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If anything else should be replaced it should be the Sea Serpent. I can’t tell you how many times that thing has broken down. Especially with my sister on it. Thankfully she wasn’t upside down. And it scared the living daylights out of me when it felt like it was dropping down when climbing the second hill to go backwards.
I’m coming this summer to see what’s been replaced and redone. I hope not all my childhood rides are gone.

I used to work on Morey’s Pier back in the summers of ‘89 and ‘90.  Those were two of the best summers of my life!  I loved the Condor and will miss it, but I’m sure they can come up with something even more exciting.  Personally, I liked the old Catapult (I THINK that’s what it was called).  And I also agree with those who said to bring back the Breakdance!

I agree. But even though it was my FAVORITE ride if it wasnt safe it should go. I cant imagine wildwood without it but i can imagine wildwood safer. Who knows maybe in a few years there will be a ride similar to it but for now there is no more condor. Hope you understood everything.

Aww man! I wish I had one last chance to ride before it disappears!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KZNaBvYnQA&feature=related

I love the Wildwood lifeguard boat concept.

First off, Dr. Evil says that not Austin Powers.  Secondly, I think you should keep the Condor; it is the centerpiece of the pier!  How can you get rid of it?!  It will be very sad to see it go!

If this Condor was the last in existence, I could see getting really upset, but it’s not. You still have ‘Falcon’ at Hersheypark, ‘Condor’ at Six Flags Great America (Illinois), and ‘Condor’ at The Great Escape (New York). This is only what I’m aware of in the States. There are plenty more in Europe.

Nonetheless, I do understand that it’s a loss as I’ve ridden the Wildwood version as well. For me, from a nostalgic standpoint, I was more upset about the loss of the Giant Slide. I love it as a kid!

I really hope the Moreys family see all these posts and the other posts on the facebook page and maybe re-considers the future of the Condor. I know rides get old, but you’re removing a signature attraction. It seems that a lot of rides have been removed recently including the slide last year, and now this year the Mummy walk-through, Jersey Junkyard, Condor, and the Sea Dragon. Now I know the ship is being replaced with a newer model, but its a lot of rides being taken away that are great and nothing new in its place. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to repare a popular ride than to buy a new one? Several of the same rides are still in operation (including in Hersheypark) and still work great because they are well taken care of. Wildwoods looks better than any one Ive seen because of the lights and sounds. Theres got to be a way it can stay at Wildwood!

I remember seeing that ride a couple years back.. seemed like the next day it was gone!! whatever happened to that ride?

Jack,
Please find a way to keep the Condor at moreys if you can.  I don’t think a vertical swing is a good replacement, every corporate park is adding them so they’re not unique and it’s regarded as a pretty boring ride experience.  You have one of the last Condors operating, it is fast, unqiue, a classic thats obviously it’s a well loved wildwood attraction.. don’t let it slip away!!

sad to see the condor go but im happy to see safety comes first.. i was there last year n i was just saying to my friends that i think this ride is going next because it just so old and what happens if the ride breaks down how you going to get us down 200 feet in the air. i think you should build an adult scarmbler in the dark.

yes!!!! Bring back the breakdance!!!! I loved that ride.

Great move on getting rid of the condor,A great idea for that replacement would be an adult scrambler ride.Raging Waters is going to look great for the 2012 season.The ideas the company had for wildwheels in 1996-1997 were great.The entertainment it had was great.The doo wop singing put people on the pier.

Someone set up a page about saving the condor on facebook.  I really think moreys need to fix it or buy a new model!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/SAVE-the-Condor/241931139195873

Someone set up a page to save the condor on Facebook… like it the condor needs to stay!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/SAVE-the-Condor/241931139195873

I must say I did love jungleland and keystone cops back in the early 60’s as a kid. I am sure my grand kids and other young kids would love that. Heck the Hunts Flyer needs to return, that was my first real rollercoaster ride. I love the wood coasters over the metal ones, the love the bumpy ride it gives you. I am sure Morey’s will bring great rides that our grand kids or kids will love to ride for a life time too.

i believe it was Dr Evil, IN austin powers who put the pinky to his mouth. but reading all the feedback, yeah i agree to bringing the old rides back, but bringing the technology to those rides. another seadragon/riptide might make people think “is the mast going to go out on this too?” and riders will be hesitant to go on it. Just going out with the old and in with the new replacement might not even change their minds at all. its the same ride, same thrill, different look….but same opinion “will i get hurt?” Life is about taking risks. Take a risk and turn a train ride like the golden nugget into something thrilling, or bring back the dinosaur beach, with MORE character involvement and more technology. Lets say a 3 d ride that actually has some type of reptile chasing AFTER the ride. If you want to impress the kiddies and bring back the smiles on the gracefully aged, to make them think about what life was like in wildwood at that age, sit down with a kindergarten class about things they like. turn those thoughts into a ride that everyone can enjoy.

