Contested Kingdom: Fan Attachment and Corporate Control at Disneyland

In Contested Kingdom: Fan Attachment and Corporate Control at Disneyland, William McCarthy presents a groundbreaking study centered on the history of Disneyland and Disney theme park enthusiasts. Focusing on two unexplored yet interconnected phenomena--the dynamic relationship between the Disney corporation and Southern Californian fans in both online and physical park settings over a span of more than three decades--this volume sheds new light on the meaning and purpose of Disneyland.

Through a comprehensive analysis of the interwoven dimensions of individuals, place, and cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes, McCarthy explores the fervent sense of place attachment experienced by the approximately one million annual passholders who visit the park. McCarthy’s analysis extends beyond the physical world of Disneyland by delving into the evolution of Disney fandom, discourse, commerce, and social formations in online social platforms like Usenet, web discussion boards, and social media. By employing a mixed-methods approach incorporating interviews, participant observation, surveys, and data analysis, this study establishes a novel analytical framework for comprehending the interrelationships between the Disney corporation, its fan communities, and online social platforms. As the first in-depth longitudinal analysis of the ongoing struggle on successive social platforms between fan users and a corporate entity, Contested Kingdom provides valuable insights for scholars and future investigations.

William McCarthy is assistant professor in media production, storytelling, and tourism at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates. His work has appeared in such journals as Quarterly Review of Film and Video, Social Semiotics, Semiotica, Tourism Geographies, and Journal of Leisure Research.