An indispensable read when visiting Walt Disney World with kids The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids 2018 is JAM-PACKED with useful tips, great advice, excellent discussion, and practical travel knowledge gleaned from years of Walt Disney World travel experience. In this guidebook, authors Bob Sehlinger and Liliane Opsomer specifically address the needs of kids, with-in some cases-research and input from kids. Len Testa leads an experienced team of researchers whose work has been cited by such diverse sources as USA Today and Operations Research Forum. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids digs deeper and offers more specific information than any other guidebook. This is the only guide that explains how to make every minute and every dollar of your vacation count. With advice that is direct, prescriptive, and detailed, it takes the guesswork out of your family vacation. Step-by-step detailed plans allow you to visit Walt Disney World with your children with absolute confidence and peace of mind.

Universal Studios never really wanted to get into the theme park business. They wanted to be the anti-Disney. But when forced to do so, they did it in a big way. Despite the fits and starts of multiple owners, the parks have finally gained the momentum to mount a serious challenge to the Walt Disney Company. How did this happen? Who made it happen? What does this mean for the theme park industry? In "Universal Versus Disney," his newest work to investigate the histories of America's favorite theme parks, seasoned Disney-author Sam Gennawey has thoroughly researched how Universal Studios shook up the multi-billion dollar theme park industry, one so long dominated by Walt Disney and his legacy.

America's first theme park, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, is one of the largest family-owned and -operated independent parks in the United States, and its success is no accident. From moving Interstate 64 closer to the small town to introducing free unlimited soft drinks, four generations of the Koch family have amplified the legacy of this iconic Indiana attraction. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari celebrates the history of the Koch family and Santa Jim Yellig; the origins of Santa Claus, Indiana; and the early years of Santa Claus Land. The story continues with the expansion from Santa Claus Land to Holiday World, the addition of the park's famous trio of top-ranked wooden roller coasters, and the development of Splashin' Safari Water Park, ranked one of the top water parks in the country. For three-quarters of a century, the Koch family has launched the park into worldwide renown and national recognition. Featuring over 100 color illustrations, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari relives this joyous past while looking forward to the thrills fans can expect in the next 75 years.

From the publisher of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland comes The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream, the story of how Walt Disney's greatest creation was conceived, nurtured, and how it grew into a source of joy and inspiration for generations of visitors. Despite his successors' battles with the whims of history and their own doubts and egos, Walt's vision maintained momentum, thrived, and taught future generations how to do it Walt Disney's way.

From its beginnings, Disneyland was destined to be something entirely different from the standard mid-century amusement park. To sell his dream park to investors and the public, Walt Disney recruited Hollywood art directors and sketch artists to design the grounds around the mythic settings and high-minded ideals commonly expressed on the silver screen. This book focuses on the initial planning of Disneyland and its first year of operation, a time when Walt personally oversaw every detail of the park's development. Divided into chapters by park zone, it reveals how the five sectors were constructed using illusionistic tricks of stage design. Reaching beyond structure and design, chapters also explore how the sectors--Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland and Fantasyland--represented themes found in Disney stories, familiar movie genres and American culture at large.

Skip the crowded bar, coffee shop, and restaurant and bring the magic of Disney's drinks right your home with over 100 easy, delicious drink recipes inspired by the Disney Parks. Raise a glass to bringing the magic of Disney straight to your home with The Unofficial Disney Parks Drink Recipe Book. From coffee and tea to milkshakes and slushies to mocktails and cocktails, this book features over 100 of your favorite beverages from the happiest place on Earth. Recipes are taken straight from your favorite restaurants and cafes throughout the Disney Parks and resorts. You'll learn to make delicious, unique drinks without waiting in line including: -Coffees and teas, like Frozen Cappuccino from Joffrey's and Teddy's Tea from Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar -Fruity drinks and slushies like Frozen Sunshine from Beaches and Cream and the Goofy Glacier from Goofy's Candy Company -Mocktails and cocktails like the Sparkling No-Jito from the Tambu Lounge or the La Cava Avocado from Mexico in Epcot -And dessert drinks like the Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake from 50's Prime Time Cafe or the Dole Whip Float from Aloha Isle Perfect for Disney fans everywhere who want to experience those familiar flavors right from the comfort of their home, The Unofficial Disney Parks Drink Recipe Book has all the recipes you'll need to make luscious libations worthy of the Mouse himself.

