Coney Island, USA, New York: description, reviews

No matter how old we are, we still remain in our hearts as children, and this is especially evident when absolutely grown-up people come to full delight in such amusement parks as Coney Island Luna Park in New York. "Rabbit" island annually receives millions of Americans and tourists from around the world.

Coney Island: the land without a shadow

It is a former island, and now a peninsula, located in the most southern part of Brooklyn and popularly called rabbit. Its width is about 800 m, and the length is 6.4 km. Located on the oceanfront, the area has gained worldwide fame thanks to numerous beaches and amusement parks. However, not always everything was so cloudless. The peak of its popularity Coney Island survived in the 20s of the last century, and then for a long time was in oblivion.

The name "Land without Shadow" was then given to the island by indigenous tribes of Indians, who noted that it was always illuminated by the sun, and people did not cast shadows. According to beliefs, a man born in these places will live a long and happy life.

The peninsula became a popular holiday destination for New Yorkers since the 1830s, and the first carousel was installed in 1876. Up until the Second World War, it was the largest entertainment zone in the US.

Amusement parks

In the best of times all Brooklyn (New York), and not only, happily spent time in three amusement parks: "Luna", "Steeplechase" and "Dreamland", not counting other interesting places. Now only one of them functions.

"Steeplechase" has worked for 67 years (from 1987 to 1964). He pleased his visitors with races on mechanical horses or offered to stay on a rotating man. In 1941, an attraction of 80 meters in height was erected in the park, it was called a "parachute jump". To this day it is a landmark for the entire Coney Island and is visible from afar, and local call it "Eiffel Tower in Brooklyn" (pictured below, it is depicted during the night illumination).

Initially, the tower was used as a simulator for paratroopers, and later decided to make entertainment, not for the faint of heart. In difficult for such a place of entertainment, like Coney Island (New York), the park was closed, the dismantling of the building weighing 150 tons was valued at a tidy sum and decided to leave. Today Parachute Jump does not function, but performs only a decorative function.

"Dreamland" existed even less, from 1903 to 1911, the cause was a strong fire. His design was amazing and interesting, the channels of Venice, towers were reproduced, but still the greatest fame was brought by the show of freaks.

But the most magical and fantastic place on Coney Island was and remains the Luna Park. It was inaugurated in 1903, the towering minarets and unusual architecture for those times caused admiration and admiration. Thousands of multicolored light bulbs were lit here at dusk and this was at a time when electricity was new. The park was closed in 1944.

The most recent is the "Astrolland" (1962-2008) - this is the main entertainment place that Brooklyn (New York) had in the second half of the 20th century.

Luna Park today

Now on the site of the former "Astroland" renewed and opened "Dreamland" and the Luna Park. About the distant past of this place reminds only two attractions - the Cyclone and the Wheel of Miracles. Once the largest slides in America now no longer surprise anyone with their scale, but they are impressed by the special mood and spirit of the past. Young people call them a "walking train" for the adult generation. However, their uniqueness is not rapidity and steep turns, but in the design itself, the guides and booths are made of natural wood (photo below).

The forty-six-inch wheel continues to work since 1920 and is a true symbol of Coney Island (USA, New York). In 2011, for the first time in 80 years, new attractions were opened to attract interest and tourists. The renewed zone was called Scream Zone. In fact, it is independent, although it is included in the new Luna Park. Now a fan of thrills and extreme can gladly feel their nerves on the most modern attractions. There is everything: from the sweet swings and carousels for the smallest, family entertainment, games to the chilling mind of the installations. And, of course, there are numerous restaurants and cafes, including the one in which the world championship on eating hot dogs is held every year.

Ticket prices

In the distant past, the amusement park on Coney Island was considered almost the most budgetary vacation spot for townspeople. Much has changed since then. Tickets for entertainment will be cheaper on weekdays than on weekends. Try all the attractions in two ways: buy individual coupons for $ 1 each, or purchase a special bracelet that gives you the opportunity to ride without restrictions for 4 hours. Its price is $ 26 on weekdays, 30 on weekends. The cost of an individual attraction ranges from 1 to 7 coupons.

Aquarium of New York

Attractions - this is not the only attraction that can offer visitors to Coney Island. So, walking along the quay, you can slowly reach the aquarium of New York, which was moved here from the Battery Park. From the Atlantic Ocean it is separated by a sandy beach and a wooden promenade along the coastline. The aquarium includes several pavilions and a swimming pool in which circus performances with dolphins are held.

Reviews of tourists

Visitors to Coney Island (USA, New York) speak about it extremely positively. Someone calls it the place of the former glory of American attractions, others note a great historical significance, reminiscent of the landmarks of the development of the city.

Local residents and tourists recommend devoting this place not one hour, but at least half a day, and immerse themselves in this amazing atmosphere, especially since, according to them, everyone will find something to do for themselves: measured and solitary walks along the wooden pavement, sandy Beach, traditional roller coaster, delicious food.

Arriving in New York, be sure to check out Coney Island. The amusement park is not the only tourist place on it. Many inhabitants of the city consider the peninsula a landmark, it still feels the breath of antiquity and the past, it seems to be enveloped in a romantic halo. It is called a bit dated, but this is also the special charm of Coney Island.