With summer around the corner for Arizona residents, the opportunity presents itself to spend more time at amusement parks and on thrilling rides. However, the theme park scene in the metro Phoenix is scarce — and there are only 10 operating roller coasters across the entire state. 

With a growing population in the Valley and potential space, why doesn't Arizona boast its own version of a Disneyland? 

This week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, pays a visit to both the past and the future to explain the different variables that factor into developing a theme park in the Valley, and how challenges inhibit Arizona's creation of a Disneyland-esque park all its own. 

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