Impact
Amusement Parks
Disneyland was the first amusement park of its type, and some people consider it the first theme park in the world. Walt Disney created a type of park that influenced many later parks. One example is the Six Flags Industry. Six Flags tried to offer something like Disneyland in their parks. Six Flags is going for the themed magic that Walt created with Disneyland.
Disneyland created a new amusement park industry. Before Disneyland, the American amusement park industry in 1920 and 1930's was not successful. The amusement parks before Disneyland were not fun for the whole family. For example, the park Coney Island "had turned into a hard-boiled rough and tumble atmosphere." Other amusement parks went this way also, such as Cedarpoint and Kennywood Park. These amusements parks steadily declined. Walt wanted to change that. The industry was brought back by Disneyland, who a model for other amusement parks. Amusement Parks such as Knott's Berry Farm would not exist without Disneyland. In fact, Disneyland was so successful that there are many Disneylands around the world. For example, there are parks in Paris, Orlando, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and more.
Disneyland created a new amusement park industry. Before Disneyland, the American amusement park industry in 1920 and 1930's was not successful. The amusement parks before Disneyland were not fun for the whole family. For example, the park Coney Island "had turned into a hard-boiled rough and tumble atmosphere." Other amusement parks went this way also, such as Cedarpoint and Kennywood Park. These amusements parks steadily declined. Walt wanted to change that. The industry was brought back by Disneyland, who a model for other amusement parks. Amusement Parks such as Knott's Berry Farm would not exist without Disneyland. In fact, Disneyland was so successful that there are many Disneylands around the world. For example, there are parks in Paris, Orlando, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and more.
Roller Coasters
Disney wanted a roller coaster that would reflect Disneyland's theme and would be fun for the whole family. This roller coaster would be the Matterhorn, or Matterhorn Bobsleds, which was named after the mountain in the Swiss Alps. Other roller coaster building companies such as the Philadelphia Toboggan Company did not have what Walt wanted for his roller coaster. So, the Matterhorn was built with tubular track and nylon wheels. The Matterhorn Bobsleds were opened in Disneyland in1959. The Matterhorn was the first roller coaster in the world to be build with tubular steel, and now, many of the roller coasters in the world are made with tubular steel.
Matterhorn Then...
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Matterhorn Today...
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Most modern day roller coasters are made with steel. Tubular steel allowed loops, corkscrews, and other designs on roller coasters. Some of the most popular thrill rides today have loops and corkscrews. Disney was the first to use a tubular track in Disneyland, and other theme parks have used his idea. So, Disney is a trendsetter to roller coasters around the world.
Modern Day Tubular Steel Roller Coasters
Southern California Economy
Disneyland has boosted Southern California's economy and has brought many businesses into the area all because of Disneyland's great success. Today, Disneyland brings in billions of dollars for Southern California's economy, thousands of jobs, and millions of dollars in taxes. A study in 2009 showed that the Disneyland Resort produces about $4.7 billion each year. Also, the Disneyland Resort with all its surrounding hotels and other tourist facilities create about 57,000 jobs. Finally, the Resort generates about 255 million dollars in taxes. These three factors come together to help California's economy.
In 2004, Disneyland welcomed in its 500 millionth visitor since Opening Day. Tourism in Southern California is on a record high since 2003. In fact, visitors spent over 7.3 billion dollars in 2004, which is almost eight percent more then in 2003. Dr. Cynthia King, who is director of the Center for Entertainment and Tourism Studies at California State University, said, "The Disneyland Resort is a vital component of California's nearly $80 billion tourism market. Surveys regularly show that Disneyland is among one of the top reasons why people choose to visit our state."
In 2004, Disneyland welcomed in its 500 millionth visitor since Opening Day. Tourism in Southern California is on a record high since 2003. In fact, visitors spent over 7.3 billion dollars in 2004, which is almost eight percent more then in 2003. Dr. Cynthia King, who is director of the Center for Entertainment and Tourism Studies at California State University, said, "The Disneyland Resort is a vital component of California's nearly $80 billion tourism market. Surveys regularly show that Disneyland is among one of the top reasons why people choose to visit our state."