Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Waterparks, a classic seaside amusement park and the pride and joy of the Wildwoods Boardwalk, has been family owned and operated since its momentous opening in 1969.
Bill and Will Morey Sr. began the amusement legacy when they purchased two lots of boardwalk in North Wildwood at 25th and 26th streets. They called this space Surfside Pier and opened the following summer with a giant fiberglass slide called the Wipe Out. Guests paid 25 cents to slide down the ride in burlap sacks.
The park is currently run by 2nd generation Morey Brothers, Will and Jack. The Morey Brothers grew up immersed in the unique culture of the boardwalk and seaside living, inspiring their work and allowing Morey’s Piers to be voted one of the top three seaside amusement parks in the world by Amusement Today.
Surfside Pier is a colorful seaside carnival located at 25th Street in North Wildwood. It was the first of the three piers, and now, mixes a variety of kiddie rides with family thrills like the Zoom Phloom and Flitzer in an environment fueled by neon colors, bright lights, and music.
On the beach behind Surfside Pier lies a tropical island getaway in Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club. Offering massage services, family activities, private cabana rentals, hammocks and exquisite dining at Oasis Café, Ocean Oasis is the perfect blend of fun and tranquility.
Mariner’s Landing, located at Schellenger Avenue in Wildwood, offers the atmosphere of a traditional amusement park. With classics like the Super Scooters, Teacups, Musik Express and the famous Giant Wheel, Mariner’s Landing takes families back to the turn of the century when life was simpler. It’s also the only place to experience Breakfast in the Sky- a gourmet, white linen and china breakfast on the Giant Wheel, offering spectacular views of the ocean and all of the Wildwoods. This unique dining experience was one of the last famous ideas of Morey’s Piers’ late founder, Will Morey, Sr. Years later, to sentimentally honor their father’s last whimsical wish, the second-generation Morey Brothers, have set the dream in motion—literally!
Behind Mariner’s Landing, guests will find action and excitement at Raging Waters Waterpark. Inspired by shipwrecks, this waterpark looks and feels like it might have just washed up one day ready for families to enjoy. Raging Waters offers two unique kiddie play areas at Shipwreck Shoals and Camp KidTastrophe along with speed slides, Shotgun Falls and an activity pool full of challenges.
Adventure Pier, located at Spencer Avenue, lives up to its name. Featuring lots of Xtreme rides, the Grand Prix Raceway and the wooden coaster The Great White, Adventure Pier can certainly leave heads spinning and families laughing. Adventure Pier offers a highly interactive amusement environment.
As far as dining, Morey’s marries the stellar culinary education of award winning Executive Chef Wally Jurusz with classic boardwalk fare with its innovative and always delicious options. Visit Jumbo’s on Mariner’s Landing for seafood, steaks, giant pizzas, a raw bar and more casual fare. New for 2011, Jumbo’s now offers beer and wine and a signature daiquiri. Joe’s Fish Co., the newest Morey’s eatery, is located on 26th Street and offers savory seafood with an eclectic boardwalk twist. Curley’s Fries is an authentic boardwalk fixture and everyone’s favorite fry. With locations in front of both Mariner’s Landing and Surfside Piers, the legendary Curley’s Fries serves “Shake-Ups,” funnel cake, pizza, fresh squeezed lemonade and, of course, the most addictive crinkle cut fries.
Since its single ride humble beginnings, Morey’s Piers has come an extremely long way. With over 100 rides and attractions for families and kids of all ages and spanning the iconic Wildwood Boardwalk, Morey’s Piers includes three action packed amusement piers and two beachfront waterparks, each with its own personality. Discover for yourself why Morey’s has received worldwide recognition as winner of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions “Must See Waterparks” Award and the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Tourism Excellence.
By Megan Kummer