Evolving from fairs and the smaller-scale carnival, amusement parks have always offered a combination of rides and attractions, suitable for kids, teenagers, and adults alike. In the U.S., old-school amusement parks for the most part have evolved into theme parks centered around a particular theme, like Disneyland or Busch Gardens Europe.

A throwback to the old amusement parks though is Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, which still features classic rides like Wonder Wheel and The Cyclone roller coaster. This is where Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs were first served. Where the Parachute Jump debuted. And where skeet ball still rules.

Similar to the setting of Coney Island’s beach was San Francisco’s now-closed Playland-at-the-Beach, in operation until 1972. Though the amusement park began as a collection of separate seaside attractions, it came together under the collective name Playland in 1926. There, patrons would enjoy typical rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel (of course) and Shoot-the-Chutes.

Today, visitors to San Francisco can still visit the old grounds, right by the Cliff House. And though not part of Playland any longer, some of the park’s preserved attractions can still be enjoyed, like the carousel (now at Zeum) and Musee Mecanique (now on the waterfront).

Parks Today:
Still a must-see not only for its fun, but its history, Coney Island is one of the few true amusement parks still operating today. As said though, most amusement parks have evolved into theme parks. The concept of providing family entertainment via rides and attractions remains, but now, the real lure is the theme. Most amusement parks today are best known by their individual ones:

• Disneyland Park
Since opening on July 17, 1955, more than 500 million people have visited this theme park devoted to making dreams come true. Dubbed “the happiest place on earth,” Disneyland aims to impress the child in us all with its eight magical lands.

• Walt Disney World
Opened in 1971, this theme park is also a major vacation resort that draws more visitors per year than any resort in the world. This is where the Magic Kingdom (and Cinderella’s Castle) resides, as well as the space-themed Epcot Center, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

• SeaWorld
The theme of this adventure park is marine life and at its three U.S. parks, SeaWorld combines animal attractions with a variety of thrill rides. Locations include Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio.

• Universal Studios Theme Parks
A major movie studio, Universal Studios also operates a number of theme parks centered around its film archive. These parks (Hollywood and Orlando in the U.S.) feature rides and attractions that highlight classic films like E.T., as well as box-office hits like Jurassic Park.

• Busch Gardens
Operated by Busch Entertainment Corporation, Busch Gardens refers to two specific theme parks: Busch Gardens Africa in Tampa, Florida, and Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Virginia. Each park explores the continent for which it is named.

• Six Flags Parks
Also in the amusement-park business is Six Flags, Inc., which operates the largest chain of amusement and theme parks in the world. For the most part, Six Flags parks are mid-sized and more suitable for day trips than actual vacations. They include general-theme parks, such as Great America, as well as more specific themed versions like Six Flags Discovery Kingdom or Six Flags White Water.

Bottom Line:
In addition to these, you can also add dozens more like Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland, or Riverview Park. In short, your choices are many. Stepping back though and taking a look at them collectively, it’s clear that whatever their size or theme, amusement parks continue to possess a charm that travelers can’t resist. Indeed, even as they evolve, they remain constant in their aim: to offer thrills, games, and great memories – all in one.

But now, if you follow the tips in this short article you can find cheap plane tickets to Disneyland: let us show you one secret of flying on the cheap to Disneyland.

These cheap plane tickets to Disneyland are called Y-Up fares, they cost the same as a coach ticket, they appear to be a coach ticket, but when you take your seat on the airplane, you’ll be seated in first class!

Y-Up fares are bargain price first class airline tickets offered for travel within/between the United States and Canada. You are not allowed to use them for international coach, business or first class flights.

Y-Up fares may not be a good fit for all trips. You can catch some deals like a $280 roundtrip flight; Make sure to check Y-Ups when flying at the last minute, or if you miss your flight.

You can be rewarded with a cheap plane tickets to Disneyland for around the price of coach.

Frequent corporate travelers can benefit a great deal from Y-Up airfares. For the same or cheaper price than they are paying for last minute coach seats, they can score a confirmed first class cabin seat just before frequent fliers are normally set to upgraded.

Using y-up fares you can avoid competing against the 50 airline passengers that are vying for upgrades to 15 first class seats when you buy a Y-Up fare.