I recently visited Walt Disney World for the first time in my life. It lived up to its reputation. I’ll be going back.
Really, Disney World is just an artwork.
It just happens to be the most elaborate and refined artwork in history. My opinion of course, but I’m sure others might agree.
Disney conveys intricate imagination that has been working tirelessly for years.
It got me thinking about what makes Disney so successful. What makes this living, growing work of art so amazing despite its monstrous size?
Could we learn from Walt Disney’s creation to make better art?
Can we take the ingredients from Disney World and apply them to make our lives better?
We absolutely can.
Here are five mental notes I took away from Disney to help me live a better life. I’m also taking these to heart to make better artwork.
1. Details matter.
The sum of the exquisite details adds up to be an experience that cannot compare. Whether it’s the pristine conditions of the parks or the elaborate covered structures to disguise its construction, Disney cares about any detail that might be misinterpreted. Some details magnify the level of intrigue like gleaming stones in the tiles. Some details intentionally conceal, like camouflaged garbage cans.
2. A feeling can be conveyed in the most subtle ways.
I was encountered by staff doing the most mundane work, but their smiles made you think they were on vacation, just like us. Despite long lines that I dread more than anything, they entertain you, play with your eyes, and make you forget about the fact that you are waiting.
3. Intention and planning is impactful to the experience.
Need a place for your stroller? There’s a place to park that. Hungry? Walk a few feet and don’t worry about waiting in the line too long because there are just enough to minimize lines and not too many that they clutter up the place. All logistics and worries just fade away.
4. First impressions are critical.
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover? That’s not reality folks. We judge immediately and a first impression takes an enormous amount of effort and time to overcome. Disney knows this best, and first impressions in every experience are done right and done with deliberate care. The most visually stunning things in the parks are the tallest and what you see first. They are still at a distance though to draw you in, add mystique, and add initial layers of exploration.
5. There’s something special there for everyone.
Many successful entrepreneurs and marketers will tell you that a business offering must be laser guided with a specific target demographic. Somehow Disney had been able to turn most of its visitors into fans, regardless of age, race, religion, or gender. This stems from their vast research and experience about what works and what doesn’t.
Disney World is an experience that is hard to forget because of its attention to detail, positive feelings, planning, powerful first impressions, and effective mass appeal.
I will plan to pay closer attention to these in both my life and art.
