Let’s dive into the rides, attractions, layout, and prices of Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Parks on Coney Island, in Brooklyn New York! They may be home to world famous icons like the classic Cyclone roller coaster, but does that mean its worth a stop?
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Coney Island IS in New York City (Brooklyn, one of the boroughs that makes up NYC)
Honestly I think the way to fix this place's conundrum is to do something like what Bakken does. Bakken also has several different people owning their own sets of rides, but they all collaborate for a uniform system of wristbands, ride credits, and season passes.
I also honestly believe the place would benefit from having a combination of more ride owners with their own sections or batches of rides, kinda like in the old days, and a larger collaborative management for stuff like landscaping, wayfinding, and so on. Like I really feel like thats the best direction you could go in. Like its all bound by streets but theres no reason a higher order couldnt demand that these streets were made nicer for people as to ensure a safe and inviting atmosphere that would also attrack more people to come. A lot of Coney islands history was still with things looking nicer than they do today and more akin to stuff like Tivoli gardens.
there's a great scene in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel where the whole family gets into different cars on Deno's Wonder Wheel and they are arguing back and forth at the top of their lungs while the ride ride is going around. so funny. I bet it was a blast filming that scene
I went here in 2016, back when I wasn't an enthusiast. The cyclone was really good, I'd like to reride it to improve my analysis of it. I was absolutely shocked by one ride called Arctic Express or something like that, as it had incredibly loud music playing on. The sound was so loud that it was actually painful to just walk near the ride. I swear this is the loudest sound I've ever heard from speakers, even louder than concerts I've attended.
Went for the first time in April. I was prepared for the ridiculous pricing, but totally agree that it is way overpriced. That Haunted House dark ride gave me way more jump scares then I expected.
Did they change the wristband to timed or has it always been like that?? Lot of spinning rides and a pain to get there.
CI is an experience to see and feel but it is a dump to me! Too crowded and hot in the summer, fall is better. Way overpriced and honestly a majority of the people are just plain gross! Felt dirty after being there and on the boardwalk for a few hours. been there a couple of times and do not plan on returning. I'd rather go to the Russian delis down the street from CI.
Would have loved to visit the old Luna Park. It was like a proto Disneyland
im 30 years old and thought coney island closed down like a hundred years ago lol
I've been to Luna Park twice!
I mean… the thing about Coney Island is there are other things to do than just ride the rides all day. There’s the New York Aquarium, the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team, and, of course, the beach.
Someone can go swimming in the morning, hit Luna Park in the afternoon, and then spend the evening watching a ballgame.
I bike down to Coney Island from Queens a couple times a year to give the Cyclone and Thunderbolt a quick ride. Stupidly expensive, but at least feels like a reasonable reward after a 2 hour bike ride. Can even lock my bike right in front of the on ride photo vendor and leave my helmet with the platform attendant, not many other roller coasters are that convenient 🙂
I live in CI. It’s quirky, it’s fun, and yes it can be expensive if you don’t visit often.
But it has a draw that keeps people coming back for more.
As a local, agreed it’s not a great value…but nothing in NYC is! We go here with visitors for a beer, a Nathan’s hot dog and a ride on the Cyclone, Spook-a-Rama and Wonderwheel. I do wish there was a one-pass option…and the ability to pick your seat on Cyclone. Lots of history here…would be a great place for a dedicated amusement park museum. Recently it’s been in the news because a developer wants to put a casino down there…
4:52 There’s an identical pair of attractions at Adventureland!
This is CONEY ISLAND STILLWELL AVE. Transfer is available to the D, F, N & Q trains
There are people out there paying $20 for a slice of pizza and fries at SF parks. So, it's all relative to how you look at it. If $20 is worth it for pizza, then $70 for a day riding Cyclone and the other coasters at Coney is a bargain.
A few years ago the owner of Luna Park wanted to close it off and charge $89 for admission. There was huge backlash from New Yorkers not so much about the cost but about being able to just walk through like it's always been allowed.
