Theme Parks
Theme parks have their origin int the early fairs of the 1500s. Fair were a center of amusement with entertainment, food, games, and carnival-like freak-show attractions. Oktoberfest is not only a beer festival but also provided amusement park features beginning in 1810, when the first event was held in Munich, Germany. By the early 1900s, hundreds of amusement parks were operating in the United States and Canada.
Modern amusement parks now run differently than those of years past. Amusement parks are usually owned by a large corporate conglomerate which allows capital investment unknown by the traditional family-owned parks. Starting with Disneyland in the 1950s, the park experience became part of a larger package, reflected in a television show, movies, lunch boxes, action figures and finally park rides and costumed characters that make up the "theme."
Starting in 1920, farmer Walter Knott and his family developed their Buena Park berry farm into a popular tourist attraction. Originally selling berries, homemade berry preserves and pies from a roadside stand, Knott built a restaurant, shops and stores onto the property by the 1930s. These were then augmented with minor attractions and curiosities until Knott gradually created Ghost Town, transforming them from a way-point to a Western themed destination in 1940. World class rides were then built and free entertainment drew crowds.
Walt Disney is often credited with having originated the concept of the themed amusement park, although he was influenced by Knotts Berry Farm owned by Walter Knott (at the time owner of Calico Ghost town) who brought buildings from Calico to increase business at his berry stand located in nearby Buena Park, CA, as well as Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.[citation needed] Disney took these influences and melded them with the popular Disney animated characters and his unique vision, and "Disneyland" was born. Disneyland officially opened in Anaheim, California in 1955 and changed the amusement industry forever. Key to the design process of Disney's new park was the replacement of architects with art directors from the film industry.
Popular Theme Parks
Carowinds
Carowinds opens in late March each year and closes in early November, after the park's Halloween event, "Scarowinds". In 2005, a portion of the park reopened during December for the Winterfest Christmas festival. However, the park did not repeat the event in 2006, citing poor attendance. A similar decision was made regarding Kings Island's Winterfest.
Cedar Point Sandusky Ohio
Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park located on a Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. Opened in 1870, Cedar Point Ohio is the third oldest amusement park in North America. It is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company featuring a world record 75 rides as of 2011 including 17 roller coasters.
Knott's Berry Farm
Starting in 1920, farmer Walter Knott and his family developed their Buena Park berry farm into a popular tourist attraction. Originally selling berries, homemade berry preserves and pies from a roadside stand, Knott built a restaurant, shops and stores onto the property by the 1930s. These were then augmented with minor attractions and curiosities until Knott gradually created Ghost Town, transforming them from a way-point to a Western themed destination in 1940. World class rides were then built and free entertainment drew crowds.
Disney World
Disney World in Orlando florida is the largest theme par in the world. It is really four of the largest theme parks in the world.
Dollywood
Dollywood's spectacular Tennessee setting provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of amusement park rides and attractions. Thrilling roller coasters, daring water excursions, family rides and kiddie rides-you'll find them all at Dollywood-along with one-of-a-kind attractions that let you experience our Smoky Mountain way of life. See a live show while you're here and don't miss the best roller coasters in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee!
Hershey Park
Hersheypark was created for the employees and relatives of Milton S. Hershey\'s Chocolate Factory on April 24, 1907. Milton wanted to create a more pleasant environment for workers and residents in his community than any typical factory town of the time. Now offering over 60 attractions, including 10 world class roller coasters, Hersheypark is one of the cleanest, oldest, and true-to-its-theme amusement parks in this country!
Sea World
SeaWorld is a United States chain of marine mammal parks, oceanariums, and animal theme parks owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. The parks feature captive orca, sea lion, and dolphin shows and zoological displays featuring various other marine animals. There are operations in Orlando, Florida, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, and previously Aurora, Ohio.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with 20 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and soon will be expanding beyond North America with destinations in Dubai and Qatar.