Disneyization and the provision of leisure experiences

This chapter outlines a particular theoretical framework called Disneyization and uses this set of concepts to examine leisure patterns. Disneyization’s principal argument is that the characteristics of Disney theme parks are coming to dominate society, as they incorporate performed, themed narratives into consumer service experiences. What distinguishes Disneyized arrangements from other bought leisure is that customers can “eat, play, and shop” in the same “storied” location; everything needed to have a good time is found in one place. Armed with some foundational social theory on globalization and the four features of Disneyization, this chapter explores the degree to which a variety of leisure experiences can be considered to be Disneyized. The analysis continues with a discussion about how Disneyization can be seen to have both positive and negative implications for leisure in the twenty-first century.