originally posted on 9/15/2023
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
For decades, ACE has hosted an annual Preservation Conference, which places an emphasis on roller coasters and parks that have a historical context that should be recognized. Any additional funds raised at the conference go directly to the ACE Preservation Fund.
This year’s event took place in New York and among the highlights was the opportunity to enjoy three wooden coasters from the 1920s. What a privilege! The attendees who rode them certainly felt they were something special.
Just because a park — and its coasters — have been around a long time doesn’t mean every ACE member has ridden them or visited the park. There were new or younger ACEers at the event so, as to be expected, first-timers were among the group.
Light rain greeted those arriving at the start of the conference at Playland.
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Photo: Jeff Snider. View full-sized image.
Light rain greeted the 190 attendees who registered for the event on Friday, August 25. Check-in at Playland Park in Rye had some people looking for overhead cover. It was dreary enough to impact the park’s schedule, which eventually changed ACE’s itinerary as well.
The morning ERT still happened, despite some sprinkles. Several rides were offered, but the huge draw was Kiddy Coaster, which opened at Playland in 1928. This elusive coaster credit is usually not available to adults, but being an ACE member has its advantages, as enthusiasts can snag a ride on the woodie at an ACE event — and it was a big goal for many.
Kiddy Coaster.
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Kiddy Coaster.
Photo: Bobby Nagy. View full-sized image.
Dragon Coaster.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Other historic rides were available during ERT as well. The Derby Racer (one of only three in the world and built in 1928) was speeding along, and Zombie Castle was providing its campy jump scares. Towering above everything was Dragon Coaster. Dating back to 1929, Dragon Coaster’s historic charm doesn’t come from white-knuckle thrills but an impressively long ride. At only 80 feet tall, the 3,400 feet of track seem to keep going and going. And who doesn’t love being swallowed into the Dragon’s mouth? Imposing as it may be, the ride is still very family friendly. Of note, one of the curves has track stacked four layers high. How many wooden coasters can claim that?
Photo: Leo Krasnahill. View full-sized image.
Most members knew the Super Flight Zamperla Volare coaster was down for the season — if not forever — but the park’s Crazy Mouse had an operational issue as well. As a courtesy, Playland opened Family Flyer, a junior coaster, to make up for it.
Once the park opened to the public, crowds were light, as expected. Attendees roamed to ride more of the park’s collection. Ye Olde Mill was a favorite, as was the park’s turbulent Whip.
Family Flyer.
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Ye Olde Mill was another historic touch to Playland.
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By the time the group photo was taken, the announcement that the park would be closing during ACE’s afternoon meal was made, but the park graciously agreed to open the two ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks, Kiddy Coaster and Dragon Coaster, for another hour following the meal — a bonus! Those who found it challenging to score a ride on Kiddy Coaster in the morning easily managed one later.
Playland’s Art Deco environment was nice to see, and many recalled the segment filmed for the movie “Big.” At the luncheon, members were pleased to hear the park was fully dedicated to keeping the facility in preserved and refurbished condition. Multi-year plans were in the works to ensure Playland was maintained.
Attendees were given a tour inside and underneath Dragon Coaster.
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The park’s Derby Racer is one of only three in the world.
Photo: Chris Strejlau. View full-sized image.
Before departing, attendees offered thanks to General Manager Jeffrey Davis and Adam Harvey in sales for all their courtesies. The rain wasn’t ideal, but it didn’t stop the fun at all.
General Manager Jeffrey Davis.
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Saturday morning saw more rain — what gives?! — but the inclement weather moved out as most people were arriving at Adventureland (Farmingdale), and ERT was a big success. In no time, blue skies and brilliant sunshine made for a wonderful day.
ERT was packed. Five rides divided attendees easily.
Many were intrigued to ride Fireball first. The only ride of its kind in the United States, the quirky ride from Ride Engineers Switzerland places riders back-to-back and stacks the track on a vertical plane. Placed to the side of the track, riders descend the layout with sudden drops and some fun swinging. It is different but not too daring. Everyone agreed it was an unusual kind of coaster experience.
Fireball.
Photo: Leo Krsnahill. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Mystery Mansion is a dark ride with suspended cars.
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The other options included the suspended dark ride, Mystery Mansion, and Antique Cars. Adventureland’s other two coasters were available too. Rattlesnake Coaster from Zierer was family fare, but Turbulence took many attendees by surprise. Built by Mack Rides, this spinner was supremely smooth and offered variable spinning, making one ride completely different from the next.
Rattlesnake.
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Turbulence.
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Adventureland didn’t have a suitable facility to do a group meal, so everyone was provided “Adventureland cash” to spend how and where they wanted.
The park offered a scavenger hunt and tours, so there were event perks to be had during the afternoon. The choice of tours included a history tour or a warehouse tour. Adventureland has a strong historical presence with the many pictures and signs throughout the park. Even the third history tour in the evening was full. Three winners were awarded a prize for the scavenger hunt. Many participated.
Two types of tours were offered; one was a history tour.
