Theme parks have long been dismissed by some critics as artificial spaces designed solely to manipulate emotions or cater exclusively to children. However, proponents argue that these venues represent a unique and significant form of artistic expression and storytelling. This debate has been highlighted recently by the reflections of Joe Rohde, a veteran Disney Imagineer known for his creative leadership on projects such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Rohde, whose new book “Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible” delves into his four decades of work with Walt Disney Imagineering, contends that theme parks should be appreciated as complex, narrative-driven environments. Speaking at the recent D23 Disney fan convention, he emphasized that the artificiality of theme parks is not a flaw but a defining characteristic shared with other artistic media like film and theater. “Of course they are not real,” Rohde said. “It is a creation. That’s what makes it a work of art.”
Animal Kingdom, often regarded as one of Disney’s most immersive parks after the original Disneyland, exemplifies this philosophy. The park incorporates detailed environmental storytelling, using real-world inspirations such as Africa’s Lake Manyara National Park to create a space that feels authentic yet imaginative. Guests encounter layered narratives, like anti-poaching messages integrated into the safari experience, which add depth to the visit beyond traditional amusement rides.
The parks also draw from diverse artistic traditions to build their fantastical worlds. Rohde points to the floating mountains of Pandora — The World of Avatar, where the Italian Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s work influenced the design of the hanging vines. These references blend reality and fantasy and require visitors to actively engage with their surroundings to uncover stories.
Supporters of theme parks acknowledge they are not substitutes for real-world experiences, such as traveling to Africa or visiting Europe. Instead, these parks offer curated artistic interpretations of places and cultures, filtering them through storytelling to create new meanings. For example, Epcot’s World Showcase uses architectural and culinary elements to evoke a sense of various countries, encouraging curiosity and cultural exploration.
Some critics label theme parks as “fake” or accuse them of infantilizing guests, arguing they promote a sanitized, idealized worldview. However, this view has been challenged as overly simplistic and dismissive of the creative collaboration and narrative complexity involved in theme park design. Many attractions, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, have been praised for their ability to offer interactive, layered storytelling experiences that influenced other media, including open-world video games.
Ultimately, theme parks operate as a distinct artistic medium that blends architecture, design, and narrative into immersive experiences. They invite visitors to participate actively in the stories being told rather than passively consuming them. As such, the debate over their authenticity may overlook the innovative ways theme parks shape imagination and cultural storytelling in a manner unlike any other art form.