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Gillian's Wonderland Pier

Coordinates: 39°16′39″N 74°34′00″W / 39.277398°N 74.566757°W / 39.277398; -74.566757
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Gillian's Wonderland Pier

Gillian's Wonderland Pier is located in Cape May County, New Jersey
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Location in Cape May County
Gillian's Wonderland Pier is located in New Jersey
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Location in New Jersey
Gillian's Wonderland Pier is located in the United States
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Location in the United States
Location6th and Boardwalk, Ocean City, New Jersey, United States
Coordinates39°16′39″N 74°34′00″W / 39.277398°N 74.566757°W / 39.277398; -74.566757
StatusDefunct
Opened1929
ClosedOctober 13, 2024
OwnerEustice Mita
SloganAmusements with the family in Mind!
Operating seasonApril to October
Attendance1,000,000[1]
Attractions
Total23
Roller coasters1 (Wacky Worm Roller Coaster)
Water rides1 (Canyon Falls Log Flume)
Websitegillians.com

Gillian's Wonderland Pier was a historic amusement park in Ocean City, New Jersey. It was founded in 1965 by Roy Gillian, son of David Gillian who first came to Ocean City in 1914.[2] It was located near the beginning of the commercial boardwalk on 6th street. Gillian's was generally considered to be an institution of Ocean City, with grand openings and pre-season sales for the location historically having drawn crowds multiple blocks long,[3] and employed many local youths during the summer,[4] and in more recent years, many Eastern European workers.[5]

History

[edit]

Roy Gillian started his career in the orchestra at C. Elwood Carpenter's Dance Club (aka The Casino), located over the Moorlyn Theater on the old Boardwalk. In 1917 he transferred to the Hippodrome pier, where he played with Robin Robinson's Orchestra. The Hippodrome had a movie theatre, vaudeville, dancing and amusements for children.

In October 1927, a fire destroyed the Hippodrome,[6] after which the burned boardwalk was replaced in 1928. In 1930, David Gillian opened a Fun Deck at Plymouth Place and the Boardwalk. The two main attractions were a Ferris wheel and a carousel. The Fun Deck was transformed into a water park (today known as OC Waterpark) after 1987.

In honor of his 100th birthday in 1990, David Gillian donated a horse from the Carousel to the Ocean City Historical Museum.[7] David Gillian died in March 1993 at the age of 102.

In 1957, David Gillian retired and his sons, Bob and Roy took over from 1957 to 1977. In 1965, Roy left the family business and started Wonderland Pier at 6th Street and the Boardwalk (where Stainton's Playland had burned down 10 years prior), with 10 rides and a parking lot.

Roy became mayor of Ocean City in 1985, and retired from politics in 1989.[8] In 1994, Roy became the president of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions). His son, Jay Gillian, became mayor of Ocean City in 2010.

The Gillian family decided to expand their business beyond Ocean City by opening Gillian's Funland of Sea Isle City, located on JFK Boulevard. In January 2021 Gillian's was under foreclosure but the Gillian family announced they would still be open for the 2021 season.[9] On March 30 they announced they were teaming up with Icona Hotel owners to enhance the park.[10]

Gillian's Wonderland Pier is famous for its 144-foot (44 m) Giant Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels on the east coast.[11]

On August 9, 2024, owner Jay Gillian announced that Gillian's Wonderland Pier would close its doors after the 2024 season.[12]

On October 13, 2024, Gillian's Wonderland Pier closed for the final time. [13] The closure would spark opposition and a petition was created to save the pier from its demise. [14]

On November 13, 2024, 1 month after the park's closure, property owner Eustace Mita revealed his plans to convert the property into an Icona resort, dubbed Icona in Wonderland. The proposed resort consists of 252 rooms, retail space along the boardwalk, and keeping the Carousel and Giant Wheel attractions from the closed pier. Mita plans to start construction in early 2025 and be ready to open it by 2027.[15]

