Describes different types of roller coasters, their history, and their construction.

In May 1972, actor Fess Parker of Davy Crockett fame announced plans for a huge theme park complex in Santa Clara, California. Eventually, the Marriott Corporation joined the effort. Parker later departed, while Marriott continued with what was the corporations largest project to date. Marriotts Great America opened its gates on March 20, 1976. It featured a variety of family and thrill rides on a grand scale plus live entertainment, including multiple stage shows and even a full circus. From Marriott to the parks current owner, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Great America has entertained and continues to entertain millions of guests in what is now the heart of Silicon Valley.

Amusement parks have been a staple of California recreation and entertainment for over a century. First appearing along the beaches and multiplying up and down the coast, these parks ignited an industry that has seen tremendous change and innovation. Children's Fairyland--America's first theme park--and Knott's Berry Farm--the first children's park--set high standards for the amusement world. When Disneyland opened in 1955, amusement parks became destinations in themselves, transforming surrounding communities. Discover how these magical places came to be. Learn little-known secrets of 20 California parks and what makes them landmarks. For guests of all ages, California's theme parks offer an abundance of entertainment possibilities. 301 color photos provide a unique glimpse into an industry that forever changed family entertainment.

Discusses the history, physics, parts, and design of roller coasters and examines some modern examples.

Profusely illustrated and engagingly written, this book tells the whole exciting story of the history and development of roller coasters, from the first 15-foot-high, four-mile-per-hour Switchback Railway in Coney Island's 1884 amusement park to today's wild mega-monsters. Photos throughout.

Few things are as exciting as a fast-paced roller coaster ride. The thrill of a huge, sudden drop or a giant loop can be both exhilarating and terrifying. From the Kingda Ka in New Jersey to the Steel Dragon 2000 in Japan, this book has the inside scoop on the fastest, tallest, most incredible amusement park rides in the world.

After World War II, veterans and their growing families flocked to sunny Southern California for jobs in the aerospace and defense industries. Capitalizing on the baby boom and expanding suburbs, amusement parks sprang up to entertain residents and their visiting relatives. The crown jewel was Disneyland, which focused on themed sections and changed amusement parks forever. Other parks followed, transforming Southern California into one of the world's top vacation destinations. Parks like Lion Country Safari, Corriganville, and Marineland--along with many kiddie lands and animal, water, and theme parks--came and went in the postwar decades. Some were planned but never developed, while existing popular parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios periodically close rides only to substitute them with attractions considered more crowd-pleasing.

If you want to learn about the best amusement parks, roller coasters, and theme parks around the world, then check out HowExpert Guide to Amusement Parks and Roller Coasters. From the classic wooden roller coaster at your local pier to the highly technical and intricate new ride that Disney is set to open this next year to the high-speed steel beast of a monster that sits a few hours away at the closest Six Flags, there is a multitude of attractions out there. Unfortunately, all that stands between you and said attraction is a two-hour-long car trip followed by a $25 parking fee and then a three-hour line. Okay, so maybe that doesn’t sound desirable. But what does sound desirable is the opportunity to experience a world-class thrill ride that you can brag to your friends in class or perhaps being immersed in a land that is themed to your favorite movie in which you forget you’re still in the same world as before. Theme parks and amusement parks alike offer something unlike anything else, and each park offers something different and unique from the others. Here in this book, you’ll learn all there is to know about both theme and amusement parks, the different types of rides, roller coasters, and much more. We’ll also rank the best 101 amusement parks, some of which may only be a short trip away from you. The best part about this is not only will you be able to pull this guide up whenever you need it and be able to impress the coaster enthusiasts with your knowledge and understanding of the lingo, but you also won’t have to wait in a three-hour line to crack this thing open. Here is your fast pass to all the park industry-related knowledge you couldn’t possibly imagine having before. Check out HowExpert Guide to Amusement Parks and Roller Coasters to learn about the best amusement parks, roller coasters, and theme parks around the world. About the Author Noah Granger, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, grew up surrounded by a plethora of amusement parks. From going to Disneyland on a weekly basis to conquering all the intimidating roller coasters of Six Flags Magic Mountain by the time he was a teenager, Noah developed a passion for this niche topic and an addiction to the adrenaline that he often got while riding Xcelerator at Knott’s Berry Farm. Currently, a student at California State University Fullerton, Noah is continuously keeping up to date with all there is going on in the amusement and theme park industry. Over the years of learning more about this hobby, he has accumulated years and years’ worth of knowledge surrounding all the different types of parks and thrill rides. What Noah cherishes most, though, are the friends and family that he gets to spend quality time with, standing in lines while at the parks. Luke 17:6 HowExpert publishes quick how to guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.