NEW NAME for Great Nor'easter I ask what would you name it ?www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/capemay/story/7521205p-7421346c.htmlNORTH 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.
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