Dante's Inferno is no More?

Wildwood, NJ - Guests visiting Morey’s Piers this season can count on more thrills, chills and fun as the Jersey Shore’s premier amusement destination announces some exciting changes and enhancements for the 2006 season. These changes and enhancements, all focused on a commitment to guest satisfaction, include a major transformation of a classic dark attraction and upgrades and refinements to lighting, brake, and control systems on existing rides.

“We are confident that guests will recognize our commitment to an improved and enhanced facility this season. Whether you’re returning for another season, or visiting for the first time, our mission is our pledge, ‘To provide a spectacular family recreation experience in an exceptionally safe, clean, friendly and unique environment.’” says Will Morey, President and CEO of Morey’s Piers.

Morey’s Piers increases the fear-factor on one of its original dark attractions, Dante’s Inferno, which opened in 1980 inviting guests to follow the Italian poet’s trek through the depths of hell. This classic ride will now be inhabited by ghoulish gargoyles and be called, “Night of the Living Gargoyles.” The original ride system has been maintained but a totally new ride experience has been created within the structure. New interior & exterior theme elements, created by Dark Rider and Halloween Productions, Inc., include a gothic haunted castle with grisly scenes of ghastly gargoyles in various states of animation, horrifying props, and gruesome sound effects. Gargoyles promises to satisfy those with an appetite for fright.

"When Dante’s Inferno was originally opened, it was a very unique ride with scenes illustrating the various stages of hell as revealed in Dante Alighieri’s work, the Divine Comedy. Even after a major re-painting of the facade just last year, we received many guest complaints,” offers Jack Morey, Executive Vice President of Morey’s Piers. He explains, “Because our season is shorter and revenues much smaller than parks like Six Flags, we must therefore be more creative in adding new attractions. So we decided to change the theme to something more universally accepted. People seem to hate hell, but for some reason do not mind being scared to death.”

Night of the Living Gargoyles? Seriously? And aren't guest complaints (about being scared) a good thing??? Here's what it used to look like....