Abstract This paper details Walt Disney's utopian vision which resulted in the world-wide phenomenon of Disneyland. While Disney was already well-known for his success in film and animation, his creation of Disneyland, at the time a new and unique medium, was his all time dream, despite the critics who said it would never make a profit. This paper details Walt Disney's vision for the theme park as well as the costs. The writer of this paper describes the monumental financial success of the original theme park which eventually spawned similar parks around the world including Paris and Tokyo. This paper examines how the all American, apple-pie image of Disneyland has adapted to the times by hosting an annual gay weekend. The paper also discusses what goes on behind the scenes at the famed theme park. While Disneyland may seem like a Utopia to the paying guests, it is run like a boot camp for employees. There are strict rules about no facial hair and haircuts are approved only if they do not go below the collar. The aim of the staff is to get families into the spending mode, without ever overtly suggesting that Disneyland is a charitable enterprise.
From the Paper "Costs aside, there is a reason why Disney's theme parks are so popular. They are "clean", the employees are highly trained, the various rides and attractions are both fun and educational, even though on the busiest days this means standing in long lines. Disney's dream of creating an enterprise that can attract all types of families has come true. What is especially valuable to parents is the opportunity for their children to participate and learn about today, yesterday, and tomorrow without having to read text books or sit on class. The ultra hi-tech Tomorrowland is an experience most children could never experience otherwise. Frontierland certainly exposes them to what it took to build America more than a century ago, some of the content available to kids only in TV shows and films about cowboys and Indians and pioneers."
Tags: business, theme, park, walt, disney, franchise, profit, disney, world
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the anti-social potential of Disneyland and Las Vegas in reference to theories of postmodernism, hyper-reality, simulation, aesthetic values, commercialism and mediatization. The pro-social potential is also examined in a critical sense, focusing primarily on issues relating to escapism and gratification as the primary driving forces behind our need for simulation. This paper argues that simulated environments such as Las Vegas and Disneyland are caught up in the use of the facade and masking in an antisocial manner of spectacle.
From the Paper "According to Baudrillard, we are living in an era of simulation; an age in which reality no longer exists, and where "the very definition of the real has become: that of which it is possible to give an equivalent reproduction." (Simulations, 1983) Baudrillard theorizes that through the mirroring of reality, we lose sight of reality. However, as is reflected by our tastes in popular culture, we still yearn for the real, except that we want to be entertained at the same time. Thus the result is that we mimic reality, distort it for entertainment value, and then provide a manifestation of it for public consumption. Nowhere is this conjecture more relevant than in the grandeur of Las Vegas and the opulence of Disneyland."
Tags: baudrillard, disney, disneyland, las, modernism, post, spectacle, vegas, world
Abstract A brief discussion about why Disneyland appeals to adults and children alike. It also addresses business opportunities within Disneyland and why one would like to work in and visit a place like it.
From the Paper "The one place for all. Old and young alike, holding tremendous excitement and thrill in its essence. I for one feel that Disneyland has been the most popular business ever since. Cartoon characters created by Disney are known all over the world. With tourist rate more than any other park around the world, Disneyland provides amusement and festivity beyond expectations. Disneyland have higher attendance than their competitors thus proving to be one of the biggest American achievements."
Abstract This paper will take a detailed look at the potential economic impact Disneyland will have on Hong Kong, and conclude that for the most part the prospects look very good. Tourism has receded heavily since Hong Kong was handed back over to China, and Disney offers the Region a great chance to recover and further diversify its economic base. Since extensive manufacturing is physically impossible in the Region, a project like Disneyland offers an opportunity for Hong Kong to maximize the value of its scarce resources.
Abstract This paper discusses the multi-national corporation of Disneyland in Hong Kong. The paper describes the theme park and discusses how Disneyland in Hong Kong has attracted high visitor numbers to the park. It also discusses how, since its start in September last year, the park has been plagued with problems. The paper discusses some of those problems.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Company Background
Hong Kong
Operations
Globalization Strategies
Inter-company Collaboration
Compliance with Government Regulations
Current Issues
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "This early, the Disneyland in Hong Kong is ridden with disputes and difficulties (Great Holidays and Hotels 2004). A Singaporean woman sued the company for the death of her mother who was made to wait three hours for an ambulance at the Park. The mother was pronounced dead of congested arteries upon arrival at the hospital. The daughter claimed that Disney did not offer first aid when her mother fell ill and made to wait for half an hour for a bus to the Hong Kong Disneyland hotel. For its part, Disney said that is staff handled the situation in the most appropriate manner possible and had given immediate attention (Great Holidays and Hotels). This was just the latest of Hong Kong Disneyland's troubles with its public and legal image."
Abstract This paper explores all known factors that could contribute to the success or failure of a joint venture between Hilton Hotels Corporation and Disney in Hong Kong. It analyzes the various variables outlined below with the specific purpose of assessing the market entry potential.
