Bumper cars have long been a staple of carnivals,
amusement parks and theme parks around the world, and the ride
manufacturers developed a modern version of the traditional "Dodge 'em"
cars which was portable and available in varying sizes. These rides
were colorful and usually featured elaborate lighting to draw attention
to them.
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The first season of Great Adventure proved to be a mixed success, with
large crowds causing long lines, so for the 1975 season the park's ride
capacity was increased by 50%, with the most popular rides (the Log
Flume and the Bumper Cars) being duplicated as part of the new offerings
for the sophomore season. The Skooter was introduced as part of the new
Fun Fair section of the park and offered a second bumper car ride to
help handle the crowds.
The
Skooter was located in the far corner of the new ride area, on the edge
of the (then) undeveloped woods. The Traffic Jam bumper car ride was the
"world's largest" when it opened in 1974, and the Skooter was even
bigger when it opened the following season.
The ride featured different styles of cars than the original
Traffic Jam ride and an elaborate fiberglass facade that made it look
very different. The Skooter changed names in following seasons becoming
the Scooter Cars from 1976-78 and finally Fender Bender from 1979-1987. |
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BUMPERS II Names:
1975 Skooter
1976-1978 Scooter Cars
1979-1987 Fender Bender |
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Click the Placard Below to
View a Film Clip of the Skooters:
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After the 1987 season, the
Skooter was removed and the site it had occupied sat vacant for several
seasons until construction of the Batman Stunt Arena in 1992.
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