“Theme parks attempt to create an atmosphere of another place and time, and usually emphasize one dominant theme around which architecture, landscape, rides, shows, food services, costumed personnel, retailing are orchestrated (..). Most theme parks are isolated, self-contained units. Furthermore, it needs to be noted that most theme parks are developed, targeted and managed as private sector companies, and are commercial enterprises.”
(KEMPERMAN, A.D.A.M, 2000. Temporal aspects of theme park choice behavior, dissertation (PhD), Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, 14).

“Theme parks are extreme examples of capital intensive, highly developed, user-oriented, man modified, recreational environments” (PEARCE, Philip L., 1988. The Ulysses Factor: Evaluating visitors in tourist settings, New York: Springer Verlag, 60).