Fantasy Island (U.S. amusement park)

Fantasy Island is an amusement park in Grand Island, New York that opened in 1961, occupying only 12 acres of land. In 1974 the park expanded to its current size, occupying 85 acres. After dwindling attendance, in 1982 the park filed for Bankruptcy and did not operate for the season. Charles R. Wood purchased the park out of bankruptcy in the fall of 1982, and throughout his ownership, there were several improvements including the addition of Water World, a water park in 1984. In April 1989, it was announced that Charles Wood had sold Fantasy Island to the International Broadcasting Corporation. After several accidents under this ownership, attendance began to dwindle again and people because concerned over the park's safety. In October 1992, Charles R. Wood reacquired the park and renamed it Two Flags Over Niagara Fun Park. After only one year of owning the park, it was announced that Charles Wood had sold the park to local Carnival Operator Martin DiPietro and it would be renamed Martin's Fantasy Island starting with the 1994 season. DiPietro made many improvements and added several new attractions including the Silver Comet in 1999 that was inspired by the original. On May 14, 2016, Apex Parks Group had acquired the park from DiPietro while the land was sold to Arizona based Store Capital. During Apex's ownership, there were several reports of the park's deteriorating conditions. On February 19, 2020, it was announced the park had closed for good. Rides and attractions had been in the process of being sold off. By June, reports surfaced of a revival and by July, it was announced a local group of investors called Empire Adventures were in the process of reviving the park.

Fantasy Island
SloganFun? WOW!
Location2400 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, New York 14072
Coordinates43°1′37.2″N 78°58′14.5″W
OwnerSTORE Capital
Operated byEmpire Adventures
OpenedJuly 1, 1961
Previous namesTwo Flags Over Niagara Fun Park (1992-1994)
Martin's Fantasy Island (1994-2016)
Area85 acres (340,000 m2)
WebsiteOfficial website
StatusComing soon

History

Early years

Fantasy Island was founded by real estate developer Lawrence Grant, and was opened on July 1, 1961. It was designed by co-financier and local jeweler Gerald Birzon and constructed by Milton Milstein and Associates.[1] The ownership group was formed under the name Fantasy Land, Inc. before changing soon after to Fantasy Island, Inc. The group had originally planned to call the park Fantasy Land, but changed the name for legal reasons after finding out there was already an area of Disneyland called Fantasyland.[2] Originally, the park occupied only 12 acres (49,000 m2) of land that was divided into five themed areas: Action Town, Animal Kingdom, Garden of Fables, Indian Village and Western Town.[3] Western Town, a live Wild West show, remained a staple of the park throughout its existence.[4] To promote the park, WGR-TV aired a live weekly television program on Saturday mornings from 1961 to 1962 titled Fantasy Island Show featuring the park's characters and puppeteers performing for an all-children studio audience. The show's host and protagonist was Buckskin Joe, portrayed by park general manager Clyde "Buddy" Farnan.[5][6] A 2,500-seat outdoor arena was constructed in 1965 for French lion tamer Jean "Tarzan" Zerbini's circus.[7] The park was expanded to 85 acres (340,000 m2) in 1974 to make room for adult rides and broaden the park's appeal.[8] After dwindling attendance stemming from Western New York's rust belt economic decline, Fantasy Island, Inc. declared bankruptcy and the park did not operate for the 1982 season.

Charles R. Wood Enterprises

It was acquired out of bankruptcy in November 1982 by Charles R. Wood Enterprises, headed by Charles Wood, founder of Great Escape in Queensbury, New York.[9] A new themed area called Water World, a water park, was added to the site in 1984. Wood sold the park along with Great Escape to International Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) in April 1989 for $36 million.[10] As part of the deal, Wood wood stay on as chief executive officer of the park and his son-in-law, Tom Wages, was retained as general manager.[11] Following the closure of nearby Crystal Beach Park after the 1989 season, that park's famed Comet roller coaster was purchased by Charles Wood at auction in October 1989 for $210,000, disassembled and stored indefinitely at Fantasy Island.[12]

International Broadcasting Corporation

In June 1990, Michael Murach was paralyzed from the head down while performing a high diving act at the park when he slipped on a 3-meter diving board during a comedy act and fell 20-feet, hitting his head on the edge of the concrete pool. Murach was years later awarded damages of $58.6 million after a jury found International Broadcasting Corporation 100% liable for his injury. The end of the diving board was not installed at a proper distance away from the edge of the pool to prevent such an incident from occurring. [13] In August 1991, 14-year-old Kenneth Margerum fell 60 feet (18 m) to his death from the park's Ferris wheel after his seat dropped from its axle. It was revealed that the park operators routinely removed one or two seats from the ride each day to prevent the ride from moving around in high winds during off-hours. Each time the ride opened, the seats were bolted back onto the frame of the ride. Investigators found that only one side of the victim's seat had been bolted properly, causing Margerum's seat to drop from its axle and subsequently leading to his death.[14] Attendance began to dwindle yet again as parents became concerned over the park's safety following Margerum's death.

