It has been a while since I last posted on here, but I would like to share some thoughts I have about Marvel, edutainment, and the nature of theme parks.
First off, I am not a huge fan of IP (intellectual property) taking precedence over original (non-Disney IP) ideas, but I am a fan of it fitting properly. Two and a half years ago, I explained my thoughts on why Epcot's World Showcase was not the right venue for Disney IP in a way that Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom is obviously, but I am thinking about how IP can serve a more serious-minded purpose. This leads me to how that serious-minded aspect is a needed part of the themed space and how it inspires guests on various levels, including a deep moral message and/or tangential learning.
I have defended several attractions, such as Hall of Presidents, Pirates of the Caribbean, It's a Small World, and others, as examples of tangential learning experiences that serve more than just as an air-conditioned spot to rest (blasphemous) or pure fun. Former-Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, who is known for his focus on authenticity and realism in the themed space, went on the record to say that theme parks are and should be more than pure fun, which is what more intellectually-minded theme park nerds have been saying for years (including myself, obviously).
Back in the 1950's, Disneyland was touted as a place where families would be able to have fun together, learn a bit about the world, and grow as people (while incidentally embodying the spirit of childhood merriment). IP was not super abundant in Disneyland during its early era, but Walt Disney did have attractions in almost each land corresponding to a Disney IP (or Disneyfied IP). For example, Adventureland was initially designed as True-Life Adventureland, based on the True-Life Adventure series of nature documentaries Disney had made in the 1950's. Frontierland obviously had Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer alongside Davy Crockett and Mike Fink. Tomorrowland had the Man on the Moon (specifically created for Disneyland) infused with the Rocket to the Moon attraction. Fantasyland obviously had most of the IP at Disneyland. With what they did have, it felt more like pieces of a larger puzzle than the whole image.
Last week, I returned to Disneyland after a 15-month absence from the parks. Notably, the biggest changes made to the Disneyland Resort (aside from the obligatory precautions due to the Covid-19 pandemic) was the addition of Marvel's Avengers Campus in Disney's California Adventure. Now I had seen footage of the newest ride "Web-Slingers" and the festive opening with a flying Spider-Man animatronic, but I was finally experiencing it. Naturally, I had my share of criticism and concern over the IP choice as well as the theming, but I do have hope that this new addition can serve a purpose
My hope was/is that young people who are visiting the park and connecting with the IPs would take it upon themselves to go farther. Instead of merely seeing Spider-Man lose control of the WEB labs, they can be inspired to learn about computers and other technology for future benefit. They can go from the ride with an interest in technology, for example, and apply it to their educations, careers, and our society.
I came upon this conclusion when considering why I was drawn to the subjects I've had an affinity for since childhood. Some subjects were more a result of just being entranced by the overall mystique of history, but a litany of specific subjects were sparked and encouraged by the edutainment content of Disney parks as well as the historical spirit of the parks.
I was drawn to learning about piracy due to the Pirates of the Caribbean and the associated bibliography of cultural and historical references. Similarly, the Hall of Presidents and Lincoln presentations encouraged my growing interest in US political history. Adventureland, Small World, and World Showcase added to my appreciation of different cultures (to be fair, being a military dependent and avid reader also helped). The implied history of various themed lands lead me to researching more and more.
Attractions, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, It's a Small World, Carousel of Progress, the Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, the Mark Twain, Sailing Ship Columbia, Great Movie Ride, Spaceship Earth, the Land, and countless others, have inspired me personally in my pursuit of knowledge and happiness.
Of an earlier generation, there were musicians who were drawn to America Sings and scientists who were sucked into the world of molecules due to Adventure Thru Inner Space. The IP of 1955 Disneyland, especially in Tomorrowland and Frontierland, had a particular effect on even earlier generations of kids. Arguably, the edutainment drama of the Submarine Voyage with references to the real world of seafaring and oceanography has encouraged interests in vessels, naval history, and oceanography. Even in the IP-infused reboot of the Disneyland experience, there are references to sea life ranging from coral reefs to fish. As someone who was not able to ride the original, I enjoyed the ride when it opened and had felt that the fun facts at the beginning of our Submarine Voyage added to the experience, despite the ride being fundamentally about, well, Finding Nemo (and not the murderous captain of the Nautilus, either).
This is not a case for IP, but a possibility I welcome as an advocate of edutainment in theme parks. While I am not always a fan of IP everywhere (especially where the connection to the theme seems tenuous), I can appreciate the benefit of inspiring countless kids and encouraging interest in the world. I hope that the WEB Slingers attraction at DCA can inspire kids or contribute to a greater good just like the classics had inspired me and countless others. I am certain that aside from the military-industrial theming (which feels both right and wrong for DCA in a sense) as well as the IP choice, the possible benefits of the attraction can be at least considered. For someone who is cynical and skeptical about new additions being as great or monumental as a lot of the classic and iconic offerings, I do have hope that the attraction and others like it would be conducive to a deeper meaning, a desire to learn more and grow, and a greater purpose that ultimately fits. Like it has been stated, there is more to the theme park than pure fun and the sooner we can recognize that there are benefits beyond the thrill factor, the sooner we can evolve as a society.
