Ouch. Just, ouch. I wanted to go on the Cyclone and sit in the back row, because I usually love roller coasters, especially wooden ones. Bruises, bunged-up knees, whiplash, repeated terrifyingly crunchy sounds coming from one's spine - the Cyclone is less thrill ride and more masochist's playground. I guess all these Yelpers are closeted S&M fetishists. Me, I'm not too keen on paying $8 to spend two entire minutes wishing and hoping for the ride to just end already. Or death. Whichever. read more

Cyclone Coaster - Seriously, within hours of riding, wtf. Who would do this to themselves on purpose?! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great fun tourist attraction iconic Coney Island summer time is packed! Kid friendly for sure!

I have always wanted to go on this thing just because the history behind it. Today was the day. I figured "When will I have a chance to be at Coney Island again, and when will I have a chance to ride this thing?" Both answers are probably "Not in a long ass time....might as well cross this one off the bucket list." The good.................. - This thing is damn near a historical landmark. Its a one of a kind. Nothing else like it in the world with as much history behind it and its STILL operating after all these years. Hell..my mom remembers riding this thing as a kid and she is almost 70! - Big man friendly to a point. I am 6'2 290lbs and I fit in the seat (middle section of the ride, last car.......big dudes take note). - First drop was amazing! You get that fantastic feeling of your stomach/nuts going up in your body. A great feeling! The bad..................... - $8.00 to get on. Kind of steep for a 2-3 minute ride. The ugly..................... - The chick selling the tickets at the booth. I asked her if a guy like me would fit in the seats. Her reply, "I dont know". I ask her if the seats are tight. Her reply, "I dont know". You would think that if you work at the ride, you could at least give me some kind of clue. Not just "I dont know". Thats a half assed response IMO. - Besides the first drop, every other drop was damn near excruciating. I seriously felt like the discs in my back were going to slip out. It was a very horrible and rocky ride. Every drop and jerk I could feel my back tense up and hurt. I could not wait until it was over. Overall, I am very glad I rode this. I absolutely love roller coasters and this was one of the first ones ever built. It was an experience for sure. I would never do it again though. Its not worth the potential injury factor. If you do love roller coasters though, and are down near Coney Island, you must ride it....just once! Its a living, working piece of American history! read more

Oh God was this fun! I don't like getting on roller coasters, but this one blew me away! You have to ride, and you will not regret it. There isn't a line and the operations are super fast. Because it's an older coaster, it only runs with a buzz bar meaning you get some great airtime on the drops and bumps. The only downside is the price, which is $10 per rider per ride. read more

Oh hey, do you like it fast and rough? Wanna ride a piece of history? Are you fearless about getting beaten up by something older than your grandparents? Then get ready for the cyclone! At $9 a beating you can be sure you will scream and swirl your way through this historic rickity, clunkkity coaster. Protip: Unless both you and your riding buddy are 5'5 and tiny you might want the seat to your self because they are tiny you're gonna get your ass kicked. Enjoy. read more

REMEMBER, it HURTS to ride this coaster by yourself lol. I was so excited to ride it after all the documentaries I've watched about Coney Island. This was by far the best part of the day! read more

Nothing is as quite terrifying when you are in the front row of this legendary coaster and as you make your rickity way up the first hill than having people behind you talking about how every few months, workers need to retighten the screws of the wooden beast because they come loose. Whether that sh!t is true or not, it's still scares the living crap outta you and you wonder why the hell you stopped at Nathan's FIRST. It's a thrill ride - it's a symbol of summer - it's gonna be standing a lot longer than me, I'm pretty sure about that. read more

Just saw this... can't believe it made it to Yelp.. this is the rollercoaster of yesteryear.. still going in Coney Island. Wow.. As a kid it took quite a few trips here until I took the challenge. After that I was hooked. It is actually addictive... it is so good! Clank clank clank.. and then your up high..... and it really feels great to clunk clunk clunk straight down fast....saying to yourself... it sounds like it could break.. but what are the chances of it breaking with me on it now.... that is what we all likely ask at the top of the high point before it goes straight down and around amazing ride... Every person in NY should go on this ride a few times. Love it! read more