Charles R. Wood

Wood reacquired the park along with Great Escape in October 1992 for $14 million when International Broadcasting Corporation went bankrupt. In his second stint of ownership, Wood changed the park's name to Two Flags Over Niagara Fun Park.

Martin's Shows

DiPietro, who began running Martin's Shows, purchased the park and renamed it Martin's Fantasy Island.[15] Wood took the original Comet roller coaster and reassembled it at his Great Escape park later that year.[16] DiPietro would install his own roller coaster named the Silver Comet in 1999 that was inspired by the original.[17]

Apex Parks Group/STORE Capital

After 22 years, on May 14, 2016, DiPietro sold the land to STORE Capital and Apex Parks Group leased the property starting in May 2016. For the 2017 season, the name changed from to Fantasy Island Niagara's Amusement & Water Park.[18][19] For the 2018 season, there were many new improvements. It started with the former Garden of Fables being revamped and renamed Fairytale Forest which features rides, shows, attractions. Oakley the talking tree and If the shoe fits shows were also added. A Kiddie Ferris Wheel called Cinderella's Midnight Magic Wheel was also added (Previously operated at Indiana Beach). Another improvement for the 2018 season was the water park was revamped and rebranded as Splashaway Bay. The former Raging Rapids slides were refurbished and renamed Double Dare Falls, Cabanas were constructed and the snack bar was renamed Splashaway Cafe. Towards the end of the season, Full Tilt was repainted and renamed Tilt & Shout as well. Reports surfaced in 2018 and 2019 that the general condition of the park had deteriorated, with many attractions not operational due to either mechanical failure or under-staffing.[20] [21] Fantasy Island's final day of operation was on October 27, 2019, as the park celebrated "Halloween Horror," which was Fantasy Island's annual Halloween event.[22] On February 19, 2020, following reports that Apex Parks Group had put the park's rides up for sale, the company confirmed that the park had permanently closed.[23][24] A large public outcry prompted lawmakers to demand Apex Parks Group refund the money it had already collected for 2020 season passes.[25] Apex Parks Group continued to search for a buyer for the park and noted that additional potential buyers had come forward following the announcement of the park's closure and that it would explore alternative solutions other than closing the park in cooperation with local government officials.[26] However, trucks were seen on the property taking out restaurant equipment.[27] A settlement was reached with the Attorney General's office to refund customers that had prepaid for season passes.[28] The closure of Fantasy Island meant that Darien Lake would be the only theme park in the region.

Plans to reopen the park

On June 16, 2020, WKBW and Grand Island Town Supervisor John Whitney reported that a local group of investors known as "Empire Adventures" expressed interested in the park with hopes of having it open for the 2021 season.[29] It was said that they were trying to outright buy the property but if that doesn't work then they would lease the property. Whitney has been getting several emails from people about bad smells coming from the property along with vandalism being reported. On July 1, 2020, two weeks after WKBW's report, Empire Adventures, an amusement park company based in Western New York, announced plans to reopen Fantasy Island for the 2021 season.[30] Empire Adventures added that the park would reopen through a five-year, three-phase plan.[31]

Rides and attractions (SBNO)

Roller coasters (SBNO)
NameYear OpenedYear ClosedTypeManufacturer/ModelComments
Silver Comet 1999 SBNO Wooden roller coaster Custom Coasters International Modeled after The Comet from Crystal Beach Park. The roller coaster is currently standing but not operating.

Water attractions/rides (SBNO)
NameYear OpenedYear ClosedTypeComments
Cannon Bowl 2006 SBNO ProSlide CannonBowl A generic ProSlide CannonBowl water slide.
Dinosaur Pool 1980s SBNO Kiddie Pool A small kiddie pool with a dinosaur shaped slide in the middle of it.
Double Dare Falls 1984 SBNO Water Slides A set of two mat water slides that cross over each other and end in a small shallow pool. Refurbished and renamed to Double Dare Falls for the 2018 season. Formerly Raging Rapids
Dragster Drench 2012 SBNO ProSlide ProRacer A traditional four-lane racing mat slide
Splash Creek Unknown SBNO Lazy River A lazy river ride with water falls.
Surf Hill 1980s SBNO ProSlide Water Slide A small pink racing water slide for small children. On some older park maps, it's mistakenly called "Pro-Slide."
Wave Pool 1995 SBNO Wave Pool Replaced Kid Wash in 1995 when that ride closed.

