Our interest in Fantasy Island Amusement Park was initially peaked when a friend of mine mentioned how often she takes her kids there to stop in and do a few rides. Her glowing review left me wanting to visit there with my family and check it out for myself! After a poor experience at another amusement park only a few weeks ago, visiting Fantasy Island was a breath of fresh air by comparison. It was a fun, light-hearted adventure for the whole family.
Although smaller than the average amusement park, my family of five spent over 5 hours riding rides, having a meal, and playing both arcade and boardwalk games. It is the perfect-sized amusement park for either a half-day trip or to just stop in and do a ride or two. Our favorite aspects of our visit to Fantasy Island were the cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere of the park. It is truly a great attraction for people of all ages.
In full disclosure, we were provided with Fantasy Island Amusement Park tickets to make this review and feature possible. The information below is based on our visit from 8/29/2023.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park Rides
I often find that amusement parks are geared towards a specific age range which can make them difficult for entire families to enjoy. However, Fantasy Island was an enjoyable experience for my entire family of five including 2 adults, a 5 year old, 3 year old, and 1 year old. I also noticed as the night wore on that groups of teenagers and families with older children were coming and going, enjoying the rides, boardwalk games, and the arcade.
Atlantic Scrambler
- Minimum Height of 36 inches. Rides 36 – 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult.
- This ride costs 6 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token).
- This ride is near the bumper cars and located near the entrance on North Delaware Avenue.
About the Atlantic Scrambler
This ride features cars/pods that twist and spin faster and faster as the ride continues. This ride is a New Jersey take on the classic “scrambler” ride. My children enjoyed this ride! They way in which It whipped and spun the cars around in circles had my kiddos laughing hysterically.
Lighthouse Launch
- Riders must be at least 42 inches to ride.
- This ride costs 8 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token).
- This ride is located near The Giant Wheel close to the entrance on Ocean County Road 607.
About the Lighthouse Launch
This ride slowly lifts riders into the air vertically around a replica of the Barnegat Bay lighthouse replica. This gives riders a beautiful view of the park, surrounding areas and the ocean. After being lifted into the air, the ride quickly drops and lifts riders repeatedly before gently lowering them to the ground. My 5 year old loved the thrill of this ride and asked to ride it multiple times.
Sea Dragon
- Riders must be at least 40 inches and riders 40 – 48 inches must be accompanied by an adult.
- This ride costs 7 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token).
- This ride is located near the Lighthouse Launch near the center of the park.
About the Sea Dragon
The Sea Dragon is a replica of a viking ship that swings back and forth in a reciprocating motion getting higher and faster with each swing. Despite thinking my kids might be anxious about the thrilling nature of this ride, both my three and five year old loved it and laughed as the ship swung to great heights.
Shark Attack
- Riders 36- 46 inches must be accompanied by an adult. Riders under 36 inches tall can ride alone. Riders under 36 inches are not permitted to ride.
- This ride costs 6 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token).
- This ride is towards the center of the park and is one of the first rides one might see when entering the park from the North Delaware Avenue entrance.
About the Shark Attack
This family ride is a rendition of the tilt-a-whirl ride we all know and love. While sitting in the shark’s mouth, riders rotate and spin around the ride platform at giggle inducing speeds. My three year old raced to ride this ride while my five year old made colorful commentary about how we were all about to be eaten by a shark! This ride was a winner for sure!
Summertime Swings
- Riders must be between 32 and 55 inches. Riders below and above 32 and 55 inches respectively may not ride. No riders above 110 pounds permitted.
- This ride costs 4 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token).
- This ride is near the center of the amusement park.
About the Summertime Swings
Reminiscent of the larger version of the swing ride, this kiddie version is tame enough for even the most cautious tot to enjoy. These swings gained just enough height to give little kids a thrill while still allowing them to enjoy the experience without fear!
Fantasy Island Amusement Park Ferris Wheels
Fantasy Island has not one, but two ferris wheels. The Giant Wheel and Octi’s Wheel of Friends both sport gondolas that rotate around in the traditional ferris wheel fashion and both wheels can accommodate visitors of all ages.
Giant Wheel
- Guests under 56 inches must ride with an adult. Single riders are not allowed on this ride.
- This ride costs 5 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token).
- The Giant Wheel is the first ride visitors will see when they enter Fantasy Island from Ocean County Road 607.
