Are you a cynic when it comes to Disneyland? Do you love sarcasm? If so, let's take a look at the park Walt built. Do the guns in the Shooting Gallery make you shake a bit and fill your mind with snarky one liners? Will riding the carousel lead you to a strong of profanities or is the ride about galloping off to Heaven? Real life comes into play as well in this new Inner Disneyland. Does death give you the creeps? No worries. Have you visited the real New Orleans and been a bit shaken by the smells? You won't have that problem in Walt's version. Are you less likely to visit the original Magic Kingdom because it feels fake and soulless? Well, if so, this post is just for you!
Back in 1978, New West magazine published this map with an in-depth and rather snarky accompanying article discussing the psychology used in building and adding to Disneyland. The focus is on creating an environment of assurance and comfort, be it a visit to 999 Happy Haunts of the Haunted Mansion or setting sail with a motley crew for an adventure with the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Decades later, the map seems surprisingly vintage and retro. But the desire to escape the real world appeals to millions upon millions of Disney fans all over the world. Cynics be damned! The park Walt built and those those that followed remain havens of fantasy and adventure and yes, escape, for guests all of the world.
There's no dealing with reality here- except for long lines, overpriced food and beverages, and a pricing and experience based structure that reinforces the social structures so evident. Hmm... So, who is the sarcastic cynic now? Yes, yours truly.
(Art copyright New West magazine.)
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