Theme parks are a big hit for people who like roller coasters and rides, but have you ever heard of the history behind theme parks and roller coasters?
Although a lot of people love theme and amusement parks, people have diverse opinions on them, ranging from the thrill-seeking enjoyment of rides and attractions to the perspective of them being overpriced and crowded, with some finding them a waste of money and others valuing the family fun and escapism they offer.
Theme parks are often seen as a place to have fun, experience thrills, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Theme and amusement parks are major global attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year.
There are thousands of theme and amusement parks worldwide, with the top 85 parks alone attracting over 410 million visitors annually. In 2023, the top 85 parks across 23 countries saw 410.6 million visitors, a 19 percent increase from 2022.
Beyond physical visits, theme parks also drive significant online interests, with millions of searches, social media hashtags, and google reviews.
Some roller coaster history traces back to 16th-17th century Russian ice slides, evolving into wooden coasters in the 19th Century, with the first dedicated roller coaster, the Switchback Railway, debuting at Coney Island in 1884.