1 Great America Parkway
Gurnee,  IL 60031
Located on I-94 at Route 132 (Grand Ave.)

Picture source: http://blog.nj.com/events_impact/2008/07/6FLAGS.JPG

America’s 20th Most Visited Park of 2007

Main websites

http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/index.aspx

PROS
•    Provides a complete ride list inside Six Flags Great Adventure
o    Very useful
o    Includes their very own Thrill Rating of the rides
o    Allows users to specifically search for rides suitable only for people of a certain height
o    Also includes the Thrill Rating in the search function

CONS
•    Very difficult to navigate from the main homepage of Six Flag

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 5/5
Six Flags is an established theme park company and is considered one of the world’s largest chains of amusement parks and theme parks.

OBJECTIVITY – 2/5
Purpose of website is to attract visitors and sell tickets. As such, a degree of subjectivity might be present in the website.

CURRENCY – 5/5
Up to date information as website has to have the latest news to inform visitors of new rides, attractions, notices etc.

COVERAGE – 5/5
Extensive information about the theme park is covered in here. Includes ride information, visitor information, directions etc.

Books

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SIX FLAGS THEME PARKS (1996)

By Tim and Carrie O'Brien. A guide written to help you navigate all 12 Six Flags parks. It offers in-depth descriptions of each park's rides, shows, midway games, gift shops, restaurants, and guest services. There's also ways to avoid pitfalls such as long lines and endless walking.

PROS
•    Very complete book about Six Flags theme parks
•    History of theme parks included in text form
•    Many full colour pictures of different rides in different theme parks

CONS
•    Includes the other unnecessary theme parks of Six Flags
•    Very outdated issue of 1996. Would be outdated for 13 years this year.

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 3/5
Six Flags is an established theme park. However, because this is written by a third party (Tim and Carrie O’Brien), some of its authority and accuracy may be a little bit warped. Hence scoring only 3 out of the maximum 5.

OBJECTIVITY – 1/5
It is a book  on Six Flags and speaks about no other theme park but Six Flags.

CURRENCY – 0/5
Information is outdated. This is the usual problem with books; they become outdated quickly. This book has been around for 13 years since its first print.

COVERAGE – 4/5
Extensive information about Six Flags theme parks is covered in the book. However, being a Six Flags publication, it covers all its theme parks, and hence contains a segment of irrelevant information of the other 10 theme parks.

1 Six Flags Boulevard
Jackson, NJ 08527

Picture source: http://media.photobucket.com/image/Six%20Flags%20Great%20America%20in%20Gurnee,%20Ill./betoluis12_pix/1211906733.jpg

America’s 19th Most Visited Park of 2007

Interesting Info

http://www.buschgardensgroupevents.com/va/UserFiles/readerschoiceawards-2007.pdf
http://www.themeit.com/attendance_report2007.pdf

2nd in Favorite Park for Thrills – Great Adventure 2nd with 9%

2nd in Top Wooden Roller Coasters – El Toro (Great Adventure)

7th in Top Steel Roller Coasters – Nitro (Great Adventure)

Main website

http://www.sixflags.com/greatAdventure/index.aspx

PROS
• Provides a complete ride list inside Six Flags Great Adventure
o Very useful
o Includes their very own Thrill Rating of the rides
o Allows users to specifically search for rides suitable only for people of a certain height
o Also includes the Thrill Rating in the search function

CONS
• Very difficult to navigate from the main homepage of Six Flag

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 5/5
Six Flags is an established theme park company and is considered one of the world’s largest chains of amusement parks and theme parks.

OBJECTIVITY – 2/5
Purpose of website is to attract visitors and sell tickets. As such, a degree of subjectivity might be present in the website.

CURRENCY – 5/5
Up to date information as website has to have the latest news to inform visitors of new rides, attractions, notices etc.

COVERAGE – 5/5
Extensive information about the theme park is covered in here. Includes ride information, visitor information, directions etc.

Books

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SIX FLAGS THEME PARKS (1996)

By Tim and Carrie O'Brien. A guide written to help you navigate all 12 Six Flags parks. It offers in-depth descriptions of each park's rides, shows, midway games, gift shops, restaurants, and guest services. There's also ways to avoid pitfalls such as long lines and endless walking.

PROS
• Very complete book about Six Flags theme parks
• History of theme parks included in text form
• Many full colour pictures of different rides in different theme parks

CONS
• Includes the other unnecessary theme parks of Six Flags
• Very outdated issue of 1996. Would be outdated for 13 years this year.

