Theme Park Fandom : : Spatial Transmedia, Materiality and Participatory Cultures / / Rebecca Williams.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter Amsterdam University Press Complete eBook-Package 2020
• VerfasserIn: Williams, Rebecca,
• Place / Publishing House: Amsterdam : : Amsterdam University Press, , [2020]; ©2020
• Year of Publication: 2020
• Language: English
• Series: Transmedia ; 8
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (260 p.)

This book argues that serious study of theme parks and their adult fans has much to tell us about contemporary transmediality and convergence, themed and immersive spaces, and audience relationships with places of meaning. Considering the duopoly of Disney and Universal in Orlando, the book explores a range of theme park experiences including planning trips, meeting characters, eating and drinking, engaging in practices such as cosplay and re-enactment, and memorializing lost attractions. Highlighting key themes such as immersion, materiality, cultural distinctions, and self-identity, the book argues that theme parks are a crucial site for the exploration of transmediality and the development of paratexts. Proposing the key concepts of spatial transmedia and haptic fandom, the book offers analysis of the intersections between fandom, media texts, and merchandise, as well as fans' own affective and physical responses to visiting the parks.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Table of Contents -- Acknowledgements -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Understanding the Contemporary Theme Park : Theming, Immersion and Fandom -- 3. Fandom, Brandom and Plandom : Haptic Fandom, Anticipatory Labour and Digital Knowledge -- 4. Extending the Haunted Mansion : Spatial Poaching, Participatory Narratives and Retrospective Transmedia -- 5. Of Mice and Minions : ‘Ani-embodiment’ and ‘Metonymic Celebrity’ in the Theme Park Character Encounter -- 6. Turkey Legs, Dole Whip and Duff : Consumables, Diegetic Paratexts and ‘Cult-Culinary’ Objects -- 7. Embodied Transmedia and Paratextual-Spatio Play : Consuming, Collecting and Costuming Theme Park Merchandise -- 8. Replacing and Remembering Rides : Ontological Security, Authenticity and Online Memorialization -- 9. Conclusion: Ways Forward for Theme Park and Fan Studies -- Index