Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast
NEW BOOK! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland. Explore the fascinating history behind Disneyland – a theme park history book for kids 9 to 12. Release date: 12/1/2021Join Austin, a former Disneyland Cast Member, as she takes you through the outrageous and sometimes downright strange origin stories of your favorite theme parks, attractions, and shows. The outlandish history of Disneyland, Disney World, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farms, and much more will be explored along with some outrageous stories from former Employees & Cast Members. What are you waiting for? For your safety, remain seated with your hands, arms, feet, and...
S3 E18 · Wed, December 01, 2021
Episode 18: Walt Disney's Childhood in Kansas City City (Exclusive Excerpt From Our New Book!)
In this exclusive excerpt from our new book, discover Walt Disney's early life in Kansas City. We'll explore Walt's earliest inspiration for Disneyland, his childhood amusement park. Walk the flower-lined avenues of the lost Electric City park that continued to inspire Walt throughout his career, long after the 100,000 gleaming lights went out. * Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland * -Out Now! Explore the fascinating history behind Disneyland – a theme park history book for kids 9 to 12. Inspire an interest in history with this fun and immersive journey across 20th century US history through the lens of the happiest place on earth. From awful ideas left on the drawing board to actual flying (and sinking!) ships, Fastpass to the Past: A Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland is a thrilling grand circle tour of Disneyland's past and present. In this California history book, kids will walk in the footsteps of Walt Disney before discovering the inspiring stories and hidden Disneyland secrets behind ALL of their favorite theme attractions, including The Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan's Flight, and even Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Purchase the Book Behind the Scenes Content Links: Purchase The Book: Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland — Explore the fascinating history behind Disneyland – a theme park history book for kids 9 to 12.Inspire an interest in history with this fun and immersive journey across 20th century US history through the lens of the happiest place on earth. From awful ideas left on the drawing board to actual flying (and sinking!) ships, Fastpass to the Past: A Jr. Historian’s Guide to Disneyland is a thrilling grand circle tour of Disneyland’s past and present.In this California history book, kids will walk in the footsteps of Walt Disney before discovering the inspiring stories and hidden Disneyland secrets behind ALL of their favorite theme attractions, including The Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan’s Flight, and even Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Behind the Scenes Content | Fastpass to the Past Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 E17 · Sat, April 18, 2020
Episode 17: Lost Lands of Disneyland Paris: A 1920's Main Street
Since Disneyland's opening in 1955, every designer who has been tasked with creating a new Main Street for a new Disney park has had to live up to that first nostalgic thoroughfare, the only one Walt actually had a hand in designing, while also setting the scene for the rest of the park. For Disneyland Paris, this task fell to a young brand-new Imagineer and self-proclaimed Disneytologist, Eddie Sotto, who envisioned a very different Main Street USA. Eddie spent over a year working on a Main Street inspired by the stories of the Roaring '20s, and the jazz, cinema, art deco, and gangsters that populated the decade. His design included a hidden restaurant in a locomotive, a speakeasy jazz club, and police raids. Unfortunately, due to creative and financial reasons, his plans never saw the light of day in Paris. In this new part of the 'Lost Lands of Disneyland' series, we go back to the drawing board, deep in the Walt Disney Company archive, to see what this Roaring 20's entrance sequence would have looked like. Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland The How of Wow! | Eddie Sotto | TEDxBermuda - YouTube Disney and More - Main Street 1920's Early Draft Disney and More - The Disneyland Paris That Never Was Disney and More - Disneyland Paris That Never Was, Part 2 Disney and More - Why Disneyland Paris Book Is Great Yesterland.com: Disneyland Paris, From Sketch To Reality Eddie Sotto (@boss_angeles) / Twitter <a href="https://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2010/04/disneyland-paris-that-never-was-part_06.htm
