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Giilian's Wonderland has long been know as a fun park for families with younger children. However, due to changing demographics, the park recently debuted two thrilling new rides: a Gravitron and Disk'o.

 

But that's not all, they are also adding a haunted house underneath their Ferris Wheel. If this is a walk through, it will be the 3rd haunted house added back the Jersey Shore parks in the past 3 years, along with Morey Piers and Funtown Pier. Personally, I'm excited about this because when I was a kid the Jersey Shore was populated with many haunted houses, one at practically every amusment pier.

 

http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/index.php/ocean-city-general-news/25859-wonderland-celebrates-83-years-and-the-thrill-zone.html

 

Wonderland celebrates 83 years and The Thrill Zone

 

It was a big celebration, with fireworks, music, rides, food and lots of fun and excitement.

 

Eighty three years after his father, the late David Gillian, opened an amusement park on the Ocean City Boardwalk with a simple Ferris wheel and a merry-go-round, Roy Gillian said he couldn’t have been prouder and more honored to cut the ribbon for the opening of “The Thrill Zone,” a section of Gillian's Wonderland Pier filled with action-packed rides designed for adventure-seekers.

 

Created to accompany his father’s amusement park, known as “Gillian’s Fun Deck,” Roy Gillian founded Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in 1965, the year his youngest son, Jay – who now owns the park - was born.

 

“I can remember my dad when I started here, when we opened,” he said. “I have the same feeling. It’s pretty special.”

 

Surrounded by hundreds of ecstatic children, running from ride to ride, with the requisite screams of delight, the elder Gillian said he was in awe of how the park had grown.

 

New this year are the “Alien Invasion,” a gravitron, and the Disk’o. By the end of the month, a new Haunted House will also be open. Tucked underneath the ever-popular Big Wheel, a Ferris Wheel offering riders a spectacular view of the island, the Haunted House is somewhat nostalgic as those of a certain age remember a similar, albeit less technical ride at The Fun Deck.

 

Jay Gillian said modern amusement parks in family-oriented communities like Ocean City need a mix of nostalgia and excitement.

 

“You have to keep it fresh, but at the same time be mindful of the past,” he said. “Ocean City people are generational, we entertain generations, and parents who came here as kids, or grandparents who brought their kids want to see some of the rides that they remember.”

 

Wonderland now offers over 30 rides; Gillian said the emphasis on bigger rides to attract an older audience is based on changing demographics.

 

“We’re starting to see more 14, 15 and 16 year-olds and fewer babies, it’s a trend at amusement parks across the nation,” he said. “We have to change with the times. We still have a lot of rides for the smaller children, we have a good mix.”

 

Though a storm briefly forced the closure of the outside rides, the fireworks celebration went off as scheduled at 9 p.m. sharp.

 

Jay Gillian, surrounded by his family, including many of the next generation of the family to work at the park, said he was “grateful” that so many people came out to enjoy the rides – one ticket for the evening – and celebrate the park’s anniversary and the new Thrill Zone.

 

“We had big crowds, I’m very humbled,” he said. “To have my dad here was very special. I know when he was growing up and started this park he wanted to make his dad proud. I do too.

 

“I’m lucky to be surrounded by a lot of talented people here, people who work hard. I know it meant a lot to the employees to see my dad here, they all love him. They worked very hard, every day they work hard to keep the park clean and looking so nice.

 

“If not for him and my grandfather, none of this would be here, I’m very lucky,” he said. “I have a great wife, great kids; I think my grandfather would be amazed to see all of this.”

 

The most enjoyable part of the whole night, aside from the fireworks, he said, is having the opportunity to share the park with the community.

 

“For a couple of hours, everyone can relax and enjoy themselves,” he said. “You forget all your troubles when you see all these kids smiling.”

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Posted

I remember that they had one of those weird Zamperla Mixer rides there once. That was definitely a thrilling ride.

Posted

So Gillian's Wonderland finally joined the other Jersey Shore parks and got themselves a Gravitron.

 

I ride every one of these I see, so I'm pleased. I don't know when I'll be back, but I will, 'cause I need credits there.

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