Disney Parks and the American Experience with Smithsonian Specialist Bethany Beimis

Disney Parks as a Reflection of American Identity

• 💡 Disney theme parks, from Disneyland to Disney World, initially reflected the traditional, predominantly white male narrative of 1950s America.
• 🎯 As the United States evolved, so did Disney's parks and films, mirroring societal changes and serving as a reflection of the nation's identity at any given time.
• 🔑 The parks offer a sense of reassurance, allowing visitors to connect with idealized historical narratives and feel that past challenges were overcome, implying future resilience.

Government and Disney's Narrative Power

• 🇺🇸 Disney's influence on national narrative was recognized by the US government, notably with Disney's Stages America on Parade being an official Bicentennial celebration in 1976.
• 🚀 This parade reached an estimated 25 million people, significantly more than historical sites like Independence National Historical Park, highlighting Disney's reach in shaping public perception.
• 🏛️ Every US president since 1955, except Lyndon Johnson, has visited a Disney park, underscoring the parks' role as a platform for political figures to connect with the average American.
• 📸 Presidents like Nixon, HW Bush, Clinton, and Obama have made notable visits, with Nixon even referencing Disneyland on the White House tapes and attending events at Disney properties.

Thematic Narratives Across Disney Lands

• 🏘️ Main Street, U.S.A. embodies the ideals of free enterprise and small-town living, influencing urban planning and representing a nostalgic vision of the past.
• 🗺️ Adventureland explores the spirit of adventure and manifest destiny, reflecting America's history of exploration and expansion, though it can also be viewed through a lens of colonialism.
• ⚙️ Tomorrowland embodies technological innovation and the American frontier spirit, with attractions like Mission to the Moon and the TTA highlighting progress and the potential for space exploration, influenced by figures like Walt Disney and Wernher von Braun.
• 🏞️ Frontier Land represents the closing of the American West and the dignity of the common man, drawing inspiration from figures like Tom Sawyer and emphasizing self-sufficiency and rural life.
• 🏛️ Liberty Square is the most overtly American land, featuring the Hall of Presidents and historical details like a Liberty Bell replica, aiming to humanize presidents and showcase the evolution of the American presidency.
• ✨ Fantasy Land draws from European myths and folklore, representing the immigrant experience and the melting pot of stories that form part of the American identity, while also conveying a sense of optimism.

Evolving Narratives and Cultural Relevance

• 🔄 The national narrative within Disney parks is not static, evolving with each generation's definition of American identity, as seen in the public debates over park content.
• 🎭 Attractions like Carousel of Progress have undergone significant script changes to reflect evolving societal views, particularly regarding the roles of women and family dynamics.
• 🍻 Practices like serving alcohol and smoking policies within the parks have also changed dramatically, reflecting broader shifts in American social acceptability over time.
• 😷 Bethany Beimis is currently researching how the COVID-19 closure and reopening of Disney parks have affected people's relationships with the parks, collecting oral histories from guests and cast members.