S3 E16 · Wed, March 25, 2020
Episode 16: Universal Studios Hollywood, From Glamour Trams to Today's Studio Tour
Learn about how "Laemmle's Folly," a dream of an immigrant and rebel movie mogul named Carl Laemmle for a city dedicated to the movies, became a reality with Universal Studios Hollywood. The studio tour of his creation, once merely a method of attracting audiences and publicity to Universal Films, transformed over time into a worldwide theme park empire with revenues in the billions. While most early film studios are now mainly fading celluloid and memories, Universal continues to grow in popularity, offering new generations of film lovers the chance to go behind the scenes of their favorite films. [Shownotes ]( www.themeparkhistorypodcast.com ) Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Discovering the History Behind Universal Studios Hollywood — Austin wrote an article about her Universal Studios Hollywood research! Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast Episode 5: Part 1: How Disney Stole An Entire Theme Park (JAWS & Universal Studios Orlando) — Like this episode? Learn more about how Universal started Universal Orlando. The Birth of the Universal Studios Tour | KCET The Chicken Ranch, Universal Studios Hollywood's Early Days 12 Things That Will Surprise You About Universal Studios Hollywood | Mental Floss The History of Universal’s House of Horrors | Inside Universal <a href="https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fastpass-to-the-past-the-theme-park-history-podcast?ref_id=&ref_type=&sscid=21k3_muq2m&utm_campaign=8356&utm_medium=affiliate&ut
Bonus · Tue, February 26, 2019
Bonus Episode - Shanghai Disneyland Trip Report
Unlike the ill-fairing Hong Kong Disneyland transplant, Shanghai Disneyland is perhaps Disney’s most original theme park, leaning very little on real world locations and history, or even meticulously recreated towns or alleys we’ve seen in films: Shanghai Disneyland is full of almost completely original and fictional worlds. In this episode, Austin and a special guest discuss their tips and tricks for planning your next vacation to Disneyland Shanghai. [Shownotes ]( www.themeparkhistorypodcast.com ) [TeePublic Store](teepublic.com/stores/fastpass-to-the-past-the-theme-park-history-podcast) Links: T-Shirts by Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast - TeePublic Store | TeePublic — Are you a theme park history expert? Show the world (world showcase that is) with these unique designs and t-shirts inspired by the Fastpass to the Past podcast. Is Shanghai Disneyland Worth A Visit? – Austin Carroll – Medium — Austin wrote an article about her trip to Shanghai. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E14 · Tue, February 26, 2019
Episode 14: Shanghai Disneyland & Hong Kong Disneyland (Disney's China Parks)
Learn about the first ever discussions for a Disneyland in China, which took place 17 years before the opening of Shanghai Disneyland back in 1998 in a political move linked forever with Disney titans, Michael Eisner and Bob Iger. In this episode, we'll also talk about why Disney choose to construct a massive theme park on the outskirts of Shanghai and what went into developing a Disney theme park that was 'distinctly chinese.' [Shownotes ]( www.themeparkhistorypodcast.com ) [TeePublic Store](teepublic.com/stores/fastpass-to-the-past-the-theme-park-history-podcast) Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Is Shanghai Disneyland Worth A Visit? – Austin Carroll – Medium — Austin wrote an article about her visit to Shanghai Disneyland. Check it out for tips & tricks! DISNEY AND PARTNERS BREAK GROUND ON SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT | Walt Disney World News Disney's new theme park in Shanghai may be the capstone to CEO Robert Iger's career - Los Angeles Times The Influence of the Disney Theme Park in Shanghai Related Industries How China Won the Keys to Disney’s Magic Kingdom - The New York Times MEDIA; After Protracted Talks, a Disneyland Will Rise in Hong Kong - The New York Times <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/shanghai-disney-resort-opening-shanghai-film-festival-897842" title="Shanghai Disney Resort Opening Coincides with Shanghai Film Festiva
