A few weeks back, a package arrived at work and I had no idea what it was (because I wasn’t on one of my Red Bull infused moments I guess).  What was inside was yet another DVD for your intrepid reporter to, well, report on!

 

The Business of Fun is just what it sounds like: a DVD produced about what makes the amusement industry, and parks in particular, tick.

 

If you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall for the concept and building of a coaster, then this is your DVD!  Not only did the producers follow Herschend Family Entertainment and Dollywood around as they designed and built Mystery Mine, but they also give you a great history on roller coasters, especially the background of what I call Coasters 101.

 

Many of us have family members that just do not get this coaster thing we are into.  They think we are crazy, reckless, or whatever adjective you would like to throw in.

 

This DVD does a great job of showcasing the history of coasters, and giving you a basic understanding of the industry, without boring even a diehard enthusiast like me.

 

The program is split up into several sections:

 

Part One includes the history of roller coasters and background of Herschend Family Entertainment.   The producers, along with industry leaders and historians quickly bring you up to speed on how the amusement industry started, a short history on roller coasters and what it takes to build them.

 

Part Two follows Herschend management to the International Association of Theme Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) convention in Atlanta where they select a builder for the Mystery Mine roller coaster.  Along with Herschend’s quest to find a coaster builder, the program gives a great overview of IAAPA and what it means to the industry.

 

Part Three follows the construction and theming of Mystery Mine which includes the concept and building of the ride along with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at several areas of the ride. Included in this segment is a view of the final drop that you will never see when actually on the ride!

 

Part Four highlights the grand opening of Mystery Mine, the future of theme parks, and what the Herschend group is planning.  In this segment Dolly Parton herself unveils Mystery Mine, the producers give us an overview of the entire ride and gage reaction of park patrons and industry leaders.  Also in this segment, Herschend attempts to bring snow to Atlanta!  One of the vendors visited at IAAPA by Herschend, attempts to bring the white stuff to an area of the country that rarely gets it.

 

Extras include exclusive animations of Mystery Mine from all perspectives, plus the story of the Coney Island History Project.

 

I was very impressed with the production quality of the DVD.  It really has the look and feel of those coaster specials you see on the Discovery or Travel Channels, without the annoying people talking on the lift hill about all the specifications of the ride!

 

The run time of the DVD is 40 minutes. The DVD is available on Amazon for $14.95.  For more information, visit Amazon.com.