In its fourth edition, this authoritative guide to roller coasters in the United States and Canada provides a history of coaster evolution, an exhaustive reference section and a peek into the future of coaster technology and design. Roller coaster development is traced to its roots in late 16th and early 17th century Europe, where thrill-seekers constructed primitive ice slides in winter. The reference section features a listing by state or province of more than 700 coasters at more than 160 amusement and theme parks. Each entry includes park contact information along with summaries of each coaster's origins, features and history. Six appendices give information on famous coaster designers, a list of the longest wood and steel coasters in North America, a roller coaster census by state or province, a chronology of wooden roller coasters still in operation, amusement park and coaster trivia, and a guide to four alpine coasters which have been constructed at winter resorts in the U.S.

Step right up! The Amusement Park is a rich, anecdotal history that begins nine centuries ago with the "pleasure gardens" of Europe and England and ends with the rise and fall and rise again of some of the most elaborate parks in the world. It's a history told largely through the stories of the colorful, sometimes hedonistic characters who built them and features, among many, showmen like Joseph and Nicholas Schenck and Marcus Loew, railroad barons such as Andrew Mellon and Henry E. Huntington, and the men who ultimately destroyed the parks including Robert Moses and Fred Trump. The many gifted artisans and craftspeople who brought these parks to life are also featured, along with an amazing cast of supporting players from Al Capone to Annie Oakley. And, of course, there are the rides, whose marvels of engineering and heart-stopping thrills are celebrated at full throttle. The parks and fairs featured include the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, Coney Island, Steeplechase Park, Dreamland, Euclid Beach Park, Cedar Point, Palisades Park, Ferrari World, Dollywood, Sea World, Six Flags Great Adventure, Universal Studios, Disney World and Disneyland, and many more.

Honest and Outspoken Advice from the Unofficial Experts The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2022 by Seth Kubersky is packed with detailed, specific information on every ride, show, and restaurant in the resort. The guide includes info on where to find the cheapest Universal Orlando admission tickets, how to save big on Universal on-site hotel rooms and skip the regular lines in the parks, when to visit Universal Orlando for the lightest crowds, and everything else you need to know for a stress-free Universal Orlando experience. What's NEW in the 2022 edition of The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando: The full scoop on the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster New advice on taking advantage of Virtual Line, Mobile Ordering, and other technological tricks An up-close look at each Universal resort hotel, including the new Endless Summer Surfside Inn and Suites Ratings and reviews of new menu options and dining venues in the parks and CityWalk, like Bend the Bao Updated tips for taking advantage of Early Park Admission at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and experiencing Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure The latest information on how Universal Orlando has recovered from COVID-19 Sneak peeks: Learn about the upcoming Epic Universe theme park

Universal Studios never really wanted to get into the theme park business. They wanted to be the anti-Disney. But when forced to do so, they did it in a big way. Despite the fits and starts of multiple owners, the parks have finally gained the momentum to mount a serious challenge to the Walt Disney Company. How did this happen? Who made it happen? What does this mean for the theme park industry? In Universal Versus Disney, his newest work to investigate the histories of America's favorite theme parks, seasoned Disney-author Sam Gennawey has thoroughly researched how Universal Studios shook up the multi-billion dollar theme park industry, one so long dominated by Walt Disney and his legacy.

Sunny Vale Pleasure Gardens, near Brighouse, was the Belle Vue or Alton Towers of West Yorkshire. It opened as a garden in 1880, and became a popular venue for sunday strollers, local sunday school groups and day trippers. This collection features 180 images, complemented by captions and reminiscences of the Gardens throughout its long history.

Both of these books are published under the University of Wisconsin Press' Popular Press imprint. In 1984, America celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the first successful roller coaster device - La Marcus A. Thompson's switchback railway - erected at Coney Island. Although more than a century has gone by, the literature of the amusement park and its history is still in its infancy. Robert Cartmell examines every phase of roller coaster history, from the use of the roller coaster by Albert Einstein to demonstrate his theory of physics, to John Allen's use of psychology in designing one.