Former Attractions

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Name Manufacturer Addition Removal Other Information Reference
Alien Abduction Wisdom Rides
Bear Affair Sellner Manufacturing Before 2000 The ride replaced a portable 4-car version that was commonly found at fairs in 2000, with a 6-car version and rotating floor. 42 inches
City Jet Anton Schwarzkopf 1976 2004 [16]
Dragon Wagon 1996 1997 [17][18]
Fiesta Express Zamperla 2011 [19]
Fun Slide 2008 Has children slide down a decline with potato sacks [20]
Matterhorne 1997 [17]
Miner Mike Wisdom Rides 1998 2011 [21]
Python 1996 [18]
Ring of Fire
Runaway Train L&T Systems 2006 2018 [22][23]
Salt and Pepper Shaker [24]
Skooter Bumper Cars Bertazzon 42 inches (50 inches) [25]
Sky Diver/Glider 2005 [26]
Sling Shot Chance Rides 2004 2010 Relocated to Gloria's Fantasyland [27]
Twister Zamperla 1997 [17][23]
Wild Mine Roller Coaster 2006 Half a dozen other attractions were moved to make way for the ride. [28]
Wild Mouse 1996 [18]
Wild Wonder Zamperla 1999 2000 [29]

Indoor Attractions

[edit]
Name Addition Manufacturer Information Minimum height to ride alone Reference
Carousel 1972 Philadelphia Toboggan Company The carousel was originally constructed in 1926, registered as carousel #75. It has a decorative facade similar to the Wurlitzer style #157 Military Band Organ by Kromer, but it does not provide the music on the carousel.[30] It was formerly located at Rolling Green Park in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania until 1972.[31] 42 inches [32]
Crazy Submarine 1997 Zamperla 42 inches [17]
Dune Buggies Hampton Amusement Maximum height requirement is 54 inches, and adults and teenagers aren't allowed on the ride.
Fire Engines 1940s Pinto Bros No adults or teenagers are allowed on the ride None
Frog Jump Around Zamperla 36 inches
Frontier Express Monorail 1965 The ride originally was nicknamed, the "Red Raider" in honor of the town's high school mascot, it originally had 4 cars, and it only circled around the indoor area. However, in 1986, new cars, a Frontier theme, and an expanded layout were added to the ride. The cars now loosely resemble Thomas the Tank Engine. 48 inches [24][33]
Rock Wall 36 inches
Rocky and the Railroad Ramblers 1992 Pizza Time Theatre, Inc.

Sally Corporation

Commonly referred to as "The Man & Dog Show," this animatronic stage show can be found between the loading and unloading platforms of the Frontier Express Monorail. With a payment of $1, the characters perform one country song at a time, a total of eight songs in all. The cast consists of Rocky (a panda), Bubba Bonga (a lion), Henry "Hank" Howls (a dalmatian), Henrietta Hatpin (a female chicken), and Antonio Vermicelli (a male human born in Nebraska who poses as an Italian). These animatronics are retrofits of the common "Cyberamics" characters from Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre. The current soundtrack and equipment used for Rocky and the Railroad Ramblers have been provided by Sally Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida. N/A
Wet Boats Alan Herschel No adults or teenagers are allowed on the ride None