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A warehouse tour told more of the work behind the scenes.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Adventureland is owned by the Gentile family. All of Steve Gentile’s children are working at the park, and that’s always a strong sign to see such family interest. During ACE’s thank-you presentation, Park Owner Steve Gentile was there to accept ACE’s gift.
Park Owner Steve Gentile accepts a gift from ACE President Elizabeth Ringas.
Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.
While there were no historic woodies, Adventureland is still more than 60 years old, and it sees solid success. ACE is glad it is still around. Of all the parks among the co-hosts, Adventureland was probably the one that was least visited by most attendees. To see it busy and thriving was a good sign that it will be around for years and years.
Then there was Coney Island (Brooklyn) to cap it all off on Sunday. What a sensational day — perfect weather, iconic rides and two historic masterpieces.
Raffle winners got an inside look within Cyclone.
Photo: Jeremy Thompson. View full-sized image.
ERT on Cyclone is the perfect way to start the day.
Photo: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.
Prior to riding, 20 raffle winners got to go deep into Cyclone’s interior. They were thrilled with the opportunity. Other ACEers arrived early and rented bicycles for a morning ride along the boardwalk.
Things got off to a roaring start with the incredible Cyclone and Luna Park’s newest coaster, Tony’s Express. Cyclone is not only an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, but it was also declared a New York City Designated Landmark in 1988 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It was running like a champion! ACEers enjoyed numerous rides on the magnificent woodie, which opened at Coney Island in 1927.
Cyclone is an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark.
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Tony’s Express is Luna Park’s newest coaster.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Luna Park opened to the public at 11 a.m., but attendees were already enjoying more ride time at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park next door. New to most attendees was Phoenix, the suspended coaster from Vekoma that the park debuted in 2021. It was praised for its fun layout and incredibly smooth flight.
Phoenix.
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The Vourderis family pulled out all the stops making ACE feel welcome, even down to the kids making signs.
Photo: Chris Strejlau. View full-sized image.
The Vourderis family (the owners of Deno’s) had cupcakes and a bag filled with fun swag awaiting each attendee. The kindness even trickled down to signs made by Deno’s (DJ’s) children — adorable and heartwarming. The family had hidden “ACE” Easter eggs throughout the property, even inside the Spook-a-Rama.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Of course, the Wonder Wheel was part of ERT, and what a treasure it is. Iconic in every way, the Wonder Wheel was designated as a New York City Landmark in 1989. Built in 1920, its 100th anniversary celebration in 2020 was postponed owing to the global pandemic. Fortunately, it is thrilling the masses once again.
Photo: Leo Krasnahill. View full-sized image.
Grabbing a dog at Nathan’s had an authentic Coney feel to it.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Soarin’ Eagle.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Steeplechase.
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Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park offered attendees a shopping discount and a free Nathan’s hot dog and drink.
For first-time visitors, there were 11 coasters all along the boardwalk attractions, so there was much riding to do, even if some of the rides were for the smaller folks.
There was also time to explore all the curiosity and funkiness of Coney Island, but more food awaited in the early afternoon. Most attendees were expecting a slice of pizza, but Luna Park handed each attendee an entire pizza! Gathered inside the B&B Carousell building, attendees not only enjoyed their pie, but could also look over items for auction.
A spin on the B&B Carousell was made available to ACEers.
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Deno (DJ) Vourderis and Alessandro Zamperla.
Photo: Jeremy Thompson. View full-sized image.
ACE President Elizabeth Ringas and ACE Events Director Steve Berto presented two final gifts of appreciation to our weekend event hosts. Alessandro Zamperla of Luna Park and DJ Vourderis of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park were very spirited and grateful to receive them.
When Sunday’s auction closed, the event’s three auctions brought in $1,070. The raffle for the back-area Cyclone tour raised $332. A grand total of $1,402 was raised for the ACE Preservation Fund.
Auctions during the weekend raised money for the ACE Preservation Fund.
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The vaudeville Coney Island Circus Sideshow was a blast from the past.
Photo: Chris Strejlau. View full-sized image.
Although some people had travel obligations to return home, the ones who stayed had more fun yet to come. Thanks to Berto’s arrangements with the Coney Island Museum and Coney Island Circus Sideshow (all part of Coney Island USA), the group was divided into two. Some enjoyed perusing the numerous artifacts in the museum first, while others enjoyed a private showing of the appropriately bizarre sideshow. It all added to the historical flavor of all that is Coney Island. Adam Rinn, the artistic director, closed the facility between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., so it was exclusive to ACE. The performers down to the bartenders knew all about ACE!
The Coney Island Museum was packed with artifacts and historical footage.
Photo: Doug Perry. View full-sized image.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Attendees who chose to stay until nightfall really enjoyed the benefit of Luna Park’s generosity. Typically, wristbands are only valid for four hours, but Luna Park extended the access to ACE for the entire day — what a perk!! As the lights came on at night, many enthusiasts were still seen filling the Cyclone station.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
“Of all the preservation events, this one felt really special and the feedback I received from attendees was just ‘Wow!’” noted Berto. “We had a significant number of first-timers to these parks and they were blown away.”
Whether it was adding new credits to one’s list or developing a deeper appreciation for attractions that are historic, the ACE Preservation Conference made for a glorious event.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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