The New Coney Island?

The other day I decided to take the 45 minute subway ride to Coney Island and check out the new Luna Park I keep seeing ads about. I have been to Coney Island many times because it's a short getaway to an ocean view, there's great people-watching and of course there's hot dogs! Although you do have to have an open mind when visiting because this is New York and not Cape Cod or the Caribbean. So the ocean is a murky brownish color, the sand is also brown/gray and the people are...well they're New Yorkers so you see quite a mix of cultures and styles. Then there's the rides. I wouldn't set foot on the rickety Cyclone roller coaster but I have chanced the Wonder Wheel and it was worth it.

Now, there's Luna Park, which is basically just more rides all smushed in a small area. There are some interesting ones there, such as the Brooklyn Flyer, which is about 100 foot high swings that spin around in a circle, or the Air Race which is inspired by aerial flying and spins around and upside down. But I'm bummed that two of my favorite activities are no longer there: the batting cages and mini-golf. Instead, there is just vacant space with signs up that say "For Lease." And where did all the arcade games go? Coney Island, you have some 'splaining to do.
One thing to look forward to though is the Mermaid Parade. This always draws an enormous crowd to the area and is, once again, quite a fun day of people-watching. It's happening again this Saturday, June 19 at 2pm. As it says on their site, "The Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, the sea, the salt air and the beginning of summer, as well as the history and mythology of Coney Island, Coney Island pride, and artistic self-expression." It can be fun for kids but watch out for the more-than-occasional boobie siting. People take the mermaid image for real.