Mid-Deck Attractions

[edit]
Name Addition Manufacturer Information Minimum height (to ride alone) Reference
Balloon Race Zamperla 32 inches (42 inches) [27]
Bungee Jump Maximum weight allowed is 240 lbs. No teenagers or adults are allowed on the ride. 36 inches
Chopper Train SBF Visa Rides No single teenagers or adults are allowed on the ride. 36 inches
Giant Wheel 1989 The Ferris wheel is one of the largest of its kind on the east coast, being 144 feet (44 m) tall.[11] The current wheel is a replacement of one that was slightly shorter and removed in 2001.[34] 48 inches [25][35]
Glass House Gillian's All riders must keep their hands in front of them and walk slowly, as they progress through the maze. None
Jumbo Zamperla (36 inches)
Kite Flyer Zamperla 36 inches (42 inches)
Musik Express 2000 Bertazzon The ride replaced "Himalaya" 44 inches (48 inches)
Raiders Wisdom Rides 38 inches (42 inches)
Super Fun Slide 2021 Frederiksen Industries
Swings Before 2018 Barock Replaced an older model of the ride in 2018. 48 inches
Wacky Worm 2005 An older model operated at the park from 2005 to 2010, but the model was relocated to Gillian's Funland in Sea Isle City from 2011 to 2013. The newer model was purchased in 2012. The Sea Isle City model now operates at Alabama Splash Adventure in Bessemer, Alabama as Centi-Speed.[36] A new paint scheme was added for the 2021 season. 36 inches (42 inches) [37][26]

Lower Lot Attractions

[edit]
Name Addition Manufacturer Information Minimum height (to ride alone) Reference
Canyon Falls Log Flume 1992 Hopkins Rides Formerly known as Canyon Tour[23] (42 inches) [38]
Haunted House Dark Ride Sally Corporation 36 inches (48 inches)
Moby Dick 2005 Wisdom Rides 42 inches (48 inches) [26]
Speedway Zamperla (36 inches)
Tilt-A-Whirl Before 2000 Sellner Manufacturing A new version replaced the old one in 2002.[24] (36 inches) [25]

Upper Deck Attractions

[edit]
Name Addition Manufacturer Minimum height (to ride alone) Reference
Frisbee 2000 HUSS 54 inches

Accidents

[edit]

Over the course of the park's history, there have been 3 deaths and 9 hospitalizations due to injuries resulting from park actions, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines towards the park.

City Jet

In 1992, Kathleen Stephens, a rider at Gillian's, sued the park for more than $100,000 in damages after riding the 'City Jet' coaster, which she alleged left her with an amputated ear, broken hand, and injured head due to a dislocated support cable that struck her while her cart was moving.[39]

Wild Wonder

On August 28, 1999, two people were killed and two injured when a car on the newly installed Wild Wonder roller-coaster lost traction with the rails on a steep ascent and plunged backwards by 30 feet.[40][41][42][43] The victims of the accident were a 39-year-old woman, Kimberly Bailey, and her 8-year-old daughter, Jessica.[44] Owner of the park Jay Gillian stated that in response to the accident, the coaster would be removed for the following park season.[45]

The Division of Codes and Standards fined the park $25,000 for safety violations.[46] The following year, the husband and father of the victims, John J. Bailey Jr. sued the park and sought $275 million in damages, and claimed that the Pier knew the coaster was defective prior to opening it, and further stated that his 5-year-old daughter was nearly killed in the accident as well, but failed to meet height requirements to get into the cart with her sister and mother.[47] A former employee of Zamperla, the manufacturer of the ride, later sued the company, claiming they fired him for pointing out safety concerns regarding the Wild Wonder.[48] A law was passed in the event of the Baileys' deaths that strengthened law enforcement power to investigate accidents and dish out larger fines for safety violations.[49]

Canyon Falls Log Flume

On July 22, 2007, 5 people (3 adults and 2 children) were injured on the flume after a loose bolt, believed to be the cause of a malfunction on the ride, caused two logs to collide with each other.[50][51]

Speedway

On August 25, 2013, a 4-year-old girl was on the platform of the ride as it was about to start, and was struck. She was then transported to the hospital shortly after. According to a spokeswoman from the NJ Department of Labor & Community Affairs, "the accident was caused by operator error, and the operator was later fired. There were no mechanical problems with the ride, and the operator responsible for the incident was fired."[52]

