O/T Ocean city Md vs Wildwood

[momto2]

Ok... I know it's kind of off topic.. What is OC MD like??? Is it really worth the drive (I live on Eastern Long Island) Is the ferry really worth it?? We were thinking staying in WW for a week and taking a side day trip to OC. I don't know.. We come down to WW at least 2x a mo. I also have 3yr old twins..
Thanks
Janet

[AnthonyV]

I've been to Ocean City, Maryland numerous times over the last ten years (one of my best friends resides down there in summer) and it is quite nice and laid back in a way that Wildwood is kitschy and fun. It is worth a visit though. Definitely.

While it certainly doesn't have Wildwood's neon flair or "open all night" excitement, the beachfront is taken up by a great deal of larger, newer upscale hotels and condos - although they also have many of their own original Populuxe or Doo Wop styled motels like Wildwood.

Wildwood, remember, is steeped in the Jersey Shore culture (although accented with more than just a touch of Philly attitude) which is genuine and unique to our state of New Jersey and very unlike other resort communities found elsewhere. There is something "similar" to almost every Jersey Shore resort town although they all differ. OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND lacks that "feel" - which is not a criticism in any way.

OCEAN CITY, MD also has a boardwalk, but nothing like Wildwood's or the boardwalk of OCEAN CITY in NJ which is considered on of the most finest and cleanest in the nation.

[crazyaboutwildwood]

I was just told by relatives that ocean city maryland is not all that, and they are considering not going anymore! They said it is like a big city and dont even care to drive around there anymore. They also said it is way to crowded and it takes like an hour to get through town. Now im just stating what I was told, and I myself have never been there so I cant really say, but I know there is no town like wildwood!

[AnthonyV]

I only stated that it was worth a visit and that I've only been there on visits - although I've not vacationed there. From what I've experienced it is not nearly as lively as Wildwood is IMO.

However, I never saw it as being any more or less busy than other Jersey Shore towns in summer - especially Wildwood, LBI, or even Seaside.

It does take a long time to "get through town" since Ocean City, MD is 10 miles from one end to the other - about twice the length of the Wildwoods - with a boardwalk that is 3 miles long.

Again, I'd visit Ocean City, MD again but I'd never stay there to vacation - not when there is an Ocean City in my own state! But you'd have to visit the place to make any comparisons.

[crazyaboutwildwood]

I will keep on putting my money and time into Wildwood. That is where my heart is! Just love it there!

[Robert]

I've been to OC MD twice, in 1988 and 2000. I like that they still have 2 classic 1960's Bill Tracy built attractions, the ride-through Haunted House, and the walk-through Pirate's Cove. They are better than any of Wildwood's current dark rides. Except maybe Zombie World if that's any good. Plus there's the Haunted Mansion ride in Rehoboth Beach, 10 times better than Dante's Inferno. I'm sure past dark rides like Whacky Shack, Hitchcock Manor, Dr. Blood's were better quality like the ones in DE, MD. If you're in Wildwood area, you can get to Delaware/Maryland via the Ferry. Take your car across. I never did that. It would be worth it for the Haunted Mansion alone. In 1988 I was initially disappointed that OC MD didn't have as many amusements as Wildwood did, my last Wildwood visit prior to 1988 was 1983 I think. Now, I think OC MD is better in ways than Wildwood (still has Bill Tracy dark rides, old carousel) The Pirate's Cove even has the infamous tilted room. How many tilted rooms are left in Wildwood? I would suspect none. OC MD did lose some haunted attractions like Morbid Manor on the pier which burned down 1996. It was a live actor walk-through like the old NJ ones. Never was in it, not even in 1988. We didn't walk up to the pier then, so I never knew it existed, or the Haunted House and Pirate's Cove either. I rode those first time in 2000. I guess I'm bitter at Wildwood for all that's happening. I like unique attractions like haunted walk-throughs with creepy atmospheres and twisted mazes, and fun houses with clowns and barrels and slides, and dark rides with plenty of scares. When places start to lose that stuff, it makes me sad and angry. Especially if it's senseless arson by teenagers looking for "kicks", or making way for the next newest thrill ride. Another thing is that Niagara Falls Canada has the most haunted attractions available anywhere. Most are open year-round. There's even one called Castle Dracula.

[crazyaboutwildwood]

A couple of dark rides Wont change my mind about a town like wildwood. I love wildwood and its surroundings. There is just somthing special about it!

[FlyinGN]

we really care about the about dark rides..Its the hotels in WW that we love! Nothing like it in OC. thats for sure..

Frankl

[AnthonyV]

Actually, there are quite a number of classic Populuxe style (or Doo Wop) motels in Ocean City, MD! Perhaps nowhere close to the number found in the Wildwoods. But one day in the not too distant future I'm sure the numbers between the two resorts will be closer than anyone could have imagined!

With all the demolition and condo-craze which has overtaken Wildwood in recent years it seems like the area is already slowly becoming Ocean City, MD in ways than some might not be willing to admit! And that's sad.

Some of the more familiar motels in OC that people who vaction Wildwood would find famililar looking are Ocean Mecca Motel, Bay Sails Inn, Eden Roc, Empress Motel, Islander Motel, Cabana Motel, Shangri-La Motel, and quite a few others which are very distinctive.

[edishotnj]

oc md is not that great overrated the truth is wildwoods boardwalk embarass oc md everyone that goes think that boardwalk is great but you have to see it its about like oc nj boardwalk but trashy its not that fun and they have trailer parks on their island