The history of amusement parks: find out where and when the magic started!

For more than five centuries, amusement parks have been synonymous with impressive engineering feats, anecdotes, and—above all—a burning passion for memory making. In this blog, you’ll discover what theme parks are, where the first theme park was established, how amusement parks transformed over the course of the 20^th century and the role PortAventura World has played in this thrilling journey.

How did amusement parks come to be?

Amusement parks existed long before the first roller coaster was developed. The world’s first amusement park was Denmark’s Bakken, which opened in 1583 on a plot of land next to a natural spring whose reputed healing powers was a major attraction for Copenhagen’s residents. Over time, it evolved into an amusement park with musicians, puppeteers and exciting new attractions, establishing itself as a major entertainment hub in this slice of Scandinavia.

Following in the footsteps of Bakken, other nations decided to build their own amusement parks to bring modern leisure experiences to their people. Tibidabo, which opened in Barcelona in 1901, is the oldest amusement park in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe.

The evolution of amusement parks throughout the 20^th century

The 20^th century witnessed a huge jump in the popularity of amusement parks thanks to two major breakthroughs: electricity and the use of steel. Electric power meant that dazzling lights, motorised merry-go-rounds and Ferris wheels would become staples of amusement parks around the world. Electricity also enabled the development and installation of steel roller coasters, with steel serving as an electrical conductor.

As you’ll see in this article, Spain has played a major role in theme and amusement park history. For instance, in San Sebastián, you can still ride the world’s oldest operating steel roller coaster: the Montaña Suiza. This iconic attraction is the pride and joy of the Monte Igueldo amusement park.

In 1955, Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California. This was the world’s first theme park, characterised by areas telling their own unique story and members of staff remaining in character throughout the day. It’s fair to say that Disneyland was a trailblazer for the plethora of theme parks that exist today.

Companies such as Six Flags and Cedar Fair spread the American model across the globe. The proliferation of steel made it possible to build tracks that were characterised by incredible loops and dizzying speeds, sparking a long-running race to break records in speed, height, and scale.

Before long, parks began adding exciting new services within their grounds, such as themed hotels. A prime example is PortAventura World, which first opened in 1995. Beyond its collection of rides, it also brings together six themed areas, themed hotels and a water park—all in a single destination.

What is the difference between theme parks and amusement parks?

Classic amusement parks serve as a collection of attractions with no underlying theme. Rather than focusing on a consistent narrative, amusement parks are more worried about providing fun and adrenaline-inducing rides. Amusement parks are characterised by roller coasters, Ferris and big wheels, bumper cars, merry-go-rounds and other traditional rides, which are updated or replaced without much concern for the overall aesthetic or storyline of the park.

In contrast, theme parks focus on coherent storytelling. The architecture, spaces, music, menus, characters and rides all contribute to a single narrative that underpins the park’s activity, creating a fully immersive experience.

The history of PortAventura World: our chapter in this exciting story

When it first opened its doors in 1995, PortAventura World managed to harness the adrenaline of traditional amusement parks and the immersive storytelling of theme parks. It has broken several European records over the course of its 30-year history. For example, Shambhala is considered one of the tallest roller coasters in Europe. Today, this theme park forms park of a resort that also comprises themed hotels, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park—proof of how the theme park industry is moving toward a comprehensive, all-encompassing experience.

Interesting facts about amusement parks that you probably didn’t know!

Which was the world’s first theme park?

As we mentioned above, the first ‘theme park’ in the truest sense of the word was Disneyland, which opened in 1955 in Anaheim, California.

Where is the world’s oldest operating steel roller coaster?

The world’s oldest operating steel roller coaster is Montaña Suiza at the Monte Igueldo amusement park in San Sebastián. If you’re interested in learning more about roller coasters, why not read our article on the tallest roller coaster in the world?

Other surprising world records

• The world’s tallest slide is located in Brazil. This is Águas Quentes Country Club’s Kilimanjaro, which has an astonishing 49-metre drop.
• The world’s largest theme park is Disneyland (also known as Walt Disney World), which spans a total surface area of 12,000 hectares.

When did Spain’s first amusement park open?

The Tibidabo amusement park opened in Barcelona in 1901, making it one of the oldest amusement parks in all of Europe. It features several century-old rides that remain in operation today.

What does the future hold for amusement parks?

The rapid rate of technological change is hard to keep up with. However, if any industry is battling to not be left behind, it’s the entertainment industry. Amusement parks are already incorporating modern technology into their attractions, including virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies. Many parks are also aiming to create fully immersive, device-free experiences and improve accessibility so that all groups—including people with special needs—can enjoy the parks.

Visit PortAventura World to get a better understanding of the history and trajectory of European amusement and theme parks—all while enjoying cutting-edge technology. See you on the tracks!