Ferris Wheel

On May 2, 2022, a 62-year-old subcontractor, Robert W. Sanger, fell off of a lift while working on the ferris wheel, dying upon impact.[53][54] An investigation subsequently took place by OSHA.[55] OSHA issued a fine of over $10,000 to the park, stating that Gillian's had not ensured that "each walking/working surface could support the intended load for that surface."[56]

Nonfatal incidents

In 1980, various waterslides were temporarily closed after the plastic chute on one of them broke and fell, although not injuring anyone.[57] The waterslides at the park had the materials of their shoots replaced with fiberglass, as the former material was declared by state inspectors as "prone to breaking".[58]

September 16, 1995, saw a power outage in Ocean City that left several people stuck on Gillian's Ferris wheel. The weight of the wheel overpowered itself and eventually allowed the riders to descend to the bottom without any rescue being needed.[59]

In June 2007, the park was closed for two hours after a 17-year-old girl had fired shots from a .22 caliber gun into a sand dune from one of the Pier's rides. After investigation, it had been discovered that she had found it on a seat, accidentally dropped by an off-duty policeman from Philadelphia.[60]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Lee, Dan P. (May 26, 2002). "Not-so-cheap thrills - Prices". Press of Atlantic City. pp. A12. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  2. ^ "Gillians Wonderland Pier". www.gillians.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2010.
  3. ^ Schwartz, Sonny (April 3, 1989). "A brisk spring sale means hot summer for O.C. water rides". The Press of Atlantic City. p. 27. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  4. ^ Sokolic, William H. (June 25, 1990). "Students in need of cash or losing to the calendar". Philadelphia Inquirer. pp. 10–C. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  5. ^ Gilfillian, Trudy (May 9, 2005). "Luring foreign workers tougher". Press of Atlantic City. pp. C1. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  6. ^ "Photobook". photobook.smugmug.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014.
  7. ^ "Ocean City Historical Museum | Welcome!". Ocnjmuseum.org. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  8. ^ "Mayor extends family legacy in Ocean City | Ocean Beats". Oceancitybeat.wordpress.com. November 30, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
  9. ^ Coleman, Julie (January 26, 2021). "Shore landmark Gillian's Wonderland Pier is in foreclosure". Philly Inquirer. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  10. ^ Vitale, M. (March 30, 2021). "Gillian's Wonderland Pier Announces Partnership With Icona Resorts". OCNJ Daily. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Boardwine, Andrew (May 11, 2022). "Concrete Collapse Caused Worker's Fatal Fall off Ferris Wheel". Inside the Magic. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  12. ^ Conde, Ximena (August 9, 2024). "Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City is closing". www.inquirer.com. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  13. ^ McCormick, Kaitlyn. "A closing date is set for Gillian's Wonderland Pier on the Ocean City boardwalk". Courier-Post. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  14. ^ "Ocean City group wants your help to save Gillian's Wonderland Pier". CBS News. October 24, 2024.
  15. ^ Longo, Brandon; Goggin, Caroline (November 14, 2024). "Ocean City developer hopes to turn shuttered Wonderland Pier into 252-room hotel". 6 ABC. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
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  21. ^ "Miner Mike (Gillian's Wonderland Pier)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  22. ^ "Runaway Train (Gillian's Wonderland Pier)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
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  47. ^ Sokolic, William H. (July 19, 2000). "N.Y. man sues in coast deaths of wife, daughter". Courier-Post. pp. 1A, 9A. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
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  55. ^ Galloway, Nanette LoBiondo (May 3, 2022). "Investigation continues into fatal fall at Ocean City's Wonderland Pier". DOWNBEACH. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
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  58. ^ Watson, William J. (August 26, 1980). "Two Waterslides Reopen With Fiberglass in Place". Press of Atlantic City. p. 34. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  59. ^ Pope, W. Leon (September 17, 1995). "Power: Dry spell leads to blackout". Press of Atlantic City. pp. A8. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  60. ^ "Teen finds cop's missing gun, shoots it at beach". Daily Record. June 23, 2007. pp. A3. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
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