The Great White roller coaster towers over Wildwood’s famous boardwalk like a wooden monument to pure adrenaline, and after riding it countless times over the years, I can tell you it absolutely lives up to the hype — especially if you know what you’re getting into.
What Makes The Great White Special
Located at Morey’s Piers, The Great White isn’t just any roller coaster — it’s a wooden coaster that delivers the classic, bone-rattling experience you can’t get from modern steel rides. At 110 feet tall with speeds reaching 50 mph, this beast has been thrilling riders since 1996 and remains one of the most popular attractions on the entire boardwalk.
The ride features a massive 3,000-foot track with steep drops, sharp turns, and enough airtime to make your stomach flip. What sets it apart is that authentic wooden coaster feel — you’ll hear every creak and groan of the track, adding to the excitement and nostalgia.
Local Tip: The best time to ride is during weekday afternoons when lines are shorter, or grab a Fast Lane pass during busy summer weekends to skip the wait.
Is It Worth the Price?
Morey’s Piers operates on a pay-per-ride system with individual tickets or all-day wristbands. The Great White typically costs around 8-10 tickets for a single ride, while a full-day wristband runs about $65-75 during peak season. If you’re planning to hit multiple rides, the wristband is definitely the way to go.
Pro tip: Check Morey’s website for discount coupons and special pricing. They often offer early bird specials and group rates that can save you significant money, especially for families.
What to Expect on Your Ride
The Great White starts with a slow, anticipation-building climb to the top, giving you spectacular views of Wildwood’s coastline and those gorgeous free beaches stretching for miles. Then comes the drop — a heart-stopping plunge that sets the tone for the entire 2-minute ride.
The coaster features several key elements that make it memorable:
- ✓Multiple airtime hills that lift you out of your seat
- ✓Sharp banked turns that showcase the wooden structure
- ✓A signature helix finale that spins you around before the station
Making the Most of Your Boardwalk Day
One of the biggest advantages of staying with Coastal Collection Hotels is our walking distance location to the boardwalk and all the piers. Whether you’re at our Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, or any of our five locally-owned properties, you can easily stroll over for a ride on The Great White, then head back to your room to rest up before the evening festivities.
The Great White operates from late morning through late evening during summer months, so you have plenty of flexibility to work it into your Wildwood itinerary. Many guests tell us they love being able to ride it multiple times throughout their stay without worrying about parking or long walks back to distant hotels.
Local Tip: Ride The Great White just before sunset for an absolutely magical experience — the ocean views from the top are breathtaking as the sky changes colors.
So is The Great White worth the hype? Absolutely. It’s a classic wooden coaster experience that perfectly captures the spirit of Wildwood’s boardwalk. The combination of thrills, nostalgia, and those incredible ocean views makes it a must-ride attraction that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Stay Steps from the Action.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.