Theme Park Design: Behind The Scenes With An Engineer

Steve Alcorn's fast paced romp through the world of theme park design are as fun to read as they are informative. Don't get me wrong, the book isn't a complete guide to becoming a theme park guru, but it is an overview of the design and engineering that go into theme park attractions and rides. If you've ever wondered about the steps it takes to bring an attraction to life, you will enjoy this book. Plus, Steve's irreverent humor keeps you laughing throughout the ride. So if you want to know what a video binloop is, or how to control a runaway roller coaster, read the book!

This is a great book on theme park design, specifically on Imagineering. But, it's not about roller coaster design. There's little or no mention about coasters in the book. In fact, despite a wooden roller coaster being on the cover, they weren't even mentioned in the book. But, it's a great book to pick up and read. The is book based on personal stories from the author Steve Alcorn. I haven't found too many books where the focus on one designer's career. It's pretty easy to read, with little math involved despite being about engineering and design. Also, the book is pretty fun read and a witty at points. The book has a rare blend of Disney and non-Disney attactions (more emphasis on Disney attractions). In a hex-nut bolt shell, it's a nice read, even if you have every book on Disney imagineering out there.

An informative exploration of the process and jobs required in developing theme parks and other themed entertainments. I found the descriptions of the technology used quite interesting, including the superiority of Laser Discs over DVD for a lot of uses and the arguments in favor of PLCs over PCs (which I recall from my experience in irrigation). It had also never occurred to me that the buildings were the greatest experience in developing new attractions, although it seems obvious now. The writing style was very readable and good for digesting the material. The many short chapters were well focused on individual topics. I enjoyed this quite a lot. I passed it on to my wife who will probably enjoy it even more than I did.

I have always loved Walt Disney world and especially the slow show rides like pirates and haunted mansion. Growing up I have gathered many books and articles looking for real behind the scenes information and it was very scarce. The books title is exactly what is inside: Theme Park Design: Behind The Scenes With An Engineer. It’s behind the scenes stories and firsthand knowledge on what really happened for instance when Epcot was being constructed. It’s NOT a technical book on how to construct your own roller coaster.

Great read, but the author does mean it when he says that he's an engineer. As a designer reading this I felt put off at certain times, as if designers were more an inhibitor in the process. I think this gives a good incite into the design process, but this book doesn't come without a bias.

I enjoyed the book. The insight Steve Alcorn gives into the process of developing theme park attractions from his own experiences are priceless. However, please know that his perspective is one of engineering specifically. While not so heady that it's hard to grasp, the creative element of theme park design is mostly glossed over. That's ok with me. While not quite what I was expecting, it clearly states that he's an engineer in the title. It detailed elements of the design process that I was unfamiliar with before, and I find that enlightening and fascinating. Good reading if you are interested in behind the scenes stories of what goes into all the technological magic at these places.

I purchased this book for my 15 year old son who is interested in becoming a roller coaster engineer/designer. He has read the book from cover to cover more than once and has really enjoyed it. The book is well written, in a conversational style and is comprehensive, giving specific, detailed information based upon the author's long term career experience within theme parks . My son feels this book is an excellent introduction into the field and has given him a good base of information to proceed in developing his career goals.

Decepcionante o livro, só tem texto não tinha nenhum tipo de ilustração, desenho, foto sobre o tema em questão. Além de abordar de forma superficial o tema.

Fachbuch für angehende Studenten und den Achterbahndesigner. Man sollte aber gut englisch können und etwas von Physik und Mathe verstehen

A very well written, insightful look into the world of themed attraction design. It doesn't break into deep technical detail but does offer enough information for the reader to base their further research on. This 'real world' look at the world of people who work behind the scenes is written in both a honest & humours way and proves to be a totally compelling read.

I bought the book together with the on-line course from Mr. Steve Alcorn. Although the title is a bit misleading (it's more about attraction design than theme park design), it is still an interesting read for anybody who would like to find out more about the processes behind attraction development. It is becoming slightly outdated (as any technical book), but as it is written from personal perspective and with humour, I can still recommend it.

This book is an excellent insight into the Themed Entertainment Construction Industry. Steve Alcorn has packed this brilliant read with the entire construction process from his totally unique point of view and knowledge in an honest, humorous and entertaining personal style. Mr Alcorn runs an extremely successful electronics company that is an industry leader and is uniquely placed to lift the lid and reveal just what it takes to put a world class theme park ride together.