Context in installation art is important.

The rides themselves are interactive art installations. However, these installations are in context due to immersive lands. The Lands at Magic Kingdom are intentional. Every concept is well thought out and planned in detail. The music played in the land, the transitions between lands, and the smells in the lands including the themed food offerings including the restaurants.

The lands in Magic Kingdom include Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland and are all organized around the HUB and Mainstreet USA. As a detailed example, let us review the transition from Fantasyland (Cinderella’s castle, Belle’s castle, Aerial’s castle, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Winnie the Pooh, Tea Cups and more) to Tomorrowland (Motor Speedway, Space Mountain, Astro Orbiter, TTA and more). The elements include sound when passing the sound teacups as you approach the motor speedway. Lights change from low non-descript lighting by Winnie the Pooh to the towering Astro Orbiter along with the underside of the TTA illuminated red and Space Mountain in the distance.

In my opinion, the greatest transition is at Hollywood Studios. The park begins with Mainstreet Hollywood. Once passing the Sci-Fi Diner and the Muppet Theater there is what appears to be a subway entrance. Then the elements of another world begins. Symbols, trashcans, materials, sound and music change. A moment later, you have left earth and have travelled to a new galaxy. All cast member in this galaxy have in-depth training and if you speak with the cast, they each have an extensive back-story.

Fun fact – when I went to the Parks with my mom (who was wearing a Star Wars shirt) for her birthday, a cast member wrote her name in the alphabet used in Star Wars (which she LOVED)!