originally posted on 8/20/2021
Photo: May Ubinas. View full-sized image.
Because of COVID-19, the parks in the New York City region never opened in 2020. For 2021, they opened late for a shortened season with restrictions for the pandemic, and then they were hit with staffing shortages. It didn’t look good for the usual events held in the region for this year.
But then a brand new Vekoma coaster called The Phoenix arrived at a family-owned park where the owners are definitely part of the ACE family; and the Vourderis family has been very good to ACE. Usually this park has been involved as an add-on to events held at its neighbor in Coney Island, as Deno’s only had a single kiddie coaster, Sea Serpent. With The Phoenix, and the also new Skyflyer, this park tripled its coaster count since the last Luna Park Fest.
Wanting to acknowledge this accomplishment, and to get an ERT on The Phoenix before other clubs, the region decided that, as soon as it was open, an event would be arranged focused just on Deno’s. Thus came Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park Appreciation Day.
Photo: May Ubinas. View full-sized image.
On July 25, a score of ACE members and guests basically filled the train of The Phoenix for more than 20 rides before park opening. As there had been a rain storm earlier in the morning, crowds were not expected, so the group had a good run of the park. Deno’s is small, with just six adult rides on the lower midway. This includes the mighty 101-year-old park namesake, Wonder Wheel. Attendees got plenty of rides on all, in addition to the two other coasters among the kiddie rides of the upper deck.
As rain was threatening for later, and with the knowledge of what that might do to operations of another famous ride nearby that was not part of the event — and at the urging of the host — many flocked a few blocks to grab rides on the Coney Island Cyclone.
The wristbands were good for several hours, so attendees dispersed to do as they wanted. Considering the culinary delights of Coney Island, no meal was planned. Many found their way to Nathan’s Famous.
The main star of the event was The Phoenix. This is one impressive Vekoma suspended family coaster. It has a tight layout, so it’s about whipping action and foot choppers. It truly is a lot of coaster in a small space and a good addition to America’s Playground, Coney Island.
— David Finkelstein, ACE New York City Regional Representative
@#$%&!
#ACENews