Farmingdale's Adventureland finally reopened Friday, with season ticketholders getting first dibs before opening to the public Saturday.

News 12's Christine Insinga was at the park where Adventureland's newest ride - the Sports Tower was all set and ready. The ride actually opened last year but because of the pandemic no one was able to enjoy it until today.

The rides were tested and cleaned after 18 long months of being closed.

Jenna Clark, of Farmingdale, was the first one on line today and she was thrilled. Clark says she was counting down the days until the park reopened.

Other Long Islanders were also eager to get on the rides after such a long hiatus.

"Great! We love it," says Kimberly Shaw, of Bay Shore. "We're happy to be back for the summer and we look forward to everything Adventureland has to offer."

Steve Gentile, the park's owner, was emotional after being closed for so long.

"It's an emotional day to see guests come in the park. It is," says Gentile. "I don't think the public realized how much we missed them.

State officials say outdoor amusement parks can currently hold 33% capacity, which means plenty of changes for Adventureland's operations. Those include:

- Mandatory face masks for all guests 2+ years old

- Social distancing on all lines and rides

- Prior to park opening, all surfaces, rides, and games will be sanitized

- Disinfecting of rides and high touch areas frequently throughout the day

- Health screening of all employees

There will also be a new admission policy that guests will want to know about. Advanced online reservations are required, and all guests entering the park will be required to have their own admission ticket.

General admission to the park is $39.99, and it is free for children a year old or younger.

The park is open weekends and holidays during the spring, and daily over the summer.

In terms of new park offerings -- the park now has:

- The Sports Tower Ride: A ride that rises 60 feet, offering views of Farmingdale

- New arcade and midway games

- Tony's Tavern: A spot for those 21+ to get beer, wine or seltzer

For Adventureland's Jeanine Gentile, she says after they weren't sure they would survive the pandemic, Friday feels like Christmas morning.

"We are just so excited to welcome Long Island back to the park," says Gentile.

Adventureland is open from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday.

The park is open weekends and holidays during the spring, and daily over the summer.