Gillians Wonderland Pier facts for kids
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| Location | Ocean City, New Jersey, United States |
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| Coordinates | 39°16′39″N 74°34′00″W / 39.277398°N 74.566757°W |
| Opened | 1929 |
| Owner | Jay Gillian |
| Slogan | Amusements with the family in Mind! |
| Operating season | April to December |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 32 |
| Roller coasters | 1 (Wacky Worm (minor)) |
| Water rides | 1 (Canyon Falls Log Flume) |
Gillian's Wonderland Pier is a super fun amusement park in Ocean City, New Jersey. It's right on the boardwalk by the ocean! This park has been around for a long time, since 1929, and was started by David Gillian. It's known for its many exciting rides and family-friendly atmosphere.
Contents
The History of Gillian's Wonderland Pier
How It All Started
David Gillian first came to Ocean City in 1914. He began his career playing music in an orchestra at a dance club. Later, he played at the Hippodrome pier, which had movies, shows, dancing, and rides for kids.
A New Beginning After a Fire
In 1927, a big fire destroyed the Hippodrome pier. But Ocean City quickly rebuilt the boardwalk! In 1930, David Gillian opened his own "Fun Deck" at Plymouth Place. His first big attractions were a Ferris wheel and a Carousel.
The Gillian Family Legacy
David Gillian retired in 1957. His sons, Bob and Roy, took over the family business. In 1965, Roy Gillian started a new park called Wonderland Pier. It had 10 rides and a parking lot.
Roy Gillian later became the mayor of Ocean City in 1985. He also became the president of a big group called the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). This group helps amusement parks all over the world. Today, Roy's son, Jay Gillian, is also the mayor of Ocean City! The Gillian family even opened another park, Gillian's Funland, in Sea Isle City.
Gillian's Wonderland Pier is especially famous for its huge Giant Wheel. It's one of the biggest Ferris wheels on the East Coast!
Awesome Rides at Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Gillian's Wonderland Pier has many different rides for all ages. Here are some of the cool attractions you can find:
Classic and Family Favorites
- Carousel: This beautiful carousel has been a Wonderland Pier tradition since 1972. It's a classic ride that families love!
- The Frontier Express Monorail: This monorail has been around since 1965. It gives you a great view of the park.
- Fire Engines: These fun rides have been operating since the 1940s!
- Dune Buggies: Hop into a dune buggy for a fun ride.
- Wet Boats: Enjoy a splashy adventure on the wet boats.
- The Man & Dog: This is an animatronic band that started playing in 1993.
Thrilling Adventures
- Giant Wheel: Standing 144 feet tall, this is one of the largest Ferris wheels on the East Coast! It's been a park tradition since 1989 and offers amazing views.
- Musik Express: Get ready for a fast and spinning ride!
- Raiders: This ride will spin and tilt you in exciting ways.
- Tilt-A-Whirl: A classic spinning ride that always brings laughs.
- Kite Flyer: Feel like you're flying high in the sky!
- Wacky Worm Roller Coaster: This fun roller coaster is perfect for younger thrill-seekers. A newer version of this ride came to the park in 2012.
- Glass House: Get ready to laugh as you try to find your way through this tricky attraction.
- Canyon Falls Log Flume: This water ride has been a Wonderland Pier tradition since 1992. Get ready for a splash!
- Skooter Bumper Cars: Bump and bash your friends in these classic bumper cars.
- Moby Dick: This ride swings you high like a giant whale.
- Drop Tower: Experience a thrilling drop from high above!
- Haunted House Dark Ride: Explore a spooky house full of surprises.
- Alien Abduction: Get ready for a spinning adventure that feels out of this world.
- Frisbee: This ride swings you back and forth like a giant pendulum.
Other Fun Rides
- Balloon Race: Go up and down in colorful balloons.
- Crazy Submarine: Dive into a fun adventure in a submarine.
- Frogs: Hop around on this fun ride.
- Speedway: Race around on this exciting ride.
- Bear Bounce: Bounce up and down on this fun attraction.
- Bear Affair: Spin around with friendly bears.
- Mini-Skooters: Smaller bumper cars for younger riders.
- Swings: Soar through the air on these classic swings.
- Chopper Train: Take a ride on this fun train.
- Jumbo: A fun ride for kids.
- Galleon: A swinging ship ride.
Images for kids
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Gillian's Wonderland Pier entrance.
