Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Kong Now Invading Wildwood on Morey's Surfside Pier



We've heard of some exciting Kong news down in Orlando recently, but the famous giant ape has also made a return to the Jersey Shore this year at Morey's Piers.  Located on Surfside Pier, Kong is a new flat ride that lets riders soar above the boardwalk in their own fighter airplane.

© Morey's Piers
The ride is a set of Larson Flying Scooters, which we have seen recently installed at many large amusement parks, for instance at Dorney Park in 2015 as well.  What sets Morey's Flying Scooters apart is the giant Kong figure that is located at the ride's center.  Kong is perched on a lighthouse, looking a bit angry and holding a tram car - a famous sight along the Wildwood boardwalk.  The entire ride is atop a platform on the pier, making it 60 feet above the crowd at its peak.

This video, from Wildwood Pizza Tour, shows Kong in action:

Kong is modeled after Morey's old ride that shared the same theme, including a giant Kong character.  While not quite the same ride action, the 1972 ride featured biplanes that flew around the ape.  Many visitors felt nostalgic about that original ride, leading the Moreys to bring it back in a new form.

Since the new ride is up on a platform, the area below it is home to Kong & Co., a store featuring branded merchandise and a rest & recharge area.

© Morey's Piers
And, as you can see from this photo from the ride's (unfortunately rainy) opening event, Kong looks great at night with his glowing eyes.  The ride's light package - including bright leds on the underside of the cars - doesn't look so bad either!


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