Coney Island’s Luna Park will join Deno’s in reopening next week, the park’s operator announced on April 2, following a yearlong closure spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is incredibly exciting to finally have Luna Park in Coney Island filled with guests and joy after a very challenging year,” said Alessandro Zamperla, president and CEO of Central Amusement International Inc.
Luna Park — which operates the Cyclone and Thunderbolt rollercoasters, some bumper cars, and the B&B carousel in addition to its namesake amusement park — will open all of its rides to thrill-seekers beginning at 11:30 am on Friday, April 9, according to owners.
Attendees can also enjoy six brand new kiddie rides that include swings, racing games, and coasters.
Like the neighboring Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, which announced its April 9 opening earlier this week, attendees are encouraged to make advanced reservations online. Amusement park enthusiasts can reserve spots for the Wonder Wheel and its surrounding park now, and can make reservations for Luna Park starting this weekend.
Both parks will be open on weekends only during the spring and fall seasons, and will be open daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.
The amusement parks’ reopening brings a sigh of relief to the boardwalk businesses and locals who depend on Coney Island’s seasonal economy. Without the parks’ openings last year, local unemployment soared to 30 percent and the peninsula lost $100 million in revenue and 2,000 jobs, according to a local business advocate.
To celebrate the reopening, Luna Park and Deno’s will ring in the new season with their respective celebrations. Deno’s will host its annual blessing of the rides, while Luna Park will throw its traditional egg cream christening of the Cyclone, which turns 94 this year, at the start of opening day.
To honor those who have sacrificed the most during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vourderis family, which owns the Wonder Wheel, will allow healthcare workers to ride the famous ferris wheel first, while the Zamperlas of Luna Park will donate 500 admission wristbands to local Brooklynites who work in hospitals.
“We are tremendously grateful for all of our frontline workers, the heroes who have saved countless lives and continue to help our community heal; for all of our team members who have been waiting since October 2019 to welcome back our guests; and for our community that is so vibrant and resilient,” said Zamperla.
