We were in New York for the last 6 days celebrating my Birthday and I wanted to do this among many other trips/excursions and general touristy stuff.
On a previous trip to NY, 2006, Ground Zero was just that - still a building site and nothing there. I really wanted to go up 'Freedom Tower'!
Of all of the observation options, this undoubtedly has the highest and possibly 'best' views BUT (and deliberate CAPS) we preferred the experience in 2006 at the Top of The Rock.
The Observatory felt too designed, too clinical and way too busy. we hadn't booked Skip the Line tickets but there was an hour wait (for 'normal' tickets) so did go for the upgraded option which also included the pure gimmick of the iPad. I have found that online tickets can often be booked in NY to bypass lines anyway.
The iPad gimmick is just that - adds very little and listening to so many iPads with volume turned up was an absolute pain. There are subtitles so no need for everyone to have them turned up. I wouldn't bother with it.
There was NO queue whatsoever for the entry (I guess due to timed tickets) and the security line went quicker for 'them' than us and then we were simply all lumped in together anyway - no other 'perks'.
Grab a drink at the bar just because …..
Won't be rushing back but it is still worth it when visiting the other stuff down there.
Top of the Rock was open air and this time, we booked a table for drinks (pre dinner) to see the sunset in the Bar65. No entry cost and just paid for drinks - outdoor area that you can wander around in and take photos. The actual 'proper' observation floor had an amazing vibe and atmosphere when we went previously (before knowing about bar) and was open air on the top which felt amazing - if a little unnerving?!?!?
Do the Rock if you can only fit one in. If you want to do the highest, do Freedom Tower but there are soo many gimmicks and negatives about the experience, I would recommend the TotR over this.