A living legend. Wooden coasters are my favorite type of coasters. I have been riding coasters since I was 4 so I think I know a good one when I see it. The cyclone is one of those. The carts are small, one adult per seat, but they are cushioned! The cushion comes in handy when you are being tossed all over the place, which is the best part of wooden coasters. The only thing I do not like about this is that it is $9 per ride, I wish it was still the olden days! The old feeling, being thrown from side to side around each turn, flying out of your seat when you go down the big hills, screaming with your hands up! Love me some cyclone! read more

Cyclone Coaster - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I'm kind of a roller coaster addict, so how could I not love the Cyclone? Even after all these rides of today that have loops and magnetic launches and ridiculously high and steep drops, the Cyclone is still a great thrill ride. The drops are steep. The wood is rickety. The cars shake you around. It's a great ride and well worth the cost. It's an absolute classic. One thing, the cars are really hard to get into, so just be warned about that if you're slightly larger than average. Or, rather, even just AVERAGE by today's standards. read more

Cyclone Coaster - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Of all my years of existence, I've only ridden the Cyclone once. Wood based operating since 1927, twister model emitting a height of 85 feet, 2,640 feet length at a speed of 60 MPH, verified by American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide (ACE). With my former love, a extreme avid coaster enthusiast fan, I remember it resonates as a head banger for its violent, aggressive eruptive due to its unstable and non-smooth ride prone to vomits and minor pokes. For an utter dismay $8.00 per ride, coaster enthusiasts at 54 inches in height requirement will endure the ride of their life as it is what every New Yorker's wildest adventure (at least once in a lifetime) which even I, a non-coaster enthusiast, have ridden on it. The legacy is impeccable for its significance to the roller coaster industry and a part of Astroland Park, sadly now no longer in existence, but declared a NYC landmark in 1988. Yes, it resonate loud creaks and squeals upon the wooden railings during turns and loops as part of its historic yet old school charm. With only a single lap bar to restraint bodies for only the daring, yet stupid fool, would disobey the safety bar. The three car train comes to a screeching halt squeal, like finger nails on a old fashion blackboard, at the end of the ride comes to a full stop. Thankfully, it does NOT endure upside down extreme hairpin turns. Due to the Cyclone's status as a New York City landmark it carries its own NYC green park signage, now currently owned by the NYC Parks Department. It is also the most highly coveted photographed coaster, I am NOT a coaster enthusiast, but I LOVE photographing this coaster be it near or far. I highly do NOT suggest riding the Cyclone after consuming any food, big or small. As per ACE, the Cyclone is the mecca of coasters, world's most famous roller coaster. "Cyclone has been often imitated but has never been truly duplicated. It's the granddaddy of all roller coasters." -- American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide (ACE) There is only one Cyclone. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-roller-coaster-in-america-opens read more

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What's not to love about a classic wooden roller coaster that's been around for over 100 years?! Sure, it's $9 to ride (and ever since Luna Parks took over operation, they no longer offer discounted re-rides), but this coaster is FEROCIOUS! There are plenty of very friendly ride attendants on hand, helping to quickly shuffle the line along, and there are complimentary lockers (on the loading platform itself) on hand for small handbags and stuff. My friends and I snagged some seats in the back, and there were definitely moments where not only were we lifted from our seats, but it felt like the entire car lifted up off the track! Is that safe? Probably not, but boy was it one hell of a ride! Do not...I repeat DO NOT leave Coney Island without taking a ride on the Cyclone! read more

Who wouldn't feel scared on an 80-year-old roller coaster? It's been through everything - The Great Depression, WWII, yes almost every historic event you can think of (and your birth does not count). And yet it still stands tall and proud. I mean, I know my 80-year-old grandfather is scared of it, even when he grew up with this thing. The Cyclone has certainly been through a lot, whether it's people bashing it of being unsafe or being paranoid about how 'ancient' it is, it 'might collapse any minute'. If it hasn't broken down in 80 years, why would it break right now? The cyclone is eternal, my friends. I love that we don't have to have those ridiculous floating suits on our shoulders or things that go up to your crotch. Just classy, ol' soft seats. Cyclone is so epic, my friend's clip fell off and hit my face before it flew all the way down. I've only been on this roller coaster twice in my lifetime but it's the best roller coaster I've been on, out of all the other ones at Six Flags, Adventureland, Dorney Park, whatever amusement park that tries to be more dominant than Cyclone = FAIL. Classic beats all. read more

