"DROP & TWIST" RIDE For all the years that I've lived on Long Island, I'm ashamed to say that this past month was my first visit to Adventureland. Located in Farmingdale, on Route 110, this quaint, amusement park has been around for over fifty years and well worth a visit. The 2014 Summer season officially began on June 25th, but I decided to schedule an outing with my daughters and two nephews the day prior, which proved to be a smart idea. Since most kids were still in school, the park was conveniently empty, and lines were virtually nonexistent. It was clear sailing from ride to ride, making for a jam-packed day of attractions, good eats and memorable fun.
The family thought I was a bit "adventurous" (more like crazy) for venturing to an amusement park alone with four kids. I have to say, I had a blast with the kids and was thrilled to be Adventureland first timers with my daughters. We all started the day with our swimsuits, sunscreen, towels and munchies and hit the road at 11AM. It was a breeze getting there via the Southern State Parkway and the kids' excitement was palpable when they first spotted the Ferris Wheel as we made our approach on Route 110. What I totally loved was the size of the parking lot - it was small, with easy access to both the park entrance and the exit, which meant, no long traffic lines at the end of a long day. (I know, it doesn't take much to please me but exiting these places is usually a nightmare). I had a coupon for $2.00 off each ticket from my 2014 Entertainment Booklet, and my kids know how much a good coupon gets my day started on the right foot. I cannot comment on how Adventureland is during peak Summer season, but the experience I had on this particular day, proved positive in every way. From purchasing tickets, to entering the park, to going on rides, and eating at the snack stands, it couldn't have been more quick and easy.
The family thought I was a bit "adventurous" (more like crazy) for venturing to an amusement park alone with four kids. I have to say, I had a blast with the kids and was thrilled to be Adventureland first timers with my daughters. We all started the day with our swimsuits, sunscreen, towels and munchies and hit the road at 11AM. It was a breeze getting there via the Southern State Parkway and the kids' excitement was palpable when they first spotted the Ferris Wheel as we made our approach on Route 110. What I totally loved was the size of the parking lot - it was small, with easy access to both the park entrance and the exit, which meant, no long traffic lines at the end of a long day. (I know, it doesn't take much to please me but exiting these places is usually a nightmare). I had a coupon for $2.00 off each ticket from my 2014 Entertainment Booklet, and my kids know how much a good coupon gets my day started on the right foot. I cannot comment on how Adventureland is during peak Summer season, but the experience I had on this particular day, proved positive in every way. From purchasing tickets, to entering the park, to going on rides, and eating at the snack stands, it couldn't have been more quick and easy.
VIEW FROM THE FERRIS WHEEL
As soon as we got past the entrance, it was as if all four kids were on a sudden sugar rush, turning their heads in all directions, yelling out rides they wanted to go on, jumping up and down. I grounded them by focusing their attention on the map at which point they devised a plan of attack for the rides. Past the snack stand and Hershey Ice cream shop (which I eyed for later on!), we hit the Lady Bug Coaster first. Wow, did it feel good to go on a coaster! This one, in particular, is perfect for young kids - no flips or extreme plunges. My troop loved it so much, they went on three more times! As we made our way deeper into the amusement park, the kids were in control and had plotted a course for themselves. I just followed, acting as the group's pack horse, holding the backpacks when necessary. I do not do spinning rides, so I just sat those out and tried to capture as many photos as I could.
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Everything in the park is included with a POP (Pay One Price) bracelet for $26.50 per person, which we opted for, with the exception of a few arcade games and the Bungy, which are at an additional charge. It is also possible to buy single tickets at $1 each and "pay" as you go, as most attractions are between three and five tickets per ride. Of course, my group was attracted to all the "extras" with frequent requests to do so. My response was a resounding NO. However, I did cave for the Bungy which cost $5 per kid. It was a mixed bag- the boys loved it, the girls hated it.
Proceeding through the park, they hit most every ride, with a methodical route from ride to ride. The top favorites were the Lady Bug Coaster (of course!), the Musik Express, The Drop & Twist Tower and all three water rides. Though the Little Dipper did not have a big drop, the kids said it was "great." The Crocodile Run took some skill to avoid the showering downpour as the ride spun around and poor Julian got the most soaked out of the four kids. We all took a leisurely ride on the Ferris Wheel together towards the end of the day, which was a "relaxing break," according to my nephew, Nolan, from the craziness of the fast and furious rides. There was a lovely breeze and a great birdseye view of Adventureland, which I managed to capture. A few more kiddie rides, yet another ride on the Lady Bug Coaster and we headed for the last and final ride of the day, Adventure Falls. Clearly, the 'piece de resistance," with its double flume drops, Gianna and Nolan went on five times, thanks to no lines, and Kelsey and Julian rode it twice. Thinking we were completely done, Gianna decided to top off the day with a solo ride on the Pirate Ship. We were all getting sick just watching the back and forth movement of this one. Making good on my promise to the gang, we grabbed some ice cream and candy on the way out to end the day on a sweet note. And just so ya know, leaving the parking lot was a snap! No lines, no waits, which made Mom happy.
Proceeding through the park, they hit most every ride, with a methodical route from ride to ride. The top favorites were the Lady Bug Coaster (of course!), the Musik Express, The Drop & Twist Tower and all three water rides. Though the Little Dipper did not have a big drop, the kids said it was "great." The Crocodile Run took some skill to avoid the showering downpour as the ride spun around and poor Julian got the most soaked out of the four kids. We all took a leisurely ride on the Ferris Wheel together towards the end of the day, which was a "relaxing break," according to my nephew, Nolan, from the craziness of the fast and furious rides. There was a lovely breeze and a great birdseye view of Adventureland, which I managed to capture. A few more kiddie rides, yet another ride on the Lady Bug Coaster and we headed for the last and final ride of the day, Adventure Falls. Clearly, the 'piece de resistance," with its double flume drops, Gianna and Nolan went on five times, thanks to no lines, and Kelsey and Julian rode it twice. Thinking we were completely done, Gianna decided to top off the day with a solo ride on the Pirate Ship. We were all getting sick just watching the back and forth movement of this one. Making good on my promise to the gang, we grabbed some ice cream and candy on the way out to end the day on a sweet note. And just so ya know, leaving the parking lot was a snap! No lines, no waits, which made Mom happy.
The Adventureland website is one of the best I've ever visited. There are pictures and videos of each ride, along with all of the rules and regulations for both the park and each of the attractions. A full listing of upcoming events, contests and information for booking birthday parties is also listed on the site. This will be the last season for the Hurricane Coaster as they will be retiring it, so be sure to ride it for the last time this summer! A new rollercoaster will debut in 2015, for which there is a New Coaster Naming Contest. The Park is open from end March through end October, but check the website for specific hours.
For Your Reference
Adventureland Amusement Park
2245 Broad Hollow Road (RT. 110)
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Phone: 631-694-6868
Fax: 631-694-6816
Ride & Attractions
Adventureland Amusement Park
2245 Broad Hollow Road (RT. 110)
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Phone: 631-694-6868
Fax: 631-694-6816
Ride & Attractions
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