Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Beach Haven, New Jersey, has opened its newest ride, Lighthouse Launch, featuring an 80-foot drop from a sky tower that resembles Long Beach Island’s historic Barnegat Lighthouse. Fantasy Island guests chose the ride’s name with a vote on social media.
“We are proud to give guests the chance to experience ‘Old Barney’ in a thrilling new way,” says Brian Wainwright, CEO. “Lighthouse Launch combines the thrill of a great sky tower with the nostalgia of an LBI landmark and spectacular views of Beach Haven and beyond.”
Built by Zamperla, the ride begins by slowly bringing riders up to the top of the tower, giving them time to enjoy bay and ocean views depending on their seat. After a slight pause at the top, riders experience an exhilarating series of quick drops and launches. Lighthouse Launch can accommodate 12 guests at a time with a minimum height requirement of 42 inches to ride.
Lighthouse Launch is the second new ride added during Fantasy Island’s 2019 season, following the Surf & Spin teacup-style ride from SBF-Visa that opened earlier this summer. In other 2019 enhancements, the park has upgraded its restrooms, renovated the ice cream shop now renamed Scoops Up, added a new MiniMelts kiosk, and opened new boardwalk games pavilions. Slated to open soon is a new guest services booth where guests will be able to purchase or reload the cards they use for all the rides and attractions.
“We expect Lighthouse Launch to become a guest favourite,” says Wainwright. “I love seeing our guests’ faces when they try something new, and I can’t wait for everyone’s reactions as they take their first ride on Lighthouse Launch!”
