This amusement park is absolutely beautiful the way it is. It doesn't need help. It has lovely carousels and wonderful rides that can't be found anywhere else. That's its charm. It is a living history museum and should be preserved. It is perfect for families and kids of all ages. If you want super thrill rides go to Six Flags. Not everything has to be modern and at the edge of technology.
Dear Coaster Studios, Your video sheds light on the nostalgic aspect of the old amusement park, but it overlooks the financial constraints that government-run programs like Playland park, and other organizations that often take their groups to this park like the Fresh Air Fund or PAL program often face. These programs play a crucial role in providing local communities, like Westchester County, with accessible and meaningful experiences, especially for those who may not have the means to travel long distances for entertainment. I remember growing up in Westchester and how much the PAL program meant to many kids in our neighborhood. It wasn't just about outings; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities that we otherwise wouldn't have had. These programs and a place like Rye Playlandnare lifelines for many, and acknowledging their importance is crucial in discussions about local entertainment options.
There were plans back in 2019 that laid out how they wanted to renovate the entire park, the aeroplane was on those plans in it's original location. With their Super flight coaster being closed for the season to be removed for a new attraction has me thinking this may be the aeroplane coming soon. Removing that opens up all of the space needed to put it back in.
I dont know about drastically changing up the park, it is loaded with nostalgia which is a huge draw for many. A clean family like version as opposed to what you'd find at say Coney Island today. Playland is beautiful. That center open midway, lawn, flowers, tower, stage, lake, beach, etc. It feels homey and very safe. The use of the lake as an attraction (paddle boats) is also a big plus. Sprucing it up (new paint, new color scheme, etc), sure. Newer attractions, especially high end and extreme thrill loaded coasters, sure. But there's a reason as to why many here in NYC prefer to take their kids and families there as opposed to say Coney Island, which is much closer and easier to get to. Great video, keep them coming.
I see what you're saying about Rye Playland needing to be spruced up, but I love that park; it's overloaded with nostalgia. I went with my Mom back in 2017, and we had a blast
Oh how I wish you could have visited in the 2004-2010 era. My grandmother grew up here, my mom grew up here, and I wouldn’t be an enthusiast today without growing up on the Dragon Coaster. They had some fun stuff recently taken down - a pendulum ride with a ton of airtime and the Flying Witch. Now there’s just a bunch of pavement and those family rides. The Derby Racer horses also used to run back and forth. I was there the day the family carousel caught fire and from what I heard it’s been refurbished nicely. Poor Playland. I’m not giving up hope. It’s a park for the generations and will outlive us all.
Dude, they just invested more than $100 million in the park and most of it is beautifully renovated, but the park itself was opened in 1929 and it's on the National Registry of Historic Places. That means they can't and shouldn't knock down the original buildings or rides. There's nowhere else except Coney Island where you can find stuff like that. I was there this weekend and you can see how much they've modernized things, but they're not done yet.
Considering I've grown up and went to playland a lot throughout my elementary to high school years in the town it was in until Covid shut the parks down temporarily, Playland as a location is meant to with-hold the ancient old school feeling of amusement park locations and feel like a hidden charm that exists in the Westchester County region. Sure, they can implement some things that still follow its old charm and make things interesting, but it's not a place that's supposed to have the hottest thing in town in my eyes. It's perpetually a museum amusement park as some may put it in the best way possible and I think people would enjoy the stories the amusement park has to offer. Still, I do miss the playland regional area since I'm no longer near it...
This was my home park as a kid in the 90s and it used to have such an amazing atmosphere, especially at night. Such a shame to see it fall from grace like this
this is my local park! i grew up going to playland so i of course will always have a nostalgic love for it but it has certainly seen better days. that said, i also go birding nearby (literally the only way to get to the wildlife sanctuary is to go through the playland parking lot) so i'm there a lot in the offseason and they have been doing constant work improving the park all year, which gives me hope. it's such a cool historical artifact, and i would love to see it updated a little bit to stay with the times without losing its charm
I watched Themepark Worldwide's coverage of this park from this year, and it looks like there's yet new additions since your last visit and they really emphasized how parts looked freshly painted and done while others looked completely dilapidated, so it does look like they are putting effort into improving the park and adding gorgeous new family rides but the progress is very slow.
They invested more than $100 million, it's just that it takes time. I was there the other day, it looks amazing. Maybe by next season the renovations will be complete.
This was my childhood park in the 90s. I definitely remember getting on the kid coaster for hours and couldn't wait until I was tall enough to get on Dragon coaster. So weird to see it through my adult eyes.
Rye Playland used to advertise to the NY metropolitan area and had much success. They stopped their ads and it seems that they aren’t tapping in to this huge market. They’re quickly being forgotten.
This was my local park growing up, and you absolutely got it right. This park has felt exactly the same for decades, in a bad way. They need to invest in a new marquee attraction to bring people in, dragon coaster is really one of the only reasons to go there right now.
I think it would be cool if they played into the fact that they're a historic park. They restore the art deco architecture, they theme the rides to that sort've Paradise Pier esq style, etc. (Keeping it in Disney terms), instead of keeping it like a Chester's and Hester's Carnival.
"Real Parks" Rye Playland: You inherit a small but old park. Your goal is to build up this small park to make it a more popular tourist attraction. Objective: Reach 1400 guests by October year 3 with a park rating of at least 600
Rye Playland One of America's oldest parks, the Westchester County government is struggling to keep it as an attraction for the locals north of New York City. You have been trusted to oversee its restoration to its former glory. Objective: Reach 1500 guests by the end of October, Year 3; with a park rating of at least 600. Rye Playland Part II After seeing what Rye Playland can really be, the Westchester County council wants to sell the park for top dollar before the election. Obective 2: To achieve a park value of $500K by the end of October, Year 4.
I built Playland in Planet Coaster, everything from the midway and the iconic old arcades to the Dragon Coaster and Kiddie Land. I haven't added it to the Workshop yet because it needs a little more work before it's done, but I will do so soon.
