2 park questions

I've searched to no end for the opening years of these 2 parks but have not been able to find out.

What year did Martin's Fantasy Island and Sylvan Beach open?

Thanks.

Fantasy Island used to be called Two Flags, maybe that might help you, but I think that it became Fantasy Island in 1995. Maybe 94, but I think 95.

I don't know about the exact opening of Sylvan Beach, but their dark ride dates from the mid 1950's so it had to be before then.

Also, according to the RCDB, MFI's Wildcat is from 1972, so the park must have existed before then.

Ben, it is a portable coaster, so it could have very well just been moved, unless RCDB covered that, they do sometimes.

Fantasy Island was a swamp in 72. As I recall it was built in the early 1980's, somewhere around 82 or 83.

I'm 99% sure they had a Silver Comet before this one. I remember their website said "All you remember from the original and more!"

I'm assuming it's been there quite awhile. Dawgbyte should know...

Actually, Dutchman, Fantasy Island was born BEFORE 1970... and that is a late guess, because the Fantasy Island Brandon Brothers worked at the park from 1970 - 1974... and if they started in 1970, then the park is at least 34yrs old. They worked in the old western shoot-out part of the park. (back in those days, it cost $1.50 for an all-day admission)

If you want the exact year... and this is about as fact as I can get... Fantasy Island in Grand Island, NY was born in June of 1961

Here is one of the first photos from the park.
Correct me if I'm wrong, Dutchman... but those due's & clothes don't look from the early 80's ;)

BTW: Silver Comet was only in 1999, and is only named as such because we lost the Crystal Beach Comet from Crystal Beach, and wanted to relive the glory... but there was never another "Comet" at Fantasy Island before-hand

*** Edited 11/3/2004 1:10:49 AM UTC by DawgByte II***

Oh, I had to throw this one in too... for further confirmation that the park opened in Spring, 1961

http://www.isledegrande.com/giimages2/fantasyisland-groundbreak60-400.jpg

Ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the park. :)

1961 is a good estimate, I have been to the park but not in many many years (pre-Comet). As far as it being a swamp, Grand Island is pretty big and non-swampish, and the park is smack dab in the middle of the island, so I don't know about that.

I stand corrected.