"Theme Park" vs. "Amusement Park"

[Venom2053]

^Not at all, I've never really called them Amusement Parks.

Wikipedia has a great description of the difference/meaning:

Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people

In common language, theme park is often used as a synonym for the term 'amusement park'. A 'theme park' is actually a distinct style of amusement park, for a theme park has landscaping, buildings, and attractions that are based on one or more specific or central themes. A plurality of themes are not required to be considered a 'Theme' park.

Also interesting to note that the page is called "Amusement Park" and "Theme park" redirects to it.

 

[Hixee]

Also interesting to note that the page is called "Amusement Park" and "Theme park" redirects to it.

Well I think that's just because theme parks are a sub-category of amusement parks.

 

[TP Rich]

I still don't really get the difference. I'm not sure that definition is accurate, to be honest with you. :|

But I just call them all theme parks, stuff 'amusement park'!

 

[Venom2053]

I'm not sure that definition is accurate, to be honest with you. :|

Ok then try these ones from Dictionary.com....

Amusement Park: a large park equipped with such recreational devices as a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, roller coaster, etc., and usually having booths for games and refreshments.
Origin: 1905–10

Theme Park: an amusement park in which landscaping, buildings, and attractions are based on one or more specific themes, as jungle wildlife, fairy tales, or the Old West.
Origin: 1955–60

Its open to debate but I think amusement park is the general term and theme park is a more specific description of an amusement park. That being said I've still called them all "Theme Parks" throughout my life.

 

[furie]

It's very open to interpretation (I'll bet Joey is writing an article on this as we speak ), but to expand on Venom's post.

Essentially, if the theming of a ride doesn't go beyond the boarding platform of the majority of rides, then you're in an amusement park. If the theming of a ride extends well away from the boarding platform, or has many rides incorporated in a consistent theme (in multiple areas), then it's a theme park.

It's that attempt to immerse you in a fictional world that makes something a theme park, but it's a slippery concept to grab. I think if you read the topic you should be able to get the idea though.

 

[TP Rich]

I agree that theme park is slightly more specific than amusement park. And the term probably did originate at a much later time than amusement park. But, I think most 'amusement parks' nowadays fit into the category of theme parks, which is why the terms are regarded as interchangeable.

 

[Thekingin64]

I normally use Amusement park when talking about small parks like Tir Prince. If it's bigger and has a bit of themeing it's a theme park like Blackpool.

Usually I normally just say park though to keep it simple.

 

[ATTACKHAMMER]

I say a Theme Park is a Theme Park if it has themed zones with themed rides. I would say a Amusement is a park with no themeing. Is an Amusement Park a Fun Fair? Or is a fun fair a travelling amusement park?