Can remember riding the condor with my boyfriend and loving the feeling of us being so close.  I’ve been coming to Wildwood since 1970, the year of my birth and I am now 41 and haven’t missed a summer.  My grandparents bought back in 1940 and we’ve gone since.  It’s a family tradition.  Unfortunately, the property was sold in a divorce, but we have continued our family tradition with our children and they think of Wildwood as the greatest place on earth.  I love Wildwood!!
The condor will be missed, but safety has to come first.  My children really enjoyed the addition of “It.”  So, I hope it’s a just as good as that.  Keep up the great work and will see you in 2012.  Wildwood is where my hubby and I plan on moving to in about 6 to 8 years.  This way my children will have a place to bring their families in the summer.

I feel like I’m losing a large part of my childhood and my life. The Condor has always been my favorite ride on the boardwalk, even more than that. Everything about it is beautiful; it doesn’t go too fast or too slow, the way it spins and rotates at the same time, the way it actually makes you feel like a bird… looking up and seeing the giant metal condor that represents my childhood memories, being on this one ride every year, a hundred feet in the sky over the town I’ve lived in my whole life, and somehow it still meant more. More than I can explain in writing. I would do anything to keep that ride of all rides running, like starting a fundraiser or a petition. If there’s nothing I can do to save the Condor, I would love to have a piece of it to save forever, if for some reason it isn’t already going to a museum. I’d buy the condor on top, something that I’ve wanted to do for years. All in all, I would love to help you save the Condor..

We love the skyship, our favorite family ride.

I know it is upsetting to see some of Morey’s iconic rides go but from my stand point it was a great move. We live in a new age of riders/ amusements . Rides went from themed to just metal to now hi-tech. Moreys needs to stay competitive. Also they stopped making the Huss Condor. Now there is only one Condor type ride in the U.S.  From a safety stand point it also was the right thing to do. GO MOREYS!

[...] NJ: The somewhat iconic Condor is slated to be removed from Morey’s Piers this coming season. The Huss manufactured thrill ride debuted on Morey’s Seaside Pier in 1988 and featured sets [...]

sorry to see the ride go but would agree with the other people in saying safety first.  would also agree with the others that said bring back the “old” hunts pier rides for all ages or those not seeking a thrill or would like to seek a thrill but do to health problems can’t or too big to fit in a tiny car.  jungleland, keystone cops, the little red train that ran under the wooden roller coaster, the ship that you walked thru with the room that “pulled” you around the rails and at the end walked across the swinging bridge, or the canyon river ride.  rides that grandparents can ride with their grandchildren.  i mean come on who wouldnt like to drive an antique car, take a boat ride thru the jungle, get a lil wet on a canyon ride and dont have to climb a zillion steps or get a big behind in a little hole to ride a lazy river, or just relax and take an old train ride!!!!!!!

I’m also sad to see the condor go:-/..but something I would love to see is the ferris wheel lights actually making patterns again than the same still lights we’ve seen the past almost 3 years.

still there~

1989

I miss the Golden Nugget and Jungleland - bring those back!!!!!  That way when I buy a season pass for my 5 year old - who is tall and has to get the adult pass - I’d get more rides for my buck!

Awww… I just wish you guys could give us some more notice of these old attractions being removed… that way we can have one last cherished ride on them before they’re gone for ever. But, I understand that safety is first.

R.I.P. Condor! {1988-2011} Thanks for the Memories.

Can I buy the Condor at the top?!?!?!?! I can wait on getting a car. Loved seeing that bird lit up every night! Gonna miss it but totally understand. It’s just like the Big Slide, things gotta be updated or changed with the times. Condor RIP 2012

Guys, I am sad about this but understand it’s just business. You have done so much for the Wildwoods over the years that no one should have a complaint about this tough decision.

Man you guys are really screwing things up down there been going for 40 years to the Wildwood Boardwalk first the big slide now the condor I have to agree with another person on here you could replace with a new condor then I find out the best thing you ever planned the wooden rollar coaster that will span two piers was also put on hold, I don’t even know who you are anymore…

you know what would be cool. a vintage wildwood pier with all the old rides, old games, old food places. i know the hoarder guy has that silly place in the mall which i would never ever go to. im talking pier!!!  all the way out to the water. sky ride out over the water. and if you come dressed in costumes pre 1970 you get some free tix to rides. make the whole pier an experience. put a hotel on the pier!!! have a car service to drive people out to the other end (cause its gonna be a really long walk to the water) with vintage cars. i would PAY just to get on the pier for the night. hire me i have a million good ideas!

It’s the right choice..  Time to move on especially when safety becomes an issue. I have been a season pass holder for the past 5 years and have probably only been on the condor less than a handful of times.

Figured something was up when it didn’t reopen after Hurricane (sorta) Irene.  My grand daughter LOVES the Rip Tide & I know will be very excited for her & Pop Pop to ride the new lifeboat (Grandma is smart enough to just take pictures!).  The Morey’s are the BEST!! Also good luck with the new hotel!