Fact: The Old Mill used to be alot different with less moving animatronics and was given a major update in the early 2000's which is what it's like now.
@@CoasterStudios I personally think they could have kept Sunlite Pool open. Put the music venue on the same land, keep the pool, because I'm still not very impressed with Soak City at Kings Island and Kentucky Kingdom is two hours away.
Yea my friends were related to the owners what happend was the mom owner the park then it was passed down the her son who was taking care of the park until he moved to Florida then in Florida it was too hard to manage and his sisters didn’t want it so they sold it and its now going yo become a music venue
Very accurate review. I live in NYC but grew up in the suburbs about 40 minutes from Rye, and we went every summer at least once all through my childhood and teenage years ('80s and '90s) - probably stopping around 2001-2002 when I was in college. BUT we did venture back in 2017 for the first time since then and I agree with your points. It has nostalgia for me - I love The Derby still so much, it's so original and unlike anything else. The Dragon Coaster was my first big wooden coaster when I was 10 years old, and I hate that they painted it white from its original iconic green/teal as seen in the Mariah video. The Old Mill used to be so much scarier in the '90s before that kid died on it (very sad story), but all those long passageways with the neon green lighting overhead used to be in pitch black, so it actually felt creepy. The plot of land where Super Flight is needs to be something new. That area was always a compact coaster and they never lasted too long (Monster Mouse when I was a baby that I never got ride but it moved to Quassey in CT, Wild Cat from 1984-1991 - only my second big coaster after Big Bad Wolf in VA, Hurricane from 1995-2001? 2002?) Anyway, those rides were all better than Super Flight and Playland has been stuck with that for 20 years. It needs to go. Even the House Of Mirrors used to be better, with a trippy claustrophobic hallway with strobe lights segueing the mirror maze into the mirror room. I do love the art deco theme but you're absolutely right about everything you said.
That's basically how I felt about the park too, but I couldn't find the right words for how I felt the way you did. There is a lot of potential here, but anything that the government touches will fall apart. I hope the park can turn it around.
Canobie Lake Park is what it looks like when a classic amusement park like this actually has gotten continued investment, without blowing up into a big chain park.
Honestly, I enjoy parks like this because they AREN'T big corporate parks and offer rides you don't find at most others. Only been up here once, but I want to go again when in the area.
They've done substantially more work since your visit last year. All the infrastructure and historic restorations have been completed and the areas hilighted as worn down here now look great. There's a new (terrifyingly) well themed Gerstlaurer Polyp this year. Yes, the Volare plot needs to be redeveloped still. Hopefully with a new GCI/GG wooden coaster in the style of the historic Aeroplane. Once on the same plot. But regardless, Playland is absolutely worth visiting!!!
Playland is great and shouldn't be messed with. Someday you'll realize 17 coasters isn't nirvana. A great whip. Derby Racer , Dodgem and couple haunted houses etc. is.
I never once said I wanted this place to be overloaded with new roller coasters. You can add a good, new supporting coaster and still keep the integrity of the park intact. It can also be done without removing the classics.
Call gravity group or GCI and Recreate the air plane coaster!! Something like that would really do wonders. And also just making some of the rides more permanent looking.
Three people died on the Mind Scrambler, unfortunately. At least one of them was messing around and was thrown from the ride, and the others might have been that kind of circumstance too, but I think the insurance costs were just too much.
This was my childhood home park in the 2000s, I haven't been in years though since I grew out of the kiddy rides since there's no good thrills there :(
With the part being recognized as a historic park, it is extremely difficult for anything to be changes. Not to mention expensive. Importing a coaster needs to be cleared by the government that classified the park as a monument. Furthermore, maintenance has to be done period correct. And it cannot be changed.
I went yesterday, i had a great time. I went on a Wednesday, and for a New Yorker it's worth it. If we take the train there, the round trip from Harlem to rye and the admission fee is $48.50. Much less expensive than if i would have drove. Back then, in the 90s, it wasn't impressive. We had to pay every ride like Coney Island in Brooklyn, it was over packed and felt neglected. Now, it's all clean.
Rye is known for for its nostalgic feel and beauty. To say it’s ugly is a little harsh, it is its own thing. It’s not a six flags or major theme park. It’s one of the last parks from that era, doesn’t need a huge modern update just a renovation on its structures and older attractions which is underway!!
This is the sort of place I'd love to visit at night, while imagining that i'm living in a different period of time, say the 90's. Sometimes simple is nice and has a way of taking us back to what felt like better days. Hopefully the spruce things up a bit and consider the addition of a new family coaster so this place is able to stay afloat.
Great Adventure does not have a Prior & Church coaster. Playland has a Prior & Church. They need to rebuild the Airplane. Then they would have two coasters by Prior & Church, depending on how close to the original they can get. Hire GCI so they can get Millennium Flyer style trains of hire Gravity Group and get the Timber Liners.
A lot of people say that the Dragon Coaster is a bad coaster with them giving ratings like 3-4/10. But I’ve ridden it twice when I went to Playland in 2023, and it’s not that bad. It’s sort of like a mini Cyclone, while it has nowhere near the amount of airtime that the former has, it makes up for it with the intense twists and turns the roller coaster takes. Also it has a small dark ride portion when the trains pass through a tunnel designed to look like a dragon. As a matter of fact, a few weeks after visiting Playland in 2023, I happened to visit Coney Island late one night with my family after a Cyclones baseball game. I decided to take the opportunity to ride the Cyclone since I hadn’t ridden it since 2016, I was expecting the intensity to be the same as the Dragon Coaster at Playland, but I was truly mistaken. And keep in mind I rode it at night, and shortly afterwards a massive rain storm hit, so as I was ascending the Cyclone’s lift hill I got to see the thunder in the clouds rumbling off in the distance. While when I rode the Dragon Coaster for the second when I visited a few weeks earlier, that time it was actually raining a bit, which cranked up the intensity of the ride.