Dry rides (SBNO)
NameYear OpenedYear ClosedManufacturer/ModelComments
Balloons 1994 SBNO Zamperla Ride was part of an area featuring many rides for kids.
Boats 1961 SBNO Allan Herschell Company Ride was part of an area featuring many rides for kids.
Grand Circus Menagerie 2008 SBNO Sartori Rides Features antique cars, motorcycles and animals.
Gondola Wheel 1994 SBNO Chance Rides Inc. Giant Wheel Located in the back of the park.
Iron Horse/Fanta Se 1961 SBNO Allan Herschell Company One of the park's original attractions. Currently has its original engine and cars installed at the park. The park also has the train that came from nearby Beaver Island State Park and uses that as a spare engine and cars.
Magic Ring 1961 SBNO Zamperla Features vehicles
Red Baron 1961 SBNO Allan Herschell Company Helicopter converted. Relocated to Kiddieland in 2018 to make way for Fairytale Forest.
Storybook Express 1983 SBNO Zamperla Previously Rio Grande Kiddie Train. Renamed Storybook Express when Fairy Tale Forest was added in 2018.

Former Rides and attractions

Former Roller coasters
NameYear OpenedYear ClosedTypeManufacturer/ModelComments
Crazy Mouse 2005 2019 Steel Crazy Mouse Twister coaster Zamperla Crazy mouse with spinning cars. Replaced Wildcat in 2005 when that ride closed.
Dragon Wagon 1994 2019 Steel family powered roller coaster Wisdom Rides Originally sat where Balloon Race was across from Grand Carrousel, was replaced by Orient Express and later sold to Beuce Carnival in Canada.
Dragon's Flight 2019 2019 Steel family powered roller coaster Wisdom Rides Addition to Fairy tale forest for the 2019 season. Used same coaster from Beuce Carnival returned 17 years later to once again operate at Fantasy Island.
Little Dipper 1961 1995 Steel kiddie roller coaster Allan Herschell Company Popular coaster for kids of all ages.
Max's Doggy Dog Coaster 2013 2019 Steel kiddie roller coaster SBF Visa Group Popular coaster for kids of all ages.
Orient Express 1998 2004 Steel kiddie roller coaster Wisdom Rides Replaced in 2004 by Jack and the Beanstalk. Sold to Beuce Carnival in Canada.
Wildcat 1972 2005 Steel thrill roller coaster Schwarzkopf Replaced in 2005 with Crazy Mouse. Scrapped

Former Water attractions/rides
NameYear OpenedYear ClosedTypeComments
Bumper Boats Unknown Unknown Bumper Boats
Kid Wash 1980s 1995 Retro Splash Pad A metal structure that kids could walk through, with dumping buckets and other squirting novelties that resembled a car wash, similar to that of a modern-day splash pad. Ride was also surrounded by smaller kiddy fountain pools, with the bumper boats at the furthest end. All removed to make way for the Wave Pool.
Old Mill Scream 1986 2014 Arrow Log Flume ride A log flume ride with two hills. The only water ride that wasn't located in the water park area; removed due to deteriorating condition and high costs of maintenance. Originally operated at Petticoat Junction (Pirate's World) in Florida. Replaced in 2014 by Over the Falls.