I think that Morey’s is doing a great job. Although I am very upset that the Condor is being taken down,  I get that its a safety hazard and something has to be done! I also love the “Rip Tide” idea. It is very clever! I will definitely be riding that. Some people don’t like change, but I do, it keeps people wanting to come to the magic place of Wildwood and it especially makes me want to come more often, because I like to see different things. I’m tired of going to places and seeing the same old thing every year. Wildwood is different, it is a place for all ages and is the only “real” shore in the world (in my book)! Every year I come there is always something new! Keep up the good job!

Jack, can you clarify what you meant about the “safety” concerns a little more regarding evacuation?  Didn’t you guys install Huss’ manual rope evac system to the ride a few years ago to make it possible to rescue stranded riders?  I don’t understand why it became increasingly a concern when that system has been installed for several years now and has never needed to be used.

Well, I loved the ride so much that I rode it like 20 bazillion times every vacation. However, I’m just glad that I never got stuck on the ride and had to evacuate. (I never quite understood how that would be possible.)

I was a ride operator on the Condor in its second and third year, so I’m waxing nostalgic right now…..  I’m sure that by the time I get back out there again (from Utah!) with my boys, there will be something awesome in its place.  Grief!  The whole place will be new!  No Schlitten, no Giant Slide, no Breakdance, no Condor, no Canyonride (which was a piece).  Please tell me that Balloon Race is still there! (It was the first ride I operated.)
[Sigh…..]

When did the Condor first arrive on the 26th Street Pier?  I’m guessing 84-85, but am not certain.

There a way I can buy a condor gondola? Seriously I would

My oldest daughter was just tall enough to ride the Condor this year.  She loved it and will be disappointed that it won’t be there next year.  However, both my girls love the Sea Dragon and I think they will really like the new concept of a lifeguard boat.

Break Dance?  when that left a couple years ago we got some awesome bathrooms in its place.  Maybe we can get some super bathrooms where the great condor once stood.

A breakdance really would be amazing, even if it isn’t going to be permanent I’ll still be ok with that.

Thanks Tina, I thought I was the only one that felt that way! Too much thrill, and not enough “ride”. I know it’s a far stretch these days, but how cool was Jungleland for pure relaxation and enjoyment? I’ll never forget how much fun my mom and dad would have taking us on the amusements and attractions that we all could enjoy together. Seems like there are the days of mom and dad watching their kids thru their cell phones and posting them online before the little one’s have exited the ride…

I think the decreased ridership thing is an illusion to the fact it is broke down a lot.  On busy nights in the summer when the condor is open it ALWAYS has long lines.

It makes sense, why shouldn’t you be fiscally responsible like everyone else?  I’m sure you will come up with something great in the future.

I really like the new theme for the Riptide.  A lifeguard boat fits in perfectly, kudos to whoever had the idea.

Bring back the Breakdance in its place!

I agree that safety has to come first!  I would also like to see something family friendly go in here.  Seems like all the new improvements are geared towards thrill rides.  There are plenty of little kid rides, and a nice selection of thrill rides.  Isn’t there something in between that can be added?  What about those kids who are too big for the little rides, but not yet ready for the sea serpent?? (and their chicken mommies…)

Not only do you write my most favorite blog for my most favorite place on earth (and I do mean better than Disney!), I always seem to get a good laugh in while drooling over the upcoming changes. The condor will be missed but I’m sure we will all ooh and aah over something shiny and new

I’m curious as to the future of the “seagull cycles” and “flying whatever they are called now” aka “skyships” with all this improvement they seem so far below the pier standards for ML!

P.S. I can’t wait to see Big Bertha all lit up like she deserves to be!

Aww, and I was just getting up the nerve to go on it this coming summer… Oh well, safety comes first!  Would still like to see more family oriented rides/attractions that all ages can go on together. I know something like that would not fit into the space of Condor, but just throwing that out there. Old rides like the Monorail,Keystone Kops and Iron Horse come to mind. Guess that’s why the Sky Ships are one of our favorites!
Anyway, can’t wait to get back there in 2012, see you soon!

You have to do what you have to do, I am very aware that mechanical equipment (rides) do most definitely do have a lifespan. To spend this kind of $ on a ride that is not as popular as once was would not make much sense..

I’ve got the right attraction for you Jack.. how about another Condor?

That really stinks my son and I love that ride I have been going to wildwood for as long as I can remember and my son has been a season pass holder for the past 8 years he is going to be so disappointed

Very sad to see it go. Was one of my favorites since I was a kid. Proud that you put safety first.

Jack Morey is a pure genius!!  (show this post to Will if he gives you trouble about spending that $1M)

Seriously though, it is so great to know that the Morey organization is constantly looking to improve and commit to the community like this.  Thanks!!!!!