Playland is my home park I've going to it for the past 25 years since I was little and I've always loved every minute of it. It's a nice small park if you want to getaway from those bigger parks like Six Flags and has an old school vibe to it but I see what you're saying. I was there last summer and could defiantly see that it needed some TLC and a lot of their rides were closed for some reason Idk if it was because of understaffing or to make way for new rides. Either way I hope Standard Amusements can bring back it's charm by 2028 in time for it's 100th anniversary.
YES! I was hoping to see a video on this classic park. While it's not the biggest or best park, but it does have it's history as a NY State Landmark Park.
Rye Playland was where I went on a first date back in the late 1980s with someone who I am still friends with to this day. I hate how it has become more dilapidated over the years, but I still go every few years just for Derby Racer, the Dragon Coaster, and their Old Mill. It's where I attended my first ACE event years ago, and where I rode my first Volare (lol). It is a cute park, and I agree that it needs a new attraction. Something that would build excitement and yet stick to the old-time theme that simply exists there, whether it is a eurofighter with good theming or something else. They are definitely overpriced. I'd love to see them adopt a model like Knoebels of free admission and parking, and then you can buy a wristband or something to ride all day, or just purchase tickets for individual rides. Then add some better food choices and it would definitely drive traffic there. And while I admit it is never my first choice to visit, since I have so many better parks nearby, I still love its charm when I do.
You just can't take a hundred year small community amusement park and compare its rides straight up with Six Flags Great Adventure which is a modern corporate owned park. Both offer different experiences to different target markets.
Looks like an awesome park! If I lived there I'd likely be there all summer long, my kinda park. But then I love the classic parks over the newer parks, especially the ones where you feel like you are walking back in time. They are the best parks and sadly are vanishing from the landscape.
Absolutely ... could use expansion and a newer face. Every year in high school, Cardinal Hayes, there was an event to Rye Beach that left from the West Manhattan docks, then around the foot of Manhattan and up the east river, under all the bridges on the east river, up the long island sound to rye beach, by boat (about 3 hours on water time). There was dancing until we arrived, there was food, etc. I think the boat was leased from the Circle Line Sightseeing of NYC at that time. Rye Beach has/had a huge saltwater pool and a beach on the LI Sound. At that time there were two, non de script type, coasters one of which was far better than the other one. They faced each other on the central promenade. None of the other rides at the park were rememberable, but it was always a pleasant water journey to this place, a memory that has remained with me until this day. We left at 9 AM, arrived at noon, departed at 6 PM and arrived back on the NYC docks about 9 PM. Then on the subway for the journey back home. So long ago...
I believe there's a big chance Airplane coaster can be rebuilt. I mean come on, in photos you see from 1950s and back, those two wooden coasters looked so good across from each other. And honestly they should have kept the Flying Witch haunted ride. Them getting rid of that really made me think this park was turning into a children's only thing.
Technically it's one of 3 on the historic registry, with an astrisks. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also a national historic landmark on the section that spans between the caroucel and giant dipper (so not the whole park but also way more than just rides, plenty of coasters are on the registry).
I also went there for the first time last summer and was saddened to see the state of affairs. For the sake of history, tradition, and such, I have been trying to get to all the ACE landmark coasters, and I honestly probably would not have gone here if not for that reason. I do think the preservation of the classic stuff is of the utmost importance (which I think Kennywood is the best at… no wonder both parks are historic landmarks). I wish that was enough to keep people coming back. On the Jersey Shore, at their boardwalk parks, people return again and again for the nostalgia and seem content with what’s there even if a new ride doesn’t show up, but this seems not to be the case in this part of New York. It would be really cool if a modern Airplane gets built. That coaster, depending on sources, is partially attributable to Harry Traver of Crystal Beach Cyclone notoriety, as well as to Prior & Church who did the Dragon and the Giant Dippers. It would be really great to have tributes to the amazing history with the modern bits sprinkled in!
Knoebels should get the historic designation.. it's been around since the same era. Used to live near where Playland is, but never went and we always went to Knoebels. That being said- next time I'm in the area- I'm checking out Playland. Going by your reccomendation.. I'll stick to Knoebels.
The points you're making aren't wrong, but having only visited the park last year, I think you're missing some context on the state of the park. I'm sure you noticed how parts of it look well kept and maintained than others; some areas covered in greenery and flowers, fresh paint and theming, while others are falling apart. The part to really note is that, before the last year or two, it all looked like the latter. All of the nice spots, newer rides, the repaired infrastructure, the fresh paint and all, that's all been added recently. It's a small park, and the new owners are spreading out their investment over the thirty years, as you mentioned, not to mention it was simply in rough enough shape that it wasn't going to be practical to rebuild everything over one off season, but it's very clearly moving in better direction now, if slowly. There have been more repairs this year, and they've added a beautifully themed new flat (Jack the Puppeteer, a custom themed Gerstlauer Polyp, IMO a really good fit for a family park). I was hoping that there would be something new in Super Flight's spot, but that seems more likely for next year at this point. After my last few trips here, I think it's going to be very interesting to watch where this park goes over the next few years. I think we're going to see some really nice things here.
The first thing i saw when i got to this park was a baby changing station in the bathroom that said "out of order." Like what... its just a flat surface.
The park does need improvement. However you also do not want to lose the historic character of the park. I wouldn't go ahead and build the biggest and/or fastest roller coaster. However I would seriously consider recreating the Airplane Coaster. I do think that the Dragon Coaster is a great classic wooden roller coaster. There is a carousel that is historic and some other rides such as the "Whip". The Derby Racer is a very rare type of ride where only one other such ride operates in the United States. There is a derby racer in Blackpool in the U.K. The park should be improved in a way so that it does not look like a Six Flags park. Rye Playland is a classic amusement park and should remain that way. However it could use some improvement.
Play land was much better in the late 70s- mid 80s, for me, when I was a child! Still I love it , but i totally agree with you. Change is good, but l think not too much change, not the classic attractions , but that mirror house does have to go. I wish they bought back that airplane coaster. That looked lethal running! It looked really fast! And The twister flat ride, they had back in the 60-early 80s, but I never rode it , I first saw the twister like in 79-80, I was too small to ride it.