Yes, this 100 plus year old wooden roller coaster in Coney Island is a precious landmark. That doesn't mean that I recommend taking a ride on it. First off, a single ride is $10! Ripoff! It's incredibly fast and the drops are very steep so if you're an adrenaline junky (I'm not), this is great for you. However, I do want to warn you of the horrible neck and back pain you'll feel later in the day. It's a rickety, jerky ride and you'll get a bit beaten up on it. Ride at your own risk. read more

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1927 Wood Roller Coaster Beach Side Boardwalk Classic Awesomeness That is all read more

If you like whiplash, bruised ribs, torn vocal cords, moist pants and bad dreams for a few nights... this is the one for you. Though it does feel good to realize that your still alive at the end. I hope to never be talked into doing this horrible thing again. read more

This past summer we took a trip to New York and decided that we needed to finally ride the famous Cyclone Coaster. When we arrived there was no longer which was great and we quickly were able to hop onto the ride. Once we boarded the cars we were a bit freaked out listening to them squeak as we made the first hill. Once we got to the top, we remembered why we got on the ride. The descent was insane and before we knew it, it was over. The old cars clanking on the wooden tracks was phenomenal and it made the whole experience perfect. In the end, we loved this ride and we thoroughly enjoyed riding such a historic landmark in NY as well as in New England. We hope that the next time we visit the are we are able to ride this coaster again! read more

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Hate coasters? Move on to another review! Because listen: The CYCLONE is a colossal GIANT in the world of coasters! Got fillings in your teeth? Be prepared for those to SHAKE out as you whip around recklessly, flung from side to side, praying to whatever God can you hear you and screaming expletives that would make a Jersey soccer mom BLUSH, because that my friends, is what this BEAST is! Safety doesn't feel paramount, but neither does your butt, which after this bone shaking adventure, feels almost nothing except exhilirated!! read more

Cyclone Coaster - MONSTER! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Best attraction in Coney Island for the last 83 years. Hands down, this is the ONLY ride you need to go on. read more

Cyclone Coaster - ANDO - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I took my brother and sister here back in 2009 while they were visiting. My brother (then 11) wanted to ride it. My sister refused as I freaked her out at 6 with the Tilt-A-Whirl. I didn't want to ride it. I mean c'mon, look at the thing. It's wooden and over 80 years old. Not a solid combination. However... I didn't want to get showed up my an 11 year old, or the 6 year old in line ahead of us, so I got in line even though every fiber of my being was screaming warning signs. As we're climbing to the top I am overcome with anxiety. Sweaty palms, upset stomach, I literally want to cry. So I did the only thing I could do - closed my eyes and screamed at my brother. And then we were falling. And I was screaming. And then we were whipping around a corner and I stole a peek and then immediately shut my eyes again. This is the scariest, most exhilarating ride I have ever been on. DON'T THINK ABOUT IT.... JUST DO IT! read more

Cyclone Coaster - Yup. I was that scared. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Went here for the first time in July 2011 and could not believe I had not come sooner. This little gem of American history has it going on! I am a freak for roller coasters and this is one of the originals. How can you NOT give this thing 5 stars?! It's a freaking wooden roller coaster that has you screaming, laughing, and wanting to ride it again! I will warn that the seats are very small and you become very close to whoever you ride with. It may be a little rickety but it is so fantastic. If you come to Coney Island and you do not get the guts to go on this then I shame on you. This is pure fun and exhilaration! read more

Cyclone Coaster - Thank god the seats are comfy. It's a bumpy ride - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The Cyclone is a New York City institution and deserves all its accolades. Its wooden structure and rickety feel give the coaster a psychological edge as part of your brain keeps wondering "Is this thing going to fall apart on me?!" The ride is super fun and that initial drop is pure awesome. Even the smaller turns and drops make you scream! It's currently $8 for a ride, but if you go right back on, it's only $5 for a second ride. I was too dizzy to do it afterwards, but I may try later in the summer! read more

