The Amusement Park Guide, 4th: Coast to Coast Thrills (Paperback)

~ Tim O'Brien (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Amusement parks are an integral part of American popular culture. As the focus of many family vacations, they record a quarter of a billion visits annually. This directory covers the obvious Disneyland and Six Flags attractions, while also including less famous parks as Theel Kiddyland (Kansas) and Penny Whistle Park (Texas). There are brief descriptions of the parks, hours of operation, approximate prices, and suggested lengths of visits (five hours for Dollywood, two hours for the War Memorial Amusement Park). There is also a ranking of the best roller coasters and antique wooden carousels. Parks in Canada are included as well. This competent reference work will prove useful to large public libraries.
- Harold M. Otness, Southern Oregon State Coll. Lib., Ashland
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

This guidebook to the most thrilling fantastic amusement parks in North America, covering more than 290 locations, delivers the goods - what to see, what to do, and when - or where to go for the rides of your life.

Check 'em out! Spiderman Adventure: This Orlando ride has it all - moving vehicles, 3-D filmed action, and live action. Millennium Force: Experience a 300-foot, 80-degree drop on North America's tallest coaster in Sandusky, Ohio. Hold on! Soarin' Over California: Sit below glider wings, swing into a dome-shaped movie screen, and fly from the Golden Gate Bridge to the San Diego Bay - while your body remains in Anaheim. Hypersonic XLC: Go from 0 to 80 in 1.8 seconds on this pneumatically powered coaster in Doswell, Virginia.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 4th edition (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762708670
• ISBN-13: 978-0762708673
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 4.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,733,239 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Guide To Amusement Parks!, February 1, 2000

By	Eric C. Ratliff (West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Amusement Park Guide (Paperback)

This book is a must for all amusement park fans. It gives all the information you would need to have a fun and exciting day at any park in the U.S. or Canada. Mr. O'Brien has done a masterful job of helping you plan your visit by giving the operating times as well as the best rides and shows. There is also a listing of all the roller coasters in the park. His vivid description of the park gives you the feeling of being there. I would recommend this guide book to anyone planing a trip to an amusement park in the future.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any family that is in to amusment parks, July 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Amusement Park Guide (Paperback)

A great guide to all parks in the U.S. and Canada. A must have for road trips, packed with consise but informative information about each park and the rides contained in it but not so much as to ruin the experience.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-Have for Amusement Park Fanatics, April 29, 2004

By	Danielle Bennignus - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Amusement Park Guide, 5th (Paperback)

This is, truly, the bible of amusement park guides. I am always amazed at its thorough coverage of parks, both large and small, in the United States and Canada - is there an international edition in the works??? If so, put me on the list of buyers.

It's difficult to think of a park that isn't listed here - from the mainstream parks such as Disneyworld and Universal, to the tiny, neighborhood parks such as Weona and Nelly Bly, they're all here, and beautifully documented. Signature rides are listed for each park - from the big, modern coasters, to the rarer flats. As a huge fan of Flying Scooters and Lusse Auto Skooters (you fellow park nuts will know what I'm talking about, here), I love that such rides are included. Park histories are here, as well, for all of us preservationists.

Directions, websites, and further information are included for the parks, also, which greatly helps if one wishes to visit a park. Also, common-sense tips for park visitors are here, as well as little-known secrets that assist with getting around a park to the greatest efficiency.

I was fortunate enough to find this book while visiting Knoebels Grove (the best park in America, as far as I'm concerned), and couldn't put it down during the entire ride home. It's addictive, informative, and, well, a must-have. What with the summer practically here, run, don't walk, and get your copy NOW.