Ironically, the very historic landmark status that protects this park is also what keeps it from being updated. Even just simply renovating a historic landmark involves a literal mountain of red tape and bureaucracy. The historic landmark system was developed around the idea of it being applied to static structures, not dynamic amusement rides that require regular maintenance and refurbishment.
It amazes me how close this place is to Kennywood, even having a Whip, Pretzel Dark Ride, and a tunnel of Love. And yet, as you said, those flat rides look like they're just thrown in, and it looks like a carnival. You have this beautiful historic architecture, and then you have cheap looking generic rides just tossed in. Kennywood at least had the foresight of throwing in new thrill coasters like Phantom's Revenge, Skyrocket, and Steel Cur....uh... let's ride Phantom's Revenge again? My biggest gripe is knowing what this park looked like 30 years ago vs. now. If nothing else, just get a fresh coat of paint on those old rides. Oh, it's owned by the government? Yeah, that explains the ineptitude.
So it has sadly been announced that jetline at Grona Lünd has closed, permanently sucks that the ride is gone now, atleast the vekoma coaster will make it up to us.
Wait really?! Im just learning of this now! Thats a massive loss, but also how are they even gonna be able to remove that ride? Vildamusen is completely intertwined with it and uses Jetlines central support structure in many places.
A Gerstlauer euro fighter clone of an RMC single rail along with some Zamperla flat rides would do it so well. And the repaint. Fix it up a bit. The park definitely has potential.
This might be a crazy opinion, but the Zamperla Double Heart that recently sold, can it be going here??? I believe there taking out SuperFlight (Volarie) right now. So naturally when I heard Zamperla sold one my mind went to this place. Just think about it
Standard amusements is doing a terrible job. They barely have any money just to let you know. They’re basically a hedge fund that only once ran a waterpark. They have a pitiful amount of carpenters and inspectors. They are not the answer to improving playland amusement park the county has finally put in millions of dollars and investment in upgrading the park. They’re still working on it now.amusements will probably go bankrupt and the county will have to step back to run the park. No standard amusements hasn’t put in a penny in upgrades. It’s all the county.
@@CoasterStudios yes this is the sad story. The former county executive got them to come in and gave them a 30 year lease on the place to run it. I should say the current county executive tried to break the contract and it looked good that he would get them to leave, but then a judge ruled in the favor of standard amusements. They’re really not doing well this season. So far. Maybe it will get busier once the kids are out of school usually does. We’ll have to wait and see a longtime carpenter and engineer. There doesn’t trust any of the people standard amusements hired. Hopefully there won’t be any malfunctions of rides or getting injured because of the incompetence of standard amusements, I wouldn’t be surprised if they go bankrupt by the end of this season
@@chester96969 that’s ridiculous. They had literally hardly any money before they were sued. That is not the reason at all you can’t blame the county that’s ridiculous. They weren’t paying what they owed even before the county sued them. There are completely inexperienced organization running a park like playland, they were the worst choice from the former county executive.
This amusement park is absolutely beautiful the way it is. It doesn't need help. It has lovely carousels and wonderful rides that can't be found anywhere else. That's its charm. It is a living history museum and should be preserved. It is perfect for families and kids of all ages. If you want super thrill rides go to Six Flags. Not everything has to be modern and at the edge of technology.
Agreed, it is its own thing.
Dear Coaster Studios, Your video sheds light on the nostalgic aspect of the old amusement park, but it overlooks the financial constraints that government-run programs like Playland park, and other organizations that often take their groups to this park like the Fresh Air Fund or PAL program often face. These programs play a crucial role in providing local communities, like Westchester County, with accessible and meaningful experiences, especially for those who may not have the means to travel long distances for entertainment. I remember growing up in Westchester and how much the PAL program meant to many kids in our neighborhood. It wasn't just about outings; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities that we otherwise wouldn't have had. These programs and a place like Rye Playlandnare lifelines for many, and acknowledging their importance is crucial in discussions about local entertainment options.
i aint readin allat
Weren't they talking about Aeroplane Coaster being rebuilt? Enthusiasts talked about that being the most beautiful coaster in the world.
There were plans back in 2019 that laid out how they wanted to renovate the entire park, the aeroplane was on those plans in it's original location. With their Super flight coaster being closed for the season to be removed for a new attraction has me thinking this may be the aeroplane coming soon. Removing that opens up all of the space needed to put it back in.
I dont know about drastically changing up the park, it is loaded with nostalgia which is a huge draw for many. A clean family like version as opposed to what you'd find at say Coney Island today. Playland is beautiful. That center open midway, lawn, flowers, tower, stage, lake, beach, etc. It feels homey and very safe. The use of the lake as an attraction (paddle boats) is also a big plus. Sprucing it up (new paint, new color scheme, etc), sure. Newer attractions, especially high end and extreme thrill loaded coasters, sure. But there's a reason as to why many here in NYC prefer to take their kids and families there as opposed to say Coney Island, which is much closer and easier to get to. Great video, keep them coming.
I see what you're saying about Rye Playland needing to be spruced up, but I love that park; it's overloaded with nostalgia. I went with my Mom back in 2017, and we had a blast
Oh how I wish you could have visited in the 2004-2010 era. My grandmother grew up here, my mom grew up here, and I wouldn’t be an enthusiast today without growing up on the Dragon Coaster. They had some fun stuff recently taken down - a pendulum ride with a ton of airtime and the Flying Witch. Now there’s just a bunch of pavement and those family rides. The Derby Racer horses also used to run back and forth. I was there the day the family carousel caught fire and from what I heard it’s been refurbished nicely. Poor Playland. I’m not giving up hope. It’s a park for the generations and will outlive us all.
Dude, they just invested more than $100 million in the park and most of it is beautifully renovated, but the park itself was opened in 1929 and it's on the National Registry of Historic Places. That means they can't and shouldn't knock down the original buildings or rides. There's nowhere else except Coney Island where you can find stuff like that. I was there this weekend and you can see how much they've modernized things, but they're not done yet.