If you're a wooden roller-coaster enthuisiast, this is for you. Rickety, looks like it'll fall apart at a blown wind (I saw it after Sandy and it looked a mess), shakey and thrilling, this coaster makes people want to vomit plenty (saw a few) and others just too scared to take it. It would be that group of screaming teens that look so thrilled... people with young kids clutch them closer and walk away from the line. And really... $8? Well... I guess a ride at Great Adventure is about the same if you don't get a Speed pass. read more

I first got on this sucker when I was like 12. Would've done it at 10 or 11 had I been tall enough - finally at 12 it was the summer where I didn't require platform sneakers to be tall enough to finally ride. Last time I rode this sucker was the weekend before Halloween (and before that slut, Hurricane Sandy) during their "Night of Horror" shenaniganz. This made it all the more creepier with all the cobwebs, costumed freaks and spooky noises blasting through the park. I'm pretty sure (not 100%, gotta go ask) that I may have popped my boyfriend's "Coney Island Cyclone" cherry. He held on tight, I let loose and flapped my arms in the air like a maniacal psychopath and cackled the whole ride through. Rickety, rough, unpredictable are all adjectives that can be applied to this sucker. The Cyclone is what you make of it and pretty much a different experience for everyone. Polarizing almost as when it's come up in conversations with people it's usually met with exclamatory phrases like, "Oh yay!" or "It's awesome!!!" or phrases of disgust or contempt such as, "I hate it! It's scary!" or "No way, it's totally going to fall apart!". I personally think that the rickety "going to fall apart" feeling is what makes this wooden roller coaster so innately charming and timeless. It doesn't need to go upside down or throw flashy lights at you to capture your attention, interest or make your heart pulsate and adrenaline go haywire! It's a classic, no frills coaster with a super rich history. In 1991 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1998 it was declared a New York City Landmark...which means I first hopped on before it was a city government recognized landmark - AWESOME. Coney Island/Luna Park and Astroland have undergone a lot of changes in the past 10-20 years, some good / some bad. Only one thing has ever stayed the same...that's The Cyclone (except in 1927 it only cost $.25 to ride, but I understand that operation/maintenance costs have skyrocketed and 8 "Luna Credits" (ie. $8.00) is still a reasonable price for 2-3 minutes of feeling like your heart is gonna burst and all your insides are gonna go in reverse...plus the face lift benefits, think of this as a $8.00 face lift that comes complete with a nice splash of rosy colored cheeks when you're all done ;-). After all they've been through with people wanting to tear things apart, build condos & developments and Hurricane Sandy wreaking havoc - they need our support more than ever. Go ride this sucker and let em' know they're appreciated. read more

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It's classic and deemed a NYC landmark . This Coney Island coaster ride is something you will not forget . I believe I literally got through the ride by screaming the entire time . It is rickity, and as others have mentioned whip-lashy , but Ho-LY... it is exactly the kind of thrill any coaster lover will enjoy . This ride is anything but smooth , and at times I wondered how I remained in my seat . Despite the rough and bumpy whip of a ride , I am glad I got to experience the thrill of this 90+ year old ride. I may just recommend you check with your doctor first ! :) read more

I went on the Cyclone strictly for nostalgic purposes and also wanted to disclose to my children one day of the horrible whiplash you received while on this ride. I must admit, this ride was a lot longer than what I bargained for, but we did take a picture while we were on the ride! All I have to say is make sure you go on this ride with someone who is close to you in size or else! My neck was sore for two weeks following this shabby ride. As far as wooden roller coaster go, I prefer the American Eagle at Six Flags in Illinois since you don't feel like it's a scene from Final Destination 2. I guess this sums it up... read more

I've been on a bunch of roller coasters. From Old rides like the Comet in upstate New York to the newest rides at Six Flags, and few compare to the Cyclone. Seriously. For a ride that has been around for 90 years, this ride still has a lot of life in it. It is probably the only New York State Landmark that will make you scream in excitement. It's an absolute must for anyone visiting Coney Island. I have just two complaints. One it that it is expensive now. $10 per person is nothing to sneeze at. The other is that the seats are very small. I'm a big guy, but at 6'2" I'm far from the tallest dude out there, yet still I was WEDGED into that seat. The biggest problem wasn't my weight; getting the lap bar down wasn't much of a struggle. It was the length. Ass-to-knees, I nearly didn't fit. Can't suck that in like you can with your stomach. Can't suck in HEIGHT. I mean I know we're way fatter than people were 90 years ago, but taller??? read more

