Last summer, I hauled my cookies to Coney Island for two reasons. One, I'd never been there. Two, I wanted to ride the roller coaster I'd seen Mariah Carey ride on her famous 'Fantasy' music video. I accomplished my goal, so I thought.
I road the Cyclone roller coaster three times. Except I found out a short time later I was woefully misguided. I had gone to the WRONG amusement park and road the WRONG roller coaster.
I know having only lived in The Hudson Valley for 18 months or so still makes me a newbie, but how did I not realize that THIS is where Mariah actually filmed and directed the 'Fantasy' video? It wasn't Coney Island and it wasn't the Cyclone. It was the then Rye Playland and it was The Dragon roller coaster! It was nearly in my own back yard all along.
I will right that wrong this summer. The Dragon at Playland Park, and all its other rides, are officially back in action for its 98th season. Playland Park in Rye, Westchester County, has just reopened to the public for its 2026 season and it's reportedly undergone a $150 million makeover, according to News 12 Westchester.
One of the biggest upgrades is The Dragon roller coaster. According to Playland Park's official Instagram, The Dragon's got a new look with new fangs that are bigger, sharper, and more vicious than ever!
I cannot wait to go for a ride. Maybe not two to three dozen as Mariah was rumored to, but definitely at least one.
Welcome back, Playland Park!