I love the entrance look. That green is so boardwalk/ballpark/subway station
Considering I've grown up and went to playland a lot throughout my elementary to high school years in the town it was in until Covid shut the parks down temporarily, Playland as a location is meant to with-hold the ancient old school feeling of amusement park locations and feel like a hidden charm that exists in the Westchester County region. Sure, they can implement some things that still follow its old charm and make things interesting, but it's not a place that's supposed to have the hottest thing in town in my eyes. It's perpetually a museum amusement park as some may put it in the best way possible and I think people would enjoy the stories the amusement park has to offer. Still, I do miss the playland regional area since I'm no longer near it...
This was my home park as a kid in the 90s and it used to have such an amazing atmosphere, especially at night. Such a shame to see it fall from grace like this
this is my local park! i grew up going to playland so i of course will always have a nostalgic love for it but it has certainly seen better days. that said, i also go birding nearby (literally the only way to get to the wildlife sanctuary is to go through the playland parking lot) so i'm there a lot in the offseason and they have been doing constant work improving the park all year, which gives me hope. it's such a cool historical artifact, and i would love to see it updated a little bit to stay with the times without losing its charm
also glad you talked about the old mill ride - one of my favorite things to do is take friends from out of town on it just to get their reactions
I watched Themepark Worldwide's coverage of this park from this year, and it looks like there's yet new additions since your last visit and they really emphasized how parts looked freshly painted and done while others looked completely dilapidated, so it does look like they are putting effort into improving the park and adding gorgeous new family rides but the progress is very slow.
They invested more than $100 million, it's just that it takes time. I was there the other day, it looks amazing. Maybe by next season the renovations will be complete.
This was my childhood park in the 90s. I definitely remember getting on the kid coaster for hours and couldn't wait until I was tall enough to get on Dragon coaster.
So weird to see it through my adult eyes.
Rye Playland is NOT a theme park, it is a TRADITIONAL AMUSEMENT park!
Rye Playland used to advertise to the NY metropolitan area and had much success. They stopped their ads and it seems that they aren’t tapping in to this huge market. They’re quickly being forgotten.
This was my local park growing up, and you absolutely got it right. This park has felt exactly the same for decades, in a bad way. They need to invest in a new marquee attraction to bring people in, dragon coaster is really one of the only reasons to go there right now.
I think they could really lean into their classic retro boardwalk feel with a brand new attraction that fits that visual theme.
I think it would be cool if they played into the fact that they're a historic park. They restore the art deco architecture, they theme the rides to that sort've Paradise Pier esq style, etc. (Keeping it in Disney terms), instead of keeping it like a Chester's and Hester's Carnival.
This sounds like a number of career mode scenarios in RCT or Planet Coaster.
"Real Parks"
Rye Playland:
You inherit a small but old park. Your goal is to build up this small park to make it a more popular tourist attraction.
Objective: Reach 1400 guests by October year 3 with a park rating of at least 600
@@FryGuy909 -With a park value of at least 700
@@drdewott9154 damn thats an easy park value goal lol
Rye Playland
One of America's oldest parks, the Westchester County government is struggling to keep it as an attraction for the locals north of New York City. You have been trusted to oversee its restoration to its former glory.
Objective: Reach 1500 guests by the end of October, Year 3; with a park rating of at least 600.
Rye Playland Part II
After seeing what Rye Playland can really be, the Westchester County council wants to sell the park for top dollar before the election.
Obective 2: To achieve a park value of $500K by the end of October, Year 4.
I built Playland in Planet Coaster, everything from the midway and the iconic old arcades to the Dragon Coaster and Kiddie Land. I haven't added it to the Workshop yet because it needs a little more work before it's done, but I will do so soon.
That wooden kiddie coaster cost about $2,500 at the time.
Fact: The Old Mill used to be alot different with less moving animatronics and was given a major update in the early 2000's which is what it's like now.
So are we just ignoring Coney Island in Cincinnati that *did* suffer the fate this park is speeding towards
very sad Coney Island in Cincy ended up closing. I only visited once. Cute place, seemed like it had seen better days though
@@CoasterStudios I personally think they could have kept Sunlite Pool open. Put the music venue on the same land, keep the pool, because I'm still not very impressed with Soak City at Kings Island and Kentucky Kingdom is two hours away.
Yes.
Yea my friends were related to the owners what happend was the mom owner the park then it was passed down the her son who was taking care of the park until he moved to Florida then in Florida it was too hard to manage and his sisters didn’t want it so they sold it and its now going yo become a music venue
@@HangtimeEnthusiast Source: "Trust me bro"
In the early 90''s, every car in the Bronx had a PLAYLAND bumper sticker
Very accurate review. I live in NYC but grew up in the suburbs about 40 minutes from Rye, and we went every summer at least once all through my childhood and teenage years ('80s and '90s) - probably stopping around 2001-2002 when I was in college. BUT we did venture back in 2017 for the first time since then and I agree with your points. It has nostalgia for me - I love The Derby still so much, it's so original and unlike anything else. The Dragon Coaster was my first big wooden coaster when I was 10 years old, and I hate that they painted it white from its original iconic green/teal as seen in the Mariah video. The Old Mill used to be so much scarier in the '90s before that kid died on it (very sad story), but all those long passageways with the neon green lighting overhead used to be in pitch black, so it actually felt creepy.
The plot of land where Super Flight is needs to be something new. That area was always a compact coaster and they never lasted too long (Monster Mouse when I was a baby that I never got ride but it moved to Quassey in CT, Wild Cat from 1984-1991 - only my second big coaster after Big Bad Wolf in VA, Hurricane from 1995-2001? 2002?) Anyway, those rides were all better than Super Flight and Playland has been stuck with that for 20 years. It needs to go. Even the House Of Mirrors used to be better, with a trippy claustrophobic hallway with strobe lights segueing the mirror maze into the mirror room. I do love the art deco theme but you're absolutely right about everything you said.
