An amusement park is a facility comprised of amusement machines while a theme park is a facility that has assembled a special atmosphere that is out of the ordinary, in accordance with specific themes. The presence or absence of a thematic nature is the main difference between the two types of parks.
The history of amusement parks began in the 17th century England and France, later leading to Tivoli Gardens in Denmark (1843), and Knott’s Berry Farm in Los Angeles (1950), and in 1955, Disneyland in California opened as a full-fledged theme park.
Modern day amusement parks and theme parks are not only simple entertainment facilities, but are a part of larger, more comprehensive facilities. They often include, in addition to traditional leisure attractions, restaurants, retail stores, accommodations, shopping malls, and hot springs, providing services in the style of integrated, all-inclusive resorts.
For consumers, there is a commonality in the goods and services expected from amusement and theme parks, and in recent years, the difference is small enough that the two types of facilities are often regarded as the same type of entertainment facility.