A Semiotic Comparison of Disneyland with Marriotts Great America - Essay Example

A Semiotic Comparison of Disneyland with Marriott’s Great America Part I. Analyze the movement from narrative to spectacle by examining AT LEAST TWO theme parks discussed in the readings. One major reason why theme parks are absolutely appealing to the public is that because it helps the people in getting a feel of things that are absolutely spectacular, making them experience---even for the time being---the beauty of fantasy.  It is truly undeniable that most people come to visit these parks to unwind; for adults to feel like they are young again, and for the kids to make the most out of their childhood.  These fantasylands help one’s dream to somehow come as a reality.  And indeed, once a person steps inside this world of whims, he suddenly goes into the world of pretense as well, immediately embarking upon a role which he unconsciously partakes.   On the other hand, various themes give rise to different effects on the individuals.  It is almost like that the premise takes control of how visitors should react to the circumstances: offering a variety of choices, hence, conferring a mixture of diverse emotions as well.  “Disneyland is commonly seen as the prototypical total fantasy park in America, or probably in the world”, (The Sale of Two Cities: A Semiotic Comparison of Disneyland with Marriott’s Great America, p.1).  It is unquestionably exemplary that people from different walks of life, visitors of different age group, find themselves enthralled and at times, powerlessly captivated. Incontestably, Disneyland has the ability to initiate a feeling of awe, generating such wonderful notion to its visitors.  The structure of the park, as well as its different auras, however, allows the people to become barely aware of the divergence and picture between the real world and the world of imagination. Rides represent out of the ordinary experiences, however, not all are just amusing, for some also intend to remind us of the important aspects of life such as greed, fear, and even death.     Consequently, Marriott’s fashion is definitely atypical, in contrast to the prototypical picture of Disneyland.  It chose not to make an apparent distinction between the fantasy world and the real one. The journey from reality to fantasy is done subtly; allowing the visitors to experience the flight from the real world while they are still made aware of realism. The plodding switch from true existence to the wonderful world of imagination make Marriott’s an astonishing pursuit to the majority. Palpably, the two theme parks have several contrasting aspects.  Marriott’s may be reckoned as a better option when it comes to the suitability of budget because of its unlimited access to numbers of rides and lots of other attractions.  Whereas Disneyland sets a limit on the probable selections of activities, Marriott’s, on the other hand, makes more opportunities for the visitors to take pleasure in. The theme parks are inimitable in their own ways; absolutely different, yet, both parks give rise to an enormously pleasing American experience. The distinction between the two theme parks includes its layout, crafting exclusive effect and influence to the tourists. Nevertheless, the ability to draw a distinction despite their comparable aims as a theme park only makes these two even more enticing to the public. For this reason, people are drawn closer to get a feel of what is unreal---to forget what is flawed, and to somehow believe that at one point of their lives---life can actually be perfect. Part II. Desmond argues the physical body functions as a repository of truth in tourist sites. She calls this epistemological function "physical foundationalism" (xiv). Expand on this idea by examining how tourist sites allow participants to embody the experience they project. In other words, examine EITHER the Masada OR Elmina Castle by analyzing what tourists experience by embodying the experiences of others. It is sometimes astounding how people helplessly find themselves vulnerably affected by some tourist settings, that in some instances, they feel like they are brought from one time to the other. The dungeons at the Elmina Castle effortlessly enrapture several visitors. People let loose of their real lives to live through the slavery in a world, an embodiment, which---at some point of their lives, may have been unknown to them, despite accounts of the story. While others reflect on it as an opportunity to divulge more of their real selves, some purely embrace the transformation of a feeling of security to something that is almost unidentifiable. It is extremely amazing to discover history in a somewhat strange way. At Elmina Castle, visitors permit the ancient times to be part of the present. The consciousness of these stories makes the magical feeling become more genuine. It may sound odd, but not to the ones who come to the Castle to get the feel of the past. It is surprising how a tourist setting could actually bring back painful memories, thus, harking back the tension between the African Americans and Ghanaians. Conversely, no one would attempt to obstruct it, for doing so would also bottle up history. Elmina Castle will ceaselessly uncover various feelings of disparity, as it also takes back numerous recollections of the past. The “Through the Door of No Return---The Return” act reflects the situation which the slaves had to go through. As walking to the door leads to the slavery of Americans. It mirrors the difficulties faced by African Americans, having had to go through that door, and never get the chance to come home, in this fashion, the Blacks allow themselves to simultaneously grieve, like it lets them become a part of a heartbreaking times, which was lived through by their ancestors. Indubitably, entering Elmina Castle instantly initiates strong emotions to the African Americans---so as to the tourists. Here is the place where history lies. A fortress which holds the truth, a place that had been a witness to all the struggles, misery, inequality, hatred, and fear. As expected, the travelers respond to the setting; feeling what had been there, grasping what is at hand. As history unfolds, tourists also set themselves aside, assenting to befall without restraint into the entrancing air of the Castle. People liberally consent what is presented, boldly succumbing what is offered. Visiting Elmina Caste is not all about bitterness; most sightseers become conscious of the times of yore while at the same time, it makes them appreciate the present. Most visitors liberate themselves from any other thoughts and unleash their own sentiments as they go into the Castle. Overwhelming, if not entirely startling---how people unshackle their minds and resign themselves to a new experience, seizing each moment of emotionally arousing journey. Works Cited Melching, E. W. and Melching, Jay, The Sale of Two Cities: A Semiotic Comparison of Disneyland with Marriott’s Great America, p.1. Read More