Honestly looks like a charming place, & would love to go there one day.
No way I remember operating old rye motorbike and seeing you that day. Was great to see this video
That's basically how I felt about the park too, but I couldn't find the right words for how I felt the way you did. There is a lot of potential here, but anything that the government touches will fall apart. I hope the park can turn it around.
Canobie Lake Park is what it looks like when a classic amusement park like this actually has gotten continued investment, without blowing up into a big chain park.
Honestly, I enjoy parks like this because they AREN'T big corporate parks and offer rides you don't find at most others. Only been up here once, but I want to go again when in the area.
They've done substantially more work since your visit last year. All the infrastructure and historic restorations have been completed and the areas hilighted as worn down here now look great. There's a new (terrifyingly) well themed Gerstlaurer Polyp this year. Yes, the Volare plot needs to be redeveloped still. Hopefully with a new GCI/GG wooden coaster in the style of the historic Aeroplane. Once on the same plot.
But regardless, Playland is absolutely worth visiting!!!
thats good to hear!
Playland is great and shouldn't be messed with. Someday you'll realize 17 coasters isn't nirvana. A great whip. Derby Racer , Dodgem and couple haunted houses etc. is.
...and to add to that: Art Deco architecture and beautiful landscaping.
I never once said I wanted this place to be overloaded with new roller coasters. You can add a good, new supporting coaster and still keep the integrity of the park intact. It can also be done without removing the classics.
Call gravity group or GCI and Recreate the air plane coaster!! Something like that would really do wonders. And also just making some of the rides more permanent looking.
Tbh it’s looking like a nice local park to go to. Just needs a new decent coaster…
They removed all the good flat rides that complimented the park so well. Mind Scrambler, Wipeout, and some ride with flying boats
Three people died on the Mind Scrambler, unfortunately. At least one of them was messing around and was thrown from the ride, and the others might have been that kind of circumstance too, but I think the insurance costs were just too much.
This was my childhood home park in the 2000s, I haven't been in years though since I grew out of the kiddy rides since there's no good thrills there :(
With the part being recognized as a historic park, it is extremely difficult for anything to be changes. Not to mention expensive. Importing a coaster needs to be cleared by the government that classified the park as a monument. Furthermore, maintenance has to be done period correct. And it cannot be changed.
OMG this is so funny that this came out today! I was at playland for the first time ever (I live in california) and had a great visit! Perfect timing!
I used to go to Playland as a kid, we used to have to buy like ticket books for the rides.
I went yesterday, i had a great time. I went on a Wednesday, and for a New Yorker it's worth it. If we take the train there, the round trip from Harlem to rye and the admission fee is $48.50.
Much less expensive than if i would have drove. Back then, in the 90s, it wasn't impressive. We had to pay every ride like Coney Island in Brooklyn, it was over packed and felt neglected.
Now, it's all clean.
Rye is known for for its nostalgic feel and beauty. To say it’s ugly is a little harsh, it is its own thing. It’s not a six flags or major theme park. It’s one of the last parks from that era, doesn’t need a huge modern update just a renovation on its structures and older attractions which is underway!!
This is the sort of place I'd love to visit at night, while imagining that i'm living in a different period of time, say the 90's. Sometimes simple is nice and has a way of taking us back to what felt like better days. Hopefully the spruce things up a bit and consider the addition of a new family coaster so this place is able to stay afloat.
Interesting never even heard of this place or if I had I completely forget it existed
Don't worry, Rye Playland is planning on bringing back the Aero Plane roller coaster.
What's the point? They can't take care of the wooden coasters they have now.
@@exploreohio1735 I'm pretty sure Playland is taking good care of their wooden coasters.
This, Riverview Bobs and Crystal Beach Cyclone are imo the trinity of 1920’s wooden coasters that would be brought back in some form
Please tell me they will hire GCI or Gravity Group to do the job?
Great Adventure does not have a Prior & Church coaster. Playland has a Prior & Church. They need to rebuild the Airplane. Then they would have two coasters by Prior & Church, depending on how close to the original they can get. Hire GCI so they can get Millennium Flyer style trains of hire Gravity Group and get the Timber Liners.
A lot of people say that the Dragon Coaster is a bad coaster with them giving ratings like 3-4/10. But I’ve ridden it twice when I went to Playland in 2023, and it’s not that bad. It’s sort of like a mini Cyclone, while it has nowhere near the amount of airtime that the former has, it makes up for it with the intense twists and turns the roller coaster takes. Also it has a small dark ride portion when the trains pass through a tunnel designed to look like a dragon. As a matter of fact, a few weeks after visiting Playland in 2023, I happened to visit Coney Island late one night with my family after a Cyclones baseball game. I decided to take the opportunity to ride the Cyclone since I hadn’t ridden it since 2016, I was expecting the intensity to be the same as the Dragon Coaster at Playland, but I was truly mistaken. And keep in mind I rode it at night, and shortly afterwards a massive rain storm hit, so as I was ascending the Cyclone’s lift hill I got to see the thunder in the clouds rumbling off in the distance. While when I rode the Dragon Coaster for the second when I visited a few weeks earlier, that time it was actually raining a bit, which cranked up the intensity of the ride.
Your channel always posts the more interesting content.
Playland is my home park I've going to it for the past 25 years since I was little and I've always loved every minute of it. It's a nice small park if you want to getaway from those bigger parks like Six Flags and has an old school vibe to it but I see what you're saying. I was there last summer and could defiantly see that it needed some TLC and a lot of their rides were closed for some reason Idk if it was because of understaffing or to make way for new rides. Either way I hope Standard Amusements can bring back it's charm by 2028 in time for it's 100th anniversary.
YES! I was hoping to see a video on this classic park. While it's not the biggest or best park, but it does have it's history as a NY State Landmark Park.
