[dspillett]

> I wonder if that's due to more relaxed laws surrounding construction back then or another factor.

Relaxed regulations back then will be a factor, both externally enforced and internal rules designed to stop past mistakes repeating.

Another significant consideration is the growing complexity of each individual installation. Also the higher expectations and attention to detail of the modern customer: you don't have the luxury of hiding a few flaws behind the spectacle of novelty, now such theme parks are no longer that novel.

[michaelbuckbee]

Something I think about a lot is how the base quality and complexity of things is improving but we still still consider it the same thing in many respects.

I think what you're describing is a great example, checkout one of the classic rides, It's a Small World:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tbm4Au3dZ0

vs the new Smuggler's Run

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IZDfFDbGnU

An astounding leap forward in environmental storytelling, attention to detail, technology, etc.