You can't pass on this Coney Island attraction. The second oldest wooden ride in the country does not disappoint. The first drop is out of this world, especially considering that everything will shake... yes, not for the faint of heart! It's one of those experiences you really MUST try, no matter how long you've lived in the city. It's worth alone a trip to this neighborhood, which btw has lots of other cool stuff to see (and eat). Walk along the boardwalk, get a hotdog at Nathan's, enjoy the amusement park, or grab a bite in one of the outstanding Russian restaurants in Brighton Beach. You really can't go wrong coming here. It's Coney Island, after all!! read more

Fun ride!!! I've been on it maybe ten times already and I love it very much. The workers are nice too.

If anything below applies to you please ride the Cyclone Coaster. 1. I am so depressed and don't want to live. - After the ride you certainly want to live again b/c it was a near death experience. 2. I am so hyper I can't stop talking - After the ride you would be mute for a while b/c you were so scared and almost s$&*^&*. 3. I hate everybody - After the ride you will start to love again b/c God still loves you enough to let you live. 4. I am lazy - After the ride you will live your life fully and busy b/c there must be a reason why you are still alive. Maybe some God sent purpose awaiting for you. 5. I am not a spy - After the ride you will join A-Team or whatever since you've just accomplished a mission impossible. 6. I am a thief - After the ride you will turn yourself into police b/c you just had a hell of experience. Whatever the reason is, do not underestimate the Cyclone by the looks. The coaster is older than your grand parents (don't rely on my words - look at wikipedia or something - addendum: I did look at wikipedia, opened on June 26, 1927 charging 25 cents per ride, as of 2009, $8) but sturdy as Mr. Clean and shake you like construction jackhammer. All wooden and jumpy and shaky, I felt the entire time thinking I might die from a mechanical failure.... But I didn't. Thank God........................................... Let's do it again!! After a beeline to the restroom. read more

Five stars because it's one of the scariest roller coasters I've ever been on. Five stars because it's a New York Landmark and has been in operation since the 1920s. Five stars because in it's entire history, and despite being creaky eeky and freaky, only one person has actually, technically died from sustaining injuries on this coaster (in 2007). And five stars because of the new couch-like cushioning that means that bruises are only sustained on my elbows during a ride around. I was prepared for whiplash, I walked away suitably whipped into a happy frenzy of old time boardwalk exuberance. read more

You wake up one day and wondered what the hell happened the night before... No, this line isn't the drunken remnants from an alcohol induced night, though it certainly felt that way. Growing up, I was a frequenter of Six Flags, Rye Playland, and Astroland (which many of you now know as Luna Park...yes I know, I shed a tear when that happened too). The Parachute rides, Twirl A' Rides, and Swinging Boats. Nostalgic bliss. Remember playing Russian Roulette on the water-rapids rides on who would get wet? All of them have evolved or devolved over the years. But they all have rides that you remember (or try to forget); the ones that gave you your manly voice (or took it away). For me? That included the wooden rides. No matter how big or small the ride, wooden rides bring it each and every time. You always feel each turn, each rumble, each dip as it tests the limits of your spine. You always wonder, will I die today trying to get my latest thrillist-fix? Well, riding on a wooden ride will certainly make you feel that way--straight out of a Final Destination movie and all! From the bumps, creaky pulley's, and turns that make you feel like the car is about to fly off the track...you will not be disappointed. And neither will your adrenaline. Hot dogs and lemonade (2 in fact) are currently making their way through my digestive track. I go up on the Cyclone, ready to take a ride on the wooden wonder--one I've taken many times in my life. One where the very 1st time I went on as a kid with my cousin had me scared straight (she being totally calm during the ride did NOT make me feel better *sigh* ). Anyway back to my nightmare ahead...those creaking, slow moving pulley's...I know what's coming next. I can see the ground slowly come into view, I can feel the fear begin to rise. I've ridden this so many times, and yet I wonder again: WTF was I thinking?!?!?! Droooooooooop. My stomach mimicking each move; each embankment feeling deadlier than the last. The ride finishes. I say a little "Thank You God!" prayer for making it through another one. Then my ego kicks in: Who's your DADDY! Who's your DAAAAA-DY! I exclaim as I stumble my way out. P.S. Now excuse me while I try to find someplace to empty the contents of my stomach. P.P.S. Yes, I did scream like a little girl throughout the ride. #dontlaugh ============================= On a sad side-note: Like the bastard step-child of Astroland, it stands as one of the last original remnants of Coney Island. Father-time showing his hand; but unlike some of its riders, the Cyclone cannot be fixed with Botox and a quick trip to Cali. Facelifts anyone?! Turning back, I know this will likely be the last time I ride this bad-boy; a huzzah-type moment, where I acknowledge that my Russian Roulette playing days on these older wooden 'coasters are over. My bones will be thankful, but my heart/spirit will not. #glorydays read more

