Theme Park Guide Books: Theme Parks Bibliography

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Bibliography: Books: Guidebooks

This bibliography covers books which may be useful in researching theme parks, amusement parks, and related subjects. Some of these books are available from the publisher or your favorite bookstore, while others are out of print but may still possibly be obtained through a used book dealer or from your library (in stock or through interlibrary loan). When possible a link has been provided to Amazon.com where you may check availability and order the book directly.

The Amusement Park Guide: Coast To Coast Thrills.
O'Brien, Tim. Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot Press. [Serial]. A few B&W Photos. O'Brien is an editor of Amusement Business, and knows his parks. Listings include how to get there, top rides, and roller coasters. Covers North America.
Check availability at Amazon.com, or Amazon UK.

Amusement Parks of America.
Ulmer, Jeff. NY: Dial. 1980. xii, 339p. B&W Photos. One page listings on amusement parks.
Out of Print.

Birnbaum's Disneyland.
Birnbaum, Stephen, et al. NY: Disney Editions (imprint varies on earlier editions). [Annual]. Color & B&W Photos. The lavishly illustrated official guide to the parks, begun by the late Stephen Birnbaum and currently published by Disney. Informative, but sticks to the company line. Original title: "Steve Birnbaum brings you the best of Disneyland".
Check availability at Amazon.com, or Amazon UK.

Birnbaum's Walt Disney World.
Birnbaum, Stephen et al. NY: Disney Editions (imprint varies on earlier editions). [Annual 1982- ]. Color & B&W Photos. The lavishly illustrated official guide to the resort, begun by the late Stephen Birnbaum and currently published by Disney. Informative, but sticks to the company line. No coverage of Orlando's non-Disney parks. Original title: "Steve Birnbaum brings you the best of Walt Disney World".
Check availability at Amazon.com, or Amazon UK.

Directory of Theme and Amusement Parks.
Carlson, Raymond and Popelka, Eleanor. NY: Pilot Books. 1988. 55p. Photos. Booklet featuring one paragraph listings on parks.
Out of Print.

Experience the Point: The Unofficial Guidebook to Cedar Point.
Hyde, Andrew. Haverford, PA: Infinity Publishing. 2001. 88p. B&W Photos. Written by a 13-year-old fan of the park, the book includes short descriptions of the rides and other features, with emphasis on the roller coasters. Not highly detailed or critical (all non-ride features, such as restaurants, receive a four star or higher rating, for example.)
No availability at Amazon.com.

A Family Guide to Amusement Centers.
Hunter, Susan. NY: Walker & Co. 1975. vii, 183p. B & W Photos. Contains short descriptions of amusement parks of its time.
Out of Print. Search for a used copy at Powells.com.

The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland.
Sehlinger, Bob. NY: Hungry Minds (imprint varies on earlier editions). [Annual]. Well established independent guide to California's Disneyland resort. Highly informative but, being unauthorized by Disney, it contains no photos.
Check availability at Amazon.com, or Amazon UK.

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
Sehlinger, Bob. NY: Hungry Minds (imprint varies on earlier editions). [Annual]. Well established independent guide to the resort and its theme parks, as well as off property lodging and Orlando's other theme parks. Highly informative but, being unauthorized by Disney, it contains no photos.
Check availability at Amazon.com, or Amazon UK.

Bibliography: Books: Guidebooks

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