Turkey Legs, Dole Whip and Duff : Consumables, Diegetic Paratexts and ‘Cult-Culinary’ Objects

Abstract

This chapter considers food and drink within theme parks as consumable paratexts which may occupy different levels of status depending on fan distinctions surrounding their perceived authenticity, adherence to expectations about the product, and status as branded or non-branded products. The chapter considers the immersive potential of such items, as well as themed restaurants and bars, and also analyses the cult following that theme park fans have afforded to certain products that originate within the parks themselves such as the Dole Whip (a pineapple ice-cream that has a cult fandom amongst many Disney fans). It also examines the implications when pre-existing fans of other artists (in this case, American singer Jimmy Buffett) may clash with the commercially owned spaces of the theme park.