The Origin:
The sight of a Ferris wheel turning against a horizon backdrop is just one of the many romantic and charming views that amusement parks offer. These designated spaces of fun and recreation have been around since the 16th century (Europe), but for the United States, they’re more so associated with the 19th and the famed world’s fair.

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.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 7th, 2008 at 9:42 pm and is filed under vacation ideas, disneyland. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.