Attractions, Entertainment, Recreation, and Other Tourist Draws - Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies - page 178

E GLOBAL INSIGHT E

Theme Park Trivia

The oldest operating Ferris wheel is located in Europe at The
Prater, Vienna, Austria. It was built in 1897.

&

A European invention: ''Amusement parks'' and ''theme
parks'' are often regarded as typically American; however,
amusement parks were first created in the ''Old World.''

&

The largest amusement park, by acreage, is Walt Disney
World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, which encompasses
47 square miles.

&

The world's oldest operating amusement park is Bakken in
Klampenborg, Denmark, which dates to 1583. The oldest
continually operating amusement park in the United States is
Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, which opened in
1846.

&

According to an IAAPA survey, 94 percent of people who visit
amusement parks have a favorite amusement park food. Of
those surveyed, 28 percent prefer funnel cake, 17 percent
prefer ice cream, 14 percent prefer pizza, 13 percent prefer
hot dogs, and 12 percent prefer cotton candy.

&

Many people believe that America's fascination with
amusement parks began with the opening of the Cyclone
roller coaster at Coney Island, New York, in 1927. Originally
costing only $175,000 to construct, the coaster still operates
at Astroland amusement park in New York.

&

Source: International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is your favorite ride at a theme park? Why do

46 percent of visitors say that the roller coaster is their
favorite ride?

Rides are the number-one reason that Americans visit
amusement parks, according to an IAAPA survey. Of the many
rides available, 46 percent of people say that their favorite
ride is the roller coaster.

&

2. Why are theme parks attractive destinations?

3. Can you think of an idea for a new type of theme park?

International Association of Amusement
Parks and Attractions

The world ' is largest amusement park and attractions association is the International Association of

Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The association, founded in 1918, has over 4,000

members in 93 countries. It represents and serves operators of amusement parks, tourist attractions,
water parks, miniature golf courses, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, museums, science
centers, resorts, casinos, and manufacturers and suppliers of amusement equipment and services. The
association conducts research, compiles statistics, and publishes FunWorld and an annual International
Directory and Buyer s Guide. It holds an annual convention and worldwide expos. Located in

Alexandria, Virginia, IAAPA can be reached at [phone] or www.iaapa.org .

'

GAMING

The U.S. gaming-entertainment industry has seen tremendous change over the last decade. As
recently as 1988, only two states—Nevada and New Jersey—permitted casino gaming, but now, in
2011, with Indian gaming included, 29 states have some type of casino gaming. Today, only two
states — Hawaii and Utah — have no legalized gaming whatsoever.

, has become a major force in the tourism industry. The gaming
industry has grown from a narrow Nevada base with limited acceptance in the financial and public
sector to a recognized growth industry. Although gaming has always been a popular form of
recreation, it has also been controversial.

Gambling , or the gaming industry