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Amusement Parks of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware
This fun, informative guidebook profiles 15 major amusement parks in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. A complete history of the industry is followed by an account of parks in the region, accompanied by vintage photographs and postcard scenes. Visitor information on location, schedules, admission, touring tips, food, children s fare, special features, and rides round out this useful source on this favorite family pastime.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2008
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 31, 2011
Not merely content to list a rundown of rides at each theme park in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, Jim Futrell goes above and beyond the call of duty including not only the History of Theme Parks in Delmarva (Del-Mar-VA- get it?) but also a history of the amusement park industry itself.
Since parks change about as often as the computer industry (every day/month/year), this book, which was published in 2008, is, unfortunately, already outdated. I had to read this book being that a. I love amusement parks and b. I live in Virginia, so I can definitely say the updates to the parks in VA that are not listed in the book. King's Dominion has seen the addition of the phenomenally spectacular Intimidator 305 Coaster (as well as the scrapping of the HyperSonic XLC coaster replaced with a Ferris Wheel) with a drop of 85 degrees and speeds in the high 90s. I guarantee you will see spots at the end of the first drop. Also, Scooby Doo and pals are no more - they have been replaced by Peanuts characters in the wake of CedarFair Inc purchasing the park. Also none of the Paramount names remain from the Parmount's King's Dominion era. It's a bummer since I happen to love Scooby-Doo much more, but this is still the best park anywhere for tons of coasters and memories.
Busch Gardens has scrapped The Big Bad Wolf and unfortunately now only has 4 coasters. Another thrill was added this year with the opening of Mach Tower, a freefall drop ride. Last year saw the opening of a new inside simulator ride that I can say is quite spectacular. I forget the name, but it replaced an old ride in Ireland.
Water Country USA has also expanded by adding a "thrill" water ride with Vanish Point. I just went to WCUSA but unfortunately have still not rode that ride. It does appear to be like no other water ride on the planet, however, and I'm including rides from Schlitterbahn in this.
Beyond those aforementioned changes, Jim Futrell captures the beginnings of each theme park and how they all evolved. He puts nostalgia right in your hands and invites you to go make magic and enjoy the beauty of the theme park. Also, if you've ever wondered just what the "Six Flags" of theme park franchise fame stands for, Futrell will reveal all. Put your hands up and enjoy the ride.
Since parks change about as often as the computer industry (every day/month/year), this book, which was published in 2008, is, unfortunately, already outdated. I had to read this book being that a. I love amusement parks and b. I live in Virginia, so I can definitely say the updates to the parks in VA that are not listed in the book. King's Dominion has seen the addition of the phenomenally spectacular Intimidator 305 Coaster (as well as the scrapping of the HyperSonic XLC coaster replaced with a Ferris Wheel) with a drop of 85 degrees and speeds in the high 90s. I guarantee you will see spots at the end of the first drop. Also, Scooby Doo and pals are no more - they have been replaced by Peanuts characters in the wake of CedarFair Inc purchasing the park. Also none of the Paramount names remain from the Parmount's King's Dominion era. It's a bummer since I happen to love Scooby-Doo much more, but this is still the best park anywhere for tons of coasters and memories.
Busch Gardens has scrapped The Big Bad Wolf and unfortunately now only has 4 coasters. Another thrill was added this year with the opening of Mach Tower, a freefall drop ride. Last year saw the opening of a new inside simulator ride that I can say is quite spectacular. I forget the name, but it replaced an old ride in Ireland.
Water Country USA has also expanded by adding a "thrill" water ride with Vanish Point. I just went to WCUSA but unfortunately have still not rode that ride. It does appear to be like no other water ride on the planet, however, and I'm including rides from Schlitterbahn in this.
Beyond those aforementioned changes, Jim Futrell captures the beginnings of each theme park and how they all evolved. He puts nostalgia right in your hands and invites you to go make magic and enjoy the beauty of the theme park. Also, if you've ever wondered just what the "Six Flags" of theme park franchise fame stands for, Futrell will reveal all. Put your hands up and enjoy the ride.
Displaying 1 of 1 review