'A Better Idea': See Alternative Proposal For Wonderland In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A local group has presented their alternative to the proposed ICONA in Wonderland luxury hotel. Instead, they want to see the "Wonderland Commons" on the site of the shuttered amusement park.

Citizens group Ocean City 2050 unveiled the vision they call "a better idea" at a community meeting this past Saturday. The group claims this multi-use boardwalk village would better preserve Ocean City's family-friendly reputation. And they say they have financial investors waiting in the wings.

“This is not a recreation of the old Wonderland,” said Jim Kelly, spokesperson for Ocean City 2050. “It’s something entirely new, better — and also joyfully familiar. A place where public space, classic fun, and smart development come together. It’s nostalgic, affordable, and financially sound. We think this plan is a win-win for our town and the developer, and we’re optimistic that it’s a solution that everyone can get behind.”

Here's what's planned, according to Ocean City 2050:

Walking through the iconic Wonderland gateway, visitors to Wonderland Commons see the restored carousel and discover a multi-purpose entertainment venue offering something for everyone, including:

- A Reimagined Wonderland — a smaller, more compact amusement park designed for young children and their families, focusing on lower costs, simple rides, and plenty of charm and moments of pure delight

- A Digital Entertainment Center — a tech-forward, immersive, year-round destination with VR experiences, escape rooms, projection games, and interactive storytelling for teenagers and adults

- Public attractions — a free children’s playground, bandshell stage for live music and performances, and a rooftop deck with ocean views

- A rotating selection of food trucks — featuring local chefs and regional street food classics

- Low-rise, high-end lodging — with rooftop pools, comfortable seating, retail, and dining on the ground floor, blending into the neighborhood and Boardwalk surroundings

They say they want to give an alternative to developer and landowner Eustace Mita in the face of his hotel's opposition. Ocean City 2050 also said under this plan, Mita would serve as master developer, leading the development of the lodging and landmark structure, while subleasing portions of the site to qualified operators of the amusement park, digital center, food and retail spaces.

Wonderland Commons includes boutique lodging, a small children's-focused amusement park, a digital entertainment center, and public spaces coming together in one destination, Ocean City 2050 said. Each element is independently operated but designed to work in harmony, creating a flexible, sustainable, and financially viable model, according to the group.

“This plan helps spark much needed community debate, as this is not only about the future of the Wonderland site, but the future of the entire family friendly Ocean City boardwalk,” said Councilman Keith Hartzell.

While presented by Ocean City 2050, the plan is backed by a number of community groups who formed BigMistake.org as a welcome alternative to the proposed high-rise hotel. Additional community input is requested at info@bigmistake.org.