Documentary Response 6: Disneyland Paris

Disneyland was a culturally enriching experience, especially as an American who can compare and contrast the differences between my culture and this culture that I have been living in for the past month. 

First, the castle was absolutely breath taking.  It was larger than life, and representative of Disney. However, it did contain some elements of Gothic architecture.  On the side, there were flying buttresses for outside reinforcement for the castle.  Additionally, there were multiple pinnacles on the top of the castle which are typically used for decoration; pinnacles are also typically paired with flying buttresses in Gothic architecture.  On the front of the castle, there is a rounded window with stained glass, which is very representative of Gothic architecture.  Although the castle contained many elements of Gothic architecture, pink was not typically a color used in the Gothic period. 

Disneyland Paris appeals to Europeans and Parisians for a variety of reasons.  One has to consider the globalization of the world, in that, different aspects of one culture are shared my many different cultures around the world.  Applying this to Disney, Europeans are just as influenced as Americans are; they know the characters, the songs, the movies, and more.  As I was walking from the park to Hollywood Studios, there was a parade in which Elsa and Anna made their way through as  "Let it Go" played with a French voice over.  When "Frozen" was released in America, it took the nation by storm, and it is obvious the French experienced this as well.  Essentially, Disney appeals to Europeans because they have connected to the stories, just as Americans have. 

Disneyland Paris, though based on the same premise, does differ from Disney World in America, but there are also many similarities.  Disneyland consisted of the same characters, rides, and souvenirs that would be present in America.  Additionally, most of the food was American food such as hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs.  The major difference between Paris and American Disney is the prevalence of smoking and drinking throughout the park.  Smoking is a huge portion of the culture in Paris, and this was carried through to Disneyland.  In Disney World in Florida, alcohol is not allowed, but it was fairly easy to locate alcohol in Disneyland.  The other difference at Disneyland was the French voice overs; it was interesting to hear the different voices, but it is completely normal for the French.