This article is from the archives of the UB Reporter.
Word of Mouth

On June 16, 1884, the first gravity roller coaster opened at Coney Island, N.Y. What’s your favorite amusement park ride?

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Published: June 16, 2011

  • I’ve always loved roller coasters. I can still remember the Comet at Crystal Beach, which took you high above the lake and then dropped you down, almost like you were going to plunge into the water. Now, I take the kids to Darien Lake, where we’ve been on the Ride of Steel, Mind Eraser, Predator and Viper.


    David Draper
    Special Advisor to the President
    Office of the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations

  • My grandfather and uncle would take me and my brothers to Glen Park in Williamsville every Sunday to go on the rides. My favorite was the tea cup ride. My aunt also had a cottage at Crystal Beach, so every time we went to stay overnight my parents would take us to the park. My favorite ride there was the merry-go-round—I always wanted the horse that goes up and down!

    Debbie Rice
    Senior Administrative Assistant
    Office of the Vice President for Research

  • My favorite amusement park ride was the bumper cars. I have always been pretty tall, so I never had to worry about riding with a passenger. Also, my extra weight meant that I could deliver an extra bump to the sibling or friend who was riding around the floor with me. Considering what I do here at UB to get people out of their cars, it’s ironic that I am extolling the virtues of driving alone and driving dangerously!

    Jim Simon
    Associate Environmental Educator
    UB Green