Outline
Introduction
Tourist Industry
Hotel Industry Analysis
Disneyland Operations
Government Stability
Adequacy of Legal System/Regulation
Labor Force
Infrastructure
Construction Costs and Issues
Marketing Considerations
Analysis
Recommendations
From the Paper "Hong Kong has a free market economy highly dependent on tourism as one of its top industries. Per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) compares with the level in the four big economies of Western Europe. GDP growth averaged a strong five percent in 1989-1997, but Hong Kong has suffered two recessions in the past five years because of the Asian financial crisis in 1998 and the global downturn of 2001-2002. However, tourism is one of the few sectors that have registered growth during Hong Kong's present economic downturn because entertainment there has been more resistant to recession than has other industries."
Abstract The paper compares the Disneyland and BonBon Land theme parks in terms of hyperreality, whether they say anything about the national identities associated with the parks, and how they differ in terms of the simulation of life. The paper also looks if there is any particular representation at either park that is profound for the observer, if postmodernism is a reflection of the illusion of either parks or just one ,and what aspect of each park most represents the simulacrum of the modern world.
Outline:
Introduction
How do Disneyland and BonBon Land Differ in Terms of Hyperreality?
Do Disneyland and BonBon Land Say Anything About the National Identities Associated with the Parks?
In What way to Disneyland and BonBon Land Differ in Terms the Simulation of Life?
Is There Any Particular Representation at Either Park that is Profound For the Observer?
Is Postmodernism a Reflection of the Illusion of Either Parks or Just One?
What Aspect of Each Park Most Represents the Simulacrum of the Modern World?
From the Paper "Postmodern society is frequently accused of being rife with spectacle. The modern assimilation of sensationalism, mediatisation and commercialism combines to create a society in which the real and the unreal are only distinguishable by the outsider. Every popular scene is simulacrum of an idealized reality, unlike any that actually creates context in this world. The society as a whole is even marked by the symbolic representation of branding and the dramatic artistic expression of its standards. There is no greater example of this than Disneyland, as it is a place where the eye is clearly meant to be fooled along with the whole rest of the being."
Abstract This paper examines Walt Disney's amusement parks which began in the middle of some Southern California orange groves in 1955 and which changed the way that Americans and the world viewed such entertainment. It analyzes how Disney successfully marketed Disneyland as a unique entertainment experience and made his theme park world-famous which led to other theme parks opening in Florida, Tokyo and Paris. It looks at how the company also operates resorts at each of the theme park sites (with the exception of Tokyo) and is a major supplier of entertainment content (television programs, filmed entertainment, audio/video tapes and Internet content). The paper considers the international theme park operations of the company, with a particular emphasis on the company's operations in Paris.
From the Paper "Walt Disney recognized the power of television and began using tie-ins between television programs and his theme park from the beginning. The Wonderful World of Disney provided television audiences not only with entertainment programs, but also with a direct link to the company that produced them. The company also benefits from its studio operations since it is able to provide promotions for its theme parks on videos and in its productions. Movies can also be run on television, adding to the high presence and brand recognition that is associated with the organization and its products."
Abstract This paper explains extreme competition has caused the industry to decline over the last few years; however, many parks, such as Disneyland, Six Flags, Universal Studios and Legoland are investing in extensive new attractions. The author points out that the industry has had problems with accidents because of the lack of real safety standards such as truly appropriate minimum height limits; the manufacturer set limits are based on a cost-benefit analysis that the cost of injury will be set off by a higher number of ticket sales if the height limit is lowered. The paper relates that a reason to support these parks is the large amount of money that comes into the state through tourism due to these theme parks.
From the Paper "This is probably a low level danger for the theme parks. However, the main danger to theme parks and this could be considered to be the biggest danger of all is that visits to theme parks were down 1.5 % in 2003. It is said that it was mainly due to poor weather, drop in the economy and worries about terrorism. Worries about terrorism are still not over. The gainers during that period were Universal Studios in Japan and Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim. The last big spending by the parks had been in the 1990s when they had a lot of exciting rides, but the last rides that they added were not adding heart thrilling rides, but mainly adding more of family friendly rides and those were also cost effective. These were rides with slower speeds and linked to movies like "Shrek" which was done by Universal. On the other hand, this year theme parks are going back to what they had done a lot of time ago."
A comparison of the strategies for navigating ontological difficulty in Patrocinio Scheickart's "Reading Ourselves: Toward a Feminist Theory of Reading" and Louis Marin's "Disneyland: A Degenerate Utopia."
Abstract This paper examines ontological difficulty and compares the strategies for navigating ontological difficulty in Patrocinio Scheickart's "Reading Ourselves: Toward a Feminist Theory of Reading" and Louis Marin's "Disneyland: A Degenerate Utopia." The paper concludes that ontological difficulty is indeed a broken link between text and meaning, but one that is a necessary step toward better-informed interpretation.
