Theme Parks Before Disneyland: From Bakken to Coney Island

Yes, theme parks predate Disneyland (1955). The oldest operating is Bakken (Klampenborg, Denmark), opened in 1583. Others include:

• Vauxhall Gardens (London, 1661)
• Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, 1843)
• Prater (Vienna, 1766)
• Luna Park (Coney Island, 1903)
• Dreamland (Coney Island, 1904)
• Steeplechase Park (Coney Island, 1897)

These pioneers established the amusement park concept long before Disney.