Mad-O-Rama Dark Ride at the Asbury Park Casino

Mad-O-Rama

Perhaps the smallest of the Three Pretzel Dark Rides located in the two amusement buildings in Asbury Park, the "Mad-o-Rama" was nevertheless both cherished and revered by enthusiasts for its whimsical and breathtaking front.

The facade featured a Neon Witch chasing a Neon Ghost on both sides, and had a Chinese type of writing on the lettering, much like the vanished Crystal Beach Magic Palace Fun House.

Toothy creature forming the entrance to the Mad-O-Rama dark ride

There was a marvelous toothy creature whose open mouth served as a unsettling entrance to the ride.

Yellow-faced madman holding a knife behind netting inside Mad-O-Rama

A short ride of its kind, it was located on the mid-left hand side of the building. "Mad-O-Rama" only featured three stunts for its final years,. The first was a Yellow Painted Mad-Man holding a knife. This prop was formerly painted as an African native, holding a spear, but eventualy changed to be politically correct.

Vulture figure looming over its prey behind netting inside Mad-O-Rama

The second stunt was a Vulture that "Squeaked" over its prey, and the third and last prop was a Little Witch standing in front of a Gingerbread House, next to a Spooky Old Tree.

Witch figure beside a painted spooky house scene inside Mad-O-Rama

This witch prop was originaly part of a former Disney character inspired diorama that was located in the arcade floor area.

Side view of the Mad-O-Rama façade with glowing eyes and a giant spiderweb

The ride featured classic style Pretzel cars in brown and black colors. The track layout was three "S-Turns" toward the left, and a final lager one to complete the ride circuit. Track length was less than 250 feet.

Mad-O-Rama façade and spiderweb beside a row of pinball machines

Enthusiasts remember the glowing facade of this short ride and a very odd Cold Sensation in the back portions of the ride. It was installed sometime in the mid to late 1960’s, with cars possibly coming from a defunct ride in Northern New Jersey.

Former arcade diorama with holiday storybook character figures and toys

This ride is sorely missed, although both the cars and track may still be in storage in Jersey, awaiting a new life in time.

Contents © 2002 Tunnel Of Laffs unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.
Tunnel Of Laffs is not affiliated in any way with the Amusement Parks listed at this site.
Use of photos, text, and other materials only with the permission of Tunnel of Laffs.