Talk about thrills! I got some of the best seeing my little daughter (who is now 34) enjoy the rides here just as I did as a kid. Very sorry to know of its closing in 2024. Thanks for the memories! You will be missed, Gillian's.
Little parking hack: There's two small streets right behind Gillian's, Pelham Place and Plaza Place. There is 100% free parking there and its a stone's throw away from the park. It can fill up during the busy weekends, but even then I've almost always been able to get a spot in that area, even if I had to drive around for a few minutes waiting for someone to leave.
I also just heard the "Breaking News" of today's announcement on Wonderland's permanent closing in mid-October 2024. This video has some mistakes about Wonderland's history though. David Gillian had nothing to do with Wonderland. David opened Gillian's Fun Deck at Plymouth Place & Bdwlk. (between 7th & 8th Streets.) in 1929 or 1930. He retired in 1957 and it was taken over by his sons Bob (a very nice man) and Roy (wish I could say the same about him.) Bob retired in early 1980's and Roy took over until it closed in 1986 or '87. All the amusement rides went up for auction. Then that site became a Water Park. Roy started Wonderland at 6th & Bdwlk. (without David or Bob) in 1965. Roy retired (I forget when) and Wonderland was then operated by Roy's son Jay. Also Playland (between 10th & 11th Streets on Bdwlk.) opened in 1959 and didn't become known as Playland's Castaway Cove until the 1990's. Before Playland, that amusement park was Bingham's, which had what they called "kiddie rides."
@@hiresrootbeer1876 Very interesting! I actually never knew the history of Castaway Cove! Thank you so much for sharing it! And for the Wonderland Pier history too!
Came here a lot as a kid. I remember it mostly being kiddie rides but I was obsessed with the monorail. I really need to get back to these boardwalk parks. The only ones I've been to recently were Casino Pier and Playland's Castaway Cove. From the general public's perspective it's no surprise they're overshadowed by Great Adventure (I've been getting a season pass there the last few years so I'm guilty too) but these places really have charm and hidden gem rides.
@@CanobieCoaster Agreed. They have so much personality and ambience with the beachside setting, as long as the seagulls aren't trying to steal my fries! On that note they usually have great food or there's some tasty options nearby.
6:23 The Twist & Shout coaster at Family Kingdom you showed there was actually at Wonderland Pier initially for a short time in 1999, and was located on the upper deck (or as they called it, Gillian's Fun Deck) where the HUSS Frisbee was located at the end.
Iv been here when Runaway train was here, not much to see, 1 coaster and a lot of rides for kids and family but the log flume is really nice and the ferris wheel is amazing at night but overall, I prefer Playlands Castaway Cove.
My mother's family had homes in o.c. We've always enjoyed the rides there. I remember going there since I can remember. I also enjoyed the roller coaster, riding with my cousins is a memory I cherish. Sad that it was gone. I remember other rides that are no longer there, the Caterpillar ride and a balloon ride that went up and down with kids controlling it themselves. The train was also different and longer too. It was in the 70s.
We all like the bumper cars, as well as the log flume. In the past they did the brass rings at the carousel, which was fun. They did not do it last summer.
@@CanobieCoaster I don’t think they’ve had them for years. I’ve been going since ‘09 and it was ALWAYS the theme park I went to, pretty much for anything. I even used to consider Gillian’s “Ocean City”, because any time we went to OC that’s pretty much the only place we went! In all those years I’ve been going there I don’t remember brass rings, however my mom does. But she’s been going since ‘03 or so it could’ve been from then.
I loved this place as a little kid when my family would go to Ocean City, mainly because they used to have a Nascar ride and the Monorail kinda looks like Thomas the Tank Engine, which was my SHIT as a little kid.
unfortunately the drop tower was sold and fireball which opened last year is being sold too it is currently standing but not operating it's one of those coasters as literally just a loop
There are a few incorrect statements here about the history, after the 1927 fire Gillian opened ( Fun Deck) at Plymouth place and the boardwalk, at that time the wonderland site was occupied by the original playland that burned down in 1959. In 1961 wonderland was built.
They are adding ring of fire super loop so that’s a good flat ride edition and then a frisbee that’s good but I don’t think and I think it’s weird they put the frisbee right above the log flume I mean it’s not bad just weird
@@CanobieCoaster Trust me, this one was better. It might have done the same thing as Adventuredome in 2004 when it opened, but I don't know. From 2005 until its removal in 2010, it played kind of like an S&S. ruclips.net/video/7C0OOYRyJaY/видео.html This is the best bet when trying to find a video of the OCNJ one, and trust me, it wouldn't disappoint.
