This topic is meant to follow similar posts regarding the differences between what defines "theme" and what is merely decoration.
Previous examples include comparing deluxe resorts such as the Yacht Club, with value options like the All-Star properties, the "cartoonification" of MK where spaces once soley devoted to single concepts have become more the same (especially when considering merchandise locations) and so on.
For my own purposes, I'll define "theme" as the collection of items (exterior and interior spaces, and objects, such as food and merch, within) designed to support a signal conept, idea or place in an effort to transport the viewer to said area. A perfect (aka well done) modern example would be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where all spaces visited take you to the world of that franchise and everything from the food you eat to the things you buy and watch support this. This used to be the model closely followed by Disney, but outside of Carsland or DisneySea, has been slipping of late.
"Decoration", in my view, is just having one of said elements (a prop or exterior, for example) in a poor attempt to imitate theme. The All-Star and Pop Century resorts are not "themed", but merely decorated with props in a way that does not really "transport" you like great themed works do, but tries more to mask the plain features of the buildings. The rooms do not really even attempt this.
I will agree sadly, that MK has been guilty of the second example of this over the last several years. The best examples of true theming in the park are the ones that meet the first definition (like Swiss Family Treehouse, Columbia Harbour House, Splash Mountain, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise), while the other applies more to Main Street which has great facades covering generic Disney retial outlets. New Fantasyland achieves the former in its own area, but causes issues similar to the second when failing to take into account the areas it immediately is next too (Tangled restrooms) which creates a disjoint that undermines theme.
What are your thoughts?
Previous examples include comparing deluxe resorts such as the Yacht Club, with value options like the All-Star properties, the "cartoonification" of MK where spaces once soley devoted to single concepts have become more the same (especially when considering merchandise locations) and so on.
For my own purposes, I'll define "theme" as the collection of items (exterior and interior spaces, and objects, such as food and merch, within) designed to support a signal conept, idea or place in an effort to transport the viewer to said area. A perfect (aka well done) modern example would be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where all spaces visited take you to the world of that franchise and everything from the food you eat to the things you buy and watch support this. This used to be the model closely followed by Disney, but outside of Carsland or DisneySea, has been slipping of late.
"Decoration", in my view, is just having one of said elements (a prop or exterior, for example) in a poor attempt to imitate theme. The All-Star and Pop Century resorts are not "themed", but merely decorated with props in a way that does not really "transport" you like great themed works do, but tries more to mask the plain features of the buildings. The rooms do not really even attempt this.
I will agree sadly, that MK has been guilty of the second example of this over the last several years. The best examples of true theming in the park are the ones that meet the first definition (like Swiss Family Treehouse, Columbia Harbour House, Splash Mountain, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise), while the other applies more to Main Street which has great facades covering generic Disney retial outlets. New Fantasyland achieves the former in its own area, but causes issues similar to the second when failing to take into account the areas it immediately is next too (Tangled restrooms) which creates a disjoint that undermines theme.
What are your thoughts?