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 3/5
Six Flags is an established theme park. However, because this is written by a third party (Tim and Carrie O’Brien), some of its authority and accuracy may be a little bit warped. Hence scoring only 3 out of the maximum 5.

OBJECTIVITY – 1/5
It is a book on Six Flags and speaks about no other theme park but Six Flags.

CURRENCY – 0/5
Information is outdated. This is the usual problem with books; they become outdated quickly. This book has been around for 13 years since its first print.

COVERAGE – 4/5
Extensive information about Six Flags theme parks is covered in the book. However, being a Six Flags publication, it covers all its theme parks, and hence contains a segment of irrelevant information of the other 10 theme parks.

100 W. Hersheypark Drive
Hershey, PA 17033

Picture source: http://www.ultimatecoupons.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/hershey-park-1.jpg

America’s 18th Most Visited Park of 2007

Interesting Info

http://www.buschgardensgroupevents.com/va/UserFiles/readerschoiceawards-2007.pdf
http://www.themeit.com/attendance_report2007.pdf

2nd in Favorite Park for Families with 13%

4th in Top Wooden Roller Coasters – Lightning Racer

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 3/5
TEA is the only non-profit organization representing producers of “compelling places and engaging experiences”, in this case, theme parks.

OBJECTIVITY – 4/5
Link obtained from BuschGardens

CURRENCY – 4/5
2007 information.

COVERAGE – 4/5
Considerably extensive information.

Main website

http://www.hersheypark.com/index.php

PROS
•    Provides information for the smoking visitor

•     List of rides matched according to height, for the children
•    Contains information for guests with disabilities
o    Downloadable guide for guests with disabilities, informing them the different rides that they can or cannot take
•    Comprehensive breakdown of price list for admission

CONS
•    Not all rides have full description and pictures.

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 5/5
What other authority would be qualified enough to publish information with regards to Hershey Park  than Hershey Park itself.

OBJECTIVITY – 3/5
As the main website’s main interest is that of attracting visitors, it is likely that it is subjective and presented in an attempt to garner more visits.

CURRENCY – 5/5
Up to date and current.

COVERAGE – 5/5
Information rich.

Books

HERSHEYPARK: THE SWEETNESS OF SUCCESS  (1997)

By Charles Jacques Jr. A 217-page book on the park's history with over 500 photos and descriptions of the rides, landscape, and people. This history takes readers up to 1996 and includes The "Wildcat" coaster.

Picture source: http://www.amazon.com/Hersheypark-Sweetness-Charles-J-Jacques/dp/096143922X

PROS
•    Many pictures and illustrations

CONS
•    Very outdated since it only consists of information up to 1996

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 3/5

OBJECTIVITY – 1/5

CURRENCY – 0/5
Information is outdated. This is the usual problem with books; they become outdated quickly. This book has been around for 12 years since its first print in 1997.

COVERAGE – 4/5
Over 500 photos and descriptions of the rides, landscape and people.

5691 Kings Island Drive Mason

OH 45040

Source: http://www.cincinnatiusa.com/AttractionPICS/pki2.jpg

America’s 17th Most Visited Park of 2007

According to themeit.com, the park saw an estimated 3 million visitors in 2007, making it the 17th most visited theme park in the US.

Interesting Facts

The Effiel Tower replica is actual 1/3 of the actual height of the original, and elevators regularly take patrons up to the top of the tower, which provides a chance to see the entire park and, at park closing, offers the best view of the nightly fireworks display.

Websites

www.visitkingsisland.com

http://www.visitkingsisland.com

Pros

· Main theme park webpage

· Provides all the necessary information for a visitor to the theme park

• Opening hours, ticketing
• Maps
• Basic amenities
• Accommodation

· Very detailed description of all the theme park rides and attraction, as well as with the requirements

· Provide links to other related parks

· Home page is vibrant and filled with latest news and relevant information

Cons

· Lack of any objective reviews as this is the site from the parent company

Accuracy & Authority – 4/5

Since most of the information is directly from the people who brought us the theme park, information is accurate and relevant.

Objectivity – 2/5

As this is the main website, the main aim is to attract more visitors to the park. As such, information may be biased and tweaked in a way that may “sell” the park.

Currency – 5/5

Again, as this is the main website for the park, information has to be up to date and relevant to the times to meet visitors’ needs.

Coverage – 5/5

Very extensive, does not miss out much.

