Ready for The Ride?

Frank Sinatra famously sang: "Start spreading the news. I'm leaving today. I want to be part of it—New York, New York!" With The Ride, everyone can be part of New York!

The Ride is a one-of-a-kind tour bus in New York City with floor-to-ceiling windows, stadium seating, surround sound and interactive street theater.

Launched in 2010, The Ride combines sightseeing, entertainment and hilarious people-watching for a tour experience unlike any other. Lively hosts offer tips, tidbits and video clips about Midtown Manhattan's top attractions—Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Chrysler Building, Columbus Circle, Central Park and the Theater District.

The bus itself is a legal marvel. At 45 feet long and 14 feet tall, the multimillion-dollar bus is the largest vehicle allowed by law. And instead of facing the front of the bus as in traditional tour buses, the 49 participants face the side of the bus for a full, panoramic view of city streets.

With the bus' 40 television screens, thousands of LED lights and its booming club-quality sound system, The Ride's presence mirrors the actions of New York City's buildings, traffic and people of every day life.

In fact, The Ride is very much a part of the action. In addition to the city's unscripted dramas of everyday life, The Ride strategically places entertainers along the route. Passengers get a laugh when a break-dancer rips his shirt off, a rapper freestyles about pedestrians passing by and a man tap dances near puzzled onlookers.

The Ride is approximately 75 minutes and appropriate for ages 6 and older. Purchase tickets or learn more online at experiencetheride.com.

 Photo courtesy of Sal James.

Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.