Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park sits on the Coney Island boardwalk in Brooklyn, beside the beach. Its landmark Ferris wheel, built in 1920, rises 150 feet above the shore, with views toward the ocean and Manhattan. The park pairs that classic ride with attractions for children, families and thrill-seekers, including the dark ride Spook-A-Rama. Admission to the park is free, but rides cost extra. Come for a few rides, then continue along the boardwalk or down to the beach.
The Wonder Wheel above Coney Island
The park’s signature ride is an eccentric Ferris wheel built in 1920. It reaches 150 feet above the Coney Island shoreline, with views over the beach and, on clear sightlines, toward the Manhattan skyline. Its cars give riders a choice of experience: the white cars stay stationary, while the blue and red cars slide as the wheel turns. If you are unsure about the moving cars, choose a stationary one.
The wheel has been part of Coney Island’s amusement scene for more than a century. It is both a ride and a landmark visible from the boardwalk, so you can take in its size even if you decide not to ride.
Rides for different ages
Deno’s has attractions for young children, families and adults looking for more thrills. The park’s smaller rides include the Kiddie Wheel and Pony Carts. Spook-A-Rama is an indoor dark ride that takes place in pitch-black surroundings, while the Phoenix is a family roller coaster. The mix makes it possible for a group with different ages or appetites for rides to split up and meet again.
Rides are paid for separately from park admission. A preload card lets each person pay as they ride, which can work better than buying a wristband for a whole group when only some members want to go on attractions. Ride costs can add up over several turns, so decide how many rides you want before loading a card.
Making a day of Coney Island
The park is on the boardwalk beside the beach, so rides can fit into a longer Coney Island visit. Take a break from the attractions for a walk by the water, or combine the stop with other nearby amusement park attractions. The Wonder Wheel is also a prominent sight from around the boardwalk, even if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground.
Friday-night fireworks are listed as a seasonal draw through Labor Day. Weekend mornings have been noted as a quieter time to visit, while busy weekend periods can bring longer waits for popular rides. The park is free to enter, but plan a separate budget for the attractions you choose.
FAQ
Is admission to Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park free?
Yes. You can enter the park without an admission charge, but rides cost extra.
How tall is the Wonder Wheel?
The Wonder Wheel rises 150 feet above the Coney Island shoreline.
Can you choose a stationary car on the Wonder Wheel?
Yes. The white cars are stationary; the blue and red cars slide as the wheel turns.
How do you pay for rides?
Rides are paid for separately. A preload card lets you pay as you ride, which can suit groups where not everyone wants to ride.
