It’s been said through the years by Bill Tracy’s employees and clients that he had a unique approach to his projects when it came to cost and budget. Often, he’d recommend up to 1/2 of the total cost of an attraction be allocated for the exterior façade and loading area, and the remainder for interior stunt fabrication, scenery, and ride system. This myth rings true in many ways as his towering facades and three-dimensional figures have made indelible impressions on ride-goers through the years making his attractions unmistakable. Back when typical amusement park dark rides, funhouses, and tunnels of love featured simple, two-dimensional exterior fabrication with little to no WOW factor, Tracy always made a point to make his attractions literally jump off of the midway causing all passers-by to stop and stare in wonder and amazement. The bright colors and detailed fabrication work were often of high caliber Disney quality and something straight out of a movie set, and Tracy prided himself on high ride patronage and success as a result.
Tracy’s ride façade for Orient Express on Million Dollar Pier in Atlantic City, NJ was a prime example of his masterful façade work. The grandeur of the façade and three-dimensional dragon of Orient Express are iconic examples of why Tracy’s builds were unique to him and revolutionary in the amusement industry. Orient Express opened in 1962 and operated through the 1981 summer season until it was destroyed by fire along with the rest of the Million Dollar Pier in October of that year.
The Bill Tracy Project 