Damn, I wish I could upload a video and use it for my review. Why? Because if a picture is worth a thousand words, this video would be worth a few million, easily. The truth is that I actually did do a selfie style video shoot of this neck-breaking, wild ride with a few friends over the 4th Of July weekend. Evelyn honestly made the whole ride worth it for all of us and her binge drinking in order to build up the courage to get on would have made the saltiest of sailors proud. I think the price was around nine or ten bucks and you can really feel every twist and turn on this wooden beast. It feels more than a little dangerous, it's a lot uncomfortable and start running if you see a termite anywhere in the general vicinity. This 100 year old piece of roller coaster history has a whole lot in common with R. Kelly if you think about it... lots of bumps, grinds and has certainly had its fair share of pee-pee incidents. read more

If you want the full Coney Island experience, I can't stress enough the consumption of two jumbo dogs and extra large coke from Nathan's BEFORE you get strapped to the rails known to Brooklynites as "The ass whacker" ^Jaq S. is still picking Cyclone shrapnel out of mine (aRs). Unfortunately, there wasn't a freeze flash to capture her distorted coaster face - *picture Robert De Niro in all his Cape Fear iniquity. read more

Emily D. and I have been dreaming about riding the Cyclone together since the day we met. We were neighbors in San Francisco, and I was like, "You should come to NYC with me in August to ride the Cyclone." We came. We saw. We conquered. With $9 in hand, we bought our tickets. Well, after bullying the ticket girl for trying to tell some little girl that she was too short to go on when she clearly was not. Haha. As we boarded to coaster, my inner New York pride began to swell. I cried tears of joy because I was bonding with my city. Sometimes I wonder about my sanity. The coaster is around two minutes long, but it's a really fun ride. I've been to Cedar Point, Hershey, Six Flags, and this was one of my favorite coasters of all time. It's a little bumpy, but it really was not as bad as I had expected. I'd ride it again in a heartbeat. If you aren't petite, this coaster will be a tight fit. I'm 5'7" and my riding partner was under five feet, and we're both twig like. It was a tight fit for us, but we loved it all the same. read more

We did it!! Weeks before it's dismantling, we went and rode that living fossil of a rollercoaster; the ancestor of today's modern rides; the one, the only; CYCLONE! Ok, so at first glance it's not impressive at all; the proportions look boring; I've been in Busch Gardens, Islands of Adventure, Knott's Berry Farm.... so I thought this was going to be a cakewalk, but I was wrong. As soon as we descended on the first slope, my gut gave me the reason as to WHY they are tearing this down; like I said, this is a FOSSIL, an ancestor of the modern rollercoaster, and as such, it preserves the experimental naivete entailed in it's construction. The slopes and turns are not swift and easy, they are rough like nothing you've ever experienced; you can clearly feel the impact of physics and design in the perfection of the modern rollercoaster when you ride the Cyclone. This Jurassic ride will make you squeal a scream of death when you hear the rattling of the rails underneath you as if they were ready to crumble; an all-wood rollercoaster providing you instant access to an earlier era, you can literally feel what the kids in the 50's felt when riding this, and btw, you can decide to stay and do multiple rides if you so choose, no extra charge. Come and try it if you haven't already, soon enough the Cyclone will be gone and only his towering descendants will make tribute to your memories. read more

