Those Happy Places Episode 23: Theme Parks, Permanence, and the Speed of Change
Jan 13, 2019
Explore the intriguing dance between permanence and change in theme parks! The hosts dive into how attractions evolve and impact nostalgia, examining why some beloved experiences get retired or revamped. Discover the balance between tradition and innovation, drawing parallels to films and cultural heritage. They also discuss community engagement and the exciting launch of a Patreon. Plus, learn about the history of Innoventions and how parks strive to keep experiences fresh in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
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Novelty Versus Park Identity
- Theme parks balance novelty and identity, trading on being constantly new while expected to keep a core character.
- That tension explains why fans react strongly when parks alter beloved elements.
Parks Change Is Irreversible
- Unlike films or books, physical theme park attractions can be removed and cannot be experienced again in the same way.
- That permanence gap makes park changes feel like the destruction of art to many fans.
A Ride Memory That Can't Return
- Alice recounts being stuck alone on a ride at age seven and how that memory became uniquely hers.
- She notes that removed attractions like Rocket Rods can't be re-experienced with children later.