From the Paper "This comparison of Schweickart and Marin's strategies for navigating ontological difficulty provides several insights into the nature of the concept. Firstly, both critics find that in order to transcend ontological difficulty, one must draw attention to the social and historical context of the text, be it patriarchy or capitalism. Ignoring the context on a text forfeits the reader's power of understanding, and allows ontological difficulty to flourish. Secondly, the broken link between text and meaning provides the critic with a useful starting point. For Schweickart, such misunderstanding led to her exploration of the female reading experience, and an avenue by which this link can be reinstated through the informed reading taking control of the textual experience. What was once a one-way conversation is transformed into an enlightened dialogue. For Marin, the very lack of the possibility of this dialogue provides clues to the hidden purpose of the text, wherein authorial power has been abused. Where the reader is given no autonomy and there is no opportunity for a range of reading experiences, the text becomes ideology. We may conclude that ontological difficulty is indeed a broken link between text and meaning, but one that is a necessary step toward better-informed interpretation."
From the Paper "EuroDisney opened in April 1992, and business from the first was not at the level anticipated or needed to pay for the investment. The experience the Disney company had with EuroDisney was different from what it had known with other Disney theme parks, each of which opened to large and growing business. In Europe, however, the park has lost money from the first. Projections had been made that the new park would attract 11 million visitors and produce $100 million in earnings in the first year, giving the company a small pre-tax profit. Instead, the park lost more than $900 million in the first two years. Attendance in 1992 was only 9.2 million, and visitors spent 12 percent less than anticipated. However, the park made its first quarterly profit in 1995, three years after its opening, and it was then predicted that the park would break..."
Factors involved in Disney opening a theme park in Hong Kong. Location choice and market characteristics; traget market resources; political environment; marketing devices of Disney theme park in Hong Kong, theme park organization. Effect on Hong Kong.
4,275 words (approx. 17.1 pages), 16 sources, 2001, $ 135.95
From the Paper "In 1955, Walt Disney opened an amusement park in Anaheim, California, which changed the way that Americans, and the world, viewed such entertainment. Once the domain of carnival hucksters, amusement parks underwent a significant makeover at the hands of the head of the Disney Studios. Through shrewd marketing, including a tie-in to a national television program, Disney successfully marketed Disneyland as a unique entertainment experience and made his theme park world famous. In the mid-1960s, plans were made for a second park, this one located in Florida, which was significant larger than the Anaheim park and which opened in the early 1970s. A third theme park opened in the 1980s in Tokyo, and a fourth in Europe in the early 1990s. The company also operates resorts at each of the theme park sites (with the exception of ..."
A comparison to other Disney theme parks with discussion of its background, problems, management, marketing, strategy differences, economics and recommended changes.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 17 sources, 1999, $ 79.95
From the Paper "Comparison of Euro Disneyland and Other Disney Theme Parks
Introduction
This research compares Euro Disneyland with other Disney theme parks. The findings of this research are presented in the following discussions: [1] history and development of Disney theme parks; [2] background on Euro Disneyland; [3] factors underlying Euro Disneyland problems; [4] marketing-based comparison of Disney theme parks; [5] strategy differences between Euro Disneyland and other Disney theme parks; [6] recommendation for Euro Disneyland; and [7] new location for Disney theme park.
History and Development of Disney Theme Parks
The contemporary Walt Disney Company is the direct successor to the business founded by Walt Disney in Hollywood in the..."
History & development of Disneyland, Disney World, Epcot Center. Examined in terms of features, promotion, employee policies, customer relations and tours.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 9 sources, 1993, $ 63.95
From the Paper " In July 1955, a new amusement park opened 30 miles south of Los Angeles, California. Named for its owner, the park ushered in a new era of family entertainment and revitalized the amusement park industry. Walt Disney referred to Disneyland not as an amusement park, but as a "theme" park. Like its carnival-derived predecessors, visitors to Disneyland bought tickets for the various rides
(called "attractions" at the park). The parks that Disney operates (in Florida, Tokyo and France, in addition to California) are anything but simple, and each carries a high level of value for visitors. This research examines the Florida parks, the characteristics which render them unique, and plans for the future at these parks.
Initially, Disney was unable to obtain financing for his first amusement park. He put up his own money, gained from a.."
Abstract This paper reviews David Lynch's movie "Mulholland Drive", which takes a post-modern look at the American Dream, where it becomes obvious that things are not they seem and not as we would like them to be. It examines how David Lynch has taken the traditional Disneyland American Dream take on things and has thrown in a postmodern twist on it to bring the situation into a reality that exists within his character, a postmodern reality with which most of us can see a reflection of in our own lives. It provides a brief synopsis of the plot and an analysis of the main characters.
From the Paper "With the unlocking of the blue box, we are then thrown into the postmodern reality where Diane Selwyn is a burnt out young actress who never got anywhere and will never go anywhere. The only roles she ever got were given to her through Camilla, her movie star lover trying to help Dianne out. Dianne is obsessed with Camilla and longs for her but Camilla decides to leave Dianne to be with Adam, the hip director. Camilla is depressed, she is made jealous while watching Adam and Camilla make out on a movie set; she tries masturbation but is not satisfied. When Camilla brings her to a posh Hollywood party, the other guests are annoyed with her for being late and pity her because she is a nobody in the Hollywood world."
