The idea of creating in the real world, a world in which to materialize castles, roads, trees and animals that have always populated fairy tales and the imagination of young people and adults, was born from the genius of Walt Disney, in the fifties, in California, with the opening of the famous Disneyland park.
The idea of Disney is to give shape and substance to dreams and the imaginary, to create a container of classic games and attractions, already present in the classic amusement park, and to turn it into a fantastic place, where each visitor can get away from reality and live a little magic
In 1971, the great Walt Disney World Resort opened in Florida and also in Europe, entrepreneurs began to replicate the success of the amusement park concept dedicated to a broader target.
In fact, until the seventies, European parks were designed to amuse and attract only children: the first park in Italy, in 1963 it was a wildlife park, Città della Domenica in Perugia, then the Cavallino Matto Park in Donoratico. , in Tuscany, Edenlandia in Napoli (1964) and Fiabilandia in Rimini (1965).
With the economic boom and mass tourism, Gardaland in Italy (1975), Europa Park in Germany and Alton Towers in England (1975) were born. The play structures are more articulated, in response to the success and the demand for new and strong emotions, they are enriched year after year, even today, with new attractions, entertainment and technology. Don’t forget, another American invention, all focused on two elements, fun and water: the water park. In Italy, the number of water parks is constantly increasing as technological innovations.
By now, the categorization of amusement parks is refined: theme parks, educational parks, water parks, adventure parks and, of course, rides and fun for adults and children.
Despite the competition from neighboring countries, in Italy there are great amusement parks: Riviera Parks, in Emilia Romagna, which brings together Aquafan, Oltremare, Imax, Le Navi Aquarium, Italia in Miniatura and Mirabilandia; Parchi del Garda, with Gardaland, Canevaworld, Parco Natura Viva, Medieval Times, Jungle Adventure; Aqualand del Vasto, Acquapark Odyssey 2000…
Tourism has also noticed the greater interest on the part of the public and that is why it proposes personalized packages, conventions and special rates for family vacations.
The latest trend in theme parks are adventure parks, where adrenaline comes out of the challenge with height, balance, courage and ability to move, in a context far from technology and gadgets, immersed in natural parks! and forests!
