A few simple Astroland questions

I may be taking a trip to NYC in early August, and it would be great if someone could answer some questions about the renowned amusement park Astroand that weren't stated on the official website or are opinion-related:

1. What is the height requirement for the Cyclone? I have a 44" cousin attending, and was wondering if he could ride. Also, is the roughness easily tolearable to the non-enthusiast and picky adults (my parents, aunt, uncle are between ages 30 and 40)?

2. There will be a couple small kids, and picky adults, so I was wondering how the area is around the park-
I am assuming it is not so bad that it takes much away from the experience

3. What other rides beside the Cyclone are must-rides?

Thanks! -Ben

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Favorite Coasters:
1)MF 2)Raging Bull 3) Magnum XL-200 4) Rock N' Roller Coaster 5)Viper

Ben - Although I've ridden Cyclone many times I can't remember what the height requirements are, and Astroland's website didn't seem to be of much help. Hopefully a local will chime in.

I'm not sure what you're asking in #2. Are you asking if the area is safe?

I can definitely help you out with #3:

First you should know that the Coney area is not one park, but rather two parks [Astroland and Dino's Wonder Wheel Park] and a third area of individual consessionaires operating their own rides. In all three areas you'll find flat rides running in "insane mode."

Other than Cyclone must-rides in Astroland are their Power Surge, Break Dancer, the log Flume, Dante's Inferno, and Enterprise. At Dino's you'll want to ride the Wonder Wheel [make sure you get a swinging car] and their Pretzel dark ride [can't remember the name]. You'll also find some cool rides in the third consessionaire area including the only Zipper that allows single riders!

The Jet Star that was next to Dino's was removed. I've heard rumors from various sources that something will take that spot [coaster, flat, both?] but nothing confirmed that I can offer.

Along Surf Ave there are two other attractions you shouldn't miss: the B&B Carousel, where you can grab the brass ring, and the El Dorado Disco Bumper Cars, where you can "bump, bump, bump your a** off!"

Lastly, don't pass up a hot dog at Nathan's on Surf Ave! It's not a visit to Coney without one.

mOOSH - will be there in 5 weeks and 2 days ;)

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"I don't like poop singers." Peabody, discussing American Idol.

*** This post was edited by Mamoosh 5/15/2003 5:52:19 PM ***

Sorry for the poor phrasing of question no. 2- I am wondering how clean the park is (I'm not expecting much), and if it has a family-friendly atmosphere that would make a fun outing for people ages 7-37.

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Favorite Coasters:
1)MF 2)Raging Bull 3) Magnum XL-200 4)Rock N' Roller Coaster 5)Raptor

I don't know the height requirement, if there even is one. The ride is rough, but the good kind of rough, it knocks you around pretty good, but the seats are well padded, probably the most comfortable coaster seats I have ever been in.

When I visited last year, and it is nice the nicest look place, to say the least, but I felt relitively safe, and the people were nice enough for New york. The crowd seemd to be more college aged, no gangs or anything like that. You should not have a problem.
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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone

Do not let your "picky riders" ride in the back. It was one of the roughest and most painful rides I had ever been on. The air was insane though. Have a good time.

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-Sean Newman

First, if you do have picky riders the best seat for them would be 3rd car front seat. the front car does a lot of side to side banging, the back just give you a beating. ( Take this advice I work on the Cyclone). The height requirement is 48" with strict check(sorry to say that) because of undivided seats and one size fits all lap bars.

Wonder Wheel is definitly a must, the ride that replaced the Jumbo Jet is a Huss Top Spin (common ride), the Parachute would be a must sorry guys you might have to wait 1 & 2 years until us at the chamber of Commerence figures out which company to use, things are looking up for Moser. The B&B Carousel is also a must considering it might be removed to another location in Queens in a year or two (Plans are secret so please do no ask where).

Other than that all the rides are pretty basic.

The area is definitly clean since the Brooklyn President ordered the area to be cleaned up.

Also like Mamoosh said no trip to Coney is a real trip without a Nathens Hot Dog.

Kurt

A couple of other notes. If you want to make a full day of it, the New York Aquarium is right next door. Also, if staying in the city, ride the subway to the park. The station is right across the street.

Jim Fisher - aren't both the Stillwell and Surf Ave subway stations closed for renovation? I was told to take the subway to Coney you had to exit at Ave X and walk the 10 blocks?

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"I don't like poop singers." Peabody, discussing American Idol.

I belive I heard there would be limited service to Coney through the summer during the renovations.

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"If you make it too smooth, it'll be like sitting in your living room."
-Bill Cobb - Designer, Texas Cyclone

I read somewhere recently that the height requirement was 54", but that just doesnt sound right to me

Hi Ben G,

The Cyclone's height requirement is 54" and fairly strictly enforced. In regards to the atmosphere at Coney Island it's rather hard to describe, and as I don't know your tastes I don't know what you will think. Coney Island can be fairly filthy with garbage and has a lack of shade (bring sunscreen), and it definitely has a NY attitude but I've never felt unsafe. In terms of must do family things to do:

The Wonder Wheel

The B&B Carousel (It's across the street on Surf Avenue - not to be missed)

The Log Flume (Arrow #3 if I'm remembering correctly moved from the 1964 Worlds Fair)

Both Astroland and Deno's have large kiddielands with tons of rides for the younger set. On top of that there is a Kiddieland run by an individual concessionaire. There are 3 kiddie coasters (The Dragon at Deno's, The Wacky Worm at Astroland, and a Herschell Kiddie Coaster at KiddieLand). In terms of wilder rides, the breakdance is a must if you can spin. The Zipper if you zip (I don't). The Saturn 5 is also run incredibly well. There's also mini golf, go karts galore, and batting cages. There are many things that those who are conservative may not appreciate such as "Shoot the Freak", the barfing man in front of one the dark rides, the naked ladies on Dante's Inferno, the CI Freak Show - I say this just so that I'm not misleading you in anyway.

Keep in mind that Coney is my summer hangout and I love it no matter what. I highly recommend taking advantage of the beach and ocean and walking around the area a bit, and obviously don't forget your hot dog at Nathan's. I truly hope you enjoy your visit and I look forward to your trip report.

All the best,

Jim 'jimvid' McDonnell

Where exactly is the Herschell Kiddie Coaster at Kiddieland located? Can adults ride it?

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Sue Barry
CoasterSue@aol.com

Mamoosh- they are still dong rehab of the coney island stations. I believe surf ave is still closed but stillwell ave is open. However only W trains go to the stillwell ave station. If you use the F and Q trains, which used to go to CI before the rehab, you have to take a bus. Of course, the subway system being what it is, its possible on any given weekend that any given line will be completely rerouted. Now the real interesting question is how much will a subway ride cost.