Amusement Parks

Listen nowDownload file
Embed player
Original Air Date: 
May 17, 2015

It doesn't matter whether you grew up going to Coney Island, Six Flags, or Pacific Park — to a kid, all amusement parks are magical. This hour we take a trip to the land of funnel cake, freak shows and fast rides.

Ferris wheel
Audio

At one point there were more than 1,500 amusement parks across America. Historian Lauren Rabinovitz says they helped ease the country into a period of rapid technological change.

Length: 
10:57
Coney Island
Audio

Writer Leslie Parry describes what Coney Island would have sounded like during its heyday 100 years ago.

Length: 
1:40
Fire eating
Audio

For decades, Todd Robbins has been entertaining audiences with his sideshow act, first at Coney Island and later with several off-Broadway shows. He demonstrated a few tricks of his trade.

Length: 
11:59
roller coaster
Sonic Sidebar

Writer B.J. Novak imagines a roller coaster that's modeled after real life, and designed by the artist Christo.

Length: 
3:49
Magic Kingdom
Audio

John Jeremiah Sullivan reads an abridged version of his essay, "You Blow My Mind. Hey, Mickey!" about getting high at Disney World.

Length: 
10:44
Walt Disney
Audio

Cultural anthropologist Scott A. Lukas describes the history and cultural significance of theme parks such as Disney World.

Length: 
11:49
Extras

Show Details 📻
Airdates
May 17, 2015
August 26, 2017
May 26, 2018
May 25, 2019
July 03, 2021
July 23, 2022
Last modified: 
July 20, 2022