Thorough review incoming!
We actually had generally an excellent experience with the sightseeing pass and would purchase them again if we were in NYC. I have rated it 4/5 because on the last day we used the pass, they added a whole load of new attractions, including things we had paid for ourselves already, so we were annoyed we missed out. The only attraction we had trouble getting into was Luna Park, when the pass updated above, it also added a note on the Luna Park pass item to say these were only being accepted from late May. We were annoyed the app didn't state this earlier as we had planned specifically a day in Coney Island and it basically got wasted (and it's not exactly a short trip from Manhattan to Coney Island)
However aside from this, we were able to visit everything we wanted, and in the end saved about $600, so I can't complain too much (even if we paid for Luna Park, we would have still saved $hundreds overall). There was more we had planned to do, such as Edge and the Radio City tour but we were just too tired, however we could have gotten even more value out of the pass.
We got the passes for six days.
A few attractions we had to book onto in advance (Statue of liberty tour, 9/11 tour, AMNH, ESB, Grand Central tour, speakeasy tour, potion making @ The Cauldron) - I'd 100% recommend this so you don't miss out. We got our passes about 6 weeks in advance.
There were a couple of attractions (NY Aquarium and Central Park zoo) which were 'call to book' which we did not book onto in advance even though the website said we should (due to us not having a US phone number). On both attractions they still let us in no problem, however I think this was fine in low-season. In the summer I'd definitely book.
When going for the Statue of Liberty tour, a few people had another of the passes (I think GoCity) which didn't include the ferry, so they had to pay out of pocket, which really got some of them angry, whilst us with the sightseeing pass were just chilling knowing we had it included! Just something to bear in mind if you are debating between passes.
Activities we did from the pass and our thoughts:
9/11 walking tour - our guide Jonathan was fantastic, probably the best tour guide we had in NYC, amazing tour. Doesn't include 9/11 museum but we learnt so much. Definitely worthwhile.
AMNH - It was a good museum, probably more kid orientated. I would probably not go again as we have some amazing museums which are very similar in UK (and free!), but it was interesting, at the very least a throwback to the 'Night at the Museum' movie!
Big Bus - Great way to see the city and get around during the day (last buses run at 4PM and 5PM for the different loops). The audio commentary is fine, learnt some cool things, but it was nice just to sit in the sun and watch the city go by!
Bowlero - includes one game and some arcade credit. We had a great time, it was a good way to kill an hour, but bear in mind, like many places in NYC, there is a waiting list you join when you arrive. Expect a long wait if it's busy, we waited about 20 minutes with a few people in front of us.
Central Park Zoo - This is a decent little zoo. Great way to kill an hour if you love animals, although it was heaving with school kids on daytrips. The Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, and Parrots were best.
ESB - contrary to what a lot of people told me, this was probably my favorite observatory, especially for photography, as others like TOTR and 1 WTC had glass in the way of the view which means any photograph has glare and reflection. There was also some interesting things on the way to the top about how the ESB was built. Only thing worth noting about ESB is the queues at the top for the lifts to the observation deck were very long. We got the stairs instead but it's a heck of a workout. Just be aware you maybe in for some cardio or a long wait.
Intepid museum - great for those interested in planes/boats/military/submarines. My partner is very interested in military so this was great for him, but even for me the space exhibit was very good and it was cool to go in the submarine and on and aircraft carrier. They have space shuttle Enterprise (free to see with pass) and a concord (NOT included in pass). Please note you have to be very physically mobile and reasonably slim to go on the submarine, before going on they make you jump through a hole in the wall to see if you are agile enough and can fit. Also avoid if you are claustrophobic.
NY Aquarium - it's fine, I've definitely been to better aquariums, I've also been to much worse. I probably wouldn't go again, there are much better aquariums in the UK, but it's fine if you are in the area and have a few hours to kill, or are interested in marine life. It's modern, clean, there are some cool things to see.
Grand Central Tour - Great little tour and so much to learn about Grand Central, our tour guide, Joe, was fantastic, very engaging and fun. They give you little over-ear headphones so you can hear the guide speak as it's very loud inside GC.
One World Observatory - An amazing observatory with great views over NYC. It's the tallest building in the western hemisphere. The lift to the top was very sleek and quick, you don't need multiple lifts like ESB. Bear in mind to pick a day with good visibility - it's an extremely tall building so is often in the clouds. We were lucky as our hotel was a few minutes walk away, so we just popped in early one morning when it was sunny.
Statue of Liberty tour (and ferry) - Fascinating tour includes Statue of Liberty Island and Ellis island. The tour guide tells you a bit about both on each island then lets you wander for a while. Our tour guide Charles was great and knew so much about the history of the statue and the area. I love that he had a personal connection to Ellis Island.
Speakeasy Pub and Prohibition Tour - Another fantastic tour. This is not child friendly or prude friendly, a great tour of three modern and fun speakeasys (drinks/food not included). Our tour guide, Kamala, was fantastic, she was so much fun and so knowledgeable. It was also my birthday (as well as two others on the tour) and she arranged for us all to get a free treat at the second bar!
The Cauldron Potion making - This was so much fun, especially if you like all things witchy/Harry Potter. So much fun to make your own potion cocktail (this place does have child friendly cocktails!). Staff were really fun and our 'potion master' Tee was great and so much fun. You only get to make one potion with the sightseeing pass whilst full paying guests get to make two.
TOTR - The Rock is probably the best observatory if you want to see the 'iconic' sights of NY. ESB and 1WTC are good (in their own ways), but they are very iconic themselves so when you go up these observatories, you miss out on seeing them themselves. The literal top of Rockefeller center is pretty unassuming and boring (the fountain at the bottom is more where it's at with this one), so it's a great observatory to go up and see all the other iconic buildings all together. We went late at night so there was no queue, but I saw people queueing out the door during the daytime. It was nice to go up at nighttime and see the skyline all lit up.
Side note: at one point we considered doing the Escape room but upon checking the website it was very booked up. If this is something you want to do, I would follow the website guidance that reservations are strongly recommended.