Escapes from Sprawl

I recently read an article by Kunstler for English, and one of the topics discussed was Disney World. It offered a different perspective for the Magical Kingdom. It discussed how Disney World is an escape from the monotony of sprawl. At Disney World, its visitors leave their cars in the parking lot and enter a city with no traffic which is definitely an escape from the congestion that so often accompanies sprawl.

However, according to Kunstler, the visitors do not know what they are getting into. Once the Florida sun comes out, and the long lines that are well hidden inside pavilions are discovered, the parents of the crying kid starts to wonder why they came. Also, he finds that Disney World’s preoccupation with boozing pirates and gun show cowboys is very interesting considering that these are the entertainment acts chosen for all the children that visit.

Although, Kunstler makes good points within his analysis of Disney World, I think he was too critical of Disney World. He ignores the fact that kids actually do have a fun time at Disney world. When somebody is young, waiting in a long line is worth the amazing ride, and isn’t quality time with family always a good thing? This article expresses how sprawl is bad like many of the other articles I have read in class, but in a new light, it discussed how escaping sprawl is not always a good thing either. His take is we should keep more traditional neighborhoods in real life because an escape from it all s not all it’s cracked up to be.

This reminded me of my visit to Zoo Atlanta in Grant Park. Although the zoo and Disney World definitely are not the same thing, there are similarities. Parents leave their cars in a big parking lot to take their kids on a fun adventure. The kids feet might get tired, and they might ne hot, but in the end, it was worth it for me to go to the zoo. There are places of escape everywhere to get out of the everyday routine and traffic, but I think these places are necessary, and unforgettable memories are made at these places as well.

Molly Waller