It was just a normal beach day spent on Long Beach Island, my vacation home during the summer of 2012. My 2 cousins (Gia and Devon), my sister (Katie), and I were going through our normal outdoor shower rotation and pestering our parents about dinner. Not one of us expected going to Fantasy Island that night because we rarely ever went.
Located in the heart of Bay Village, probably the most touristy area on LBI, is Fantasy Island. There are two parts: an outdoor section with classic carnival rides and an indoor section with classic arcade games. Although both extremely busy during the summertime at night, the arcade section is a lot less crowded.
When the four of us walked inside, the air conditioning was suffocating. (I recommend bringing a sweatshirt to wear if ever venturing into the arcade. No matter the weather, the thermostat is always set to what feels like 55 degrees fahrenheit.) Nonetheless, we eagerly took the money our parents gave us to the token machine. The crane machines, slot machines, and skee ball lanes quickly consumed all our tokens. Gia was oddly skilled at the crane machines and won a stuffed animal for all of us. In exchange for doing well on the casino-like games, we were rewarded with tickets. After each of us had a satisfactory amount of tickets, aka to the point where our hands could not carry anymore, we migrated outside to the warm summer night. Most people exchange their tickets for a prize, but we always saved ours in a cabinet at my beach house, optimistic that we would be back soon to add to our collection.
Like I mentioned earlier, this section is a lot more hectic so it’s extremely important to find a good meeting spot with the others you came with just in case you or someone else gets lost. No matter how many times I go, I still get overwhelmed. The air condition difference was definitely detectable, however, it’s the aroma that initially consumes us. The small amusement park definitely has a distinct, wonderful, popcorn, cotton candy, bay water smell that words cannot fully describe.
That night, we decided to only go on our two favorite rides. First, the Ferris Wheel. At the very top we thought we could see “the whole island”! (It really does have a great view and worth the ridiculous price they charge to go on it at least once.) Second, the Pirate Ship – a less intense pendulum ride that swings you back and forth. We sat in the middle, because the ends were too scary for us. (There are sooo many other fun attractions outside that I have yet to experience 6 years later.) After the two rides, we were exhausted from the long day and night. We went home, counted all our tickets and begged our parents to let us go back the next day. 
Fantasy Island is definitely a must when vacationing LBI, but it can be overwhelming and get expensive. Nonetheless, my childhood summers would not be as great if it were not for memories here.
Love this!! Looking for a new vacation spot, can’t wait to hear more!
Beach Haven has wonderful white sand beaches, many fine seafood restaurants, plenty to do at night, and a quick ride or boat trip to Atlantic City