Usually when Gillians removes a ride they put new one or ones in either that year or the following, depending on red tape stuff. I imagine 2020 severely damaged their finances and plans for new rides. -Former Gillians employee
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Talk about thrills! I got some of the best seeing my little daughter (who is now 34) enjoy the rides here just as I did as a kid. Very sorry to know of its closing in 2024. Thanks for the memories! You will be missed, Gillian's.
RIP
Little parking hack: There's two small streets right behind Gillian's, Pelham Place and Plaza Place. There is 100% free parking there and its a stone's throw away from the park. It can fill up during the busy weekends, but even then I've almost always been able to get a spot in that area, even if I had to drive around for a few minutes waiting for someone to leave.
Great tip!
I think the Runaway Train getting removed was a mistake. The more things to do, the better chances you have of getting people to visit.
I was surprised it was removed as well.
@@CanobieCoaster What was the reason for that?
I don't recall a reason being given. It was done quietly.
@@CanobieCoaster it was because the park sold it.
@@midnightgreenamusements1345 Where was it sold?
I also just heard the "Breaking News" of today's announcement on Wonderland's permanent closing in mid-October 2024. This video has some mistakes about Wonderland's history though. David Gillian had nothing to do with Wonderland. David opened Gillian's Fun Deck at Plymouth Place & Bdwlk. (between 7th & 8th Streets.) in 1929 or 1930. He retired in 1957 and it was taken over by his sons Bob (a very nice man) and Roy (wish I could say the same about him.) Bob retired in early 1980's and Roy took over until it closed in 1986 or '87. All the amusement rides went up for auction. Then that site became a Water Park. Roy started Wonderland at 6th & Bdwlk. (without David or Bob) in 1965. Roy retired (I forget when) and Wonderland was then operated by Roy's son Jay. Also Playland (between 10th & 11th Streets on Bdwlk.) opened in 1959 and didn't become known as Playland's Castaway Cove until the 1990's. Before Playland, that amusement park was Bingham's, which had what they called "kiddie rides."
Thanks for correcting any history that was off. It's sad to hear this park is closing.
@@hiresrootbeer1876 Very interesting! I actually never knew the history of Castaway Cove! Thank you so much for sharing it! And for the Wonderland Pier history too!
Came here a lot as a kid. I remember it mostly being kiddie rides but I was obsessed with the monorail. I really need to get back to these boardwalk parks. The only ones I've been to recently were Casino Pier and Playland's Castaway Cove. From the general public's perspective it's no surprise they're overshadowed by Great Adventure (I've been getting a season pass there the last few years so I'm guilty too) but these places really have charm and hidden gem rides.
The boardwalk parks are about not just the parks themselves, but the surrounding atmosphere for me.
@@CanobieCoaster Agreed. They have so much personality and ambience with the beachside setting, as long as the seagulls aren't trying to steal my fries! On that note they usually have great food or there's some tasty options nearby.
6:23 The Twist & Shout coaster at Family Kingdom you showed there was actually at Wonderland Pier initially for a short time in 1999, and was located on the upper deck (or as they called it, Gillian's Fun Deck) where the HUSS Frisbee was located at the end.
Yes, thanks for sharing where it was in the park.
First review I’ve seen of this park! I’ve walked past it a few times but always chose Playlands
Makes sense with all of Playland's new additions.
Iv been here when Runaway train was here, not much to see, 1 coaster and a lot of rides for kids and family but the log flume is really nice and the ferris wheel is amazing at night but overall, I prefer Playlands Castaway Cove.
Agreed!
My mother's family had homes in o.c. We've always enjoyed the rides there. I remember going there since I can remember. I also enjoyed the roller coaster, riding with my cousins is a memory I cherish. Sad that it was gone. I remember other rides that are no longer there, the Caterpillar ride and a balloon ride that went up and down with kids controlling it themselves. The train was also different and longer too. It was in the 70s.
Boardwalk parks always need to remove things to stay relevant due to being landlocked.
I go to castaway cove and wonderland every year when my family has a big reunion in ocean city and i usually spend three nights each at the parks
Nice!
We all like the bumper cars, as well as the log flume. In the past they did the brass rings at the carousel, which was fun. They did not do it last summer.
They still have brass rings normally? Cool!
@@CanobieCoaster I don’t think they’ve had them for years. I’ve been going since ‘09 and it was ALWAYS the theme park I went to, pretty much for anything. I even used to consider Gillian’s “Ocean City”, because any time we went to OC that’s pretty much the only place we went! In all those years I’ve been going there I don’t remember brass rings, however my mom does. But she’s been going since ‘03 or so it could’ve been from then.
