Understanding the Contemporary Theme Park : Theming, Immersion and Fandom

Abstract

This chapter provides a history of the development and definition of the contemporary theme park, focusing on how Orlando, Florida developed into the world’s theme park capital. It also sets out the key areas of literature that the book contributes to, including work on themed space and place, transmediality and convergence, fan spaces and pilgrimage, distinction and cultural value, and self-identity and narrative. The chapter notes that work on fans of specific destinations or places remains scarce, arguing for greater focus on this mode of place-based fandom, as well as proposing a turn towards academic study of the spatial elements of transmediality, and the concept of spatial transmedia.