Rye Playland was where I went on a first date back in the late 1980s with someone who I am still friends with to this day. I hate how it has become more dilapidated over the years, but I still go every few years just for Derby Racer, the Dragon Coaster, and their Old Mill. It's where I attended my first ACE event years ago, and where I rode my first Volare (lol).
It is a cute park, and I agree that it needs a new attraction. Something that would build excitement and yet stick to the old-time theme that simply exists there, whether it is a eurofighter with good theming or something else.
They are definitely overpriced. I'd love to see them adopt a model like Knoebels of free admission and parking, and then you can buy a wristband or something to ride all day, or just purchase tickets for individual rides. Then add some better food choices and it would definitely drive traffic there.
And while I admit it is never my first choice to visit, since I have so many better parks nearby, I still love its charm when I do.
Ty for covering this. Agreed def needs upgrades
You just can't take a hundred year small community amusement park and compare its rides straight up with Six Flags Great Adventure which is a modern corporate owned park. Both offer different experiences to different target markets.
Looks like an awesome park! If I lived there I'd likely be there all summer long, my kinda park. But then I love the classic parks over the newer parks, especially the ones where you feel like you are walking back in time. They are the best parks and sadly are vanishing from the landscape.
This is my closest park. Dragon coaster is incredible, so is the whip and the plunge. Really hate that its being so mismanaged
How can you knock this park down since the first time you have gone is 2023? Both of you are just unbelievable.
Chill out. He isn’t knocking the park down. Try listening to what he is saying and calm down
I last visited Playland on a day camp trip in 1998, and never had a reason to go back.
Absolutely ... could use expansion and a newer face. Every year in high school, Cardinal Hayes, there was an event to Rye Beach that left from the West Manhattan
docks, then around the foot of Manhattan and up the east river, under all the bridges on the east river, up the long island sound to rye beach, by boat (about 3 hours on water time). There was dancing until we arrived, there was food, etc. I think the boat was leased from the Circle Line Sightseeing of NYC at that time.
Rye Beach has/had a huge saltwater pool and a beach on the LI Sound.
At that time there were two, non de script type, coasters one of which was far better than the other one. They faced each other on the central promenade. None of the other rides at the park were rememberable, but it was always a pleasant water journey to this place, a memory that has remained with me until this day.
We left at 9 AM, arrived at noon, departed at 6 PM and arrived back on the NYC docks about 9 PM.
Then on the subway for the journey back home.
So long ago...
Palace, now it’s your time to turn this place into an A-tier park!
I believe there's a big chance Airplane coaster can be rebuilt. I mean come on, in photos you see from 1950s and back, those two wooden coasters looked so good across from each other. And honestly they should have kept the Flying Witch haunted ride. Them getting rid of that really made me think this park was turning into a children's only thing.
I want them to visit lakeside in denver. That park needs so much help and its 10x more sketchy than this park
Taylor has tried to visit that park 2-3 times but every time he's in Denver its closed lol
@@CoasterStudios The odds are so stacked against him what the heck. I can't believe Taylor has been to frickin Strickers Grove but not Lakeside.
Technically it's one of 3 on the historic registry, with an astrisks. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also a national historic landmark on the section that spans between the caroucel and giant dipper (so not the whole park but also way more than just rides, plenty of coasters are on the registry).
interesting!
I also went there for the first time last summer and was saddened to see the state of affairs. For the sake of history, tradition, and such, I have been trying to get to all the ACE landmark coasters, and I honestly probably would not have gone here if not for that reason. I do think the preservation of the classic stuff is of the utmost importance (which I think Kennywood is the best at… no wonder both parks are historic landmarks). I wish that was enough to keep people coming back. On the Jersey Shore, at their boardwalk parks, people return again and again for the nostalgia and seem content with what’s there even if a new ride doesn’t show up, but this seems not to be the case in this part of New York. It would be really cool if a modern Airplane gets built. That coaster, depending on sources, is partially attributable to Harry Traver of Crystal Beach Cyclone notoriety, as well as to Prior & Church who did the Dragon and the Giant Dippers. It would be really great to have tributes to the amazing history with the modern bits sprinkled in!
Knoebels should get the historic designation.. it's been around since the same era. Used to live near where Playland is, but never went and we always went to Knoebels. That being said- next time I'm in the area- I'm checking out Playland.
Going by your reccomendation.. I'll stick to Knoebels.
The points you're making aren't wrong, but having only visited the park last year, I think you're missing some context on the state of the park. I'm sure you noticed how parts of it look well kept and maintained than others; some areas covered in greenery and flowers, fresh paint and theming, while others are falling apart.
The part to really note is that, before the last year or two, it all looked like the latter. All of the nice spots, newer rides, the repaired infrastructure, the fresh paint and all, that's all been added recently.
It's a small park, and the new owners are spreading out their investment over the thirty years, as you mentioned, not to mention it was simply in rough enough shape that it wasn't going to be practical to rebuild everything over one off season, but it's very clearly moving in better direction now, if slowly. There have been more repairs this year, and they've added a beautifully themed new flat (Jack the Puppeteer, a custom themed Gerstlauer Polyp, IMO a really good fit for a family park).
I was hoping that there would be something new in Super Flight's spot, but that seems more likely for next year at this point.
After my last few trips here, I think it's going to be very interesting to watch where this park goes over the next few years. I think we're going to see some really nice things here.
Wowza, that's one ancient looking woodie! Get that thing to a care home 😜
The Dragon Coaster was also featured in the movie “Fatal Attraction” with Michael Douglas & Glenn Close
The first thing i saw when i got to this park was a baby changing station in the bathroom that said "out of order." Like what... its just a flat surface.
The park does need improvement. However you also do not want to lose the historic character of the park. I wouldn't go ahead and build the biggest and/or fastest roller coaster. However I would seriously consider recreating the Airplane Coaster. I do think that the Dragon Coaster is a great classic wooden roller coaster. There is a carousel that is historic and some other rides such as the "Whip". The Derby Racer is a very rare type of ride where only one other such ride operates in the United States. There is a derby racer in Blackpool in the U.K. The park should be improved in a way so that it does not look like a Six Flags park. Rye Playland is a classic amusement park and should remain that way. However it could use some improvement.
