@Chrissy Cross My first date with a girl, I took her to Riverview. I was a Senior in high school, she was a Freshman. Her dad worked with mine; he warned my dad that I had better not be like my father! We had a good time, and after several other dates, she began making off-color remarks about the "kind of girl" I thought she was.........but I was chicken, and kicked myself later. Today, I'd be in jail. Frank
Yeah, I remember the Pike too! My favorite ride were the Bumper Cars. This was from 1946 to about 1955. I think the roller coaster was called "The Cyclone Racer". Hal
Wow, I remember the Pike in Long Beach! It wasn't functioning much when I was stationed at the Long Beach Naval Station, but it was there. I still remember going to a small bar next to the Pike. There was also an indoor amusement park in Redondo Beach, Calif that had the Bumper Cars ride in it. This was right next to wear boat slips were and a place to crack/eat crab. On Saturday and Sunday, the crab eatery was packed with people. Awe yes, those olden days in Southern California and at naval bases.
I think that's the one, although I was there much later, given that I was only four years old in 1955.
I lived in Buena Park for a while, and near there for even longer, and have been to Knott's Berry Farm many times. I liked it, as it was way less hectic than Disneyland.
Yes...sorry, I missed this...yes it took about 45 minutes, it goes very slowly so you can take as many photos as you wish ...
What spoils Roller Coaster rides for me are those young guys who will show everyone how cool they are by going over the scariest part if the ride with their arms extended upward. I would like to teach them all a lesson by bringing the most admired Sports Figure, Movie Star, or Rock Star to the ride and showing the "showoffs" that even a man who is way above them in fame and admiration keeps his hands tightly on the safety bar all throughout the ride! Maybe then those punks won't have anything to show off about! Hal
I rode the "scream machine" roller coaster at Six Flags over GA, while it was still a new attraction. They gave out "Red Badge of Courage" buttons. Stood in line over an hour. Thought it would be fun after that first very tall hill. Couldn't wait to walk away from it. Something I wish I had liked to do.
@Nancy Hart did you once live in New Jersey? I went to Palisades Park as a child in the 1950s. Also spent time at Asbury Park, but I didn't get to Coney Island in New York until 1964, and I never made it to Jones Beach there.
I am a coaster and thrill ride enthusiast but had to give up riding in my late 60's when the ophthalmologist said I had a choice between coasters and my retinas. We're supposed to get the "world's tallest roller coaster" here in Orlando, and I will HAVE to ride it...…..it'll be my swan song. I met my late husband on a blind date at an amusement park. He hated thrill rides but went on all of them to impress me. It worked.
Went to Orlando in 1977 with my 7 year old daughter and we went on the space mountain. Most in darkness so you did not see what was coming.
It's amazing how much is packed in that dome and how close the tracks are to each other. Once while riding on the Wedway People Mover which goes through the dome, the ride had been stopped and the emergency lights were on. The sight was fascinating. Usually all you see are the cars flashing by. I used to ride Space Mountain every five years because it would take me that long to forget that I said I'M NEVER RIDING THAT THING AGAIN!!!! As you said, you can't see what's coming so you can't prepare for the next "jerk".
New Jersey also boasted Olympic Park, which operated from 1887 until 1965. It had everything...numerous rides, eats galore, and a Penny Arcade! The carousel was magnificent. I'm so glad that I got to go there a number of times before the land was sold off for residential development and the park closed. Old-style amusement parks are few and far between these days, with expensive theme parks having taken over...