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Photos: 1 WTC Observatory Opens To Public And Their Selfie Sticks

Scott Lynch

Published May 30, 2015

Modified May 30, 2015

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Scott Lynch

Published May 30, 2015

Modified May 30, 2015

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After a couple of weeks of press and VIP previews, the long-awaited One World Observatory officially opened to the masses on Friday, and thousands of people shelled out at least $32 each to see the view from 100 (and 101, and 102) stories in the sky.

The lines outside looked daunting, and they were running about an hour behind schedule with the timed tickets, but once I (and many others) understood the system, the experience wasn't nearly as bad as it initially looked.

Anyway, here are some Observatory observations and tips from opening day.

• Those horrible lines outside aren't really so horrible! Here's the thing: almost everyone has a timed ticket. So while you CAN stand within the ropes or packed together snaking down the sidewalk getting all uncomfortable and sunburnt and irritated at humanity, there's really no strategic reason to do so.

Being first in the 3:30 group, for example, isn't that different from being last in the 3:30 group. There will still be the same amount people ahead of you once you get inside, to go through the security check, then shuffle past the rah-rah movies ("This is the most important building in the world!" says the construction worker), then through Manhattan Schist Land, as you all make your way to the elevators. Sorry: the SKY PODS.

This part of your journey, from the front entrance to the Observatory deck, will take you about 15 to 20 minutes no matter what, so when you arrive with your timed ticket, just ask one of the helpful guides at the door which group they're letting in right now. Then instead of immediately standing on your group's designated line for an hour or however far behind they are, just wander around a bit, go see the Memorial, buy a $30 hot dog, chat with some tourists, take photos, find a shady seat and chill. When they start letting your group inside—again, the affable young staffers at or near the entrance are your keys here—that's when you make your move.

• Adult timed-tickets are $32, but you can spend $54, $65, up to $90 per person on one of the various "expedited" or "flex" admission options. However, since everyone has to go through the same process once they're inside, in addition to being kind of douche-y, those fancy tickets also don't really seem to buy you that much.

• The security part of your visit is surprisingly painless. You will have to remove your belt, put all your bags and electronics and watches and whatever the hell else you're packing into one of those plastic bins for scanning, then walk through a standard metal detector OR a high-tech portal thing, but it moves quickly, the attitude is welcoming rather than surly, it's really not a big deal.

IMPORTANT: though the website says you're not allowed to bring your DSLR (or any other "professional" camera equipment), you can totally bring your DSLR. EVERYONE here has a DSLR. Or a selfie stick. Also: I forgot I had a bottle of Diet Coke in my bag's side pocket, which is also not allowed per the website (no outside food or drink), but no one mentioned it, and I noticed that plenty of other waters bottles and such made it through as well.

The security didn't feel lax. More like everyone just decided not to be dicks.

• For godsakes don't eat or drink here. The food prices are not too TOO gouge-y, but that $12 pizza slice at the cafeteria looked (and smelled) to be among the worst in the city, and there was an hour wait to even get into the bar, where the menu also seemed completely uninspired. There is no and there will be no Windows in the World 2 at One World Trade, and that's fine, we can all just go somewhere else for special occasions.

• Do we need to even talk about the gift shop? Spend your money on almost literally anything else in the city and you'll feel better for it.

• Don't expect fabulous selfies. Everyone in the place is trying to get that perfect picture of themselves plus crystal clear gorgeous cityscape for miles, but reflections off the glass and the backlighting situation makes this a lot more difficult than you'd think. That said, you should also resist the "green screen" photo op on your way in, unless you want a $20 shot of you and your squad in front of a fake-ass sunset.

• It's tough to get too impatient about anything here because the legions of young men and women leading you through the process are unfailing helpful and friendly. Really, these kids are great, and then no one bothers you once you finally get to the Observatory itself. Stay as long as you want, lie on top of the Sky Portal, lean your forehead against the window and look down, no one's going to scold you.

• They're correct about the elevator—I mean SKY POD—movie causing motion sickness, if you're susceptible. Which I am. Even though it only lasts less than 60 seconds, I felt queasy enough after the trip up to just close my eyes on the way down, skipping the whole flying-over-the-city feature.

So is One World Observatory worth your time and money? Going in with the right attitude, and following the line strategy as outlined above, I'd say yeah, this is a thing even Native New Yorkers will want to experience at some point.

The views are amazing, more mesmerizing in person than in photos, and if you have any interest in the history of NYC, or urban development, or if you just like looking at maps, being up here makes for a potentially endless study guide of sorts. In fact, I'll probably go again, though next time at night.

One World Observatory is open every day through Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. After Labor Day and through the winter it will close at 8:00 p.m.

Tagged

1 WTC

one world observatory

world trade center

original

Scott Lynch

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Photojournalist, food writer, preschool receptionist. Love NYC.

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