Notes from The Magic Kingdom
I noticed a few things when I was visiting Micky’s Kingdom the other day. I have always been a big fan of Walt and his creation. There is no denying that it is a magical creation, one that has inspired millions and millions of people. His little mouse drawing is one of the most recognizable images in the world, probably the most recognizable!
I noticed some interesting things about Disneyland culture though when I went there. These are never intended outcomes of Walt’s Dream (we think, some say he is frozen beneath Main Street, perhaps feeding marketing execs brilliant messages). I’m going to go ahead and collect them here.
I noticed a lot of little princesses at Disneyland. They were wearing licensed princess costumes. Two things, they get special treatment from Disney Cast Members and the give the little ones an experience of being the myth. They are royalty and can have anything they want. The one little boy I saw experiencing this magic was wielding a storm trooper rifle. I approved. It should also be noted that adults cannot dress up as Disney characters and go to Disneyland.
I figured out a new classification. Disigoths. Like Visigoths, but more emo and with Jack Skellington tattoos.
I kept noticing these kids with lanyards holding their season passes studded with little pins. Apparently there is this whole culture of pin trading going on at Disneyland. They go up to any cast member and the cast member MUST trade with them whatever pin they want. There are whole books about the process. It’s insane. It defines a sort of Disney Elite User. Amazing.
I find the Disney elites fascinating. There is this whole deep culture there. There are so many season pass holders who just go to the Theme Park to unwind after a hard day once the crowds have gone home.
I noticed a few other things, but they are coming as mini sagas.
Tags: Disneyland, marketing