S2 E13 · Sun, December 30, 2018
Episode 13: The 5 Lost Resorts of Disney World
The history of the Walt Disney World Resort is littered with great what-might-have-beens stories. These 5 resorts were all planned & ready to go, only to suddenly fall out of favor & never be constructed. Today, we'll be talking about the 5 'lost resorts' of Walt Disney World's Seven Seas Lagoon inspired by the canals of Venice, the mosques of Iran, and the beauty of the national parks. [Shownotes ]( www.themeparkhistorypodcast.com ) [TeePublic Store](teepublic.com/stores/fastpass-to-the-past-the-theme-park-history-podcast) Links: The Lost Resorts – 4 planned paradises never built at Walt Disney World The 5 "Lost" Hotels of Walt Disney World | Page 2 | Theme Park Tourist Another WDW might-have-been: Fort Wilderness Junction The Walt Disney World that Never Was: Cypress Point Lodge - WDW RadioWDW Radio T-Shirts by Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast - TeePublic Store | TeePublic — Are you a theme park history expert? Show the world (world showcase that is) with these unique designs and t-shirts inspired by the Fastpass to the Past podcast. Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S2 E12 · Sun, December 16, 2018
Episode 12: Lost Resorts: Disney's Mineral King Ski Village
Now that it is December, it is officially skiing season! So today, Austin will be describing the disastrous 1960s 'lost resort' called Disney’s Mineral King Ski Village. Disney’s rarely-remembered and disatorious foray into creating a skiing destination within California's Sequoia National Park. Originally envisioned as a five-story resort with over a thousand rooms, surrounded by a movie theater, general store, pools, ice rinks, tennis courts, a golf course, and 22 lifts to the slopes, we’ll take a gander at what would have been a Disney vacation like no other - if it ever came to fruition. [Shownotes]( www.themeparkhistorypodcast.com ) TeePublic Store Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Disney’s Lost Plans to Build a Ski Resort in Sequoia National Park | KCET Yesterland: Walt Disney's Mineral King Ski Area That Didn’t Happen #1—Independence Lake | Tahoetopia In the '60s, Disney Almost Built a Ski Resort in Sequoia National Park What if Disney had built the Mineral King ski resort? – Orange County Register Mineral King – Walt Disney’s Last Lost Project | The DIS Unplugged Disney Podcast Imagining what could have been in Disney's Mineral King <a href="https://ww
S2 E11 · Sun, December 02, 2018
Episode 11: The World Infamous Jungle Cruise
Welcome to The Jungle! In this first episode of Season 2, join Austin for five exciting days and six romantic nights in the heart of the original Disneyland Adventureland. Often regarded as the first theme park safari, we'll discuss the origins of the beloved Jungle Cruise and the 8th Wonder of the World - the backside of water. In the 60 years since its inception, the jokes and to an extent the animatronics haven’t gotten any better - yet it goes down in history as one of the most beloved Disney attractions. TeePublic store . [Shownotes]( www.themeparkhistorypodcast.com ). Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Disneyland’s fake jungle is pretty real – Orange County Register The Secret History of Disney Rides: Jungle Cruise The Murky History of Disney's Jungle Cruise | Theme Park Tourist It’s a Jungle Out There: The History of Jungle Cruise Horticulture | Disney Parks Blog Yesterland presents Jungle Cruise Comparison Disney History: The Jungle Cruise - TouringPlans.com Blog The 626: Jungle Cruise History (Disney Dispatch) The History of Disney: Jungle Cruise History </li
S1 E10 · Tue, May 08, 2018
Episode 10: Lost Lands: Beastly Kingdom & Camp Mickey Minnie
Welcome to the third part of the 'Lost Lands' - a series of closed attractions, forgotten announcements, and especially those plans that never made it off the drawing board. Today, Austin will discuss the never-realized fantastical Beastly Kingdom - an intended part of Disney's Animal Kingdom's Part II Expansion at it's opening. The dragon from this land is even in Animal Kingdom's logo some 20 years later! Austin will also explore the tumultuous fate of the fantasy-inspired land, where dragons and unicorns would have come together to round out the west side of the park where a temporary Camp Minnie Mickey stood. So… hold on tight as we uncover the forgotten lands of Disney's Animal Kingdom and Universal's Island of Adventure. Special thanks to Austin Vaughn for his help in writing this episode. Follow him on Twitter @AVaughnTS. Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland The Land Before AVATAR: What Disney's Animal Kingdom Almost Had | Theme Park Tourist Beastly Kingdom - The Forgotten Land of Animal Kingdom | The Mouselets Disney Extinct Attractions: Beastly Kingdom - LaughingPlace.com Disney Avenue: What If Disney Had Built Beastly Kingdom Beastly Kingdom | Disney Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia Goodbye, Dueling Dragons: A history of ice and fire | Inside Universal Disney's Animal Kingdom - Wikipedia Special Thanks to A
