One of my favorite childhood destinations to visit almost annually was Disneyland. Since I was two years old, I’ve been traveling to Disneyland many times around Christmas time, for my eighth grade graduation trip, and a few times for Valentine’s Day. I haven’t thought about it much until this semester and our discussion of media, but now I realize how much media plays a role in the Disneyland experience.
Without technology, media, and iPhones, in my opinion, going to Disneyland would be a vastly different experience. First, the Disneyland app is such a vital asset to walking around Disneyland. The app provides wait times for every ride, the current time slot for FastPasses, and what time the ride opens. In addition, it allows me to know whether or not the ride is closed for maintenance or whether or not the ride is even open for the day. Without this app, going to Disneyland would be much less fun, since the order of rides I go on depends entirely on the wait times and what time I can obtain Fastpasses. With the efficiency of media today, a new system at Disneyland allows visitors to purchase a “MaxPass” for ten dollars a day that allows visitors to obtain FastPasses for rides without having to walk up to the machines that dispense them. There are many other features on the app, including a map of Disneyland, all the hours and menus of every restaurant and snack bar, daily events such as photo opportunities with Disney characters, and the ability to even order food. Media has significantly enhanced the Disneyland experience, making it easier and more efficient than ever to enjoy the various rides and attractions the park offers.
Media is also a crucial part of the rides at Disneyland. With the development of recent technology, the rides have been more advanced and detailed than ever. Disney has also provided a photo system that takes pictures of visitors on the rides in special spots, such as the top of splash mountain or at the end of California Screamin, which has been refurbished in the past year. Visitors can order the pictures or get the, sent to their phones, and share them in social media with friends.
Finally, media has allowed me to keep up with the recent changes being made to Disneyland, especially Star Wars Land. I’ve been reading news articles this past year about the development and progress of the land, and the details of the rides—the millennium falcon—and the different characteristics and Star Wars artifacts of the surroundings. I’ve been able to see countless pictures of the land without even visiting the park at all, and I’ve been seeing all kinds of social media posts, comments, tweets, etc. about the recent opening day on May 31st.
This new kind of life media allows us to experience is prevalent in many places outside of Disneyland. Media vastly increases the efficiency and conveniency of our daily lives, and it allows us to connect and be more aware of the world around us. Going to Disneyland would not be even close to as exciting of an experience without the presence of media all around the parks.
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