What is the difference between the two Observatories at the Empire State Building in NYC?|136039

What is difference between the 102nd story and the 86th story observatory? Other than the fact that one is higher up, of course. =) Do you get the same experience from both? It costs $15 more to go to the 102nd story. Is it worth it?

The observatory on the 102d floor is entirely enclosed while the one on the 86th floor is open-air. That is the one that you usually see in films and such. I don_t thibnk that the trip to the higher level is worth an extra $15. You really aren_t going to see anything more from the higher level, unless it is important to you to see faraway landscapes.

As far as I know, the 102nd floor observation deck has been closed for some time, maybe since 9/11. However, the 86th floor observatory has been open for years, and may cost a New York premium but the outstanding view is well worth the price. Also, the 102nd floor part is enclosed, while the 86th floor deck is open-air.