.

A popcorn machine with popped popcorn was in the room, but I am not sure if they ever serve popcorn or if it is just for show.

Broadway

The last part of the museum visit is about Broadway.

A bunch of screens are attached to the walls, and you can stand up and watch as many of the clips as you want. Some of the highlighted shows include Hamilton, Aladdin, Chicago, Wicked, and The Lion King.

RiseNY the Ride

After the Broadway exhibit, you line up for the RiseNY Ride, basically the reason we’re there.

For us, we got in line at 10:50 am, 50 minutes after entering the building.

The idea is that it is New Year’s Eve. You are arriving for an event, but as you get in the elevator, it breaks. Eventually, you arrive at Sky Studios, where you watch a video and are put into rows to sit on the ride.

There are cubbies to put your belongings. No loose items are allowed on the ride. You are not able to take photos or videos on the ride.

The RiseNY ride is a 4-D experience that I can only compare to the Soarin’ ride at Epcot in Florida. You sit down, buckle up, and then rise above a screen where scenes of NYC play below you. The chairs twist and turn as you go.

Unfortunately, you can only ride one time. I would love to have ridden RiseNY again.

Statue of Liberty

After the ride, you can enter the shop and also walk out above Times Square on a replica of the Statue of Liberty’s torch.

Shop NYC

Of course, RiseNY has a store where you can purchase New York City-themed souvenirs.

RiseNY Wrap-Up

Though I had been to NYC many times before (and lived there for over a decade), I thought RiseNY was a great place to start a NYC vacation.

RiseNY gives visitors a glimpse of what makes the city so special.

From the buildings to the arts, famous movie lines, and television sets, there is so much to see at RiseNY in just a short amount of time.

Of course, the ride is what makes the price point worth it. I would never recommend going to RiseNY if you aren’t able to ride the ride.

As someone who gets motion sick, I was a little nervous, but the ride was fun, and I felt fine.

RiseNY is fun for all ages. Both of my kids enjoyed themselves, as did my husband and I. I later sent my mom and teenage niece on their visit to NYC. They agreed that it was the perfect place to start a NYC trip.

Purchase your tickets to RiseNY!

Things to Do Near RiseNY

I never suggest spending time in Times Square or Midtown. I usually like to get out of there as fast as I can!

However, I also don’t like to go to Times Square for just one thing. If you are planning on visiting RiseNY, here are some more things to do nearby.

Restaurants near RiseNY

  • Serendipity 3 Times Square
  • Friedman’s at The Eddison
  • Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery
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RiseNY FAQ

What is RiseNY?

Part museum, part ride. Learn about New York City through its arts and entertainment, and then soar above the city in a Soarin’ (from Epcot) type ride.

Is there an age limit at RiseNY?

All ages are welcome to wander through the museum, but you must be at least 40 inches tall to ride on RiseNY.

Is there a weight limit?

While each seat holds up to 260 pounds, just let the staff know if someone in your group is above the weight limit, and they can adjust the seating arrangements so everyone can enjoy the ride.

Is RiseNY wheelchair accessible?

The area is wheelchair accessible, though you must be able to sit in the chair on the ride, upright, with the seatbelt on to ride. Staff are unable to help guests get into the ride.

How long should we expect to stay at RiseNY?

Depending on how quickly you walk through the museum and the crowds, expect to stay for about an hour. There may be longer lines as the day goes on, so allow extra time.

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Lanie is the owner and author of Make More Adventures, a family travel blog that helps families make the most of their holidays. Lanie is an American living in Australia with her husband and 2 kids who love to travel almost as much as she does. When she is not traveling, working on her blog, or planning her next vacation, Lanie is watching Bravo, reading, or working with kids.

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