What is the difference between an amusement park and a theme park?

You know how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares? Amusement parks and theme parks are the same way. Only, in our world, there aren’t that many plain rectangles left.

The definition of “Amusement Park,” at least according to Ask.com, is pretty vague: “A commercially operated enterprise that offers rides, games, and other forms of entertainment.” Basically, imagine a carnival that stays in one place, or a permanent state fair minus the livestock. You should expect rides like roller coasters or water slides (depending on where you are), games that will win you stuffed animals no one really wants, and all the junk food you can afford. Size and quality will vary, as will the price of admission.

A theme park is exactly what it says it is. It’s an amusement park, with a theme. Sometimes theme parks try to evoke a certain time, place, or feel, and they often do so by dividing their property into different sections. Think, Disneyland. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ve probably heard of some of its different “lands” that make up its whole: Tomorrowland, Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Critter County. Even though the lands may seem to be unrelated, the common (and familiar) Disney characters tie everything together. In some theme parks, such as the two Busch Gardens in the US, the themes are apparent in the décor and in the name of the rides.

Other than the unifying theme, most theme parks are remarkably similar to amusement parks. They offer the same kinds of rides, attractions, and deliciously-bad-for-you food. (Although, yes, some parks are striving to offer healthy fare as well.)

So think of it this way— theme parks are amusement parks, just a little more “fancy.”

Or like this- amusement parks are theme parks, minus the cheese.

Either way, they’re both amusing.