The Downtown Experience, Powered by The Ride @TheRideNYC
I never make a big deal out of my birthday. This year, after dealing with three kids all day and never having time for myself, I thought I would try something new. I thought I would celebrate it properly! As if on cue, I received an invitation for the new Downtown Experience, powered by The Ride. As a lover of all things Manhattan, and The Ride – since my first tour in 2012 – it was the perfect fit!
The Downtown Experience
This brand new historical 90-minute adventure not only offered a comprehensive, theatrical, interactive tour around lower Manhattan, but it was the premier of their new 360 degree Virtual Reality component using TimeLooper. And let me tell you, it was Ahhh-mazing!
Together The Ride really painted a picture of the evolution of Manhattan like none other. Did I mention all of this happened while riding in a stadium-style seating bus? A bus redone with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, LCD TV screens, 3,000 LED lights, and surround sound? Yep!
A Great Way To See Manhattan
Similar to The Ride in Times Square, the The Downtown Experience was the perfect marriage of guided and on screen touring. In addition you’ll find the live cast members on the street (who looked like normal New Yorkers going about their day) woven together. My favorite part of both tours was how these cast members seamless enter and then disappeared into the pulse of the city like they were never there.
Experience History Come Alive On The Downtown Experience
Between our wonderfully knowledgeable and animated tour guide and the Virtual Reality headsets, we witnessed many historical events. These include: President George Washington’s swearing in at Federal Hall in 1789, urban planning, a ticker tape parade, and different cultures flocking the downtown area.
See Lower Manhattan’s Famous Statues
From immigration, to the building of the first department store, bridges, tunnels, factories, theatre, arts, the financial center, the charging bull, the fearless girl, we saw it all!
Having worked in a building at the corner of Water and Wall Street over a decade ago, I spent a great deal of time in lower Manhattan. But since I was always walking around at street level, trying not to bump in to someone, I never looked up. Thanks to The Ride’s glass topped bus I saw the beautiful, decorative tops of building I used to pass daily in a completely new light!
The route was perfectly planned to teach as the city evolved in front of us. I still don’t know if some of the things were part of the show or just another wonderful random occurrence that could only happen in Manhattan.
Photo Credit: Alexis Qualls
Wave To People On The Street From A Bus
Another favorite part was the looks we got in our crazy cool bus driving around the tight streets of downtown. Everyone wanted to wave to us – even the other tour buses! We were like celebrities since the look is so unique… And only one person flipped us the bird.
If you’re looking for a fun, new, and different experience for a special occasion check out The Ride. This is the perfect fit for both locals and tourists.
Here’s some proof that I’m not the only one who thinks it’s cool The Ride celebrates 15,000 performances in Times Square!
Photo Credit: Alexis Qualls
The Downtown Experience, powered by The Ride begins at 200 Water Street. It overlooks the New York Harbor in front of the historic blocks of South Street Seaport. What consistently amazes me about Manhattan tours, after living and working in the city for thirteen years, is that I always learn something new! But I don’t want to spoil the fun and give away everything – you’ll have to learn the rest for yourself!
Don’t forget to check out all the family friendly vacation spots we’ve researched!
And I can help!
Giveaway
The Ride has generously offered to give away a pair of tickets to The Downtown Experience, powered by The Ride to two lucky readers of The Mint Chip Mama!
To enter, please:
- Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t yet): The Mint Chip Mama
- Share this blog post on your Facebook page
- Comment below (on the blog’s page) why downtown Manhattan is special to you!
Winner chosen Saturday, June 17th, 2017 at 5pm EST.
I have wanted to try The Ride! Downtown Manhattan is special because it is so full of life and history. It is constantly evolving, so there is always something new to see, but the history endures.
It’s 5pm! I’m about to chose a winner!
As a reminder to qualify, please:
1. Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t yet): The Mint Chip Mama – https://www.facebook.com/TheMintChipMama/
2. Share this blog post on your Facebook page – https://themintchipmama.wordpress.com/2017/06/10/the-downtown-experience-powered-by-the-ride/
Winner will be chosen shortly!
I love the restaurants and Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry.
It’s 5pm! I’m about to chose a winner!
As a reminder to qualify, please:
1. Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t yet): The Mint Chip Mama – https://www.facebook.com/TheMintChipMama/
2. Share this blog post on your Facebook page – https://themintchipmama.wordpress.com/2017/06/10/the-downtown-experience-powered-by-the-ride/
Winner will be chosen shortly!
Downtown Manhattan is special to me because I love finding new places in NY to see. I live in Jersey so NY is close but I only go a couple of times a year and try to take it all in and enjoy.
It’s 5pm! I’m about to chose a winner!
As a reminder to qualify, please:
1. Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t yet): The Mint Chip Mama – https://www.facebook.com/TheMintChipMama/
2. Share this blog post on your Facebook page – https://themintchipmama.wordpress.com/2017/06/10/the-downtown-experience-powered-by-the-ride/
Winner will be chosen shortly!
I live in South Jersey and went to Coney Island before, I know that in Manhatten but not sure what part. Anyway we can get a break from the kids for a day trip would be awesome! Thank You!
It’s 5pm! I’m about to chose a winner!
As a reminder to qualify, please:
1. Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t yet): The Mint Chip Mama – https://www.facebook.com/TheMintChipMama/
2. Share this blog post on your Facebook page – https://themintchipmama.wordpress.com/2017/06/10/the-downtown-experience-powered-by-the-ride/
Winner will be chosen shortly!
Moving to nyc has been a childhood dream come true. I have only dome walking tours so it would be awesome to get to experience a city tour in a different way and I would get to see more than you actually do walking
It’s 5pm! I’m about to chose a winner!
As a reminder to qualify, please:
1. Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t yet): The Mint Chip Mama – https://www.facebook.com/TheMintChipMama/
2. Share this blog post on your Facebook page – https://themintchipmama.wordpress.com/2017/06/10/the-downtown-experience-powered-by-the-ride/
Winner will be chosen shortly!
I desperately need a day away! What better way then in NYC?
It’s 5pm! I’m about to chose a winner!
As a reminder to qualify, please:
1. Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t yet): The Mint Chip Mama – https://www.facebook.com/TheMintChipMama/
2. Share this blog post on your Facebook page – https://themintchipmama.wordpress.com/2017/06/10/the-downtown-experience-powered-by-the-ride/
Winner will be chosen shortly!
I first got my break after culinary school working downtown for my internship and then first jobs. The city is a magical place that holds many memories for me. Would be a treat to see things through this POV as a tourist and not someone rushing to be somewhere. Hope we win! With 2 kids and a 6 day work week, and all of my EMT work adult time is a rare commodity
It’s 5pm! I’m about to chose a winner!
As a reminder to qualify, please:
1. Like my Facebook page (if you haven’t yet): The Mint Chip Mama – https://www.facebook.com/TheMintChipMama/
2. Share this blog post on your Facebook page – https://themintchipmama.wordpress.com/2017/06/10/the-downtown-experience-powered-by-the-ride/
Winner will be chosen shortly!
Thank you to everyone who entered! Dana & Adam – you each win a pair of tickets to The Ride!