Opening Weekend at Coney Island (Updated)

Updated:

Here’s the breakdown for  Opening Weekend, 2016 and beyond via The Alliance for Coney Island.
Coney Island, March 26, 2016 (note the change of date) – With unseasonably warm Spring-like temperatures in mid-March, the one and only Coney Island will open for the season this weekend as the district gears up for another season of fun with a sprinkle of hot dogs, fireworks, baseball, sea animals and mermaids on the side.

“The Alliance for Coney Island is extremely excited for the start of spring and the opening of the Amusement District. 2016 promises to be a record-breaking year for Coney Island with even more attractions, eateries, and venues to boast. We have many new events and initiatives debuting this year, including the Coney Card, which will offer visitors discounts to their favorite attractions and concessions,” said Johanna Zaki, Executive Director at the Alliance for Coney Island.

“Coney Island is the world’s greatest playground and a uniquely American experience, one generations of people from all over the world flock to each year. I am thankful to the Alliance for Coney Island and all involved who have made it such an important part of Americana,” said Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

The festivities start at 11am this Saturday, March 26th as the Amusement District officially kicks off the season at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park with the “Blessing of the Rides,” a family tradition that includes a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by park owners Dennis and Steve Vourderis. After the “Blessing of the Rides,” to mark the 96th Anniversary of the Wonder Wheel, the first 96 guests in line for the Wonder Wheel will be able to ride the historic Wheel for free. “We are delighted to be celebrating the 96th opening of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park this year with our traditional Blessing of the Rides Ceremony to honor local community leader Pastor Debbe Santiago who passed away this winter. Debbe’s spirit will always be with Coney Island. This year promises to be terrific with all the new attractions, and visitors. We look forward to seeing everyone on the Boardwalk and for visitors to enjoy the best view in Coney Island from high atop the NYC Landmark Deno’s Wonder Wheel,” said Dennis Vourderis, Owner of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.

At 11:45am, opening day festivities continue with a speaking program at the newly refurbished Coney Island Cyclone that will include remarks from local elected officials. At Noon the Annual Egg Cream Christening of the Coney Island Cyclone will be presided over by Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “We are excited to celebrate Luna Park’s 2016 season,” said Valerio Ferrari, President of Central Amusement International and Zamperla USA. “We’re proud to launch our exclusive Platinum Wristband for guests to experience the high thrill attractions at Luna Park.” The Platinum Wristband will allow visitors to experience some of Luna Park’s most thrilling rides at a discounted rate. With the purchase of a $70 wristband, visitors can experience each ride once or choose their favorite ride up to five times, a deal valued at $140. Immediately following the ceremony, the Coney Island Cyclone will open with free rides for the first 100 guests in line.

Luna Park will be opening this Friday, March 26th 12pm-6pm.

The Amusements will open on weekends through Memorial Day, and will be open every day during Spring Break April 23rd to May 1st.

“For generations, Coney Island has been a destination for recreation, where families from Brooklyn and beyond visit to enjoy carnival games, amusement rides, the boardwalk, and the beach. I am excited to join the Alliance for Coney Island in celebrating the season opening of this unique institution that has become an international symbol of Brooklyn at play,” said Eric L. Adams, Brooklyn Borough President.

“Coney Island is the quintessential New York summer destination. Between the beautiful beach and Boardwalk, thrilling rides, our beloved Nathan’s Famous, crowd-pleasing events like the Hot Dog Eating competition or the Mermaid Parade, the visuals of the Aquarium, the celebration of our national pastime with the Brooklyn Cyclones, a deluge of delectable eateries, and so much more, Coney Island has something for everyone. I could not be prouder to once again help usher in another spectacular summer season at the People’s Playground, and I would like to thank the Alliance for Coney Island for again working towards the betterment of this historic community. I also appreciate the NYPD and NYC Parks committing to provide more officers in the area, ensuring that this summer at Coney Island will be as safe as it is enjoyable,” said Council Member Mark Treyger.

Senator Diane J. Savino said, “I would like to wish the Alliance for Coney Island a very successful season opener. This marks an exciting time not only for Brooklyn residents but all New Yorkers for we know when Coney Island opens, summer is upon us and what a great feeling that is. As the weather gets warmer, I want everyone to make sure they come out this season to enjoy the many upcoming events and please remember to support the local businesses that make Coney Island the great place it is.”

“It’s that time of year again – time to enjoy all the fun and excitement Coney Island has to offer. And as we mark the start of a new season to spend here with friends and family making new memories, let’s also use this opportunity to remember a great leader our community recently lost – Pastor Debbie Santiago,” said Assembly Member Pamela Harris. “She was a ray of light who touched the lives of countless individuals with her compassion and faith. She will be greatly missed as we celebrate the 32nd Annual Blessing of the Rides, but I also know how much she adored Coney Island. So let’s appreciate all the great attractions, food and company in her honor!”

“Coney Island continues to get better every year, attracting record numbers to its beaches and amusements,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Maria Torres-Springer. “Our ongoing infrastructure improvements and continued commitment to bolstering the neighborhood’s amenities ensure that this community will continue to thrive for generations to come.”‎

“The beloved Coney Island Amusement District has always brought so much joy to Brooklyn and its visitors, and 2016 will be no exception,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “With so much to eat, see and do for people of all ages, this beachside haven remains a true destination for fun. We look forward to another blast of a season, bringing New Yorkers together and celebrating all of the wonderful things Coney Island has to offer.”

“We are excited about this year’s opening of the world-famous amusement district here in Coney Island,” said Jon Forrest Dohlin, WCS Vice President and Director of the New York Aquarium, and Chair of the Alliance for Coney Island. “A visit to the New York Aquarium to see sea lions, otters and other amazing animals, followed by food and fun at many of the neighborhood’s local establishments, is a great way to spend a beachside day this season.”

 

Opening Day celebrations continue with walking tours of the historic amusement district by Coney Island Tours. Coney Island Tours was rated in the TOP 10 Tours in all of NYC by NYC & Co. and tours can be booked directly at Coneytours@gmail.com.

Joining the famed attractions will be the popular and beloved concessions along Coney Island’s historic boardwalk. Opening this weekend on the boardwalk are Paul’s Daughter, Coney’s Cones, La Famiglia Pizzeria, Nathan’s Famous, Brooklyn Beach Shop, Lola Star, Ruby’s Bar & Grill, Tom’s Restaurant and Place to Beach. Each concession will offer tasty food and treats along with Coney Island mementos.

The Brooklyn Cyclones throw their first home pitch of the 2016 season on June 17th against the Staten Island Yankees at 7:00pm. Single game tickets for the 2016 Cyclones season will go on sale Saturday, April 30th.

At New York Aquarium visitors can see hundreds of beautiful, exotic fish, black-footed penguins and playful marine mammals such as sea otters, harbor seals and Pacific walruses.

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Nathan’s Famous will be celebrating their centennial at their original Coney Island store this year with various celebratory events planned throughout the year. At the time of this release, there is approximately 110 days until the world-famous Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

Applebee’s Grill & Bar, Gargiulo’s Restaurant, Grimaldi’s, Totonno’s, IT’SUGAR are all open for business and ready to feed Coney Island enthusiasts.

Memorial Day Weekend, the famed Coney Island Beach will be open to the public for fun in the sun.

To plan a trip to Coney Island and stay up-to-date on all Coney happenings, make sure to visit ConeyIslandFunGuide.com, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @ConeyIslandFun.