About the Iconic Coney Island Luna Park

By Go City Expert

The famous Luna Park at Coney Island has resumed operations after its annual winter hiatus. The Luna Park has become an iconic New York City landmark, enjoyed by thousands of families every season. Its history is a little rocky but today it operates like a well-oiled machine.

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Post Card from Luna Park at Coney Island from 1912.[/caption]

The Luna Park was originally built in 1903 and was a part of the three amusement parks on the South-East Brooklyn peninsula named Coney Island. The other two were the Steeplechase Park and Dreamland, neither of which is in existence today. The original Luna Park was a New York City favorite and brought joy and amusement to locals and visitors alike during difficult times like World War I, the Great Depression of the 1920s and World War II. Most of the premises were caught in a fire in 1944 resulting in destruction of the majority of the park. The park never re-opened.

That is until 2010, after an initiative by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to rebuild the largely desolate Coney Island. The year 2010 gave way to the new Luna Park at Coney Island, an amusement park built on the premises of Astroland, another local amusement park operating from 1962 to 2008.

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Aerial photograph of Coney Island by Jeffrey Millstein (www.jeffreymilstein.com)[/caption]

Today, the Luna Park at Coney Island is home to many iconic rides and sites. Perhaps the most famous, the grand Cyclone roller coaster, is made out of wood and was originally opened in 1927. The track of the Cyclone is 1640 feet long and 85 feet tall at its highest point It was awarded National Landmark status in 1988. In 2016, the Cyclone got a fresh coat of paint and was refurbished to welcome the new season.

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Thunderbolt[/caption] [caption id="attachment_473" align="alignright" width="385"]

The Tickler[/caption]

[spacer height="20px"]Apart from the famous Cyclone, the Luna Park is home to other iconic rides such as The Tickler, a crazy, funny spinning roller coaster that doesn't take itself too seriously, the scary Thunderbolt roller coaster with a nausea-inducing free-fall drop, or the kid friendly Tea Party. There are dozens of other rides, carousels, human sling-shots, as well as shops, beaches and the original Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs shop.

The Luna Park is now officially open for the 2016 season and will operate every weekend until Memorial Day (May 30th, 2016), after which it will be open every day until September 2016. For more information about rides, history and hours of operation, visit the Luna Park website.

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New York Itinerary - 2 Days In New York

