As a first time visitor in the USA and NYC, the best thing I could do for myself was to get the Explorer Pass. I got to go places that not all tourists can afford to go to. I highly recommend getting the Explorer Pass for your NYC trip.
The pass was not as useful as I had hoped. It did not gain access to the 9/11 Memorial and did not give full admission to all areas on board The Intrepid and I was denied access after attending 5 events (I paid for 7).
Had 3 attractions pass and very easy to use.
One attraction we thought we could use it in wasn't accepted which was a bit disappointing. Other than that was very good.