In this beautifully illustrated treasury, discover 100 beloved and little-known Disney adventures--from labyrinths under Sleeping Beauty's Castle to a dinner club with Walt Disney World's top chefs to a tour of the Galapagos Islands--that will make for a lifetime of magical, memorable experiences. Wake up to the sight of giraffes grazing outside of your window. Soar 400 feet into the sky on a hot-air balloon ride over Walt Disney World. Watch the Disneyland fireworks from The Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge, far away from the crowds. Taste your way through 11 countries of the world at Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. Take a jet trip around the world. All these experiences and more bring the magic of Disney alive--and you can find 100 not-to-be-missed adventures in this one-of-a-kind collection. From the most beloved signature experiences--Epcot's International Flower Show, breakfast with beloved characters at Chef Mickey's, and getting dolled up like a princess before your day at the park--to the hidden VIP wonders like a private dinner in the wine cellar the Grand Floridian or drinks at the exclusive, members-only Club 33, this illuminating guidebook celebrates and reveals the best experiences in and around Disney resorts and parks all over the globe. Discover the magic that awaits, including: A training session at the Jedi Academy at Disney Hollywood Studios, where you can make your own light saber and fight Darth Vader Magical meals at a rotating dinner club featuring Walt Disney World's best chefs, each themed to Disney lore A 5.7 million-gallon salt water aquarium at Epcot Seas, where you can swim with angelfish, dolphins, eagle rays, and sharks A private after-hours tour of the Luxor Temple in Egypt, where Adventures by Disney gets you away from the crowds for an intimate experience Secret off-the-menu items around the park, including a cherry milkshake at Carnation Cafe and ice cream nachos at the Golden Horseshoe The ultimate viewing spots for nightly fireworks throughout all the Disney Parks Disney's Halloween party, a one-of-a-kind theme night in the happiest place on Earth A 5K Challenge on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, where you can soothe sore muscles post-race with a beachfront massage A private jet tour around the world, led by expert National Geographic explorers And so much more! Along with beautiful imagery that will help shape your bucket list, this fantastic guide includes pilgrimages to historic Disney sites, like Walt's hometown haunts in Chicago and Tam O'Shanter's in Los Angeles where there's a table named in his honor. Plus, National Geographic provides the inside stories of some of Disney's most beloved attractions. Each of these 100 adventures--from Walt Disney World in Orlando to the Galapagos Islands to Disneyland Tokyo--will have you believing in magic and wonder all over again.

The latest edition to the successful Hidden Magic series features updated information on the latest attractions at Walt Disney World, including Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway! Whether it's your first or fiftieth visit to Walt Disney World, you'll be surprised at how much you can miss during your trip. But with this guide to Disney's hidden treasures you'll learn: -You can search for more than the usual hidden Mickey. There are other beloved characters like Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse hidden around the parks. -The book Belle reads in Beauty and the Beast is a real book...and you can find out what it is by heading to Maurice's cottage. -Imagineers hide symbols of themselves around the park to "sign" their work. Including all-new information on Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World, 3rd Edition will inspire you to relive the magic year after year!

Theme park studies is a growing field in social and cultural studies. Nonetheless, until now little attention has been dedicated to the choice of the themes represented in the parks and the strategies of their representation. This is particularly interesting when the theme is a historical one, for example ancient Greece. Which elements of classical Greece find their way into a theme park and how are they chosen and represented? What is the "entertainment" element in ancient Greek history, culture and myth, which allows its presence in commercial structures aiming to people's fun? How does the representation of Greece change against different cultural backgrounds, e.g. in different European countries, in the USA, in China? This book frames a discussion of these representations within the current debates about immersive spaces, uses of history and postmodern aesthetics, and analyses how ancient Greece has been represented and made "enjoyable" in seven different theme parks across the world, providing an original and ground-breaking contribution to theme park studies and classical reception.

Behind the scenes at a creationist theme park with a mission to convert visitors through entertainment Opened to the public in July 2016, Ark Encounter is a creationist theme park in Kentucky. The park features an all-timber re-creation of Noah's ark, built full scale to creationist specifications drawn from the text of Genesis, as well as exhibits that imagine the Bible's account of life before the flood. More than merely religious spectacle, Ark Encounter offers important insights about the relationship between religion and entertainment, religious publicity and creativity, and fundamentalist Christian claims to the public sphere. James S. Bielo examines these themes, drawing on his unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the Ark Encounter creative team during the initial design of the park. This unique anthropological perspective shows creationists outside church contexts, and reveals their extraordinary effort to materialize a controversial worldview for the general public. Taking readers from inside the park's planning rooms to other fundamentalist projects and diverse Christian tourist attractions, Bielo illuminates how creationist cultural producers seek to reach both their constituents and the larger culture. The "making of" this creationist theme park, Bielo argues, allows us to understand how fundamentalist culture is produced, and how entertainment and creative labor are used to legitimize creationism. Through intriguing and surprising observations, Ark Encounter challenges readers to engage with the power of entertainment and to seriously grapple with creationist ambitions for authority. For believers and non-believers alike, this book is an invaluable glimpse into the complicated web of religious entertainment and cultural production.