I missed getting here the last time I was in NYC so this time I wanted to go, so went by myself and got in so easily. No lines, no queues for lifts very easy. Coming down was a different story, it took quite a while to get out, queuing for the lift.
There are 2 stages to this experience, the first takes you to a floor with no external aspect but it's primarily an empty room with some photos on the wall, so seemed to be an overflow area for when it's busy, like a holding area for the main viewing deck.
once out of the 2nd lift, the amount of people suddenly hit, so I'd hate to be here on a super busy day, and have to wait to get up.
Of course once you are there the views outside are spectacular and well worth it. It would be great to see the views at night as well as during the day, although I only did the day one, so perhaps next time I might go back for the night viewing.
With the development happening in NYC and new skyscrapers going up I feel the view has diminished over the years, it was difficult to see Central Park, but don't get me wrong it is still amazing. You can still see the Statue of Liberty for example.
The photo opportunity is nice, if you want to do it and pay extra, I did as I had no one to take a photo of me, and a selfie just isn't the same.
I also felt it was reasonably priced, so I'd recommend going, if you're ok with heights. I was a little shaky.