About the Giant Wheel
The Giant Wheel gives a classic ferris wheel feel. The gondolas will take riders around approximately 4 times before they are let off of the ride. My husband and two older children (3 and 5 years old) reported that it was an enjoyable ride. Although my one year old was allowed to ride, I chose not to take her on as I was concerned that she would have become too fidgety over the duration of the ride. Please note that the maximum number of guests per gondola is 4.
Octi’s Wheel of Friends
- Guests under 41 inches must be accompanied by an adult. Guests 41 inches and above can ride alone.
- This ride costs 4 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token). Adults accompanying riders under 41 inches can ride for free.
- Octi’s Wheel of Friends is located in the middle of the park off to the side.
About the Octi’s Wheel of Friends
Octi’s Wheel of friends was a delightful miniature ferris wheel that was the perfect length of time for both my 1 year old and 3 year old to enjoy. I was able to comfortably fit into the gondola with both children although it was a bit snug.
More Fantasy Island Amusement Park Rides
Other Fantasy Island Amusement Park rides include:
- Crab Race – a ride that moves in a circular motion while going over “waves”. This ride also goes backwards.
- Flying Pirates – Pirate ships take children for a ride in a circular motion while the rides control the height of their individual pirate ships.
- Hampton Cars – Children ride in remakes of classic vehicles around a small circular track.
- Hang Ten – This roller coaster spins its young riders as it takes them for a thrilling ride around a looping track.
- Honey Bees – Honey Bees take riders around through the air as the bees raise and lower their riders.
- Ride the Tide – Children can control the height of their boat as it takes them on a circular ride.
- Surf and Spin – This tea-cup style ride allows riders to spin to their heart’s content while riding in ocean-themed cups and saucers.
More things to do at Fantasy Island Amusement Park – Attractions & Activities
The activities at Fantasy Island were fun for the whole family! Below is some information on some of their classic rides!
Bumper Cars
- Riders must be at least 42 inches to ride. Rides 42 – 50 inches must be accompanied by an adult. Riders taller than 50 inches can ride alone.
- This ride costs 6 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token). Adults accompanying riders 42 – 50 inches can ride for free.
- The Bumper Cars are located in the corner of the park. They are the furthest away from the entrance on Ocean County Road 607.
About the Bumper Cars
While our family did not choose to ride the bumper cars this time around, it was clearly a popular attraction. The arena in which the cars drove around looked to have plenty of space to allow riders to maneuver the vehicles comfortably.
Fantasy Island Express Train
- Guests under 36 inches must be accompanied by an adult.
- This ride costs 4 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token). Adults accompanying riders under 36 inches can ride for free.
- The train is located in the middle of the park off to the side.
About the Fantasy Island Express Train
The Fantasy Island Express train was a sweet ride suitable for the smallest riders. It took riders along a short oval shaped track a handful of times. My husband was able to comfortably accompany our littles ones on the ride.
Carousel
- Riders under 42 inches must be accompanied by an adult.
- This ride costs 5 tokens per rider ($1 = 1 token). Adults accompanying riders under 42 inches can ride for free.
- The carousel is near the center of the park.
About the Carousel
Fantasy Island’s Carousel has a classic carousel feel and was enjoyed by all members of my family. Even our one year old was allowed to ride on a carousel horse provided there was an adult monitoring her.
Boardwalk Games
About the Boardwalk Games
The boardwalk games available outside of the arcade were reminiscent of what one would hope to find on an actual boardwalk. The boardwalk games lined the edge of the ride area and were a welcome break from the many rides.
What kind of boardwalk games does Fantasy Island Amusement Park have?
- The boardwalk games included classic finds such as: Balloon Bust, Can Smash, Tub Toss, Ring Toss, and Hot Shot. There were also some less conventional games including Finn’s Fishing Hole and Spin to Win.
How does pricing work for the boardwalk games?
Like the arcade games and the rides, the cost of boardwalk games is deducted from the total amount of money (tokens) purchased on one’s Fun Card.
Arcade Games
About the Arcade Games
The arcade was a great place to cool off in between games and rides. The arcade was clean and well kept with games that were clearly maintained. The selection of games included digital games, a few classic games, claw/crane games, and more.
What kind of arcade games does Fantasy Island Amusement Park have?
- Some of the most popular games we saw were racing games, Pac-Man, claw/crane games, and skee-ball.
How does pricing work for the arcade games?
Like the boardwalk games and the rides, the cost of arcade games is deducted from the total amount of money (tokens) purchased on one’s Fun Card.
Is there a prize redemption booth?
Some arcade games earn the player points that can be redeemed for prizes at the redemption booth. Please note that tickets are virtual and automatically load to one’s card after playing the games.
About Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Where is Fantasy Island Amusement Park?
Fantasy Island is located at 750 North Bay Avenue in Beach Haven NJ, on Long Beach Island.
When is the amusement park open?
- Parts of Fantasy Island are open yearround.
- Their calendar indicates that rides are open on select dates from late May to early October each season.
- The arcade is open yearround on select days.
- The hours of operation for the rides and games vary.
- Please see their calendar for the most up-to-date days and hours. Please note that the arcade and ride hours are listed separately.
- The calendar for Fantasy Island can be found here.
How much are Fantasy Island Amusement Park tickets?
Fantasy Island does not have tickets or an entrance fee. All attractions are pay per ride or pay per play. Upon entering the park visitors can visit a self-service kiosk or Guest Services to purchase a Fun Card for whatever amount is in their budget. The money on the Fun Card is then used to pay for rides, boardwalk games, and arcade games.
How can I save money on Fantasy Island Amusement Park tickets?
When buying your Fun Card, there are “bonus specials” available for certain dollar amounts purchased. For example, purchasing a $50 Fun Card will automatically put a $5 bonus on your card for a total of $55. They also have the following promotions:
- “Unlimited Ride Fridays” – Ride bracelets can be purchased and used on Fridays (until September 1st 2023) for $30 per person. These bracelets are only valid from 3pm – 7pm on the date of purchase.
- “Super Saturdays” – Every Saturday through September 2nd, 2023, arcade games are 20% off from 10 am – 12 pm.
- “Kiddie Passports” – Passports can be redeemed Saturdays and Sundays from 4 pm – 6 pm up to September 3rd, 2023. The Kiddie Passport is only valid on Kiddie Rides including: Flying Pirates, Hampton Cars, Honey Bees, Octi’s Wheel of Friends, Ride the Tide, Summertime Swings, Train and Carousel.
- Labor Day Weekend- $30 unlimited ride bands will be available for purchase and use Friday, September 1st from 3 pm – 7 pm and Monday, September 4th from 12 pm – 8 pm. They will also have fireworks Saturday, September 2nd at 9 pm.
Where is parking for the Fantasy Island Amusement Park?
Fantasy Island does have its own small parking lot on North Delaware Avenue Between 7th and 8th Street. There is also street parking on the blocks surrounding Fantasy Island. My family and I were able to find free street parking on 8th Street between North Delaware Avenue and Ocean County Road 607.
How much is parking?
We did not see any payment kiosks for parking in the small Fantasy Island parking lot.There is also free Street parking nearby. On busier days one may have to park further from the amusement park and may then need to pay for metered parking.
A few more things to know about the Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Long Beach Island (LBI), NJ
Here are a few more helpful tidbits to make planning your trip to Fantasy Island a little bit easier.
Outside Food Policy
The park requests that visitors not bring in outside food, however, if your family has food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary requirements, they will make an exception. We were able to bring in food for one of my children without issue.
Where can we eat and buy food at Fantasy Island Amusement Park?
At Fantasy Island food is available for purchase at Shark Bites Grille, Surfside Snack Shack, and Scoops Up Ice Cream Parlor. My family chose to grab some dinner at Shark Bites Grille and later some ice cream at Scoops Up. Everything was delicious and a step up from the usual amusement park cuisine.
There was a clean and well-maintained dining area just outside the Shark Bites Grille and Scoops Up.
The Long Beach Island (LBI) amusement park also offers additional food establishments. Learn more at their website.
Stroller Policy
I saw no information about a stroller policy or restrictions. While there, we saw all types of strollers and wagons in use. We brought our 4 seater wagon with us (including into the arcade) and had no issues.
Restrooms
There are both men and womens restrooms (no family or unisex restrooms) right near the Shark Bites Grille. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained as well as air conditioned. Both the men’s and women’s restrooms had changing tables available.
Lockers
Outside of the restrooms, there are lockers available to rent if needed.
5 Tips for Visiting Fantasy Island Amusement Park
5 tips to have a great visit at Fantasy Island.
- Come earlier rather than later for shorter lines.
- Rent a locker near the restrooms to hold your belongings while you enjoy the rides.
- Measure your children before visiting and check the height requirements for varying rides.
- Take advantage of their deals to save some $$!
- Want to make it a day trip? Plan to spend some time at the ocean before or after making your way to enjoy Fantasy Island!
For more information about Fantasy Island Amusement Park visit their website.
Learn more about local amusement parks in our guide to Amazing Amusement Parks New Jersey Kids Find Thrilling.