NAPHA's Empire State Expedition

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NAPHA's Empire State Expedition

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to COVID-19, NAPHA has made the decision to postpone this event. Information regarding a rescheduled date will be shared when available.

Join us for three full days of history and fun, Friday May 22nd-Sunday, May 24th (Memorial Day weekend). We will visit the Wonder Wheel, celebrating 100 seasons; Luna Park, celebrating its 10 anniversary and commitment to the Cyclone and B&B Carousell; Coney Island History Project, recipient of our 2019 Heritage Fund Grant; Coney Island Museum, recipient of our 2018 Heritage Fund Grant; Playland Park, honoring the park for its historic rides and architecture; and Adventureland, Long Island’s family amusement park.

Morey's Piers logo

The Vourderis Family has been caring for the Wonder Wheel since 1983. Celebrating its 100th season, the Wonder Wheel is just one of many classic attactions in the park. Others include the 1950s Spook-a-Rama, vintage shooting gallery, and a beautiful collection of Mangels kiddie rides.

Playland's Castaway Cove logo

Celebrating 10 years, Luna Park has attractions older than the park itself. The B&B Carrousell has been galloping for 111 years and the world-famous 1927 Cyclone roller coaster is the sole survivor of dozens of wooden coasters that once operated at Coney Island.

Gillian's Wonderland logo

One of only two amusement parks to be listed as a National Historic Landmark, Playland was built in 1928 by Westchester County. This art deco park lovingly cares for the Derby Racer (one of only three left operating), the Old Mill, and the Dragon roller coaster.

Gillian's Wonderland logo

Adventureland has been Long Island's amusement park since 1962. This small family park offers something for everyone: the Mystery Mansion dark ride, Turbulence spinning coaster, and the new-for-2020 Sports Tower ride.

Friday, May 22:

Behind-the-scenes tour of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park

ERT on Luna Park's Thunderbolt

Plaque presentation and lunch at B&B Carousell

Grant presentation to Coney Island History Project, followed by guided tour of Coney Island

Visit to Coney Island Museum and remarks from Lisa Mangels, great-granddaughter of W.F. Mangels

Coney Island Circus Sideshow

Enjoy the rides of Luna Park & Deno's Wonder Wheel Park!

Saturday May 23:

Plaque presentation to Deno’s Wonder Wheel

Plaque presentation to Playland

Behind-the-scenes tour of Playland

Sunday, May 24

Visit to Adventureland

In addition, Ride Entertainment is offering rides on several of their locations throughout the city:

-Forest Park Carousel (Queens)

-SeaGlass Carousel (Manhattan)

-Pier 62 Carousel (Manhattan)

-Fantasy Forest Carousel & Corona Cobra coaster (Queens)

While there is no set meet up times at these attractions, attendees can simply show their event badge at each site for a complimentary ride at any time during Memorial Day weekend.

More information will be provided as details are finalized. This schedule is tentative and may change. For your planning purposes, we expect to begin at 10 a.m. on May 22nd and wrap up in the early afternoon of May 24th.

Lodging

Because of Memorial Day Weekend, we recommend securing lodging as soon as possible. NAPHA members can search for lodging at a discounted rate via TicketsatWork.com (information on accessing Tickets At Work can be found here).

Transportation & Parking

New York City has reliable transportation via the MTA (public transportation), Lyft, and Uber. Coney Island has paid parking lots as well as street parking. Parking at Playland will be available at a discounted rate. Parking is free at Adventureland.

Registration

Registration is expected to open in mid-March. Attendees will have the opportunity to register for all or portions of the event. Deadline for registration will be mid-May, for both online and mailed-in registrations.

We will need your help!

Help us spread the word:
Let your friends and famly know about this fun event! A Facebook page will be added soon. Members of other clubs and organizations are invited to attend this event as well!

Volunteer:
We are in need of volunteers for this event. If you’d like to be involved, please email jlitvik@napha.org. We are looking for help with the registration table, leading groups, and other fun roles! If you have any questions, please email or call 724-493-9766.

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Founded in 1978, the National Amusement Park Historical Association is an international organization dedicated to the preservation, documentation, and enjoyment of the amusement and theme park industry - past, present and future.