The Popular Culture Of The Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is a popular culture site that I have loved and respected ever since I went in 2001. In the following pages I will be talking about the history behind Walt Disney World, the reason why it is popular, the ideology that Walt Disney World reflects, the pleasurable aspects of Walt Disney World, and how gender norms that are seen at Walt Disney World. All of these ideas will be covered, discussed, and researched. Along with these ideas I will be delving into why I hold a love for Walt Disney World and how Walt Disney World lured me into loving them for more than 14 years. I will also go into how the gender norms that are at Walt Disney World reflect my own gender identity.

Walt Disney World, Popular Culture, and

The history behind Disney World is nothing short of amazing. During the planning stages of Disney World Walt bought up acres upon acres of property in the Orlando/Kissimmee area secretively. Walt also worked hard on making Disney world the most immersive place he could that everyone could enjoy, such as whole families, friends, school/work groups, and individuals alike. Walt refused to leave anyone out of the world he was building. Mostly, Disney World is marketed towards children and every adults inner-child. He wanted a place where you could completely forget your real life, work, and stress and come into a world of fun, enjoyment, and

Unfortunately, before the park was completed Walt Disney passed away and the duty of completing the park was left up to his brother, Roy Disney. Roy worked hard to complete the park the way Walt had envisioned it and five years later in 1971 the Disney World was ready for visitors with its first park, Magic Kingdom. Finishing the park was one of the last things that Roy did, just three months after the opening Roy passed away. Even after the Disney brothers were gone the park continued to expand and is still expanding. In order the main expansions of Disney World are Epcot in 1982, MGM Studios, now known as HollyWood Studios and Typhoon Lagoon, in 1989, Blizzard Beach in 1995 and finally Animal Kingdom in 1998. Many expansions and updates have happened and are currently happening inside of each of these parks as well. Today the park encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, and twenty-five resorts all within the 47 miles of land that Walt Bought in the 1960’s. Less than 1/3 of the land bought has been used up. The rest of the land that is not being used for parks or resorts is either untouched or being used for conservational