Coney Island - 6/9/2023 (Deno's and Luna Park)

Went to Coney Island for the first time this trip. Amazing area. Really enjoyed myself.

Let's start off with the Zamperla operated Luna Park attractions -

• TICKLER -- The standard spinning wild mouse layout. Nothing notable, a bit jarring in spots. IMO Zamperla should seriously consider upgrading this to one of their newer models if the CP Wild Mouse is anything to go by.
• STEEPLECHASE -- That launch seriously packs a punch. Best of the Zamperla-built coasters here by far. Not too rough, but not perfectly smooth. Restraints are also more uncomfortable than I remembered from when I rode Pony Express at Knotts a while back.
• SOARIN' EAGLE -- Ugh. Ow. Volare. Why?
• THUNDERBOLT -- I had read someone say this thing rode like a "shopping cart with square wheels" but holy crap... What the hell did they do wrong that it rattles so much on straight track? The track profile isn't bad in the mostly straight sections & loop, but every turn, roll, etc. felt like it had been designed section by section with no proper transitioning/smoothing.
• CYCLONE -- The one and only. A true historical marker. The trains are so unique. Cramped and small seating, but comfortably cushioned. Seems it is time for some more significant trackwork though, it was honestly a bit rougher than I was expecting. It wasn't unbearable, but it wasn't great. Still the king of the Coney coasters, amazing laterals, decent airtime in spots.
  Did a few other flats (the DiskO, the super Air Race, the tower swing) as well. Got the money's worth out of the wristband at least. Oh, speaking of which, it's kinda dumb that those are timed for 4 hours from time of redemption...

Now, for Deno's. First off, I got to meet DJ (one of the owners) and he is the nicest person. Thank you again so much for meeting with me and my friend for a bit. I hope for all the best for you and the park this summer.

THE WONDER WHEEL -- Amazing. For as old as it is, it's an amazing experience. Loved the ride in the swinging cars.
PHOENIX -- How Vekoma crammed so much track into this plot is amazing. Smooth. Got 3 rides in. Back has some whippy bites. Front has spectacular views. DJ, congrats on having such a spectacular coaster (as I said in person, for it's size) and thank you for actively showing off so much of the process to the sub.
I also did the Spook-a-rama. I'm not a haunted house fan. I'm not a jumpscare fan. I did this anyway since I had heard about it. Never again. Not because it's a bad ride, but because I am a chicken and this was not something I enjoyed. Great to see the park keeping the oldest attractions running regardless.

Spook a Rama is one of those where I will absolutely rely on my YouTube experience for a trusted review. I also hate scary stuff and I would waste my money by riding with my eyes closed.
Anyway, it’s a success story. The original was found literally underwater after hurricane Sandy. The owners could have given up but instead went for an expensive and time-consuming renovation. The rooms were reinforced to withstand weather, they salvaged the stunts they could, purchased horrifying new stunts, and brought the decades-old Pretzel ride back to entertain future generations. It has all that is Coney Island stamped all over it and is a wonderful gift to fans.
But yeah, no thanks. I’ll hold the purses.

The dark ride I wish would somehow come back is the Coney Island Hysterical Society's Spookhouse, which was a ride-through art gallery for a couple of years in the '80s. My friend Richard was one of the artists who conceived it, basically because they had nothing better to do.

Is the new flume ride open yet? I haven't been down there yet this year.

And yes, having been on the Volare that used to be at Rye Playland, I've never felt the need to sample Luna Park's. Ye gods, what a torture device.

hambone:

Is the new flume ride open yet?

Saw it cycling, did not ride or check if it was open to public. Did not see the new coaster cycling either.

We'll be at Coney Island later this month, our first time. I know the 4-hour wristbands are $65 at Luna Park but you can also pay per ride. I can't find individual ride prices. Anyone have an idea on how much the Cyclone, Tickler, and Steeplechase cost per ride? I may also have to check out Spook-a-rama. This is the first I am hearing of it! Any first timer tips?

Mmmm, Nathan’s. And Wonder Wheel.
Don’t go to Coney expecting a theme park experience. It’s gritty, dirty, and a little smelly. Be sure to take the time to look all around, and walk up and down the world famous beach boardwalk. It’s an experience unlike any other.

The Cyclone was $10 last year, Thunderbolt was the same. I would guess the others are the same as well. The Phoenix at Deno's is also $10. There might be discounts if you buy a lot of credits at once.

In the past, the wristbands didn't always include the Cyclone, but the website does not indicate that now, so the policy may have changed. audi0c0aster1 could confirm.

The upside is, there are rarely long lines for anything, so you can probably do everything in the four hours without much problem.

I humbly submit that Paul's Daughter on the boardwalk has a superior hot dog to Nathan's, although there is some historical value to the Nathan's location. Also, I think Paul's Daughter does not offer relish (if that matters - I guess you could bring your own).

For a true Brooklyn experience, you could get pizza at L&B Spumoni Gardens, which is three or four subway stops away.

hambone:

The Cyclone was $10 last year, Thunderbolt was the same. I would guess the others are the same as well. The Phoenix at Deno's is also $10

Cyclone and Thunderbolt are both still 10 credits. Tickler and most of the flats were 8. Not remembering Steeplechase or Soarin' Eagle (but skip that one, seriously. It's that awful). Not sure about the new coaster or flume, but I'd assume 8 or 10 as well. Also if you do not buy the Luna Park wristbands in advance, the price jumps $10 at the park itself.

For Deno's you do need to buy your card separately but it is used for EVERYTHING there - rides, games, etc. And yes, the Wonder Wheel and Phoenix are 10 credits each. But you can load ONE card and use it for multiple people.

Hope this helps!

Luna Park's wristband is the way to go if you're planning to do anything more than a couple rides. It even includes things like Zenobio (booster) and slingshot (limited to one ride), which are upcharge rides elsewhere. But even if you aren't planning to do those it'll pay for itself pretty quickly compared to $10 per coaster ride.