1. The Fairs

Modern theme parks are an important element of today’s major cities. They were first created to respond to a demand for the access to natural surroundings and open spaces, that were only available on the estates of rich families. Since transportation systems were not as efficient as they are today, people could escape the stressful, selfishness and isolationism of the crowded urban areas, by going to what was then known as the "fair" which were easily accessible for a day trip (these fairs were located in the surrounding areas of cities).

The popularity of the parks led slowly to the creation of railway, streetcars and automobile networks for visitors. The railway industry became a key factor in the theme park promotion and development. It enabled the easy access for tourists and helped the distribution of merchandise that was sold for extra profits.

2. Theme Parks

Location, which is inevitably related to transport, is the most important aspect of any theme park. Planners and geographers are constantly working to find the perfect optimal location that would attract the most people. The population distribution and the income levels are therefore among the key features that define an interesting location. Depending on the size of the theme park the local population is the main target, tourist come second. Usually, families will come to the park in their own vehicle.

The establishment of new theme parks usually implies the creation of new highway interchanges and exits. Since the parks’ infrastructures are located outside the core of the city, for space and real-estate reasons, the road network from the main urban area must be simple and efficient for the visitors. A direct link with the closest airport can also be a interesting feature although the local population is the main target. About 80% of annual visits to theme parks is composed of residents. Tourists normally come in the region for other purposes and will end up visiting the park during their trip, which explains why the transport system related to the park is more oriented towards the local population than any other tourist infrastructure.

Even if the immediate transport network created around the theme park is oriented towards the locals, the location itself may be consciously establish in relation with vacationers transport patterns. Disney Land, in Orlando, Florida is the best example. It is located right on the Boston - Washington - Miami corridor. Which is the most famous route of East American and Canadian "sun-seekers". Therefore, many automobile drivers stop for a day on their way to the beach. The theme park development also include every type of consumption establishment along the motorway for the usage of drivers. Which means that the industry surrounding the park is as big if not bigger than the park itself, and a big part of it is consciously located along the transport network that have been created to facilitate the access to the park.

New transport facilities have also been created within the theme parks for local crowd movements. Monorail, underground transport units, elevated trams, are among the innovations that have were born with theme parks design. Transportation within the park usually requires electric cars or small motorized vehicles since cars are forbidden.