One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, OH 44870

http://www.jcu.edu/admission/visit/cleveland/images/cedarpoint.jpg

America’s 16th Most Visited Park of 2007

Interesting Info

http://www.buschgardensgroupevents.com/va/UserFiles/readerschoiceawards-2007.pdf
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/category/family-kids/cedar-point/
http://www.themeit.com/attendance_report2007.pdf

• TOP in Favourite Amusement or Theme Park with 33%
• TOP in Favourite Park for Thrills with 66%
• TOP in Best Value with 24%
• 2nd in Most Beautiful Park with 6%
• TOP in Top Steel Roller Coasters – Millennium Force
• 4th and 5th in Top Steel Roller Coasters – Top Thrill Dragster and Maverick (Favourite “New for 2007” Ride or Attraction)
• TOP in Best Seasonal Event – HalloWeekends with 17%
• THEME PARK WITH THE MOST RIDES – According to Wikipedia, Cedar Point has more rides than any other amusement park, as of 2008.
• 16TH MOST VISITED PARK IN NORTH AMERICA
• According to TEA (Themed Entertaiment Association) 2008 records, Cedar Point is visited by approximately 3 million guests annually. It is the 16th-most-visited park in North America.
• MOST NUMBER OF COASTERS
Coaster King Award: Most number of roller coasters with 17 coasters.
• INTERESTING GOSSIP:
The previous Coaster King (Six Mountains) has yet to relinquish their Coaster King title.

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 5/5
TEA is the only non-profit organization representing producers of “compelling places and engaging experiences”, in this case, theme parks.

OBJECTIVITY – 5/5
Many of the websites are independent organizations that have no vested interest in the voting and ranking of theme parks.

CURRENCY – 4/5
Information is mostly up to date for the websites. However, for the book source, since it is print media and cannot be updated till at least the next print, it cannot be considered to be current.

COVERAGE – 4/5
Considerably extensive information.

Main website

http://www.cedarpoint.com/

PROS
• Provides extensive information about the theme park, including:
o How to get there
o Itinerary planner
o Ticketing

• Provides a complete ride list inside Cedar Point Amusement Park.
o Very useful
o List is classified into Name, Ride Type, Location and most importantly a Height Requirement for the families bringing the young children

• Provides a list of the historical milestones in Cedar Point Amusement Park
o Useful only to the tourist who likes to be in the know about the park’s history

CONS
• Not all rides have full description and pictures.

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 4/5
Since the bulk information comes from the main websites themselves, the information is up to date and accurate for the web sources.

OBJECTIVITY – 2/5
As the main website’s main interest is that of attracting visitors, it is likely that it is subjective and presented in an attempt to garner more visits.

CURRENCY – 5/5
Information is up to date for main websites. They have to be, so as to be relevant and cater to the visitors’ needs.

COVERAGE – 5/5
Contain links to the latest news and information with regards to Cedar Point.

Books

EXPERIENCE THE POINT: (2002)
“Unofficial Guidebook To Cedar Point: (2001/2002)”

*By Andrew Hyde. *This guidebook is completely dedicated to Cedar Point and takes one on a comprehensive tour of America's Roller Coast. It discusses ways to plan your day and have fun at Cedar Point. *It includes information on every ride, show, attraction, restaurant, and hotel. A bonus is over 30 trivia questions, and numerous fun facts.

Picture source: http://www.amazon.com/Experience-Point-Unofficial-Guidebook-Second/dp/0741414996

PROS
• Details on the rides
• On top of the basic details, also has fun facts about Cedar Point

CONS
• Outdated, new rides not updated

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 4/5
Since the bulk information comes from the main websites themselves, the information is up to date and accurate for the web sources.

OBJECTIVITY – 1/5
It is a book on Cedar Point and it has to be able to sell. Naturally, it will have information that is positive to Cedar Point’s reputation.

CURRENCY – 2/5
Information is outdated. This is the usual problem with books, they become outdated rapidly.

COVERAGE – 4/5
Contains a good amount of information about Cedar Point, including how to plan an itinerary.

Williamsburg, VA 23185

Picture source: http://snowstormlife.com/blogs/bliz/WindowsLiveWriter/wednesdaydecember262007rollercoastersatb_8A97/BuschGardens.jpg

America’s 15th Most Visited Park of 2007

Interesting Info

http://www.buschgardensgroupevents.com/va/UserFiles/readerschoiceawards-2007.pdf
http://www.themeit.com/attendance_report2007.pdf

1st in Most Beautiful Park Rankings with 57%
3rd in Top Steel Roller Coaster Rankings – Apollo’s Chariot
6th in Top Steel Roller Coaster Rankings – Griffon (Voted Favourite New for 2007 Ride/Attraction)
8th in Top Steel Roller Coaster Rankings – Alpengeist
3rd in Cleanest Park with 15% votes
3rd in Best Food with 11% votes
3rd in Best Live Entertainment with 11% votes

Main website

http://www.buschgardens.com/BGW2/

PROS
•    Information is very organized
o    Starts off with Park Info, instead of Tickets, like most of the other parks

•    States Smoking Policy clearly

•    Does not have a compiled Ride List for easier reference

•    Has an image and video gallery for visitors to have a preview of rides and park

CONS
•    Layout of website could be too simplistic

ACCURACY & AUTHORITY – 4/5

OBJECTIVITY – 3/5
As the main website’s main interest is that of attracting visitors, it is likely that it is subjective and presented in an attempt to garner more visits.

