Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock NYC
What a treat to get a private tour of the Top of the Rock in NYC!!!
I honestly didn't think I was going to be impressed, but WOW, was I surprised. John, TOTR Senior Customer Care Representative, completely surprised us with some real NYC Insider tips about the TOTR and Rockefeller Center.
Swarovski Crystal Chandelier
Just as you walk in to TOTR, there is a huge, hanging crystal chandelier, which looks like a suspended waterfall. Now look at it closely...
It is actually an inverted model of the Top of the Rock NYC building, also known as 30 Rockefeller Center (30 Rock).
TOTR - Men on Beam 1932
This iconic image, known as "Men on Beam," was taken during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Center. Ask 10 New Yorkers, and I'll bet, like me, 9 of them thought it was taken at the Empire State Building.
During the tour, sit on the beam and look down through the glass floor to get a virtual sense of what it was like to have lunch at 70 stories high.
Rockefeller Center - Depression
The tour includes three very interesting 5-minute films about the history of Rockefeller Center, the Rockettes and NBC Studios.
Rockefeller Center was originally intended to house the Metropolitan Opera, but when the Depression hit in 1929, John D. Rockefeller changed direction and chose to create over 70,000 much needed jobs in New York City by building Rockefeller Plaza.
TOTR at Sunset
View of Empire State Building
Sunset is the most popular (ie, busiest) time of day. Watching the sunset over The Empire State Building is breathtaking.
The best time to propose at TOTR is in the morning, the least crowded time. If you’re really, really lucky, you will feel like you have a whole outdoor floor, and all of New York City, to yourself for a short time.
Hiddens Secrets at TOTR
The all glass elevator takes 43 seconds to go from Floor 2 to Floor 67. There is no 13th Floor at 30 Rockefeller Center.
There are hidden Swarovski crystal animals along the walls of the 67th floor.
See if you can find the Cat eating the Mouse or the Rabbit hidden in the wall.
67th Floor - Don King's Office
The huge, open space on the 67th Floor of 30 Rock used to be Don King’s office, before the Observation Deck re-opened in 2005, after a 20 year hiatus.
TOTR Observation Deck 1930'sThe Observation Deck was originally modeled after the lounge deck of a cruise ship, such as the Titanic, complete with wood Adirondeck Chairs and waiters serving cocktails.
In the 1930's, during the Depression, a trip to the Observation Deck of the Top of the Rock NYC was designed to simulate setting sail in the heart of New York City.
Rockefeller Christmas Tree Star
At the Top of the Rock NYC gift shop, there is a smaller model of the Swarovski Crystal Star that is always on the Top of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
You can even purchase a replica to take home and put on your Christmas Tree.
TOTR - North View Central Park
NYC Insider Guide Tip - don't waste your time taking pictures from inside the glass, as I did.
Head straight to the 70th floor, the very top of the outside observation deck, for completely unobstructed, no glass, 360 degree, unbelievable views of Manhattan.
Top of the Rock NYC Virtual Tour
Take a look at President Obama, Roger Federer, Matt Lauer, Ellen Degeneres , Jessica Alba, Sarah Jessica Parker and more visiting Top of the Rock NYC.
Top of the Rock NYC Tickets
Reserved Times - Adults $21, Child (6-12) $14.00, Senior (62+) $19.00
Sunrise/ Sunset (two visits in one day) - Adults $30, Child $15
Rock Pass - $35 for Top of the Rock NYC and NBC Studios Tour
New York Pass - includes admission and NBC Studios Tour
Explorer Pass - one time TOTR visit can be chosen as an attraction
Downtown Bus Tour and
Top of the Rock- Combined
The Top of the Rock is fully ADA compliant and open 365 days per year.
30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112-0004 (212) 698-2000
Main entrance is at 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
8:00am to midnight, 7 days a week. The first elevator goes up at 8:00am, the last one at 11:00pm. Hours of operation may vary on holidays (2009, open Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Do know someone who would enjoy Top of the Rock?
Nearby Attractions: Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios, The Today Show, Nintendo World, American Girl Place, Rockefeller Christmas Tree (seasonal).
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