S1 E9 · Thu, January 25, 2018
Episode 9: Lost Lands of Disneyland: Holidayland
Welcome to the second part of the 'Lost Lands of Disneyland' - a series of closed attractions, forgotten announcements, and especially those plans that never made it off the drawing board. Today, Austin will discuss the event space of Disney's bygone years, Holidayland - 9 acres of baseball diamonds, a circus, and bottomless mugs of beer perfectly suited for corporate events in the 1950's. Austin will also explore the tumultuous fate of the WestCot-inspired Holiday World, where holidays and a land inspired by Epcot's World Showcase would have come together to round out the forgotten West side of the park just beyond the Disneyland Railroad. So… hold on tight as we uncover the forgotten Holiday-themed lands of Disneyland that characterized the first twenty years. Links: Disney History Institute Holidayland: The Least Photographed Land in the Park - Disney History Institute Bear Country at Yesterland Holidayland - Wikipedia Disneyland Then, Now, and Forever: Tim O'Day, Bruce Gordon T-Shirts by Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast - TeePublic Store | TeePublic — Are you a theme park history expert? Show the world (world showcase that is) with these unique designs and t-shirts inspired by the Fastpass to the Past podcast. Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E8 · Tue, December 19, 2017
Episode 8: Lost Lands of Disneyland: Discovery Bay
The first part of the 'Lost Lands of Disneyland' - a series of closed attractions, forgotten announcements, and especially those plans that never made it off the drawing board. Discovery Bay is one of those ill-fated plans. Not unlike the Villain theme park and such that has been making the rounds on the internet lately. However, unlike that concept fraught with uncertainties and speculation, Disneyland’s Discovery Bay was officially announced to the Disney loving-public. Why then did it never grace that elusive theme park map? Today, we’ll explore the tumultuous tale leading up to its design, what this magnificent land would’ve contained, and how it settled down in only die-hard Disney fans' memories. So… hold on tight as we uncover the sunken mysteries of Discovery Bay Links: Lands That Never Were - Duchess of Disneyland Discovery Bay | Disney Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia D23 to Celebrate Discovery Bay | HuffPost Discovery Bay detailed at Destination D | Inside the Magic Disneyland Then, Now, and Forever: Tim O'Day, Bruce Gordon Disneyland the Nickel Tour: A Postcard Journey Through a Half Century of the Happiest Place on Earth: Bruce Gordon T-Shirts by Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast - TeePublic Store | TeePublic — Are you a theme park history expert? Show the world (world showcase that is) with these unique designs and t-shirts inspired by the Fastpass to the Past podcast. Pre-Orde
S1 E7 · Tue, November 07, 2017
Episode 7: The Most Hated WDW Attraction of All Time (The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management)
Widely regarded as Walt Disney World's worst attraction of all time, The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management is the catastrophic 90’s overlay of Walt Disney’s beloved Tiki Room attraction in Florida that included crude humor, Iago from Aladdin, Zazu from The Lion King, and that actually ended its run-in immersed in flames. Even if you never had the misfortune to experience Under New Management, today Austin is going to discuss just how and why such a strange overlay ended up in the middle of Disney World’s Adventureland. Links: The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management at the Magic Kingdom - YouTube Tokyo Disneyland: The Enchanted Tiki Room Get the Fever! - YouTube The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha E Komo Mai at Tokyo Disneyland - YouTube Tropical Serenade - WDW Original Tiki Room Attraction Dog Days? Not! In the Tiki Room, Every Bird Has Its Say | Disney Parks Blog Small fire doused at Disney's Magic Kingdom Tiki Room attraction - Orlando Sentinel This Attraction Was So Bad Disney Fans Cheered When it Closed Forever | Theme Park Tourist Yesterland.com: The Enchanted Tiki Room—Under New Management The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) - Wikipedia <a href="http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2011/08/07/disney-worlds-enchanted-