2 Days In New York Planning on spending two days in New York City, but not sure what to do? We've put together the perfect New York itinerary to help you with your trip planning. You'll get a real feel for the city, from cruises and tours to museums and the famous skyline. This itinerary will not only save you time, it’ll also save you money on your two days in New York. To make sure this itinerary works for you, we’ve included both walking and public transportation options to ensure you don't miss any of NYC’s highlights. This 2-day New York itinerary includes... Big Bus Hop on Hop off: 1-Day Classic Ticket Empire State Building Observatory Food On Foot Tours Madame Tussauds 9/11 Memorial & Museum Liberty Super Express Cruise Whitney Museum of American art Edge If you’re planning on spending more days in NYC or you’re taking a whistle-stop one-day trip, we’ve also put together a 1 day in New York, a 3 day in New York, a weekend in New York, and a full week in New York itinerary. DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus Hop on Hop off: 1-Day Classic Ticket Hop on and hop off this double-decker bus sightseeing tour to explore most of the city! You’ll be guided through New York’s sights and sounds with the help of an informative narrator. You won’t miss a thing! A few of the top sites you'll see include the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Madison Square Garden, and many more. You’ll get an excellent overview of the city's historical sites and landmarks while you hop on or off at any of the stops, making it an ideal option for you if you like a bit of flexibility. Stop #2: Empire State Building Observatory After seeing the Empire State building from the top of a bus, you’ll be eager to ride the elevator to the 86th floor and explore one of the most iconic buildings in all of New York. You’ll get the chance to snap plenty of Instagram-worthy pics 381 meters in the air, so don’t forget your camera! Aside from its spectacular views, the Empire State Building has a lot of historical significance. Its art deco décor is an appealing feature for architecture enthusiasts. Check out the 24-karat gold, aluminum leaf mural on the ceiling! We recommend you reserve at least two hours for this attraction. Keep in mind that elevator lines will add to your overall time spent at the attraction but you won’t regret it! Read all of our tips for visiting the Empire State Building before you go to make the most of your visit. Stop #3: Food On Foot Tours Work up an appetite? Experience New York’s diverse culture by tasting a vast array of cuisines on The Food on Foot Walking Tour. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the NYC neighborhoods, highlighting the best restaurants and food stops to explore. You won’t be left hungry as there are several different tours available. So don’t worry, there’ll be a tour that caters to everyone's food desires. If you do plan on heading out for a lunchtime bite, the Midtown Mix tour might be the right option for you as it’ll give you the chance to try multiple cuisines . Take a bite out of New York's streets. Stop #4: Madame Tussauds If you have time for one last stop... Make your day memorable with some iconic faces! Sip tea with the Royal Family, start an election with Joe Biden, save the world with Spiderman, or get a rare selfie with both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. If none of these take your fancy, there are plenty more celebrities and experiences you’ll love! Madame Tussauds is one of the top attractions in New York, combining both celeb-spotting opportunities and interactive experiences. These include: Suit Up with the Marvel Superheroes, Sit in the Oval Office, Join the Ghostbusters, Be a Tonight Show Guest, Star on Broadway, Face Off with King Kong, Walk the Runway. Make your friends jealous with a photo of you kissing your favorite celebrity. DAY 2 Stop #1: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Starting the day at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is an opportunity to avoid the crowds and pay your respects in silence. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum honors nearly 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others. Located in the footprint of the Twin Towers, the Memorial's twin reflecting pools are a must-see. With two enormous pools and trees surrounding them, it's a very moving place. A feeling of sadness is especially prevalent in the dark. Both North Pool and South Pool were constructed on the same spots as the twin towers, creating a place of solemn reflection and remembrance.These pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into the bronze panels edging the pools. It’s a place of deep emotion and great beauty. Stop #2: Liberty Super Express Cruise All aboard the big yellow boat! From Downtown New York City, it's the fastest way to see Lady Liberty! You’ll see New York’s skyline from all angles while zooming across the seas to the Statue of Liberty. You’ll experience the magic of Lady Liberty in all her glory in just 45 minutes. Millions of tourists visit her monument every day as it serves as a symbol of hope for all who are fortunate to see its magnificence. Feel the wind blow through your hair as you hear some of New York's most recognizable sights described in a brilliant guided narration. When you reach the majestic Lady Liberty, the boat will slow down for you to capture some memorable snaps while you get a detailed description of its history and significance. No trip to New York City is complete without visiting the famous landmark, and the cruise is the best way to get up close and personal. You can't beat the view from the water. But expect a new hair-do by the end of the super fast cruise! Stop #3: Whitney Museum of American art Do you have an eye for art? The artistic genius in you will love The Whitney Museum of American Art. The Museum is home to modern and contemporary art of the United States, storing artwork from living artists and notorious favorites. Lose yourself in the abstract strokes of O’Keeffe’s Music Pink and Blue No.2 (1918) piece. This is one of the many iconic artworks to explore from Whitney’s collection. You’ll be amazed by the collection which holds over 25,000 works, created by more than 3,700 American artists during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. You’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with upcoming artists, especially if you attend one of their exhibitions. The exhibitions often focus on socio-political and economic themes. The Museum’s flagship exhibition is the Biennial, which has been surveyed as the country’s leading recent developments in American art. Name the artist before anyone else can! Stop #4: Edge If you have time for one last stop... Take in the city views from the angled glass walls while sipping champagne in the sky to top off the perfect two-day trip. You’ll have perfect unobstructed 360-degree views of the sunset from the 100th floor. The 360-degree view includes the glass floor, where you can see the streets illuminated by the sun from beneath your feet. Not only will you be thrilled by the panoramic view, but also the design of the building. You’ll question the safety of the dramatic observation deck that extends out of the building. It’s a masterpiece of architecture. End your day on the Edge of New York City. It’s a sky-high experience! There are endless things to see and do in the Big Apple. From unparalleled viewing platforms to unique dining spots and entertainment options, it’s nearly impossible to take it all in in just one visit. Whatever you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed; rather, you’ll struggle to fit it all in. Make the best out of your travel experience with this helpful itinerary. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Evangeline Leeder
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Things To Do In Brooklyn for Tourists

