Arrow Development facts for kids

Arrow Development was a super cool company that designed and built amazing rides and roller coasters! It started in California on November 16, 1945, and was based in a town called Mountain View. Think of them as the wizards behind some of the most famous and fun attractions at theme parks around the world. They helped create the modern amusement park experience we know and love today.

What Was Arrow Development?

Arrow Development was a company that specialized in making rides for amusement parks. They were pioneers, meaning they were among the first to invent many of the ride types that are common now. They built everything from gentle carousels to thrilling roller coasters. Their work helped shape how theme parks look and feel, making them places full of excitement and adventure.

Early Days and Big Ideas

The company began right after World War II. The founders, Ed Morgan and Karl Bacon, were very clever engineers. They started by making parts for other companies. Soon, they began designing their own rides. Their first big break came when they started working with Walt Disney for his new park, Disneyland. This partnership changed everything for Arrow Development and for theme parks everywhere.

Working with Disneyland

Arrow Development helped bring many of Disneyland's original ideas to life. They created the ride systems for classic attractions like the King Arthur Carrousel and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. They also built the tracks for the Casey Jr. Circus Train. These rides were very important because they showed how technology could make park experiences more magical and immersive.

Pioneering Roller Coasters

Arrow Development is perhaps most famous for its roller coasters. They invented many types of coasters that are still popular today. Before them, most roller coasters were made of wood. Arrow Development started using steel, which allowed for taller, faster, and more complex rides.

The First Steel Coasters

One of their biggest inventions was the first modern steel tubular roller coaster. This was a huge step forward! Steel tracks allowed for loops, corkscrews, and other inversions that wooden coasters couldn't do. This made rides much more thrilling. They built the first roller coaster with a vertical loop, which was a major milestone in ride design.

Famous Coaster Designs

Arrow Development created several iconic coaster designs. Their "mine train" coasters were very popular, designed to look like old mining carts speeding through tunnels and over hills. They also developed the "suspended" coaster, where riders hang below the track with their feet dangling. This gives a unique flying sensation. Many parks still have rides based on these original Arrow designs.

Beyond Roller Coasters

While coasters were a big part of their business, Arrow Development also made other types of rides. They built log flumes, which are water rides where boats float down a channel and then plunge down a big drop. They also made river rapids rides, which simulate white-water rafting. These water rides became staples at theme parks, offering a different kind of fun.

Log Flumes and Water Rides

The log flume was another groundbreaking invention by Arrow Development. The first modern log flume was built at Six Flags Over Texas. These rides combine a relaxing boat journey with an exciting splashdown. They quickly became a favorite for park visitors, especially on hot days.

The Legacy of Arrow Development

Arrow Development stopped operating in 1981, but their impact on the amusement industry is still huge. Many of their inventions and designs are still used today. Modern ride manufacturers continue to build upon the ideas that Arrow Development pioneered. They truly changed the way we experience fun and thrills at theme parks.

Why They Were Important

Arrow Development showed that rides could be more than just simple attractions. They could be complex, exciting, and tell a story. They pushed the limits of engineering and creativity. Their work helped make theme parks major entertainment destinations around the world.

Their Lasting Impact

Even though the company is gone, their rides and innovations live on. Many of the roller coasters and water rides you see at parks today owe a lot to the original ideas from Arrow Development. They set the standard for safety, excitement, and innovation in the amusement ride industry.

Images for kids

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  Exterior of Hendy Iron Works (now a museum) in Sunnyvale, 2014.

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  Danny the Dragon guided train at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, San Jose

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  Mad Tea Party (2006)

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  King Arthur Carrousel (2011)

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  Dumbo the Flying Elephant (2010)

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  Casey Jr. Circus Train (2009)