ThrillRide! Special Features

I'd say the big surprise of the day was the Cyclone's retracked first drop: GREATLY improved. Felt like brand new, and all the way up to the first turn, too, which made the jarring thereafter more impactful.

Here's a clear look at the new lumber. Golly, I did love it, and when they complete the years-long program of reworking the entire roadbed, The Cyclone is going to be so much more re-rideable than it is today, even in the back row, I'll wager.

A trip on The Cyclone with my hands up, from start to finish? That could happen again. Which would be super-freaking mega-awesome. And it will still be a major badass.

I think this remodeled pizza place was new, too? I don't recall seeing it two years ago. Regardless, looks spiffy! Onward to Luna Park.

These "main gates" are very tasty, even if only a simplified homage to the actual Luna Park decor of yore. We left before dark, as in 2010, and one of these days, I want to see the new Coney all lit up at night. I'll bet it rocks.

I only took one ride on The Tingler, Luna's spinning mouse, but it really went bananas. Me and the young teen in my car both gave it a huge thumbs-up.

Here's a fuzzy overhead shot, taken from the Brooklyn Flyer. A pretty standard layout, but when you're twirling around like a frog in a blender, it's a hoot.

Plain old Mice that don't spin sort of bore me now.