Brooklyn, NY - Expectations are high as Luna Park’s Scream Zone is set to unveil Coney Island’s first major roller coasters built since Cyclone opened in 1927. Unfortunately, for opening day April 16th the two new roller coasters were not quite ready.

Luna Park opened in 2010 after Central Amusement International and Zamperla were given only 100 days to make the park operational. Despite such a short time frame, especially for the amusement industry, the park opened and was a complete success.

The new park managed to wrangle in 450,000 visitors in 2010, which has spectators expecting another record year. Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated in a recent press release, “Last summer was Coney Island's biggest in nearly a half century, and this year—with the addition of the first new roller coasters since the Cyclone opened in 1927—it's going to be even bigger.”

While operations of the Cyclone roller coaster is in the hands of CAI this year, the Wonder Wheel ferris wheel remains under the operation of the Vourderis brothers. Both rides are considered to be American landmarks. Despite all of the fresh new rides in Luna Park, both classics were resoundingly popular among park guests during the 2011 opening weekend.

Even with Scream Zone not yet completed, Luna Park still manages to dish out its own set of thrills – albeit not as extreme as Scream Zone’s attractions. The park has more than nineteen attractions, including six that are considered “high thrill” by the park.

All of the attractions are made by Zamperla, an Italian amusement ride company. Stand out thrill rides such as the Brooklyn Flyer, a 100 foot tall swing ride and the Tickler, a ‘wild mouse’ type roller coaster that includes hairpin turns and fast drops, were also crowd favorites, even if they were unable to rise to the popularity of the classics.

Not all news is good news, however. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus closed after a short two-season run on Coney Island. Additionally, many businesses that once ran in Astroland will be experiencing their last season on Coney Island.

The businesses in question, including Ruby’s Olde Tyme Bar & Grill among others, were fighting eviction last season after their contracts were not renewed. They have been allowed to stay for the 2011 season as a part of negotiations after they sued Central Amusement International.

On a brighter note, though, while Scream Zone was not completely ready, two of its four new rides were ready to go. Zenobio, which is described by the park’s website as doing somersaults while going 60 miles per hour, as well as the Sling Shot, which literally sling shots guests 150 feet into the air at 90 miles per hour were operational, both of which were descended upon by local kids once the opening ceremonies were completed.

The two new roller coasters are not your standard amusement park stock. Steeplechase is intended to pay homage to Coney Island’s past attractions, launching riders on horseback around the track at 40 miles per hour. Soarin’ Eagle has riders in a lying position, allowing them to ‘fly’ through numerous dives and swoops throughout the track.

The roller coasters are expected to be open and running soon. Luna Park is open weekends until Memorial Day, when it will begin to be open daily.