Quote from markcpeyko on Jul 26^th, 2010, 9:27pm:

Enjoyed that link. Didn't know the late Schumann's Restaurant was also built in 1956.

I would imagine the Fantasy did great in its early days. The location, though still 'high-profile' probably became less of an asset later, as so many motels would be built much closer to the Boardwalk and beach.  
 
It looked absolutely spectacular in those early postcards, and was still a neat-looking place right up until the end. You could certainly tell that it's better days were behind it, but who knows what might have been with some appropriate TLC.
 

I wonder how many ownership changes the Fantasy went through over the years.
 
Our information has Will Morey and his family living above the office until 1958, when they moved to the Satellite. But, I'm not sure how long he retained and continued to run the Fantasy.
 
You really have to credit his foresight. As others have noted, the Fantasy's location, design, and timely debut made it the "Gateway to Doo Wop Land" in more ways than one. And this was certainly no coincidence.
 
I'm sure Will Morey could have built the motel on any number of empty lots elsewhere on the island, but he chose that location along the Rio Grande entrance boulevard for obvious reasons. I can only imagine what it must have been like then, having been a regular yearly Wildwood visitor and seeing this place upon arrival in 1956.
 
Must have produced many WOW moments.

I certainly wouldn't say that the Fantasy's location was a mistake.
 
But, in later years, I could see where it might have worked to the owners' disadvantage (because it was no longer in the middle of all the action).

I have a feeling the motel's prime real estate had a lot to do with the site's appeal to developers.