Theme Park Fandom

by Rebecca Williams

Theme Park Fandom 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.

260 pages, Hardcover

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Kathryn Hemmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theme Park Fandom is one of the most enjoyable academic books I’ve read in years. It was fascinating to learn about the communities surrounding theme parks, as well as how theme park culture is created, who is creating it, and how it’s not just Rich White Men producing media content and "experiences" that are consumed passively. I feel that good scholarship should be like an intelligent yet still accessible documentary that introduces and explains a part of the world that you only vaguely knew existed. Theme Park Fandom is a perfect example of the critical potential of this type of scholarship. It was a lot of fun to read, and it helped me make sense of several aspects of contemporary American culture that I’ve always found a bit mystifying.

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un bon bouquin plutôt complet avec des sujets types intéressants, néanmoins je le conseillerais pas comme porte d'entrée sur la question des parcs à thème. Il se répète beaucoup dans ses propos.