Brooklyn has so much to offer tourists, from hip eateries to trendy galleries, world-class art museums to relaxing gardens. This NYC borough is known for its diverse neighborhoods and cutting-edge culture. Here, you'll truly find something for every traveler. In fact, there's so much to do, see, taste and experience in Brooklyn, that tourists may want to start with our list of top local activities and attractions, including... Brooklyn Botanic Garden Brooklyn Museum of Art Weeksville Heritage Center Jewish Children's Museum New York Transit Museum And more! Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. Brooklyn Botanic Garden The Brooklyn Botanic Garden makes it easy to get back to nature, even in the heart of the city! For over 100 years, this historic garden has delighted, inspired, and educated visitors with 52 acres of lush plant collections. Relax in the calm of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, travel back in time in the Shakespeare Garden, or learn about New York's wildflowers and woodlands in the Native Flora Garden. Even winter visitors can enjoy green foliage and colorful blossoms in the climate-controlled plant pavilions and greenhouses; there's even a plant-themed gallery for the art enthusiast. Admission: Brooklyn Botanic Garden tickets are included with the New York Pass. Brooklyn Museum of Art Calling all art lovers: you'll want to take your time exploring the Brooklyn Museum of Art. With five floors and more than 1.5 million pieces, this institution is the U.S.'s second-largest art museum. Displays cover thousands of years of human artistic endeavors, ranging from ancient Egyptian works to contemporary masterpieces. You'll find world-famous pieces by Rothko, O'Keefe, Rockwell, and more as well as special exhibits and displays. Admission: Brooklyn Museum of Art tickets are included with the New York Pass. Weeksville Heritage Center Travel back in time to the 19th century at the Weeksville Heritage Center. This interactive museum is located in one of the first free African-American communities in the country. Here, you'll find carefully preserved local history and learn about life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Explore this historic site, enjoy lunch at the cafe, attend a performance and experience day-to-day life from another era. Jewish Children's Museum If you're visiting Brooklyn with little ones, don't miss the Jewish Children's Museum. Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and special programming make learning about Jewish culture and history fun. You can join a craft workshop, climb on the 50,000-square-foot wire structure, and play in the museum's two state-of-the-art computer labs. Young tourists will love the mini-golf course on the museum's roof, as well as the game show studio and game gallery. Brooklyn Historical Society Delve into the borough's rich history at the Brooklyn Historical Society. This combination museum, library and educational center has been documenting the borough's history since it opened its doors in 1863; today, the Brooklyn Historical Society serves as community and civic center in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Located in a stunning landmark building, the Society offers exhibits, maps, manuscripts and photos, all related to 400 years of local history. New York Transit Museum New York City is home to the largest public transportation system in the U.S.; visitors to the New York Transit Museum can learn all about this amazing network. Housed in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, the museum provides visitors with an immersive, interactive experience. Learn about the long history of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as you explore how engineering, technology, and hard work transformed New York's transit system. The museum features a working platform level, vintage cars, city buses and exhibits that explore the past — and future — of transportation. Admission: New York Transit Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass. Liberty Helicopters See Brooklyn — and a lot more — from the air as you soar over the city with Liberty Helicopters. New York City's largest and most experienced helicopter fleet gives you a bird's-eye view as you soar above the city. With safety and security as the top priority, you can choose from two helicopter tour options. Get your camera ready, because these views are unparalleled! Tip: New York Pass holders can receive a 15% discount on their Big Apple or NY, NY Tours from Liberty Helicopters. Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn Brooklyn is known for its urban art, and graffiti/street art is a prime example of this creative, cultural phenomenon. On the Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn, you'll take to the streets of Bushwick to uncover works by some of the city's prominent local artists. Your experienced guide will provide both historical and sociological context for the many works you'll encounter on the tour. Expect a glimpse into the colorful, vibrant and creative world of street art. Admission: Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn tickets are included with the New York Pass. Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg No exploration of Brooklyn would be complete without exploring one of the borough's most famous neighborhoods, Williamsburg. As you stroll the streets of this artsy district, you'll find boutiques, galleries, eateries and lofts galore, a.k.a. the quintessential Brooklyn experience. Keep your eyes peeled for historical buildings and street art as your tour guide illuminates Williamsburg's development over the years, including the influx of "hipsters" and the effects of gentrification. Admission: Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg tickets are included with the New York Pass. Remember to Save on Admission As you can see, there's plenty of great attractions to visit in Brooklyn. Make the most of your trip by visiting more attractions and saving more money with the New York Pass. If you're a New York Pass holder, you can easily show your pass for free entry at over 90 attractions in New York City as opposed to paying admission at each venue. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
Go City Expert
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Things to Do in NYC in the Winter for Tourists

