Barry R. Hill

How in the world did the author not include Legend City, the regional theme park that took Phoenix, Arizona by storm. Well, maybe not storm, but it was a big deal.

And, yes, I know the answer. There are/were a lot of regional theme parks. And there is a lot of history to tell. (The author basically apologizes at one point for the fact that it is impossible to include all parks. So, I guess I’ll forgive him this one.)

The book tells the story of how regional theme parks developed after the show more unimaginable success of Disneyland. It starts with a quick synopsis of what occurred before Disneyland, and then the development of successful and failed parks – mostly in the central and eastern US.

There is interesting stuff in this book. But there are a few issues. First, there is almost too much detail in some of the descriptions. Far too many of the descriptions literally walk the reader around the park, describing the attractions and lands. And much of this is redundant as so many builders were using the same park and ride developers.

And, after all these descriptions, the book begins to jump around. Next is a discussion of the mergers that consolidated so much of this entertainment industry. And that is a convoluted history, one that is hard to follow. (At least, in the author’s execution.)

And next thing you know we are back in the previous history talking about places like Hersheypark, Dollywood, and Knotts Berry Farm which were all precursors that probably better belonged in the first section. (And, again I am prejudiced, but I believe Knotts was much more influential than the author makes it out.)

Then, back to more recent events, including Hard Rock Park. Then…well, let’s just say the last few chapters wander all over the place.

Ultimately, while this is an interesting book, it never gets above interesting because, one, in places there is too much detail and, two, there does not seem to be an overall theme – an arch that drives the entire story. It is as if the author just had things he wanted to cover and threw them in the stew pot, hoping for success.

Not a bad read, but it will be only very specific readers who find more than a passing interest. show less