Play land was much better in the late 70s- mid 80s, for me, when I was a child! Still I love it , but i totally agree with you. Change is good, but l think not too much change, not the classic attractions , but that mirror house does have to go. I wish they bought back that airplane coaster. That looked lethal running! It looked really fast! And The twister flat ride, they had back in the 60-early 80s, but I never rode it , I first saw the twister like in 79-80, I was too small to ride it.
I can't believe you were here. Just up the road from me!
The House of Mirrors is possibly the oldest amusement park mirror maze in the world.
Dragon Coaster was my first credit 35-40 years ago!
Ironically, the very historic landmark status that protects this park is also what keeps it from being updated. Even just simply renovating a historic landmark involves a literal mountain of red tape and bureaucracy. The historic landmark system was developed around the idea of it being applied to static structures, not dynamic amusement rides that require regular maintenance and refurbishment.
I know two companies, who took over a historic landmark and made it into a staggering thriving theme park… so over all it’s possible
It amazes me how close this place is to Kennywood, even having a Whip, Pretzel Dark Ride, and a tunnel of Love. And yet, as you said, those flat rides look like they're just thrown in, and it looks like a carnival. You have this beautiful historic architecture, and then you have cheap looking generic rides just tossed in. Kennywood at least had the foresight of throwing in new thrill coasters like Phantom's Revenge, Skyrocket, and Steel Cur....uh... let's ride Phantom's Revenge again?
My biggest gripe is knowing what this park looked like 30 years ago vs. now. If nothing else, just get a fresh coat of paint on those old rides.
Oh, it's owned by the government? Yeah, that explains the ineptitude.
(Super Nanny voice) You need help…Coaster Studios are on their way.
I’ve been to there I lot and I actually loved it
They should go for a Vekoma Junior Boomerang with an STC combination. It's quite cheap, and might bring back some life into the park.
I think losing their witch dark ride was a big loss for it. Always felt like the park has potential for more though.
0:20
narrator definitely misread "came to oversee construction" from a source lol
1:43 Red shirt guy is not happy that the park had seen better days
It's like Blackpool Pleasure Beach without the big one and icon.
Haven’t watched this video, but it’s probably being run light years better than how pleasure beaches run at the moment😂
They should build the first Wildmoose.
The county should apply for the NY Forward grant funding for Rye Playland!
Just get GCI to rebuild the Airplane coaster.
MAN WHAT YOU TALKEN ABOUT. THEY HAVE TWO BEST DARK RIDES. TWO FLOORS
If I was the owner the first attraction I'll do is a rmc single rail either like jersey devil or wonderwomen, then repaint every ride and buildings
So it has sadly been announced that jetline at Grona Lünd has closed, permanently sucks that the ride is gone now, atleast the vekoma coaster will make it up to us.
Wait really?! Im just learning of this now! Thats a massive loss, but also how are they even gonna be able to remove that ride? Vildamusen is completely intertwined with it and uses Jetlines central support structure in many places.
@@drdewott9154 simple, just remove a few of vildamusens pieces for a bit and put them in storage, and then put them back.
MY HOME PARK❤❤❤
Why did I think that was Indiana beach on the thumbnaill
You just have to appreciate the history, nostalgia and charm................ you're comparing it to Six Flags. Apples vs. Oranges.
I know this from Mariah Carey's "Fantasy " video lol...always wanted to go!
A Gerstlauer euro fighter clone of an RMC single rail along with some Zamperla flat rides would do it so well. And the repaint. Fix it up a bit. The park definitely has potential.
Agreed. New paint on some of the rides would help a LOT. I'd love to visit this place for the sake of the nostalgia aspect.
This might be a crazy opinion, but the Zamperla Double Heart that recently sold, can it be going here??? I believe there taking out SuperFlight (Volarie) right now. So naturally when I heard Zamperla sold one my mind went to this place. Just think about it
never say never- in theory its always possible!
A private corporation operating this park is not “The Good News.”
Kinda how I feel about Valleyfair...
I'm curious about this dark house attraction now. How dark are we talking? lol
Also, may we get a separate review on that, I dine in darkness.
Standard amusements is doing a terrible job. They barely have any money just to let you know. They’re basically a hedge fund that only once ran a waterpark. They have a pitiful amount of carpenters and inspectors. They are not the answer to improving playland amusement park the county has finally put in millions of dollars and investment in upgrading the park. They’re still working on it now.amusements will probably go bankrupt and the county will have to step back to run the park. No standard amusements hasn’t put in a penny in upgrades. It’s all the county.
this is sad to hear. I did not realize this was the case.
@@CoasterStudios yes this is the sad story. The former county executive got them to come in and gave them a 30 year lease on the place to run it. I should say the current county executive tried to break the contract and it looked good that he would get them to leave, but then a judge ruled in the favor of standard amusements. They’re really not doing well this season. So far. Maybe it will get busier once the kids are out of school usually does. We’ll have to wait and see a longtime carpenter and engineer. There doesn’t trust any of the people standard amusements hired. Hopefully there won’t be any malfunctions of rides or getting injured because of the incompetence of standard amusements, I wouldn’t be surprised if they go bankrupt by the end of this season
Maybe if Westchester County didn't sue them they would have money. Look up the story.
@@chester96969 that’s ridiculous. They had literally hardly any money before they were sued. That is not the reason at all you can’t blame the county that’s ridiculous. They weren’t paying what they owed even before the county sued them. There are completely inexperienced organization running a park like playland, they were the worst choice from the former county executive.
Mariah Carey to the video. I am a former Rye resident since 1972.
6 flags over Texas needs paint and repairs bad. And not much new in terms of new rides either 😢
It looks alright
It looks like they haven't upgraded anything in 100 years. I know it's suppose to be old for the feeling but it can't be falling apart.
I mean incredibly old stuff can still be stellar but of course it needs maintenance to be in a good condition.