Category: Amusement and Theme Parks

The Dollywood Theme Park Captured the Essence of Its Founder

The New York Times – Music:
Her idea to create a “fantasy city” that celebrated her home region turned into a billion-dollar attraction that maintained its authentic feel.
Dolly Parton Was a Trailblazer in Business, Too

The New York Times – Music:
Her vision to launch businesses to bring fans closer while protecting her intellectual property was ahead of her time.
Universal’s New Coaster Is a Scream. That’s the Problem.

The New York Times – Business:
The Hollywood theme park built a “whisper quiet” ride to avoid angering nearby neighbors. They didn’t fully account for the enthusiasm of the riders.
Violet Hensley Dies at 109; Ozarks Fiddler Made Opry Debut at 99

The New York Times – Music:
She performed old-time mountain music at the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Mo., for more than 50 years and appeared on “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
Disney Theme Parks Report Strong Results, While Comcast’s Universal Parks Dip

The New York Times – Travel:
Theme parks have long been seen as a bellwether for consumer confidence. Disney’s domestic parks and cruises revenue rose 11 percent in the latest quarter.
Six Flags Was a Summer Destination. Can It Win Families Back?

The New York Times – Business:
There has never been more competition in the leisure industry, as Disney and niche parks appeal to young families and high-income visitors.
Can Josh D’Amaro Break Disney’s Succession Curse?

Josh D’Amaro is widely considered a front-runner to be the company’s next C.E.O. His biggest challenge might be escaping Bob Iger’s shadow.
‘Disneyland Handcrafted’ Review: Making the Happiest Place on Earth

Leslie Iwerks’s documentary is a captivating look at the creative and logistical challenges of building a beloved theme park on California farmland.
Riding the Roller Coaster Beat

Mekado Murphy, the assistant film editor for The New York Times, moonlights as the newspaper’s unofficial roller coaster correspondent.
Move Over, Mouse Ears: For Disney Adults, There’s a New Obsession

Tiny stuffed animals that use magnets to stay perched on your shoulder have become a must-have accessory for some theme park superfans.
Here Are the Best Rides at Universal’s New Epic Universe Theme Park in Orlando

A roller coaster aficionado tested all the rides at the new Universal theme park in Orlando and ranks them, from must-dos to mehs in a ride-by-ride guide.
What if Theme-Park Rides Were Based on Art-House Films?

Say hello to the Anora-Coaster.