Longtime Brooklyn resident here…thank you for loving on Phoenix! That thing is AWESOME & I could ride it all day. It’s thrilling for everyone & smooth as silk. Wonder Wheel is also an absolute MUST. Luna Park is garbage. Deno’s is historic & legendary. You will often find DJ Vourderis (who owns Deno’s) running Phoenix & he couldn’t be nicer & is also 🔥. For realz. Like 😳. Also highly recommend Ruby’s on the boardwalk for foodstuffs. Only other thing I wish you had mentioned is the Freak Show because it is SO iconic & unique & amazing & something you won’t see anywhere else. After 25 years of attending, I say skip Luna altogether, go all in on Deno’s, Phoenix, Cyclone & try to ride Wonder Wheel at dusk because there’s literally nothing like it in the world. I have literally cried at the top because it’s so beautiful up there. And a tip…the stationary cars on Wonder Wheel actually go higher than the swinging cars & the extra height is noticeable. I love seeing you two across the world but also very much appreciate the local/regional coverage. Please send me your friend who hates water rides for a weekend & I’ll make him a WW/Phoenix lover as well. 😘
Coney Island originals Luna Park was known for its beauty not for being a tacky place .This just kinda of shits on it
The city doesn't own the land (except the Cyclone), developer Thor Equities owns it. They are the reason Astroland closed as Thor Equities priced out the owners. And while we were all making memes about Cedar Fair and Six Flags, Luna Park got an expiration date that concerns me. Thor announced plans for "The Coney" casino, and all that was there was Thunderbolt, Deno's, and Cyclone. While the rooftop coasters on the casino look better than the coasters that would be lost from Luna under that plan, I am worried about what happens when Thor decides they need to expand.
Morey’s Piers review???
Thank you for always highlighting the guest experience Taylor. Super important above anything else! Great review!
I think Soarin' Eagle was re-located from Elitch Gardens. If it's not good enough for Elitch, you know it's bad.
Riding the Wonder Wheel is a transport in time. I highly recommend the moving cars, and it’s so nice to look to the side to see the ocean.
In my opinion, I believe this review doesn’t really do Coney Island/ Luna Park justice. As many other New Yorkers have mentioned, there are a wide variety of things to do in Coney besides the rides (the beach, the aquarium, concerts, the famous Nathan’s hotdogs). Plus the park is integrated with the neighborhood Coney Island is a part of
I’d give Coney a solid 7.5, you don’t just come for the rides. It is overpriced, but there’s a lot more here than what was said given what the park truly is
Visually, this place reminds me of the Kentucky State Fair. Its got a very rough, streetwise, temporary set-up kind of vibe, in a permanent establishment. I feel like this would add to the experience of the enjoyment for people like myself, who possibly have more experience with fairs, carnivals, and roadside attractions than we do at established theme parks. 🤘🤘🤘
Four hours is probably all I need to do what interests me in Luna Park, but I still think it might not be enough for others , so they should either extend the hours on a wristband or make it all day.
If you go to Silverwood or the PNW, take the time and also visit the PNE/Playland in Vancouver, CA. They have one of the oldest wooden coasters in North America. It is WONDERFUL. Not huge, not the tallest or fastest. Instead, it offers drops like no other modern coaster can. The angle of some of them were great. And it's great for anyone. Lots of airtime and adrenaline on that thing and it's well cared for. Anyway! Hope you do it at some point and share because no major channel has touched on that little beast. (Oh and don't ride the wooden coaster at Wild Waves.. it should probably be dismantled.)
That one overbank on Phoenix is very fun
Honestly Coney Island is fun for what it is. It's not supposed to be a coaster enthusiasts dream. You go to the beach and chill, ride a few rides, have some fun, get a drink, dance and maybe go to a game or aquarium. Tons of people go to it because it's fun. The park is trash yes, but it's very fun for what it is.
There really aren't too many other amusement parks around the world that are as integrated into a city's life as Luna Park, Denos, et al. The rides are just one component of a working neighborhood with a vast, complex history.
Thanks for the info. That comes in handy if I decide to visit Coney Island. I will get there if only for historical purposes
Perfect timing! I'm planning to go to Coney Island for my very first time next month. I wish you also reviewed the hot dog too tho 🤔🌭
I went 2 years ago. I recommend a Saturday afternoon, doing a 4-hour wristband, starting around noon. Lines are short, but Cyclone has enough riders to open up the back car, which is where you want to be. When there aren't enough riders, during slow times, they don't allow people to ride in that back car. I liked Cyclone, but I thought Thunderbolt was easily better. It was a good visit, but I can't see going again for quite awhile.
Deno would never partner with Luna park.
I’m sure I saw you at Thorpe park yesterday
I’m sorry about the rain yesterday at Thorpe, classic England
When it was Astroland it had an all day wristband and the cyclone was pay per ride, this wasn’t as bad as it sounds cause the ride opps would make you amazing re-ride deals. I’m sure they would pocket the cash but I’m a roller coaster junkie and getting 10 rides for $10 was amazing even 30-35 years ago. I’m old if you’re wondering. But their new pricing structure keeps me from my favorite carnival aka Coney Island.
Also absolutely love your reviews. All the parks you reviewed should pay you BIG MONEY
Coney Island isn't outside NYC. It's in NYC.
For a true coaster enthusiast it’s a Must have credit. True history. Watching the Cyclone’s hand brake is something else.