S1 E6 · Sun, October 29, 2017
Episode 6: Part 2: How Disney Stole An Entire Theme Park (JAWS & Universal Studios Orlando)
In this two-part episode, Austin will discuss one of most innovative and expensive opening day attractions ever to grace a theme park map, Universal Orlando’s Jaws, and how it was the result of the one of theme park history’s darkest and yet most inspiring period – the “arms race for Orlando” between The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios Hollywood in the 1970’s. Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Design: Just for Fun: Bob Gurr, Martin A. Sklar History of Universal Orlando Jaws - theStudioTour.com Jaws: The Ride - theStudioTour.com 1990 Universal Studios Florida - The ORIGINAL JAWS RIDE Training Video! - YouTube Jaws: How Universal’s Shark Ride Turned into a Real-Life Disaster | Theme Park Tourist JAWS: The Ride | Universal Studios ORLANDO The Last Ride Ever on Jaws at Universal Studios Orlando - YouTube T-Shirts by Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast - TeePublic Store | TeePublic — Are you a theme park history expert? Show the world (world showcase that is) with these unique designs and t-shirts inspired by the Fastpass to the Past podc
S1 E5 · Thu, October 19, 2017
Episode 5: Part 1: How Disney Stole An Entire Theme Park (JAWS & Universal Studios Orlando)
In this two-part episode, Austin will discuss one of most innovative and expensive opening day attractions ever to grace a theme park map, Universal Orlando’s Jaws, and how it was the result of the one of theme park history’s darkest and yet most inspiring period – the “arms race for Orlando” between The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios Hollywood in the 1970’s. Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Design: Just for Fun: Bob Gurr, Martin A. Skla History of Universal Orlando | OrlandoVacation.com 1990 Universal Studios Florida - The ORIGINAL JAWS RIDE Training Video! - YouTube JAWS: The Ride | Universal Studios Orlando Jaws: The Ride - theStudioTour.com Jaws - theStudioTour.com Jaws: How Universal’s Shark Ride Turned into a Real-Life Disaster | Theme Park Tourist T-Shirts by Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast - TeePublic Store | TeePublic — Are you a theme park history expert? Show the world (world showcase that is) with these unique designs and t-shirts inspired by the Fastpass to the Past podcast. Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/pri
S1 E4 · Sun, October 08, 2017
Episode 4: The Enchanted Tiki Bar (Trader Sam's)
In this episode, Austin will be taking a deep dive into the history behind a relatively recent addition to the Disneyland and Disney World Resorts - Trader Sam's. Tune in to learn about the origin, design, and tiki inspiration behind one of Disney's most elaborate attractions - and it isn't even technically in a theme park! Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland The ART(ifacts) of Trader Sam’s – EndorExpress — An Interview with Brandon Kleyla (Lead Set Decorator) Kevin Kidney: Trader Sam's Tiki Bar — Blog Post by Trader Sam's Set Decorator Kevin Kidney The Explorium - The Sublimity of Trader Sam’s Trader Sam's Backstory & Details - Disney Tourist Blog Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto design | The AtomicGrog.com Blog Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar in Anaheim, CA | Critiki Complete Guide to Trader Sam's Grog Grotto Tiki Mugs Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar Has a Tiki Track of Mind | OC Weekly Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar: Drinking at Disneyland, A Dispatch | L.A. Weekly <a
S1 E3 · Sun, October 01, 2017
Episode 3: Disneyland's Deadliest Attractions