Former Dry rides
NameYear OpenedYear ClosedManufacturer/ModelComments
4x4 Truck Ride 1994 2007 SBF Intl Art work depicting some cartoon characters such as Wile E. Coyote. Was located where Rockin' Tug is now.
All The King's Horses 1961 2019 Allan Herschell Company Previously Grand Carrousel before being renamed in 2018.
Antique Cars 1961 2019 Arrow-Huss/Gould Mfg. Contains original Arrow model cars, Gould cars purchased at a later date.
Astro Wheel 1981 1994 Chance Manufacturing A skydiver converted to a Ferris Wheel. Only a handful were made. This ride spent time at Great Escape before landing here in the late 1980s. Was sold to Amusements of Buffalo which went bankrupt. The Astro wheel continues to operate today with Kissel Brothers Entertainment in the Midwest after restoration. Astro wheel was replaced by the Gondola Wheel.
Balloon Race 1985 1994 Zamperla A bigger version of Up Up And Away. Sat where the Beanstalk currently sits today. This ride was also moved to Great Escape in 1994 when the park was sold and currently still operates there today
Bugs 1972 2011 Venture Manufacturing A small circular ride featuring ladybugs going around a mushroom. Was in storage until end of the 2016 season when former owner Martin DiPietro took it with him as he departed from the park.
Chaos 1997 2007 Chance Rides Inc. prototype portable version #3
Cinderella's Midnight Magic Wheel 2018 2019 Sartori Rides Added to the park from Indiana Beach when Fairy Tale Forest Opened in 2018.
Cinema 180 1961 2003 3D cinema theater Optical illusion film show
Crazy Bus 1997 2013 Zamperla Replaced by Rockin' Tug
DareDevil 2001 2008 Chance Rides Inc. Replaced with Flight
Devil's Hole[32] 1975 1994 Chance Manufacturing Original model was a popular attraction at the park.
Devil's Hole 2011 2019 Wisdom Gravitron A rotor version of Devil's Hole that originally operated at the park until 1994. Originally, Devil's Hole was supposed to come in green which led to the Devil Statue art work to be accidentally painted green, but after that mistake was corrected, the Devil's Hole ride came in yellow and orange. Replaced Starship 2000 in 2011 when that ride closed. Located where Dragon Coaster was before that ride closed in 1986.
Enchanted Tea Party 2014 2019 Zamperla Midi Tea Cups Previously Tea Cups. Slightly larger model of the original Tea Cups, allowing adults to ride comfortably. Renamed Enchanted Tea Party when Fairy Tale Forest opened in 2018.
Flight 2008 2019 Zamperla Sky Flyer Replaced DareDevil when that ride closed after the 2007 season.
Flying Bobs 1989 2003 Chance Rides Inc. Purchased in auction from Crystal Beach when it closed in 1989. Sold to an unknown location in Mexico.
Giant Slide 1975 2018 Slide Manufactured by Whitehead Plastics.
Goosey Goosey Gander 2011 2019 Allan Herschell Company Previously Blue Goose before being renamed in 2018. Originally operated in the 1980s. Was refurbished and brought back to the park for the 50th anniversary. Renamed Goosey Goosey Gander in 2018 when Fairy Tale Forest was added.
Jack and the Beanstalk 2004 2015 Moser Spring ride. Themed after the beanstalk statue located near the ride. Replaced Orient Express in 2004.
Mega Disk'o 2009 2019 Zamperla On February 26, 2020, local people noticed the ride was starting to get dismantled and pieces were spotted sitting in the parking lot.
Mind Warp 2011 2019 Technical Park Loop Fighter[33] The first park model in North America. Replaced Sizzler in 2011 when that ride closed.
Nitro 2003 2009 Zamperla Ride removed due to foundational issues because of its portable nature.
Over The Falls 2014 2015 KMG Speed The largest ride in park history at approximately 131 feet tall. Replaced Old Mill Scream in 2014 when that ride closed.
Paratrooper 1975 1994 Hrubetz Was sold to Amusements of Buffalo which went bankrupt. It's now in Michigan with a traveling carnival.
Patriot 1989 2009 ARM-UK After the 2008 season, the Patriot was sold; however, improper handling led to a hydraulic cylinder bursting, causing the ride to collapse. Full Tilt was then moved to its current location in 2009 to make way for Mega Disk-O.
Rampage 1979 1984 Watkins This was an originally a trailer-mounted ride.
Rapunzel! Rapunzel! 2015 2019 SBF-Visa Drop n' Twist Previously Jack in the Beanstalk. Renamed Rapunzel! Rapunzel! in 2018 when Fairy Tale Forest opened.
Rock & Roll Music Express 2015 2019 Bertazzon Name often shortened to "Rock & Roll."
Rockin' Tug 2013 2019 Zamperla Located where the 4X4 truck ride was after it closed in 2008. Replaced Crazy Bus when that ride closed in 2013.
Rok O Plane 1975 1998 Eyerly aircraft Came from Martin's Shows.
Scooter 1989 2019 Majestic TM1400 Euro Scooter Was part of former owner Martin DiPietro's traveling carnival before he purchased the park in 1994 from Charles R. Wood.
Sea Ray 1995 2011 Mulligan Engineering Devil's Hole operated where this ride once stood after it closed.
