The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "theme parks" ...
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Theme Park Lawsuits
This investigation looks at a secretive but very critical aspect of theme parks in Florida. This aspect is “how and how often people get hurt in theme parks, and what happens to them if they complain”. Private parks aren’t required to disclose or provide a description of non-fatal injuries and it has become a voluntary action to actually report these injuries.
Tags: federal; state; local; laws; regulations; safety; public; rides; lawsuits; inspections; memorandum of understanding; tourists
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One Small Lot, One Big Mess
Long Island development group Utopia Studios, Ltd. "proposed a major development for the southeastern Connecticut region," with their takeover of "one of the most vital pieces of property in the region" approved by Preston, Connecticut voters. Utopia promised "a $1.6 billion project with theme parks and movie studios and 22,000 new jobs" and thus gained a lot of political support. But the Day "discovered that the principle Utopia developer, Joseph Gentile, had been sued in conjunction with a condominium project in New York City." Reporter Paul Choiniere investigated further, and found that Gentile's dealings on that property were questionable.
Tags: developers; Utopia Studios, Ltd.; Joseph Gentile; condominiums; construction code violations; construction
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Pulling G's
This investigation looks at the G forces riders experience on thrill rides at central Florida theme parks. The parks have resisted releasing such information, so Florida Today measured them, developing data using a 3-axis accelerometer. Despite much concern, the rides were within established safety limits.
Tags: amusement parks; roller coasters; thrill rides; Disney World; g forces; physics; theme parks; safety; tourism
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International Drive: Tourism's Main Street; I-Drive: How it Grew; I-Drive: Set to Boom
This series of stories traces the development of Orlando's International Drive, where attractions, restaurants, gift-stores and hotels crowd together to lure in tourists. After examining the history of International Drive, Leusner recognizes that the strip's heyday has past. He talks to business owners and developers to make predictions about the area's future.
Tags: Orlando; Disneyworld; tourism; Sea World; land development; property; immigration; international community; vacation; theme park
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Magic Mountain
Six Flags is one of the largest regional park company and this investigation looks at how some of the guards at these amusement parks are trained to target African-Americans and Latino customers. It also reveals that a person visiting the amusement park in Southern California was an Olympic gold winner who was humiliated at the theme park.
Tags: racial profiling; discrimination; African- American; Mexicans; Latino; Olympics; Southern California; six flags; amusement parks; racial profiling by security
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One-Ticket Town
Orlando's economy is based on tourism. The theme parks, the shops, everything about Orlando is there for tourist purposes. The Sentinel takes a look at the pros and cons of such a tourism dependent economy.
Tags: tourism; Orlando; economy; theme parks; amusement parks
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Accident Watch: What Disney Doesn't Want You to Know
An ongoing Web reporting project collects injury/accident/ incident reports at theme parks in the United States. In a message posted on the website of Theme Park Insider editor Robert Niles reveals that there is a gap between the types of injuries that theme parks must report and those that they don't need to under the law. The unreported injuries include broken arms, sprained ankles, concussions and lacerations requiring stitches, the story reports. The online project "seeks to educate consumers about theme park safety, and provide them the information they to need to stay safe while visiting a park."
Tags: safety; Walt Disney World; injuries; Universal Orlando; hospitals; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
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Disney's Big California Gamble
The Wall Street journal reports on growing concerns that the California energy crisis, rising fuel costs and slowly economy would hurt the opening ot Disney's California Adventure Theme Park in Anaheim, CA. CEO Michale Eisner balks at this notion.
Tags: Disney; energy crisis; California Adventure
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Session 2000: The best laws money can buy?
This student web-zine investigation identifies "150 groups and individuals who contributed more than half of the donations state lawmakers received for the 1999 elections." The analysis of campaign finance reports shows that 1.4% of donors have given 54% of donations. The package tracks downs "what favors mega-donors received during the 2000 legislative session." The student journalists find "numerous instances in which the General Assembly passed laws benefiting large contributors - or killed legislation opposed to top donors." The investigation reveals that amongst the main contributors who have benefitted from the lawmaking process are Phillip Morris, Virginia Coal Association, National Rifle Association and Paramount's Kings Dominion theme park.
Tags: CD ROM; campaign contributions; elections; legislature; lawmaking; Virginia Coal Association; National Rifle Association; Phillip Morris; Paramount's King Dominion theme park
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How Safe is That Theme Park?
Amusement park injuries are on the rise as roller coasters get faster, twistier and scarier -- and their riders get older. The Journal reviews injury reports at nine major parks in California, Texas, New Jersey and Florida.
Tags: None