In this episode, Austin and special guest, Carolyn, discuss (and debate) 3 of the most dangerous rides The Walt Disney Company has ever seen and, yes, one is actually still in operation. Tune in to learn about attractions and incidents that inspired modern-day theme park safety mechanisms and that may or may not be responsible for shuttering the queues of some of Disneyland's most beloved and deadly attractions. Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Mouse Tales: A Behind-The-Ears Look at Disneyland: David Koenig (Book) Incidents at Disneyland Resort Abandoned: Why One of Disney's Best Ever Attractions is Rotting in Plain Sight- Theme Park Tourist Disneyland Skyway Death T-Shirts by Fastpass to the Past: The Theme Park History Podcast - TeePublic Store | TeePublic — Are you a theme park history expert? Show the world (world showcase that is) with these unique designs and t-shirts inspired by the Fastpass to the Past podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 E2 · Mon, September 25, 2017
Episode 2: The Sunken Boat Rides of Disneyland
In this episode, Austin will be talking about the origin and eventual demise of all four(!) defunct boat rides of Disneyland. Tune in to learn about The Phantom Boats, the Mike Fink Knell Boats, The Canal Boats Around the World, and the Motor Boat Cruise. All attractions that have been lost to the past (and one that sunk to the bottom of the river). Links: Pre-Order Our New Book! Fastpass to the Past: The Jr. Historian's Guide to Disneyland Canal Boats Of The World - Duchess of Disneyland — Fantasyland – The Canal Boats of the World were located in the rear of Fantasyland, between Tomorrowland and the Autopia track. It’s re-themed replacement, the Storybook Land Canal Boats, occupies the exact same location today. Disney Afternoon Avenue at Yesterland — Take the Motor Boat Cruise to Gummi Glen to learn how Gummi Berry juice is made. Mike Fink Keelboats — Article on the Walt Disney World attraction. Mike Fink's Gullywhumper - Disneyland Facts & History — All about the Gullywhumper. (1) Mike Fink Keel Boats--Disneyland History--1950's--TMS-489 - YouTube — Based on the Davy Crockett television series, guests ride around the river aboard the "Gullywhumper" or the "Bertha Mae." Mike Fink Keel Boats Mike Fink Keel Boats - Duchess of Disneyland Mike Fink Keel Boats at Yesterland Phantom Boats! - Disney History Institute — The boats in Tomorrowland were the first attraction to be removed from Disneyland. To put this in perspective, another troublesome Tomorrowland attraction, the Rocket Rods lasted nearly three
S1 E1 · Sun, September 24, 2017
Episode 1: America's First Theme Park: Berries, Chicken, & Ghost Towns
In this episode, Austin will tell the origin story and explain the legacy of America's First Theme Park - Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA. The tale of Walter Knott, a poor berry farmer, who lifted his family out of poverty and the Great Depression through ingenuity and an unbelievable work ethic is a great one. Their roadside berry stands quickly evolved to a full-scale chicken restaurant and later into a theme park in its own right. Austin will also discuss Walter Knott's tumultuous friendship with Walt Disney, that later descended into a rivalry with the opening of Disneyland, which was just a couple miles away. Check out the show notes on themeparkhistorypodcast.com for more information, fun facts, and resources! Links: Historic Knott's Berry Farm — A few relics of Knott's earliest days still survive - if you know where to look for them. Knott’s Preserved Book — A great book for everything you ever wanted to know about Knott's Berry Farms and more. Knott's Preserved — Photos of Different Times in Knott's Berry Farm's History The History of Knott's Berry Farm: From Roadside Pie Stand to Theme Park - Entertainment Designer — Sifting through the history of Knott’s Berry Farm, one discovers a uniquely American tale of ingenuity and perseverance. What began as a small berry stand on highway 39 through Buena Park, California is now “The Theme Park Californians Call Home.” Unlike nearby Disneyland, which was organized around a very specific vision, Knott’s Berry Farm grew organically from a combination of hard work, the right location, and a commitment to family fun into what is arguably America’s first theme park. Interview of Walter Knott Venice Amusement Pier The History of Holiday World Theme Park — Opened in 1946, Koch says that Santa Claus Land was the "first theme park in the world." It certainly pre-dates Disneyland (which opened in 1955), but arguments could be made that other "theme parks" going back to t
loading...