SilverArrow
Certified Ride Geek
Did not see this coming at all!
"Deno’s was never able to open in 2020 and celebrate the 100th anniversary of its famed Wonder Wheel. Nevertheless, the park’s owners are making their biggest investment ever with Phoenix, a suspended family thrill coaster. Why are they taking the risk?
“It’s an important time to rebuild,” says Deno “DJ” Vourderis, a third-generation member of the family that owns and operates the park. “We’re betting on the future of New York City and Coney Island.”
The historic amusement area, which played a critical role in the development of roller coasters, had about 30 thrill machines at its height. Nearly all of them closed as Coney Island suffered setbacks. The resilient seaside haven has been on the upswing lately, and coasters once again line the boardwalk. Phoenix will take its place alongside newer rides such as Thunderbolt as well as the classic Cyclone.
At 68 feet tall and a top speed of about 34 mph, the custom-designed coaster will occupy a sweet spot. It will deliver thrills, but it will be accessible to younger children and those who might be intimidated by bigger, faster rides. One element will be an extremely banked turn. “It’ll be about as upside down as you can go for a family coaster,” Vourderis says.
The name, Phoenix, represents the sensation of flight that the suspended coaster will deliver. Its trains will hang beneath the tracks, and passengers will soar through the course on floorless, ski lift-like cars with their feet dangling. But, according to Vourderis, the name also signifies rebirth.
“When this (pandemic) is all over, I think we will have another Roaring '20s,” he says. “We will most certainly rise from the ashes and give birth to the best of times at Coney Island.”"
Looks like a Vekoma.
Most-anticipated roller coasters of 2021 at Universal Orlando, on a Carnival cruise ship and more
Here are some of the most-anticipated roller coasters slated to open in the U.S. in 2021 – assuming the pandemic doesn't further derail plans.
eu.usatoday.com
"Deno’s was never able to open in 2020 and celebrate the 100th anniversary of its famed Wonder Wheel. Nevertheless, the park’s owners are making their biggest investment ever with Phoenix, a suspended family thrill coaster. Why are they taking the risk?
“It’s an important time to rebuild,” says Deno “DJ” Vourderis, a third-generation member of the family that owns and operates the park. “We’re betting on the future of New York City and Coney Island.”
The historic amusement area, which played a critical role in the development of roller coasters, had about 30 thrill machines at its height. Nearly all of them closed as Coney Island suffered setbacks. The resilient seaside haven has been on the upswing lately, and coasters once again line the boardwalk. Phoenix will take its place alongside newer rides such as Thunderbolt as well as the classic Cyclone.
At 68 feet tall and a top speed of about 34 mph, the custom-designed coaster will occupy a sweet spot. It will deliver thrills, but it will be accessible to younger children and those who might be intimidated by bigger, faster rides. One element will be an extremely banked turn. “It’ll be about as upside down as you can go for a family coaster,” Vourderis says.
The name, Phoenix, represents the sensation of flight that the suspended coaster will deliver. Its trains will hang beneath the tracks, and passengers will soar through the course on floorless, ski lift-like cars with their feet dangling. But, according to Vourderis, the name also signifies rebirth.
“When this (pandemic) is all over, I think we will have another Roaring '20s,” he says. “We will most certainly rise from the ashes and give birth to the best of times at Coney Island.”"
Looks like a Vekoma.
