NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — New York City's newest roller coaster has a perfect name for a place emerging from the ashes of the pandemic.
"The Phoenix" made its debut Thursday at Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, the iconic waterfront attraction in Coney Island that is now owned by the family that has operated the Wonder Wheel for decades.
"We are an amusement park family committed to providing a safe family-friendly place for people of all ages to come together and share moments of joy after a long year where there were more reminders of what divides us than what unites us," third-generation co-owner DJ Vourderis said. "The rising and grand opening of The Phoenix family thrill roller coaster symbolizes that we all have much in common."
The 68-foot tall roller coaster offers breathtaking views of the Coney Island beach and boardwalk and reaches speeds of 34 miles per hour, with plenty of loops, dips and turns for thrillseekers.
The Wonder Wheel opened in 1920 after the last pandemic and now the Phoenix is opening a century later as the city emerges from the coronavirus crisis.
"Coney Island has survived fires and floods, and we will rise from this pandemic, too," said Councilmember Mark Treyger.
The amusement parks at Coney Island officially reopened for the 2021 season in April after more than a year of closures.
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