After years of decline it looks like Coney Island has finally found its place in the 21st century, and things seem to be moving full speed ahead into the future. Last year Luna Park joined the theme park offerings, and this summer looks to welcome a pair of brand new roller coasters. Sure they aren’t the extreme offerings at some of the country’s bigger parks, but these are the first new coasters to hit the boardwalk in more than 80 years.

Scream Zone is one of the area’s newest amusement park spots, and recently they introduced the new rides. Soarin' Eagle and Steeplechase were welcomed by coaster fans—including Mayor Bloomberg—last week. ]]> kjb 2011-04-26T09:13:14-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/4/27/8308/13969

Coney Island has never really been on our list of must-see theme parks, but things might be changing this year. Sure there’s no killer coaster, but there is a lot of history. Even more important than history is the fact that loads of cash has been invested into the rides and attractions at Luna Park, which looks to debut a new side of Coney Island on May 29.

Central Amusement International is bringing a brand new park to Coney Island for the 2010 season, and many of its rides and attractions will have an Italian touch. Zamperla Group is a major player within Central Amusement International and many of the rides that will eventually make their way to New York City are in Italy right now receiving their final coats of paint. The Mega Disko and Air Race are just two new attractions that need to ensure that they’re passports are current for their trip across the Atlantic next month. ]]> kjb 2010-04-27T08:35:12-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/18/171151/338

BBQs and fireworks are great, but for us the most thrilling part of the Fourth of July has always been the gluttonous spectacle that is the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island.

If you’ve ever watched grown men down 60 hot dogs in 10 minutes at this annual New York freakshow and thought “I wish this could be weirder,” this year you’re in luck. The 2009 contest will be preceded on July 3 by a hot dog bun eating contest, in which three professional eaters will take on three semi-professional eaters: elephants from the Ringling Brothers Circus. ]]> BS 2009-06-19T08:47:13-05:00 40.7440090 -73.999417 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/9/9/7439/08847

The rumors have been flying since last season, but this year it seems that the stories are true. Astroland, the theme park of New York City, closed down over the weekend. The New York Times reports that the park owners just couldn't get things worked out with the group that was funding the park this year.

The Albert family, owner of the park, sold the land to Thor Equities in 2006 for about $30 million, so this has all really just been a matter of time.]]> kjb 2008-09-09T16:15:25-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/8/27/17489/3138

Thousands of New Yorkers and visitors have flooded Coney Island this summer to get one last fix of the freakish festival, before many of the old-school attractions are knocked down to make way for newer, shinier rides next year. (Or maybe not, they can't seem to make up their minds about this thing.)

But one new Coney Island venue is already here, and we can say that this newcomer is definitely in the cheesy, lo-fi tradition that made Coney Island famous.]]> BS 2008-08-28T12:00:18-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2006/4/7/9407/73541

Here's this week's NewYorkology update from Amy Langfield:

Sure, it snowed in New York on Wednesday, yet still it's time for Opening Day at Coney Island. The once-fancy playground, now creepy seaside funhouse in transition, will kick off the season with the First Annual Coney Island USA Band Organ Rally, a mini-hot dog eating contest. The Cyclone roller coaster takes off for its first ride of the season at noon on Palm Sunday.

Perfectly timed for the occasion, Brooklyn Industries, known for making limited edition hipsterwear, has launched a Coney Island T-shirt design line this week.

Of course later this summer, the beach will be packed , as Nathan's will host the annual gorge fest on the Fourth of July. For the first time this year, Coney Island will host a pro beach volleyball tournament as well, in the dog days of August.

More travel headlines from New York this week:

A hotel package with an in-flight Carnegie Deli meal
Brookhaven heavy ion collider tour set for August
The view from historic Olana in Hudson River Valley
New Shea stadium to evoke Ebbets Field

[Image via sogaralnick/Flickr]
]]> AVB 2006-04-07T09:40:07-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/