Description
One World Observatory is at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The Observatory is located on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors of One World Trade Center. One World Observatory offers views of New York City’s iconic sights, surrounding waters and skyline. The guest experience goes beyond the amazing view. Take an incredible elevator ride to the top. Guests can explore three levels of the Observatory filled with innovation and inspiration.
Sylvia Longmire from Spin The Globe Travel provides a first-hand perspective on visiting the One World Observatory in her blog A Wheelchair User’s Guide to One World Observatory in Freedom Tower.
Accessibility Information
From the One World Observatory website:
One World Observatory has an ongoing commitment to achieve the highest levels of satisfaction for all aspects of the guest experience. As part of these efforts, we are dedicated to offering a quality visiting experience to guests with disabilities that is full, equal to that provided to guests without disabilities. To that end, One World Observatory's exhibits and amenities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Guests requiring assistance e.g., auxiliary aids or services, should contact Guest Services at (844) 696-1776 in advance of their visit.
There is an accessible pick-up/drop-off location along West Street north of Vesey Street, at which point guests may proceed to the West Plaza Entrance. Alternatively, guests can access the Observatory from inside the World Trade Center Oculus.
From Spin The Globe's A Wheelchair User’s Guide to One World Observatory in Freedom Tower.:
The main entrance for One World Trade Center is on the east side of the building along West Street. The doors are very heavy, but there is always a doorman there to open it for you, as there’s no way you can go through the revolving door.
For my visit to the One World Observatory, I purchased the $65 MasterCard VIP experience for 11:00AM on a Saturday morning. I highly recommend purchasing your time to take it for as early in the day as possible to avoid larger crowds in the observatory later on. By purchasing a ticket that includes a tour, your guide will make sure to move crowds out of the way for wheelchair users so you can get up close to the glass for a great view. After entering the building, I took an elevator to the bottom floor — all other visitors had to take an escalator – to meet my tour guide and pick up my badge. We then entered through the Priority Access Lane and went through a security screening.
If you would like to buy a souvenir, there is a decent size gift shop on the observatory level. There are also accessible restrooms right behind the gift shop.
Service animals and service animals in training are allowed in the Observatory.
Photos
Source
Spin the GlobeReviews