Cyclone Coaster - Amusement Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The old-school terrifying coaster. Let me preface by saying that I HATE ROLLERCOASTERS. I hate being on them, I have a fear of heights and I hate the feeling of falling. I still go on them because of the thrill and anxiety AFTER I get off. I feel like I conquered my fear and did what scared me the most. Anyway, I had never been to Coney Island and it was kind of raining and foggy in the morning. We came out here and were walking around. My friend insisted that we go on it, as it was actually open, and he literally dragged me into the line and made sure I got into the car. The next 3 minutes or so were sheer hell for me, as the ride progressed. Not only was I scared of the heights and the drops, I couldn't help but thinking that I'm on a wooden roller coaster, right by the ocean, and there's probably been a lot of erosion of the soil underneath and the wood's probably rotting and we're going to die and etc. Well I'm still here and writing about it, so I guess I survived. Amazing coaster, well worth the terror. read more

The Cyclone is an absolute treasure of a roller coaster. Yes, it's rickety and the ride can be a little bumpy but this thing was opened in 1927 and that's at least part of what makes it a great ride! Just for some context, The Cyclone is older than most people that are still alive. When it was opened, it was scandalous for women to wear skirts above the knees or listen to jazz music. This thing predates the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the births of the last 3 Presidents of the United States. Hell, you couldn't even legally buy booze in the US when this coaster was opened. You should know and understand this going in and you should expect a bumpy ride. But it's going to be one hell of a ride. As befitting it's age, the Cyclone is absolutely NOT made for large people. The restraints aren't adjustable at all -- it's a large padded bar that the attendants are going to shove down right onto your gut and lock in place. So, be forewarned that eating that extra hot dog at Nathans may make your ride a bit uncomfortable. Similarly, I'd imagine that the ultra skinny, hipster, tight jean wearing crowd are going to get tossed around a bit more because the restraint bar isn't going to come down quite far enough to really lock you in place. So, yeah, you may want to eat that extra hot dog, but be courteous enough to let it settle for a bit before riding. The launch mechanism is hilariously disconcerting. Most modern coasters have some 15 year old kid that presses a button to send you on your way. Not The Cyclone. The launch of this coaster is a guy standing on the opposite side from where you loaded operating a monstrous lever that looks like something out of an old Frankenstein movie. From there, it's a gravity assisted roll to the first hill. And that first hill! What a drop. From there, The Cyclone is legitimately one of the most impressive thrill rides you can experience. By today's standards, The Cyclone's footprint is laughably small but the designers of this ride packed in an awesome few minutes of drops and hairpin turns. The design absolutely holds up despite its age and is easily among the best wooden coasters I've ever experienced. The price has gone from $8 to $9 which is the one downside. But, for a single ride every once in a while, $9 isn't too bad. This is a functional piece of Americana, if coughing up $9 helps ensure it's there for another generation to ride, then so be it. read more

To be fair to my other coasters and consistent in awarding my stars, I have to judge the Cyclone on the same criteria and standards as the rest of my rides today. However, that may be a tad unfair as it's the grand-daddy of rides and although it was a record breaker at its birth, today, it's starting to show its age a bit. It's still fast but a rough ride these days. It rattles like all good woodies but a lot of lateral G forces with the sharp turns so brace yourself! However, no coaster fan should come to New York and not give this a ride if they can read more

I hadn't been on the Cyclone in many, many years before I hit it last May on a first date. In the years since my childhood, I became rather fond of rollercoasters. Perhaps it's because I'd grown accustomed to the smooth, computer-aided rides found in contemporary theme parks, but I was ill-prepared for what awaited me in Coney Island. I seriously crushed my balls. When I was a little kid, my father lost his glasses on the Cyclone, likely one of a million pair claimed by the great beast in the decades since it opened. All due respect to the old man's optometry bills, but I believe I suffered a far more horrifying fate. The good news is that my first date was otherwise fantastic and genital-agony-free, and my co-conspirator is now my amazing girlfriend. Hooray! read more