Amazing Amusement

If you’re in search of fantastic amusement parks, then surely you have Coney Island on your list. The Lenape Indians referred to Coney island as ‘the land without shadows.’ The island’s unique position keeps it in the sun all day, so there are no shadows. ‘Coney Island’ is the English version of the Dutch words, ‘Conyne Eylandt’. What was once an island (it is now a peninsula) is home to numerous games and rides, including the famous Cyclone roller coaster. During the time of 1880 to World War II, Coney Island was the largest amusement park the United States had to offer. Though Coney Island has lost some of its popularity after World War II, it came back to life when KeySpan Park opened.

In 1927, the famous Cyclone roller coaster was built, and today remains one of the oldest functioning wooden roller coasters in the United States. The Cyclone boasts an eighty-five foot drop at a sixty degree angle. Another attraction belonging to Coney Island is the Wonder Wheel. The ferris wheel opened in 1920, and can seat one hundred forty-four riders. To keep up with thrill-seekers, the ferris wheel has both cars that can rock back and forth and stationary cars.

Coney Island also has other things to enjoy along with the roller coasters. There are bumper cars and haunted houses, and also the Brighton Beach. The Riegelmann Boardwalk runs the length of the beach. Many of the attractions can be easily reached from the boardwalk, including the new York Aquarium. During the winter months, you can watch the Coney Island Polar Bear Club swim in the freezing water.