Sizzler 1989 2011 Wisdom Rides A Scrambler style ride. Replaced with Mind Warp in 2011.
Space Shuttle 1961 1994 Chance Manufacturing A swinging ship ride that was made to look like a rocket ship. Was sold to Amusements of Buffalo which went bankrupt. It's unknown of where this ride is today.
Space Whirl 1962 1976 Arrow Development Jet ride. Purchased from the 1961 World's Fair in Seattle.
Starship 2000 2009 2011 Wisdom Rides Replaced with Devil's Hole when it returned in 2011. Was leased from Wisdom Rides.
Super Spiral 1977 2002 Hrubetz This was a round up ride.
Tea Cups 1997 2014 Zamperla mini tea cups Replaced in 2014 by a larger model like the ones at Seabreeze in Rochester, New York and Lagoon in Farmington, Utah.
Tilt & Shout 2007 2019 ARM USA Previously Full Tilt. Repainted and renamed in 2018.
Tilt-A-Whirl 1992 2019 Sellner Electric 7 Tilt-A-Whirl
Trabant 1961 1994 Chance Manufacturing Located next to where the games building is now. Moved to Great Escape but no longer operates. It's now a dining platform.
YoYo 1961 1994 Chance Manufacturing A chair swing style ride. Was sold to and restored by Amusements of Buffalo which went bankrupt. The ride was auctioned off and now sits at Quassy Amusement Park in the Northeast.
  • The silver comet roller coaster
  • The Gravitron version of Devil's Hole - Removed
  • A Zamperla Mega Disk'O ride - Removed
  • The Indian Village
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References
  1. Futrell, Jim (March 2, 2006). "Amusement Parks of New York". Stackpole Books – via Google Books.
  2. Hirsch, Rose Ann (March 2, 2011). "Western New York Amusement Parks". Arcadia Publishing – via Google Books.
  3. "Theme park to mark 50th year; Fantasy Island plans Saturday celebration". July 8, 2011.
  4. Gallivan, Pete; Welshofer, Kate (March 2, 2020). "Fantasy Island reunion: 'Western Town' alumni reunite". WGRZ. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  5. "The Golden Age of Kids' TV in Buffalo – Buffalo Stories Archives & Blog".
  6. Hirsch, Rose Ann (March 2, 2011). "Western New York Amusement Parks". Arcadia Publishing – via Google Books.
  7. Futrell, Jim (March 2, 2006). "Amusement Parks of New York". Stackpole Books – via Google Books.
  8. Futrell, Jim (March 2, 2006). "Amusement Parks of New York". Stackpole Books – via Google Books.
  9. "'Youngsters need those summer jobs'". UPI.
  10. Futrell, Jim (March 2, 2006). "Amusement Parks of New York". Stackpole Books – via Google Books.
  11. "International Broadcasting v. Turner, 734 F. Supp. 383 | Casetext". casetext.com.
  12. "THE COMET IS GOING, GOING . . . BUT MIGHT NOT BE GONE $210,000 SALE MAY BRING IT TO FANTASY ISLAND". October 18, 1989.
  13. "PARALYZED EX-DIVER AWARDED $58.6 MILLION". December 3, 2003.
  14. "Boy Killed in Fall from Ferris Wheel". AP NEWS.
  15. "AREA FIRM BUYS TWO FLAGS OVER NIAGARA GRAND ISLAND AMUSEMENT COMPLEX TO BE RENAMED 'MARTINS FANTASY ISLAND'". January 17, 1994.
  16. Hirsch, Rose Ann (March 2, 2011). "Western New York Amusement Parks". Arcadia Publishing – via Google Books.
  17. "Silver Comet keeps thrill alive for fans of the Crystal Beach roller coaster". August 10, 2013.
  18. Fink, James (May 14, 2016). "Fantasy Island bought by California company". Buffalo Business First. American City Business Journals. Retrieved May 14, 2016.
  19. "Real Property Information". paytax.erie.gov.
  20. "Complaints and petition signatures grow over Fantasy Island". spectrumlocalnews.com.
  21. "Season pass holders complain about conditions at Fantasy Island". WGRZ.
  22. "Hours". fantasyislandny.com. Fantasy Island. Archived from the original on June 12, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  23. "Multiple reports say Fantasy Island rides are being sold". February 19, 2020.
  24. "Fantasy Island confirms it has closed". February 19, 2020.
  25. "Western New York lawmakers support Fantasy Island refund calls". WGRZ.
  26. "Could Fantasy Island make a comeback?". WBEN. February 25, 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  27. "Fantasy Island for sale, owners on the hook for undisclosed amount". February 25, 2020.
  28. https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/fantasy-island-to-refund-customers-for-2020-season/71-96f1019f-c8ae-4cf0-bd36-7a96ff2f8f9d
  29. Epps, Taylor (June 17, 2020). "What's next for Fantasy Island?". WKBW. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  30. "Who We Are". empadventures.com. Empire Adventures. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  31. "Our Plan (In Short)". empadventures.com. Empire Adventures. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  32. "86'd Rides vol 2: Hell Hole | The DoD3". domainofdeath3.com. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
  33. Rides, Technical Park Amusement (December 20, 2018). "LOOP FIGHTER".
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