Do you love theme parks? Me too. And amusement parks (which are distinct from theme parks), roller coasters and thrill rides, themed attractions, water parks, decked-out cruise ships, and anything else that falls under the broad category of themed entertainment. Let’s geek out together, whaddya say?
Subscribe and about twice a week you’ll find a missive from me in your inbox. There will be ride reviews, plenty of news, an occasional deep dive into an attractions-related topic, tales of my park adventures, recommendations, anecdotes, and other musings. I’ll inject some humor and keep things light (this is an industry about the pursuit of fun after all) while keeping you informed and entertained.
Sure, I’ll be sharing plenty of news and content about the Disney parks. And Universal as well. However, I’m crazy about virtually all parks and attractions. So expect articles about SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Dollywood, Six Flags, Legoland, the Cedar Fair Parks such such as Cedar Point and Knott’s Berry Farm, and many others–including some you may not have heard much about, but really should discover. Places such as Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park at Coney Island in New York, Santa’s Village in New Hampshire, Silver Dollar City in Missouri, or tiny Quassy (below), a charming trolley park in Connecticut. (What‘s a trolley park, you ask? That would make a great About Theme Parks article.)
I’ll also be writing about food at the parks, because if there’s one thing I like almost as much as the first drop on a great coaster, it’s the first bite of an epic dish.
The newsletter is free. But optional paid subscriptions (hey, writers need to make money too) include member-exclusive features. There are no ads on About Theme Parks, nor are there attempts at clickbait gotchas or SEO pandering. Instead of writing for algorithms or editors, I write for subscribers.
Paid subscriptions are the only way I generate any income from this endeavor. If you can afford it, it would be great if you considered supporting About Theme Parks with your paid subscription.
Okay, okay, I’m considering a paid subscription. What’s this about bonus features?
Once per month, paid subscribers receive “Rode It! Loved It!” Through the years, I’ve experienced a ton of attractions, many of which have been outstanding. I mine those experiences and share them. Some of them might be under-the-radar coasters at smaller parks or attractions that no longer exist, for example.
You know TED Talks? ART Talks has absolutely nothing to do with that. I choose one of my posts each month and read it aloud exclusively for paid subscribers. You could enjoy my dulcet tones as you drive, take a walk or jog, or any other time you would want to get an About Theme Parks article in spoken form.
Paid subscribers also receive “What’s the Attraction?,” a monthly discussion thread. I post the topic and get the party going by sharing my thoughts, take, response, or whatever. Then folks like you chime in with their thoughts, takes, responses, and whatevers.
Got it? Great! For about the cost of one churro, Dole Whip, or Butterbeer per month, you could be a paid subscriber. Thanks for your consideration.
About Arthur
I’ve been at this for about three decades, and I’ve been having a ball visiting parks in Orlando, Southern California, countless other places in the U.S., and elsewhere around the globe. I was there for the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland, for example. (And, OMG, Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure is extraordinary.)
My articles appeared regularly in USA Today for many years, and I’ve written for a number of other publications and outlets including Vox Media, the New York Post, Thrillist, The Boston Globe, The Denver Post, and Paste Magazine. I’ve also been the theme parks “expert” at the top-10 online travel site, TripSavvy, as well as the theme parks “guide” at its predecessor, About.com, for a total of 20 years. I report about the business side of the industry for Funworld, the magazine that the trade association, IAAPA, publishes.
Reporters and producers frequently seek my expertise and opinions about the amusement industry, and I have been cited in many national publications and newscasts. I have been featured on CBS This Morning, CBS Sunday Morning, CNBC, and The History Channel, as well as on numerous radio shows. I am also a frequent guest on many podcasts.
Savannah College of Art and Design invited me to speak to the students and faculty of its School of Entertainment Arts, and Walt Disney Imagineering invited me to address its creative professionals.
Email Arthur at arthursaboutthemeparks@substack.com.
