The late, great Fred Mahana was the Wildwood equivalent of Walt Disney. For over three decades his various amusement rides were a staple on the boardwalk. Easily his most fondly remembered rides were those based on sci-fi blockbusters like Planet of the Apes, Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. (He also created attractions based on King Kong and Star Trek, The Exorcist, The Poseidon Adventure, Jaws and the Hitchcock Manor dark ride). Although these were inspired by the work of other visionaries, Mahana brought his own inventiveness to each of these amusements. He customized a Futuro house that he would regularly revamp to reflect the latest sci-fi flick wowing audiences. The aforementioned rides would feature a combination of light shows, limited action and live actors for a unique experience that is still fondly remembered by anyone who spent their summers dodging tram cars in Wildwood between the 1950s and 80s. These days of course Mahana would be slapped with cease and desists quicker than you can say “E-ticket.” But in a simpler, less litigious time Fred Mahana was king of the boardwalk…and the world is better for it. (Pictures via the Doo-Wop Preservation League, click here for more on Mahana).