Just heard the sad news. Gillian’s you will be missed thank you for all the great childhood memories
I heard. Sad to see it likely close.
Wow the last tome I was there, the Galleon, Runaway Train, and Wipeout rides were still there. I miss them
They've removed quite a bit.
3:30 I see Galeforce 👀🔥 and well you mentioned it at 6:30
Yup!
Apparently, the Ferris wheel is the largest one in New Jersey, and it can be seen from Somer’s point
Wow!
The Man & Dog are the highlight of the pier for me.
What is that?
@@CanobieCoaster The animatronic band that sits by the Monorail.
@@CanobieCoaster you might wanna look at Actors317’s channel because he’s the guy who repairs and makeovers the Man & Dog.
HOORAY FOR THE MAN AND DOG , HIP HIP HOORAY !!!!!!
@@Inactive157 ok???
Can adults go on the kiddie coaster here ?
Yes
I loved this place as a little kid when my family would go to Ocean City, mainly because they used to have a Nascar ride and the Monorail kinda looks like Thomas the Tank Engine, which was my SHIT as a little kid.
Nice!
Prices for the rides seem to be a bit steep, even for a boardwalk.
I thought it was on par with most boardwalks up this way.
unfortunately the drop tower was sold and fireball which opened last year is being sold too it is currently standing but not operating it's one of those coasters as literally just a loop
Sad it was sold.
@@CanobieCoaster I was thinking I would be ready to ride it this year :(
Hey this park has a music express ride in wonderland pier I rode that ride in 2020 summer
Nice!
Hey did you see the wonderland pier music express ride in this video
@@ryannimmo8560 Yes
Hey wonderland pier music express ride is a classic ride
There are a few incorrect statements here about the history, after the 1927 fire Gillian opened ( Fun Deck) at Plymouth place and the boardwalk, at that time the wonderland site was occupied by the original playland that burned down in 1959. In 1961 wonderland was built.
Thanks for the clarification!
Do you pay credits?
Yes
Wurlitzer 157 Band Organ Replaced by Stinson 87 Band Organ for Gillian's Wonderland Pier: The First 95 Years
Ok thanks!
They are adding ring of fire super loop so that’s a good flat ride edition and then a frisbee that’s good but I don’t think and I think it’s weird they put the frisbee right above the log flume I mean it’s not bad just weird
The super loop should be good for them and while I think it's a flat, I know a lot of places market it as a coaster.
Wonderland this year is very great
Nice!
The park is still doing good and might get a coaster soon
Yay!
They need to stay open past labor day to include the Block Party weekend.
I wish they had longer hours too.
@@CanobieCoaster I wish they opened at 1pm during the summer instead of just during the spring. They open at 4pm most summers.
They got rid of jet city coaster I'm kinda mad about that
It stinks they don't have a big coaster currently.
Is this an 18 year grudge you have? Lol
I am literally in Ocean City going to that place tonight
Enjoy!
Ty
Nice
It is.
I would like them to add a el loco roller coaster Or a pinfari zl
Edit: well, that's not going to be possible anymore
That would be nice.
I agree that the don't have enough roller coasters, I think there should me more thrill rides.
At least Castaway Cove is nearby for that.
When it comes to its drop tower, trust me, the old Chance Sling Shot was better. It both shot up and dropped down.
I didn't love the one at Adventuredome. It was really weak.
@@CanobieCoaster Trust me, this one was better. It might have done the same thing as Adventuredome in 2004 when it opened, but I don't know. From 2005 until its removal in 2010, it played kind of like an S&S. ruclips.net/video/7C0OOYRyJaY/видео.html This is the best bet when trying to find a video of the OCNJ one, and trust me, it wouldn't disappoint.
Usually when Gillians removes a ride they put new one or ones in either that year or the following, depending on red tape stuff. I imagine 2020 severely damaged their finances and plans for new rides. -Former Gillians employee
Completely understandable.
So sad it’s closing after this season.
RIP
Decent park
Agreed.
Definitely unfortunate. My whole channel is dedicated to this place and the man & dog
RIP
Honestly Playland’s is still better for families. Place is a bit sketch
Playland is definitively better for thrill-seekers. Families is closer. I've never found my visits to Gillian's sketchy.
And everyone else getting on uncreative names...they ain't seen nothing yet.
Their names could use work.
Gave no fucks about the names 🤣🤣🤣
The park?