Former Linebacker Dhani Jones Visits Luna Park

Dhani Jones and friends start their ride on The Cyclone Rollercoaster.

Dhani Jones visited Luna Park last weekend to ride the rides and film some footage for VH1's Big Morning Buzz. Jones took the time to talk to staff and guests before plunging down the world-famous Cyclone Rollercoaster and soaring upside down on the Air Race.

After traveling the park with his film crew and other hangers-on, we were able to convince him to ride the brand-new Boardwalk Flight at the Scream Zone. We won't tell if he screamed the whole time...

A former NFL linebacker, Dhani Jones played football for the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals. Jones is now somewhat of a TV personality - and a really nice guy. We hope to see him again soon!

Dhani Jones and a lucky staff member ride the Air Race.

Jones walks it off in his harness after riding Boardwalk Flight.

Anthony Bourdain Rides the Cyclone!

Anthony Bourdain prepares for ride #2!

Yesterday, a famous chef, writer and New York native zoomed around the track of The Cyclone Rollercoaster. Anthony Bourdain rode the iconic Cyclone roller-coaster as part of his Travel Channel TV show "No Reservations." Guests patiently lined up in the ride queue to watch him zip along the track.

The Cyclone is a different ride depending on where you sit - it'd be great to see what Mr. Bourdain would say about a ride in the middle...or even in the bumpy back!

Bourdain laughs with guests and park staff.

Luna Park thanks Anthony Bourdain for visiting us and trying out the Cyclone and for talking to our staff and guests. We're sure he made many Cyclone enthusiasts very happy yesterday!

There he goes!

*No gourmands were harmed during the writing of this blog post.

Memorial Day Weekend at Luna Park!

Crowded beach in front of The Cyclone Rollercoaster

Tons of people flocked to Coney Island for Memorial Day Weekend! Although it was a scorcher, the streets, the beaches, the subways and the amusement parks were jam-packed with smiling (and often sweaty!) faces.

The truly adventurous tried out the brand-new Boardwalk Flight. There is something special about a view of Coney Island while hurtling through the air at over 60mph! Cheering bystanders lined the boardwalk every time someone was launched into the air.

The new Coney Island Raceway was also a favorite. There is nothing like the wind in your face as you whip around the track like a race-car driver!

Tell us about YOUR favorite part of the Memorial Day Weekend at Coney Island!

LunaPic Contest Starts Today!

Dust off those camera lenses (or wipe the fingerprints from your smartphone)!

It's time for Luna Park's LunaPic Contest! Starting today, photographers and videographers alike can win big for showing off their love of Luna Park, Scream Zone and The Cyclone Rollercoaster. Our Facebook fans will choose their favorite pictures and videos. Two grand-prize winners will win four 4-hour, unlimited wristbands each and a bag chock full of Luna Park merchandise.

Prizes will be awarded for Best Close-Up, Best Overview Shot, Best Nighttime Shot, Most Artistic Photo, Best Daytime Video and Best Nighttime Video. Check out the official rules and regulations on the Luna Park website.



May the odds be ever in...well, you get the idea.

Bloomberg Opens Beaches, Totes Luna Park's Job Creation

This morning, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the opening of the city's beaches to a crowd of lifeguards, Naval personnel, journalists and locals on the Coney Island boardwalk. Bloomberg was joined by Marty Markowitz (Brooklyn Borough President), Seth Pinsky (President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation), Natalia Quintavalle (General Counsel of Italy in New York), Adrian Benepe (Commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation) and Alberto Zamperla (CEO of Central Amusement International).

Bloomberg started out by thanking the men and women of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines that are in New York City for Fleet Week. The mayor spoke favorably of the jobs that Luna Park, Scream Zone and The Cyclone Rollercoaster create every year (about 450 for the summer of 2012). Coney Island is in the midst of a huge revitalization, according to Bloomberg. He credits Deno's Wonder Wheel and The Cyclone for keeping Coney Island's magic alive when it started to go downhill years ago. For the past few years, amusement parks have been expanding, new restaurants have come to the area and business is booming.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz spoke fondly of Coney Island. The area has quirk, charm and a century-plus of history as a summer destination. Of the amusement parks in other areas of the country, Markowitz told the crowd to "fuhgettaboutit."

Kids from the Coney Island Generation Gap were suited up and ready to ride the Boardwalk Flight on its inaugural flight. Unfortunately, the threat of lightning kept them from flying across the boardwalk. After the threat lifted, some of the kids were able to take a swing in the harness as reporters took pictures.

The Coney Island Raceway and Boardwalk Flight will open to the public this Saturday, May 26 for Memorial Day Weekend. See you there!