Firstly the positives : definitely on par with top of the rock for views, better than the empire state building at night too. Wait time wasn't too bad and lots of things going on to keep you occupied whilst queuing. At the top- immersive rooms made the experience unique and you almost forgot you were on top of NYC. Bubble room was our favourite but busy so hard to take decent photos
Negatives : the reason this didn't get 5 stars and why it ruined the whole experience for us was due to one staff member at the top, final level next to the elevators.
Basically, my partner is not great with heights, but isn't so bad it you are inside (it's something about being out in the open air high up where he starts to panic which is understandable for someone who also has fears). Anyway, before we went up and paid, we checked there was no open air areas and we were told we were fine.
Once we reached the top and were ready to come back down, a staff member was waiting about 2 meters away from the elevators with a small barrier. When we asked how to get to the elevators she told us we had to go all the way around, and outside (!!!) . I spoke to my partner and he had already started to panic, so I went back to the staff member and explained his fear and politely asked if she could let him through and I would meet him the other side so he didn't have to go outside. She completely refused, was patronising about his fear saying "you're okay mann it's only outside" - again refused to let him through even though he was visibily panicking .
So we had no choice but to go outside. He nearly had a panic attack all that way up, it was horrendous and we had to basically run through the outside bit , him looking at the floor and holding his breath.
I think it was absolutely ridiculous that this staff member wouldn't let him simply pass through, it completely ruined our experience so if anyone else is in the same boat, be warned!!! She obviously just wanted us to go via the shop or was just being super awkward!!!
Our last night in NYC was supposed to be magical but it ended on such a low.
For reference, we attended Saturday 11th May at 9.30pm entry time.