29yrswithaGApass Posted December 10, 2007 Report Share Posted December 10, 2007 From The Press of Atlantic City N.Wildwood roller coaster needs a new name By TRUDI GILFILLIAN Staff Writer, 609-463-6716 Published: Friday, December 7, 2007 NORTH WILDWOOD - The Much Smoother Great Nor'Easter? The See The Horror on Your Friends' Faces Great Nor'Easter? It's not so easy to come up with the perfect new name for a popular Boardwalk roller coaster, but that's what the owners of Morey's Piers are attempting to do. The Great Nor'easter, a favorite of Boardwalk thrill seekers since its 1995 debut, is slated to start the 2008 season with a new look, a new feel and a yet-to-be determined new name. The inverted steel coaster has become known for its thrilling twists and turns, its breathtaking ocean views and its somewhat rough ride, but the addition of new form-fitting seats with less confining seat restraints will make the popular ride more akin to what Jack Morey described as a "happy flight," as opposed to hurtling through a storm. Riders will also be able to turn their heads and interact with their fellow riders, something not previously possible on the ride. "The ride experience warrants a new name," explained Jack Morey, executive vice president of Morey's Piers. Jack Morey said the company loves the Great Nor'Easter name, but the technologically advanced passenger cars and plans to change the ride entrance made it necessary to give the name a second look. "Everything depends (on the name)," Jack Morey added, explaining that everything from the color of the 20-seat passenger cars to the look of the new entrance all hinge on the coaster's new moniker. The question of how to rename what is a Boardwalk institution has inspired a healthy and spirited debate, said Will Morey, president of Morey's Piers. Will Morey said two words are most often used when talking about the enhanced ride. "One is fly and the other is freedom," he said, adding that when he tried the new passenger cars, "I found myself wanting to put my arms forward and not hold on." Whether fly or freedom makes it into the final name, however, remains to be seen. Dino Fazio, director of operations for Morey's Piers, also favors keeping the Nor'easter name with something added to it. "It's not a brand-new ride, but it is significantly different than before," Fazio said. "We need to say this is the same great ride, but better." Fazio described the older version of the ride as intense and a little rough, while the new design of the seats eliminates some of that roughness. The new seat restraints consist of a padded vest that attach to the lap bar. Gone are the pads on either side of the rider's head that limited what riders could see around them. "The feeling is of having much more freedom. It feels like you're flying," Fazio said. Fazio follows the amusement industry closely and has noted steps other parks have taken after updating their rides. Busch Gardens added a tagline to a ride's name to highlight the change. "We want something that signifies the newness while respecting the history," Fazio said. The ride made its debut in May 1995 as pier operators and brothers Will Morey Sr. and Bill Morey cut the ceremonial ribbon. Will Morey remembers that day clearly, watching his father and uncle as they took the first ride. He said a decision should be made within the next couple of weeks to allow plenty of lead time to get the new passenger cars ready, and to include the new name on park brochures and advertisements. A contract has already been signed with the Dutch manufacturer, with installation due in April or early May, and the pier operator plans to spend about $1.2 million on the upgrades. Whatever the name choice, Will Morey said it is rider reaction that will determine its ultimate success. "At the end of the day, the name is not so important. What's important is the ride experience. I hope they just go, 'Wow,'" Will Morey said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsoxfan0810 Posted December 10, 2007 Report Share Posted December 10, 2007 So it's not just lap bars alone, but still this will be a great improvement! I can't wait to see other parks do this to their SLC's! And with the name, looking for something resembling flight and freedom... Maybe an eagle or a type of seabird? Maybe Osprey? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
29yrswithaGApass Posted December 10, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2007 Or maybe one of those killer boardwalk seagulls that have no fear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Great Adventurer Posted December 22, 2007 Report Share Posted December 22, 2007 I was considering going on this until I heard it hurt... Guess there are no excuses now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Master Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 (edited) Oh it does hurt, hopefully with new trains it will be a better ride! I wonder if the clone of it at SFA will get new trains soon too? Edited January 9, 2008 by The Master Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsDevs4Lyf Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Haven't been on this one in a while but I remember being in Wildwood when the ride was announced and they had a ballotting area where people could suggest a new name for the coaster when it opened. Should be interesting to see what name comes about in the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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