Going To The Cyclone :-)

I Just recieved wonderful news yesterday. My father surprised me by telling me that me and him will be taking a "road trip" of sorts tomorrow to coney island, specifically, Astroland. Im very pleased about this, I really tend to have crappy summers, My parents are always at work, and im too young to get anywhere on my own (15) so this was awesome news. We live in VA, about an hour south of Dc, so this is a decent sized trip, but we should be back before too late. I was just wondering if there were some tips or things I should do while in astroland.....we are also going on the wonderwheel, which should be fun. So, if anyone has an info to share, id aprecciate (sp)? it.

Thanks,
Josh

Make sure you see the freak show!! It is only $5 and well worth it. Also The Wonder Wheel is a MUST!

1EJ

You could take the subway into NYC and then catch a train up to Rye if you have the time. Have fun!

Definitely grab an 'inside' gondola on the Wonder Wheel. And make sure you take at least one back-seat ride on the Cyclone. I rode in the front seat for my first ride, and it was quite fun; but it wasn't 'incredible' until I rode in the back seat.

Dante's Inferno is worth a ride if your into dark rides. Power Surge is a blast to ride. If you want to head out of the park for a bit, Juniors has the best cheesecake on the planet.

I would strongly recommend that you do the POP option at Astroland ($21.99 including the Cyclone). Being that Cyclone is $5 a ride ($4 for the reride option) - if you take 5 spins you get your money's worth - this will also give you the oportunity to ride Dante's Inferno, the log flume, Astroland's bumper cars - AND if you're a credit whore the Big Apple coaster - there are 2 ride sessions 12-6 - and 4 to 10 - (there are no POP on weekends and no second session on Friday) - If you're into flat rides be sure not to miss the Top Spin, Break Dance, Power Surge, and their evil tilt-a-whirl

In regards to the Wonder Wheel - the best deal is the 5 rides for 18 bucks ticket - (a ride on the Wonder Wheel is $5/per person - so you could also ride their Dragon coaster or take a spin on Spook-A-Rama (classic, but run-down, Pretzel dark ride).

Other things not to miss - if it's open the B&B Carousel - it's across the street on Surf Avenue and has a ring machine, and it's also quite fast - 2 other significant flats are their Zipper (the only in the country that will let you ride alone) and the classic Saturn 6 (often known as a Hurricane, but this is the original 1940's model).

In terms of food - obviously Nathan's, but their is a new soul food stand on Surf Ave called 'Kin Folks that's quite good.

Last but not least - bathrooms - there are new and very nice bathrooms on the boardwalk and the bathroom at Nathan's is also usually clean - PLUS these are all free - bathrooms at Astroland and WonderWheel are .25/per visit and leave a lot to be desired in terms of cleanliness.

Hope this helps and that you have a great time - Look forward to the trip report!

Best,

Jim 'jimvid' McDonnell

9 visits to Coney this year so far!

Does the Cyclone still operate daily all year, or are the hours the same as Astroland?

The Cylcone always opens on Palm Sunday weekend and operates every day from 12-4ish usually at least until the end of September but they often continue running the ride through October. Astroland doesn't open daily until Mid June through Labor Day.

If you're were planning on riding after Sept - I'd call and ask. I've never heard of them running it after October.

Jim 'jimvid' McDonnell

When I go I always park in the Aquarium lot. It's like $18 or so but it's off street parking and it includes 1 admission to the aquarium (which I never used). That way you don't have to feed the parking meters every hour or so.

The Top Spin in Astroland has to be the craziest one I ever rode! BEST RIDE PROGRAM EVER! The Breakdance is also crazy.

Back seat on the Cyclone is reserved for the truely hardcore coaster riders!

The ElDorado bumper cars are alot of fun too. $5 for the first ride buy you can stay on as long as you want for only a buck a ride. These are my second favorite bumper cars oly behind the ones at Knoebels. "Bump, Bump, Bump, Your Ass Off!"

Coney is a one of a kind place. Very cool. Probably one of the only parks where me Lord Gonch, and nasai would blend in! ;)

I thought pay toilets were outlawed? I remember that Dorney Park had them way back when (if memory serves me correctly). Anything to make a buck.

I can understand why they have them at Coney Island. All the people using the beach and just passing by not visiting the park. It's only a quarter heck some fast food places charge you that if you just want a cup of water and not soda. I figure your S.O.L. if you don't have a quarter.