CURRENCY – 5/5
Information is up to date for main websites. They have to be, so as to be relevant and cater to the visitors’ needs.

COVERAGE – 5/5
Contain links to the latest news and information with regards to Busch Gardens.

9580 Jane Street Vaughan

ONT L6A 1S6

Picture source: http://images.forbestraveler.com/media/photos/inspirations/luxury/amusement-parks-01-g.jpg

America’s 14th Most Visited Park of 2007

According to themeit.com, the park saw an estimated 3.25 million visitors in 2007, making it the 14th most visited theme park in the US.

Interesting Facts

The park has the second highest number of roller coasters in North America!

Websites

www.canadaswonderland.com/

www.canadaswonderland.com

Pros

• Well organized

• User-friendly

• Includes detailed maps

• Include interesting write-ups of all the rides

• Includes pictures

Cons

• No information on basic amenities such as wheelchair rentals and ATMs

Authority & Accuracy – 5/5

Main webpage. Being the official page, its authority and accuracy cannot really be challenged

Objectivity – 1/5

Being the main page for the park, its main aim will be to sell tickets. Information presented in a way where the park will look good.

Currency – 5/5

It has to be regularly updated to cater to the needs of visitors and also maintain a good image of the park.

Coverage – 4/5

Rather extensive, could be made better with value-added information.

8039 Beach Blvd Buena Park

CA 90620

Source: http://www.radisson.com/rad/images/hotels/CABUENA/coaster-web.jpg

America’s 13th Most Visited Park of 2007

According to themeit.com, the park saw an estimated 3.6 million visitors in 2007, making it the 13th most visited theme park in the US.

Interesting Facts

Knott’s Berry Farm annual halloween event, Knott’s Scary Farm, generates half the revenue for Knott’s Berry Farm’s fiscal year, and it only runs in the month of October alone!

Websites

www.knotts.com

http://www.knotts.com/

Pros

•       Interesting layout/design

•       Well categorized and user-friendly

•       Includes information on all the rides and includes pictures

•       Includes an interactive map

•       And also a still map for visitors who may want to print a map to bring along on their trip

Cons

•       Does not provide contact information

Authority & Accuracy – 5/5

Main webpage. Being the official page, its authority and accuracy cannot really be challenged

Objectivity – 1/5

Being the main page for the park, its main aim will be to sell tickets. Information presented in a way where the park will look good.

Currency – 5/5

It has to be regularly updated to cater to the needs of visitors and also maintain a good image of the park.

Coverage – 4/5

Rather extensive, could be made better with value-added information.

500 SeaWorld Drive San Diego

CA 92109

Source: http://ca.geocities.com/tsitikasmystery/UlisesbyTanyaGever2small.jpg

America’s 12th Most Visited Park of 2007

According to themeit.com, the park saw an estimated 4.26 million visitors in 2007, making it the 12th most visited theme park in the US.

Interesting Fact

There are 7 orca whales that are the main attraction of the park. They all go by the stage name ‘Shamu’, but have their own names. They are:  Corky, Kasatka, Ulises, Orkid, Sumar, Nakai, and Kalia

Websites

www.seaworld.com

www.seaworld.com/sandiego

Pros

· Interactive photo gallery to give a good peak into what is available and interesting at SeaWorld

• Visitors can also upload their own photos to the gallery

· Contains all basic information that a visitor needs such as:

• Opening hours, ticket prices, amenities

· Provides short write-ups of all the rides and also includes pictures

· Includes an interactive park map

· Tickets can be purchased online

Cons

· Includes basic information but has nothing extra to make a visitor’s stay extra enjoyable or comfortable.

10001 N. McKinely Drive Tampa

FL 33612

Picture source: http://www.attractiontix.co.uk/images/photos/large/busch-gardens6.jpg

America’s 11th Most Visited Park of 2007

According to themeit.com, the park saw an estimated 4.4 million visitors in 2007, making it the 11th most visited theme park in the US.

Interesting Fact

Websites

www.buschgardens.com