I'm a native New Yorker, currently in Maryland, never been to Coney Island/Astroland if you can believe that. My partner and I would like to visit the park when we visit my family over the 4th of July weekend. Is this a horrible time to go?? Are their insane lines for rides? I'm thinking that going on the 5th might be better than going on the 4th..any thoughts?

That whole time period will be a zoo. And I beleive tht a couple of the rides are being upgraded - so don;t know what will be operational.

Frankly - IMHO a waste of time - but you can always get a dog at Nathan's and go visit the Aquarium down the road.

First,this will be the last season for Astroland. It was purchased by a developer who is keeping his plans secret save the fact that Astroland is going to be razed after the summer. It was given a reprieve for 2008.

The Cyclone and Nathan's will survive.

On a hot July 4th, there could be upwards of a million people on the various bays of Coney Island.

What rides are being upgraded? there are bery left. The carousel nop longer exists.

Sorry to sidetrack, but Miss Z., what happened to a trip report about the romantic restaurants, etc. in Paris?

Yes, a waste of time.

And don't even think about getting a hot dog at Nathans on the 4th... That's the day of the contest, and you won't be able to squeeze through to get to the counter.

Hey Patrick--I posted a short trip report here:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...2&tid=35115591

We had a really terrific time, and were treated very kindly wherever we went. We're going back to Amsterdam next year, and visiting Sicily as well. Can't wait!