203. Bethanee Bemis on Disney Theme Parks and America's National Narratives

The Smithsonian exhibit "Mirror, Mirror: Reflections of America in Disney Parks" is currently on display at the National Museum of American History. — Photo by the National Museum of American History

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Disney’s parks and films have played an important role in how we consider American history and our culture. They’re more than just casual entertainment and have connected with our core identities. In her book Disney Theme Parks and America’s National Narratives, Bethanee Bemis explores Disney’s impact on this country’s stories going back to Mickey Mouse and the opening of Disneyland. It’s a companion to the Smithsonian exhibit “Mirror, Mirror: Reflections of America in Disney Parks” at the National Museum of American History.

Bethanee Bemis is the author of the book "Disney Theme Parks and America's National Narratives" and a museum curator. — Photo by Bethanee Bemis

Bethanee is my guest on the Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about the book and Smithsonian exhibit. We start by covering her background with Disney and how she got interested in studying history. Childhood trips to Walt Disney World, national parks, and more spurred her interest in bigger questions about our country’s past. Bethanee and I talk about why Disney connects so strongly with fans and with how we look upon ourselves. U.S. Presidents like Nixon, Reagan, and Obama have connected with Disney’s theme parks to present larger optimistic themes.

Bethanee Bemis is a curator on the very cool "Mirror, Mirror: Reflections of America in Disney Parks" exhibit at the National Museum of American History. — Photo by the National Museum of American History

We also talk about the process of acquiring photos from Disney fans for the exhibit. This collection of images helps present the ways that we all connect with the parks. They also show how changes at Disney’s parks have mirrored the way our culture has evolved. Bethanee explains the way that updates to attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise, and Splash Mountain reveal how Disney continues to progress. I conclude the podcast by asking Bethanee fun questions about what attractions interest her when she visits Walt Disney World.