Coney Island

[wvjules]

for July 4th....nuts?

Trying to come up with something fantastic to do over July 4th weekend. DD isn't going to Europe with so I want to do something extra special. Was kind of thinking about Coney Island and NYC (we can't seem to stay away from NYC). Will it be a madhouse over that weekend?

 

[NY Disney fan]

for July 4th....nuts?

Will it be a madhouse over that weekend?

Yes especially since they are ramping up Coney Island this year and making it extra fabulous. The train will take you straight to Coney Island (The D train or the F train...take either one to the last stop.) DO NOT TAKE A CAR OR YOU WILL BE SORRY. Although it will be a madhouse, you will probably have the best time sitting on the beach with tons and tons of people who just want to have fun.

ETA: taking the train to the last stop will leave you right across the street from all the action.

 

[minniebeth]

Well, since everything crowded in our world gets the tag of "Coney Island" and the epitome of crowdedness is "like Coney Island on the 4th of July", I would say yes.

We get this from family who grew up spending summers in Coney Island. One day we need to take our kids there for real.

 

[fraggle551]

Absolutely. Heck, come out to the island and watch the Jones Beach fireworks! Thats still very crowded, but at least manageable. You can spend the day on the beach and then watch the fireworks at night.

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

DH is a cop in Brooklyn. You don't want to go there. Hold on to your valuables.

 

[Aisling]

Coney Island (the beach, the rides, the food vendors, everything) on the 4th is VERY crowded, no where to park, but the fireworks are great. Unless you have someone who lives in Brooklyn where you can take a break from the extreme crowds during the day, I wouldn't want to be there. Half a day, ok. I live in Brooklyn, so maybe I don't have the same excitement as others over Coney Island, but I agree it's something to experience. Make sure to go to the original Nathan's, oh yeah, the hot dog eating contest is that day, too. (We call them franks here lol).

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

I would go by subway. I can give you some advice about parking but will not post it here as I need it in the future. If you are driving and want the advice send me an email. Though on the fourth it moght not work.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I grew up going to Coney Island. It is not what it once was, it is very run down and just plain yucky. I go every couple of years, stop at Nathan's, go a couple of rides, etc., and always wonder why the heck do I come again.

What about Cape May? That might be nice.

 

[mamamary]

I grew up going to Coney Island. It is not what it once was, it is very run down and just plain yucky. I go every couple of years, stop at Nathan's, go a couple of rides, etc., and always wonder why the heck do I come again.

What about Cape May? That might be nice.

Ihave to agree. I grew up in Brooklyn (family still there). It is not what it once was although they are trying to revitalize some. We brought my kids there a few times for a few hours and I was very uncomfortable. Saw alot of arrests. I do love Nathans though

 

[Robmom]

Definitely take the train. Even on other days, parking is hard to find. And when you do find it, it isn't a very desirable street. I used to go a lot when I was a kid, but now I only go to the circus there, or if my DD had a dance performance at the baseball field.

 

[Aisling]

Definitely take the train. Even on other days, parking is hard to find. And when you do find it, it isn't a very desirable street. I used to go a lot when I was a kid, but now I only go to the circus there, or if my DD had a dance performance at the baseball field.

Hi Pauline! Wanna go to Coney Island and ride the Cyclone with me??

 

[wvjules]

I think we've decided against Coney Island for the weekend of the 4th. It is definately something we want to do in the future though.

We want a beach and also some recreation. DD and I are beach people. DBF is a get up and go guy so we need something for both of us.

We went to Ocean City and Virginia Beach last year so we don't want to go there again so soon. *sigh* Decisions, decisions....

 

[NY Disney fan]

I would recommned Coney Island but not July 4th. Go any other time in the summer. This summer is supposed to be great for Coney Island. Developers are supposed to re-do C.I. in the next several years so that it becomes a REAL destination and not what it is now.

 

[Robmom]

Hi Pauline! Wanna go to Coney Island and ride the Cyclone with me??

No way! Last year, I almost got on the ferris wheel. Thankfully Robin decided she didn't want to go on at the last minute. Those rides are sooooo old!

 

[kirbsam]

actually that is on my bucket list. to see joey chestnut go mano-a-mano against kobyashi for the hot dog eating championship of the world. it doesnt get any better than that baby...

 

[Forevryoung]

Absolutely. Heck, come out to the island and watch the Jones Beach fireworks! Thats still very crowded, but at least manageable. You can spend the day on the beach and then watch the fireworks at night.

I guess you didn't hear. Due to the state budget crisis they canceled the Jones Beach Fireworks

Stupid NY... let's help close the budget gap by not giving schools and parks any money

 

[5forDiz]

for July 4th....nuts?

Trying to come up with something fantastic to do over July 4th weekend. DD isn't going to Europe with so I want to do something extra special. Was kind of thinking about Coney Island and NYC (we can't seem to stay away from NYC). Will it be a madhouse over that weekend?

Lean away from Coney at least until revitalization is finished and definitely never on July 4. If you're looking for atmosphere that's Coney Island-like but better(much !) you can take NJ Transit bus or train to Point Pleasant Beach NJ; boardwalk area/amusements/arcades/small aquarium - just enough of everything and wide, clean beach. If I recall correctly they do 4th fireworks too.
Or southern NJ Wildwood/Cape May for couple of days, too far to just make a day trip from NYC.

From NYC also Jersey City-Hoboken/Liberty State Park/Liberty Science Center could be fun on July 4; depending upon where Macy's fireworks spectacular is being staged you may even want to consider getting a hotel in Jersey City ( Westin & Hyatt are beautiful properties on NJ side of Hudson ).



Best wishes on your planning.