Gillian’s Wonderland Pier — an amusement park full of rides and arcade games on the Ocean City, New Jersey boardwalk — will close at the end of the 2024 season. Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, which has been operating since 1929, is a summertime staple and tradition for generations of families visiting the Jersey Shore. The beloved park, known for its nostalgic charm and iconic Ferris wheel, caters to both young children and adults. The decision to close the pier is not just a business decision but a deeply emotional one for the Gillian family and the local community. Read on for what we know about the closure of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, New Jersey.
The Announcement
On August 9th, 2024, Jay Gillian, owner of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, announced the business’ closure on Facebook and on its official website.
“After 47 incredible years working on the Ocean City Boardwalk, I have little choice but to retire and close Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and 6th Street Pizza and Grill, embarking on a new chapter in my life,” Jay wrote. “The memories I’ve made with my family and the joy of meeting so many wonderful team members and guests will always hold a special place in my heart.”
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Despite its enduring popularity, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has faced increasing challenges over the years, including financial pressures, the impact of severe weather events, and the changing dynamics of the amusement industry.
“I tried my best to sustain Wonderland for as long as possible – through increasingly difficult challenges each year. But it’s no longer a viable business,” Jay explained in the post. “We will terminate our multi-year lease in a couple months. Wonderland and 6th Street Pizza will remain open through Indian Summer Weekend to give everybody plenty of time to use up their tickets.”
The History of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has a rich history that spans nearly a century, making it a cherished landmark in the family-friendly seaside town of Ocean City, New Jersey.
Established in 1929 by David Gillian, Wonderland was a significant addition to the Ocean City Boardwalk, which, at the time, was just becoming a Jersey Shore hotspot and a central hub of leisure and entertainment. Over the years the Gillian family adapted to trends and modernization, consistently adding new rides and attractions. The park has always been famous for its iconic Giant Wheel, which provides riders stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.
The amusement park had run into trouble in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic and related closures, which lasted all of the 2020 summer season at the Jersey Shore, hit the pier hard. Wonderland also made headlines in 2021 when Jay defaulted on $8 million in loans.
Jay Gillian’s father, Roy Gillian, the former Ocean City Mayor, died on August 17th, 2024 at the age of 94 — just a week after the announcement of the pier’s closure.
What’s Next for Gillian’s Wonderland Pier + the Ocean City Boardwalk
While the future of the pier’s site remains uncertain, the memories of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who experienced its seasonal magic.
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“The property itself is no longer mine, so I can’t speak to its future. But I’ll always have a lifetime of priceless memories, and I hope you will too,” Jay shared on Facebook. “Thank you for all the amazing years and for being such an important part of our journey.” Like his late father, Jay Gillian is also the Mayor of Ocean City, currently serving his fourth term.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier will be open through October 12th, 2024.
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