It’s a game and it’s exactly like that :) There were two competing franchises: <something> Tycoon and Sim <something>. So for the Roller Coaster Tycoon there was a Sim Theme Park. And the Sim <something> later evolved into The Sims.

Personally, I adore theme parks and roller coasters. And Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 allows you to build your own coasters and you can ride them in first person view. Just like you said, your Peeps will get hungry so you have to build them food and drink stands. And toilets, because if they piss their pants they will leave your park. The little Peeps don’t want to go into anything too scary. The teenaged Peeps don’t want to go into anything too lame.

For me, it’s always been hours of fun