originally posted on 9/2/2022 1:59:00 AM
Photo: May Reinert. View full-sized image.
Long Island Coasterfest
On August 6, 2022, ACE New York City held its first Long Island Coasterfest at Adventureland located in East Farmingdale. A manageable group of 24 attendees from five states braved the extreme heat and humidity. The day started out at the main entrance
as Regional Rep May Reinert greeted every attendee personally. At 10:30 a.m., those registered for the event were escorted through the park for the first ride of ERT, Fireball. This coaster, supplied by Ride Engineers of Switzerland, is also
the newest coaster at Adventureland and is the first of its kind in North America. Stacked vertically, riders descend the zig-zag track, rocking as they make their way to the bottom.
After attendees rode Fireball, the next coaster to open for them was Turbulence, Adventureland’s spinning coaster from Mack Rides. After multiple rides, the group was then escorted to Mysterious Mansion, a suspended dark ride. Each attendee
enjoyed a ride and then had the freedom to explore the park, which opened at 11 a.m. Attendees hopped on other rides such as Rattlesnake Coaster from Zierer and both the kiddie log flume and the adult log flume (which opened later that day)
to beat the heat.
ACE New York City can’t wait to hold this event again next year.
— Anthony Ubinas, ACE New York City Assistant Regional Representative
Photo: May Reinert. View full-sized image.
Luna Park Fest X
What is the best way to beat the summer heat? How about a visit to one of the most famous amusement parks and ride on one of the most iconic roller coasters in the world. What’s even better than that? How about two parks! Enter the Luna Park Fest X, hosted
by ACE New York City with incredible events at both Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park.
On Sunday, August 7, 43 ACE members from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and two members all the way from the country of Chile lined up to ride the world famous 95-year-old Cyclone for 30 minutes of ERT. After
riding and gathering for a group photo, all attendees received an all-day wristband for Luna Park.
Luna Park is a Zamperla-owned park that opened in 2010 on the former location of Astroland. It is host to seven operating roller coasters, including Cyclone, Soarin’ Eagle,
Thunderbolt, The Tickler and Steeplechase. The last three were named after former coasters from Coney Island’s history. Not only does Luna Park host coasters, but it is also home to several classic Zamperla flat rides like Clockworkz,
Air Race, Disk’O, Endeavor and Slingshot — all of which were included with the wristband. Unfortunately, the newest coaster, Tony’s
Express, and super flume Leti’s Treasure, named after Zamperla family members, had yet to open.
Photo: May Reinert. View full-sized image.
At noon, ACE members met up at Salt N’ Sizzle where they were served a lunch of burgers, hotdogs and fries. At this time, they were given wristbands for Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. Gift bags from Deno’s, containing a T-shirt and multiple magnets
and pins, were given out to those who purchased them. Luna Park also provided free gift bags that included a beach towel and water bottle mister, which came in handy on a day that reached temperatures of 95 degrees. The towel came in handy if anyone
wanted to take a dip in the ocean located less than 100 feet from the park. During lunch, attendees were treated to an informative Q&A with Coney Island Photographer Jim McDonnell and Luna Park’s Maintenance Manager Jairo Meza.
After lunch, attendees met in front of the iconic 102-year-old, 150-foot-tall Wonder Wheel, where they met up with DJ (Deno) Vourderis, who is part of the family who owns Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. He graciously showed ACEers around Deno’s maintenance
area, discussing the great history of the park and his family before and after their ownership. After the tour, attendees met underneath Deno’s newest roller coaster, Phoenix, for another group photo with DJ and several other members of the
Vourderis family. Everyone then rushed to get several rides on Phoenix, Wonder Wheel and the dark ride, Spook-a-Rama.
Just around the corner from the Wonder Wheel was the Coney Island History Project Museum, where park guests can learn about the incredible 150-year history of Coney Island and view artifacts from the original parks.
This officially ended the events scheduled for the day, but many ACE members stayed late into the evening enjoying the all-day wristbands for both parks. Experiencing Coney Island at night is truly a sight to see. Every ride in both parks is brilliantly
lit with colorful chasing lights, making for beautiful photo ops, especially from atop the Wonder Wheel. Aside from rides, Coney Island is also famous for its food. After the event, ACEers enjoyed food from Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, Paul’s Daughter,
Ruby’s and the Brooklyn Brewery. Despite the heat, it was a great time for coaster and park enthusiasts alike.
— Brandon York
#ACENews