Theme Parks

Theme parks are carefully designed spaces devoted to the consumption of entertainment and experiences of various kinds. These enclosed leisure destinations usually require the visitors—or guests, as some parks call them—to pay an entrance fee, as the whole setting is considered a product for consumption. An influential and trend-setting park is Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, which the Disney Corporation calls “the happiest place on earth.” Opened in 1955, it is one of the earliest modern examples of what has at times been called a family theme park. It is common for theme parks to emphasize positive emotional and family experiences, including shared fun and happiness. Such localities are typically organized around themes that offer experiences to different target groups. Children are one focus group and ...