Mark your calendars, Luna Park is set to open Memorial Day weekend of this year. Luna Park, a throwback to the original Luna Park that operated until 1944, will feature 19 new rides and will be operated by Central Amusement International LLC, an affiliate of Zamperla, Inc. They will of course have a Zamperla signature Mega Disk’O, one coaster and a new ride called “Air Race”. Luna Park will feature no entry fee and will be on a pay per ride basis; they will also offer an unlimited ride wristband. The new park will be located in the former Astroland footprint, which brings up an interesting point what happened to all of the old rides at Astroland? Well according to the NY Post Carol Albert, the former owner of Astroland and current operator of the Cyclone is planning on selling the 22 rides that she put in storage after Astroland closed and no deal could be reached to reopen. She is also updating the Cyclone sign with LEED-certified lights.(1) Currently Central Amusement International LLC (CAI) is leasing the property for 10 years from the city and with 4 more rides set to open in mid-2011 it looks like Coney Island is coming back in a big way.
On a side note, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be back this year with a show running from June through August and Schmaltz Brewing has a created a new beer to go with the new Luna Park called Luna Lager that is set to be released this summer.
Current Time Line:
March 28, 2010 (Opening Day) – Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park opens at 11:00 AM
Cyclone opens at 12 noon (first 100 riders ride FREE)
March 29th – April 6th – Cyclone is open daily (12 noon – closing)
April 7th – May 13th – Cyclone is open on weekends (12 noon – closing)
May 14th – Labor Day – Cyclone is open daily (12 noon – closing)
Memorial Day Weekend – Luna Park scheduled to open.
June – August – Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
June 19, 2010 – 2010 Mermaid Parade.
To stay updated on the latest happenings at Coney Island & Luna Park check out:
The official Luna Park blog – http://lunaparknyc.blogspot.com/
Coney Island on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/coneyislandfun
Twitter – http://twitter.com/ConeyIslandFun
Coney Island Development Corporation – http://www.thecidc.org/News/CIDCUpdates/021610.html
Coney Island Fun Guide – http://coneyislandfunguide.com/
Zamperla official release – http://www.zamperla.com/js/uploaded/news/PRESS-RELEASES/20100217/Official_release.pdf
Concept Images for Luna Park – http://www.nycedc.com/PressRoom/PressImages/Pages/PressImages.aspx
Schmaltz Brewing Official Site – http://www.shmaltzbrewing.com/CONEY/media/
(1) – http://www.nypost.com/p/cyclone_set_unlikely_roll_again_t1PIDIpou5kCx0etyc3dkK
