The Reluctant Rider: Facing Fear on the NYNY Roller Coaster
Las Vegas is a city built on thrills, from high-stakes gambling to dazzling shows. But for some, the biggest challenge isn’t found inside a casino or theater—it’s strapped into the seats of the New York-New York Hotel & Casino’s roller coaster. The coaster, a prominent fixture on the Las Vegas skyline, evokes a particular kind of anxiety, even for seasoned thrill-seekers.
One traveler, recounting a recent trip, found themselves grappling with this very fear. “Our room at NY NY was right in front of the coaster and I never got the nerve to ride it,” they shared. The proximity only amplified the apprehension, a constant reminder of the looming loops and drops.
The NYNY roller coaster isn’t just a visual landmark; it’s gained a reputation for intensity. A discussion on a Facebook group dedicated to the hotel in June 2023 revealed a common sentiment: fear. One user, contemplating a “crazy thing” to do during their visit, specifically asked about the coaster, admitting to being “terrified of heights” and seeking insight into just how “crazy” and “scary” the ride truly is.
Recent reports suggest the coaster’s reputation is well-earned. A YouTube video posted on , claims the New York-New York coaster is “considered to be one of the world’s worst rollercoasters.” The video’s creator hadn’t ridden it at the time of posting, but the assertion speaks to a widely held perception of the ride’s intensity.
The fear of roller coasters and heights in general, is a common one. While the NYNY coaster may be particularly daunting, it represents a broader challenge: confronting personal anxieties. The decision to ride—or not to ride—becomes a test of courage, a small battle against self-imposed limitations.
Beyond the adrenaline rush, travel often presents opportunities for self-discovery. Stories abound of travelers pushing their boundaries, facing their fears, and emerging transformed. World Nomads, a platform for sharing travel experiences, is filled with narratives of “love, transformation, connection, fear, or discovery.” These stories highlight the power of travel to not only broaden horizons but also to foster personal growth.
Jessie on a Journey curates a collection of short adventure travel stories, emphasizing the “epic experiences” travelers encounter around the world. These anecdotes, ranging from successful treks to humorous mishaps, all share a common thread: a willingness to embrace the unknown and step outside of one’s comfort zone. One story details a trek through Nepal’s Mohare Danda Route, a challenging hike that ultimately proved deeply rewarding.
Hostel Geeks also compiles short travel stories, recognizing that every traveler carries a unique tale. These stories, often under 200 words, capture the essence of the travel experience—the unexpected encounters, the moments of vulnerability, and the lasting memories created along the way.
The decision to brave the NYNY roller coaster, or any daunting experience during travel, isn’t about conquering fear entirely. It’s about acknowledging it, respecting it, and choosing to move forward anyway. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are the ones that scare us the most. The traveler who stayed in the room overlooking the coaster may not have ridden it, but their story serves as a reminder that even the act of facing a fear, even if it’s just from a distance, can be a significant part of the journey.
Whether it’s a terrifying roller coaster, a challenging hike, or a simple conversation with a stranger, travel offers countless opportunities to push boundaries and discover something new—not just about the world, but about oneself.
