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Amusement parks are large, permanent complexes with rides, shops, and restaurants. Theme parks have a distinctive theme. The concept dates back to medieval times and reached its peak in the US in the 1920s. Roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and carousels are staples. Disney World and Disneyland are theme parks based on Disney characters. The park is designed for all ages, but those with fears of heights or speed may want to avoid roller coasters.
Amusement parks are self-contained areas that include shops, rides, and restaurants, usually spread over several significant amounts of space. Unlike carnivals or fairs, many of the larger amusement venues are sprawling, permanent conglomerates that take up a number of square miles (square kilometers). Many are more amusement complexes than parks.
When amusement parks are mentioned, most people in the United States immediately think of Disney World® and Disneyland®, Six Flags®, Busch Gardens® or Knotts Berry Farm®. In fact, of these five, Disney World® and Disneyland® are actually theme parks. A theme park has a distinctive theme, or themes, for its layout, rides, shops and attractions.
The idea can be traced back to at least medieval times, when bands of entertainers and musicians would gather in a field or city park to practice their skills for the amusement of the citizens. After a certain number of days or weeks, these artists would move on to the next city. Bartholomew Fair, which began in England around the year 1133, is often cited as the first dedicated amusement park.
The amusement park as we know it in a modern way is just the latest incarnation of this ancient concept. In its early stages, it was a bucolic public park with tents, buildings and stalls, erected to offer various forms of music, food, entertainment and recreation. Entertainment often ranged from circus acts to portrait artists. The Ferris wheel was the first carousel.
Reaching their peak in the United States in the mid to late 1920s, amusement parks have been in decline ever since. One of the best-known vestiges of their heyday is Coney Island in New York City. Another is Chicago’s Navy Pier.
Roller coasters, Ferris wheels, carousels, and various other mechanical thrills and amusements are a staple of modern amusement complexes. In a theme park, these thrill rides are dedicated to a particular theme, such as jungle or outer space. In the case of Disney World® and Disneyland®, the various themes are based on Disney® cartoon characters and films.
The park is designed, as the name suggests, for the enjoyment of young and old. The roller coaster is designed as a carousel for adults and teenagers, the carousel for younger children, and the Ferris wheel is suitable for almost everyone. One caveat: Those with a fear of heights, speed, or seemingly uncontrolled descents may want to stay away from roller coasters.
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