Ghost Creek Cavern--Ocean City, NJ

[proz]

Does anyone have any memory of this dark ride that used to operate on Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, NJ? It operated until the early/mid 80's, at the front of the pier. I was very young the few times I rode it, so my recollection of details is hazy.

The ride had a haunted western/cave theme, and one of the stunts I clearly remember was Indians popping up as the car went by. I have a feeling Bill Tracy did the stunts, and remember a large skull similar to one I've seen in pictures of Dr. Blood's in Wildwood. At the end of the ride, the car meandered through the shooting gallery, which I have not seen on any other dark ride (the combination of people "shooting" at you and the targets being set off added to the fun).

There is almost no mention of this ride on the internet (that I've found), and I have not found a single picture. Had my parents not confirmed that they rode it with me, I might have thought I dreamed this up.

After the ride was removed, a kiddie scooter ride opened in the former loading area (below the monorail). The shooting gallery far outlasted the ride. I'm not sure what's in the spot now--haven't been to Wonderland in a few years.


David

[proteus]

Here is a pic of it. It was a Bill Tracy themed ride. Check out the great new article by Ralph Grassi about the life of Bill Tracy.

www.laffinthedark.com/articles/tracy/tracy10.htm

www.laffinthedark.com/articles/tracy/tracy1.htm

[1992]

Interesting... there is a shooting gallery in Ocean City NJ that is made up of Funni Fright MFG stunts.

I enjoy waiting till there are children nearby and then taking a photo of the gallery with my camera w/ flash on. All of the stunts come to life at once scaring any children nearby. A good time is had by all! ESP ME!!!!

[mclunatic4evr]

It's like letting a wild monkey loose in a chicken coupe, good times are had by all, especially me. Other fun favorites include doing doughnuts on people's lawn in my ice cream truck at 3:00 in the morning with the highbeams on and bell music playing. Dressing up in an evil clown costume and hiding in trees is cool too.

[proteus]

Are any of the old shooting galleries still open in OC.....what about Randyland? Any news?

[laffinthedark]

We just posted a major feature story, with video, on Gillian's Haunted House Dark Ride. The feature also contains a first-hand account and rare photos of the former Ghost Creek Caverns ride. www.laffinthedark.com/articles/gillians/ghh_P1.html

[ericpenn]

I actually worked on and maintained the Ghost Creek Caverns through the 80s... Also the shooting gallery...  I can answer any questions you may have... 

[ericpenn]

Apr 21, 2009 22:23:01 GMT -5 1992 said:

Interesting... there is a shooting gallery in Ocean City NJ that is made up of Funni Fright MFG stunts.

I enjoy waiting till there are children nearby and then taking a photo of the gallery with my camera w/ flash on. All of the stunts come to life at once scaring any children nearby. A good time is had by all! ESP ME!!!!

We always had people with camera flashes and some even brought flashlights to it...  The Haunted house track went through the shooting gallery, so lots of people would take pictures of family/friends traveling out of the ride and would be surprised how the entire shooting gallery would get triggered....