Amusement Park News

Jenkinson's Boardwalk is adding a new Scrambler ride to its growing lineup of attractions next year. Scheduled to open as an indoor dark ride in 2027, Maelstrom will be the first indoor Scrambler at the boardwalk and one of the few indoor installations of its kind anywhere.

According to the Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., attraction, the ride will combine the classic thrills of a Scrambler with immersive lighting, special effects, and custom theming. The Scrambler itself is being supplied by longtime manufacturer Eli Bridge Company.

Eli Bridge General Manager Tim Noland says, "It's a Ground Mount Scrambler. We're happy to have it going to Jenkinson's. They reached out to us based on having worked with us in the past, and of course we talk about our rides at a lot of trade shows."

Although installation has not yet begun, excitement for the project is already building.



"Jenkinson's owner is Vincent Storino, who also owns Casino Pier. We put a new Scrambler in there a while ago, and that has done very well for them. Having this new Scrambler installed as a dark ride on the boardwalk will be exciting," Noland says.

Patty Sullivan, President and CEO of Eli Bridge Company, agrees, noting that the Scrambler is celebrating its 73rd anniversary this year and remains as popular as ever.

"Scramblers are still a very popular ride, and Jenkinson's is getting a very nice one. We are so proud that they wanted to put a new Scrambler in their park. We're really thrilled. I think it will be a great addition for them. After all, who doesn't like a good Scrambler?" she laughs. "People are still excited to have them and to ride them. We have had three Scramblers go out this year, besides the one that is pending for Jenkinson's Boardwalk."

She adds, "We are happy that the ride is still as popular as it always has been. The fact that Jenkinson's is getting a brand-new ride is wonderful. There are a lot of older Scramblers out there, but having a new one is very exciting. People may have forgotten just how attractive they are when they're new. At Jenkinson's, the fact that this Scrambler is going to be a dark ride is really cool. If they have lighting that really pops as it spins around, it is going to be a really exciting ride."

The attraction will be housed inside the South Beach Arcade, with a portion of the arcade remaining open for guests. The indoor location was selected to create a unique experience while also allowing the attraction to operate regardless of the weather.

Jenkinson's Marketing & Brand Manager Alex Taylor says the boardwalk is always looking for new ways to "improve and enhance" its attractions along the Jersey Shore.

"Maelstrom represents a significant investment in the future of our property and will bring an entirely new type of attraction to Point Pleasant Beach."

Taylor adds that additional details about the ride's theming and lighting will be announced in the coming months.

Maelstrom continues the boardwalk's recent investment in new attractions. Earlier this year, Jenkinson's debuted Patriot's Run, a new steel roller coaster that officially opened on May 30. Replacing the former Tidal Wave coaster, the SBF/Visa attraction is part of the Italian manufacturer's Cyclone coaster family.



The red, white, and blue-themed family coaster stands 40 feet tall and travels approximately 1,100 feet of track at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ride was held on July 16 as part of the Boardwalk's Red, White, and Ride! event celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The event also featured special promotions, live entertainment, and Jenkinson's Thursday Night Fireworks display.

Patriot's Run was designed to honor both America's 250th anniversary and a beloved former Jenkinson's attraction, the Flitzer roller coaster, which once occupied the same location. The new coaster incorporates design elements inspired by Flitzer's signature flame graphics, reimagined with an American flag motif. The ride features three trains with two cars each, accommodating up to eight riders per train. The station also includes custom-designed panels showcasing iconic American landmarks from coast to coast.

While Patriot's Run is providing new thrills this season, Maelstrom will take center stage in 2027. According to the Jenkinson's team, the new attraction will combine immersive storytelling with the milestone of becoming the first indoor Scrambler in the boardwalk's history. Guests will board "a storm-battered ship," where they will "encounter a legendary sea monster and brave the swirling vortex in an immersive ride experience unlike anything we've ever created."



Additional details, including construction updates and an official opening date, will be announced as the project moves forward.

"We can't wait to share more details as the project progresses," Taylor says.