Action Park cover art

Action Park

Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park

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About this listen

 "Citizen Kane does Adventureland." —The Washington Post

The outlandish, hilarious, terrifying, and almost impossible-to-believe story of the legendary, dangerous amusement park where millions were entertained and almost as many bruises were sustained, told through the eyes of the founder's son.

Often called "Accident Park," "Class Action Park," or "Traction Park," Action Park was an American icon. Entertaining more than a million people a year in the 1980s, the New Jersey-based amusement playland placed no limits on danger or fun, a monument to the anything-goes spirit of the era that left guests in control of their own adventures--sometimes with tragic results. Though it closed its doors in 1996 after nearly twenty years, it has remained a subject of constant fascination ever since, an establishment completely anathema to our modern culture of rules and safety. Action Park is the first-ever unvarnished look at the history of this DIY Disneyland, as seen through the eyes of Andy Mulvihill, the son of the park's idiosyncratic founder, Gene Mulvihill. From his early days testing precarious rides to working his way up to chief lifeguard of the infamous Wave Pool to later helping run the whole park, Andy's story is equal parts hilarious and moving, chronicling the life and death of a uniquely American attraction, a wet and wild 1980s adolescence, and a son's struggle to understand his father's quixotic quest to become the Walt Disney of New Jersey. Packing in all of the excitement of a day at Action Park, this is destined to be one of the most unforgettable memoirs of the year. Americas Social Sciences State & Local United States Funny Witty
All stars
Most relevant
Well narrated and entertaining. Tells the story of the most insane theme park where guests set their own limits. It has some really good insights into the history of Action Park showing how Gene Mulvihill revolutionised the theme park industry and also his legacy regarding rides today. It also puts straight the truth and some myths regarding the urban legends regarding the park.

Highly recommended and worth listening more than once

Excellent insight into the most insane theme park

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