Luna Park/Scream Zone (NY) off-season PTR

[TombRaiderFTW]

Hey guys. I just flew back this afternoon from visiting a friend over my spring break. While we visited, we spent the weekend in New York City. It was my first time going there--I could go on and on about the place! (Fortunately for you, since this is a coaster site, I'll spare you. I'll just say this: avoid 14th St. and Union Square's subway station at dusk. We saw a guy carrying on a conversation with a fake head.)

One of my personal favorite highlights was getting to visit the original Coney Island. I've always had an interest in the place, but I've never had the opportunity to visit New York. If my good times with my friend weren't just as awesome, I'd be even more bummed about missing out on the coasters (namely, the Cyclone!) I never expected how unique an area the park's location is. Looking towards the Stillwell Ave./Coney Island subway station, it still feels very urban and a little rough. Face the other way, though, and the entire area becomes this scenic, classic boardwalk, complete with snack shacks and the prettiest boardwalk I've ever seen. Then there's the HUGE beach--I'd say its size rivals most of the Florida beaches I've been to--and an awesome skyline filled with various rides. It's needless to say that, should I get the opportunity to re-visit Luna Park/Coney Island when it's operating, I'll definitely be taking it.

But I digress... Onward to the pictures!

The first thing I noticed once we were off the subway. I've never had the (mis?)pleasure of riding a Zamperla Volare. This one looks very pretty, at least.

Continuing down Surf Avenue, you see the entrance to Luna Park. It's one of the most colorful things in New York, and I really liked the design!

The furthest Coney Island stretches down Surf Avenue is... (cue drumroll) The Cyclone! It's so photogenic, and it's such a classic. Too bad it was closed, because I would definitely have paid for a (somewhat chilly) ride or two. Oh well!

I mean, just look at it! Gah. I've never liked a coaster so much when I haven't even ridden it!

I was surprised that it appeared as tall as it did. For being 85 feet tall, the ride looked genuinely large. Might have been a perspective thing since everything around it is relatively short... but I'm not sure.

Just one more shot or two... The ride's just too photogenic. You can't help but take a picture.

I don't think you can tell from this picture, but I'm pretty sure there was some retracking going on at the bottom of the biggest drop in this picture. Based off of reviews of the ride, I'd say it's called for. Then again, I didn't look too closely, so take this with a grain of salt. If only I could ride... Le sigh...

...Guess I'll just have to settle for taking a picture in front of it like a good coaster nerd.

Once you walk all the way by the Cyclone and turn around, you can get a pretty good view into Luna Park. The most notable attractions from that view are...

Tickler, the Zamperla spinning mouse with a creepy sign, and...

Deno's Wonder Wheel. I thought it was interesting, too, that Luna Park apparently has multiple Zamperla "Surf Dog"-type rides. Must be a popular model?

The best pictures I could get without being repetitive were two panoramics of the area: one from the perspective of the above picture and one from the beach behind the park. In the one from the beach, you get a perspective of the new Scream Zone's location relative to Luna Park.

From the corner of the park:

I've got a few more shots to upload, but I've got to be off for tonight... I can't keep my eyes open! Hahaha. More pictures coming soon!

[The Interpreter]

Incredible pictures of a place I've come to adore over the years, and yet now so very different! Thanks so much...

And Cyclone is a truly awesome ride....I hope you get to ride it soon!