A experiência do ritual de passagem dos 15 anos promovida pelas viagens para a Disney de Orlando e os impactos da pandemia do Covid-19 (2020-2022)

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to understand the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the experience of the "rite of passage" for 15th birthdays, consisting of trips to Walt Disney World, from the analysis of the travel groups called #VoupraDisneyComAClaudinha, conducted by the FlyTour agency in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. Methodologically, the article is based on research of theoretical and documentary nature, addressing issues related to the Walt Disney Company, as well as the Storytelling created by it, which involves visitors and reminds them of childhood. In addition, it also deals with how the transition from childhood to early adulthood (youth) is built and the developments of Covid-19 in this rite of passage. These points were supported by the application of two questionnaires and an interview that showed a deeper perspective in relation to people who have already traveled to Disney with the group, those who could not go due to the pandemic, along with the view of the organizer of these groups. As a main result, it was found that going to the "magic kingdom" goes beyond days of fun, being a moment of personal growth and bonding with the people who go together, since, for those who had to postpone going, the situation was defined as a moment of sadness and also of expectation for the day the dream will come true.