It may be cold outside, but you'll have a great time in New York City. In fact, winter is a great time to visit the Big Apple. Imagine seeing Central Park lightly dusted with freshly fallen snow. Or catching an event that only occurs a few times a year. Indeed, winter in New York City is a magical time to visit, and there are lots of things to see and do. Here are some of our favorites: The Museum Mile Restaurant Week Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum Fashion Week Madison Square Garden 9/11 Memorial and Museum New York Botanical Garden and more! Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. Experience world-class art along the Museum Mile The Upper East Side's bevy of art museums offers shelter from cold temperatures and a chance to see some of the finest artwork collections in the world. Along the Museum Mile you'll find world-renowned cultural institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Jewish Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, the Museum of African Art, the National Academy Museum, Neue Galerie, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum and El Museo del Barrio. Admission: Museum of the City of New York tickets, Guggenheim tickets, and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass; admission to the MET, the Jewish Museum, the Museum of African Art, the National Academy Museum and Neue Galerie is separately ticketed and not included with The New York Pass. Treat yourself during Restaurant Week Each winter, some 400 of New York City's finest restaurants offer three-course, prix-fixe menus that allow you to experience fine dining at a fraction of the cost. The Restaurant Week promotion is usually held in late January and early February. If you can't get to the city for Restaurant Week, you can get a taste of New York flavor with a Food on Foot tour. Visit iconic neighborhoods that specialize in specific cuisines and experience all the different flavors that make New York such a culinary delight! Admission: Guided Food on Foot Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. See Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum A tourist favorite, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum features likenesses of the biggest names in pop culture. Located in Times Square, the museum features more than 200 life-like wax figures. You'll find everyone from Marvel superheroes to Marilyn Monroe to Abraham Lincoln to Serena Williams. You should also plan to see Madame Tussaud's immersive exhibits like Kong: Skull Island, the Ghostbuster's: Dimension hyper-reality experience or the Fashion Experience where you can design clothing alongside Heidi Klum. Admission: Madame Tussauds tickets are included with the New York Pass. Explore a legendary venue in the Winter Some of the most notable sporting events and concerts take place right in New York City. As a result, the venues themselves are legendary in their own right. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Madison Square Garden that's hosted everything from boxing matches to presidential birthday parties. Get the scoop on what really happens backstage at Radio City Music Hall, or go behind the scenes at your favorite baseball team's home field during a tour of Yankee Stadium. Admission: Madison Square Garden Behind-the-Scenes Tour tickets, Radio City Music Hall Tour tickets, and Yankee Stadium Tour tickets are all included with The New York Pass. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum September 11, 2001 was a turning point in the United States. Located on the grounds of World Trade Center, the memorial and museum pays tribute to to the 2,983 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks. No visit to New York would be complete without a visit to the 15,000 square foot museum. You'll get to view the exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of this defining moment in American history. Admission: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass. Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour Jump on the Big Bus and let a knowledgeable tour guide show you around the city. If something sounds interesting, get off for further exploration. When you're done, you can catch the next bus and continue along the route. On colder days, you can grab a cup of hot cocoa and sit in the open air for a birds' eye view! Alternatively, you can also sit inside the heated cab on the lower level. Admission: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. See where your favorite show was filmed Many television shows and movies are filmed in the Big Apple, so check out some of the more iconic settings. A walking tour of Central Park will reveal many spots you'll recognize from films like Home Alone or Gossip Girl. Head right to the doorsteps of favorites like Seinfeld and How I Met Your Mother on a bus tour that travels north of Times Square. Admission: Guided When Harry Met Seinfeld Bus Tour tickets and Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. Get glamorous during Fashion Week Each February, New York City buzzes as high-end fashion designers show off their latest creations during Fashion Week. The clothes are great; the people watching is better! If you can't make it to a runway show, consider a walking tour that explains why New York has become the fashion capital of the world and get the inside scoop on your favorite designers' places to shop! Admission: Fashion Windows Walking Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. Please note: admission to Fashion Week shows are separately ticketed and not included with the New York Pass. Explore a botanical garden Yes, even in the winter, there's plenty to see and do at the city's botanical gardens. With interactive activities, learning experiences and one-of-a-kind treasures, the New York Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Botanic Garden are hot spots, even when it's cold outside. Admission: New York Botanical Garden tickets and Brooklyn Botanic Garden tickets are included with The New York Pass. Come aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum One of the most interesting museums in the city floats in Hudson River. Visitors can view the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, a WWII-era aircraft carrier that doubles as home to exhibits, educational programming and really cool aircraft and historic artifacts. The boat has also been home to several notable concerts since 1982 when it was moored at its current location. Admission: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass. Get lost in the American Museum of Natural History Where else can you see a Titanosaur other than the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side? With 2 million square feet of space, the museum is one of the largest in the world. The space is made up of 28 interconnected building featuring 28 exhibit halls, a library, and a planetarium. You can easily spend the day here! Admission: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with the New York Pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission If you're traveling to New York during the winter, then you may want to take some time to visit the wonderful indoor attractions in the city. You'll get a chance to view historic museums and tour iconic theaters throughout the boroughs. However, there's a lot of attractions to visit in New York so you'll want to stretch your dollar as much as possible. Purchase a New York Pass to save money on your trip and gain free entry to over 90 attractions in NYC. Click here for more information.
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