Event Imagineer

Took a long time, but glad it has happened. Seeing yourself depicted in a world is so very important.

Magic Kingdom Adds A New Doll in a Wheelchair to “it’s a small world”

https://wdwnt.news/20230301034

Just returned from a fantastic trip to Tokyo Disney Resort (more on the differences and lessons learned later). While there, I took a few videos of the holiday decorations in case you are interested in seeing the Christmas decor at Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. I posted on a new YouTube channel (please consider subscribing if you like it!) where I'll try to post more Disney videos over time.

www.youtube.com

For Imagineering fans, Joe Rohde is one of the masters—responsible for so much of Animal Kingdom, Aulani, and more. He is always so insightful on authenticity so his take on the (in)famous hair tie collection at the top of Everest is interesting. He sees both sides—the distraction from the fantasy he worked so hard to create and also the very real human ritual that has been created. In the events world, we occasionally find ourselves amazed that guests create moments for themselves, rituals, events-within-events that we didn’t plan for. That could just be the ultimate sign of success where you have created an environment so welcoming that guests feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves and joining others (often strangers) in spontaneous moments of connectivity. True, though, someone does often have to clean up the mess.

Of the many first hand reports of the new Star Wars experience that have been coming out, few have gotten as much media play as the “box truck” transport. It’s rare for Disney (or event) guests to “look behind the curtain” to see how the magic is created, but we should always be prepared in case they do. Could Disney have invested a little into a custom wrap for the truck to make it a little less pedestrian? My guess is that they will if these images keep circulating. Of course I reject the notion that knowing what is behind the curtain makes the magic any less magical, but when you are trying to SELL the potential of magic, pics like this can hurt.

Can’t understate the impact that a simple gesture like this does to make ALL guests feel welcome. When you don’t see yourself represented it sends a strong signal that you are merely guests in someone else’s world.

PHOTOS: Same-Sex Couple Now Pictured at PhotoPass Spot in EPCOT

https://wdwnt.news/20211203020

https://www.specialevents.com/content/disney-experience

So pleased to share this fantastic blog about the connection between Disney magic and everyday event planning.

The Disney Experience How to bring the magic of Walt Disney’s customer experience to your events

It's so fitting that a university that looks like its right from a Disney movie is the first to add "Five Days with the Mouse to be a Better Event Planner" to the required reading for a course. Royal Roads University in British Columbia - IHMN335 Special Events Management course (part of the BA program in Global Tourism Management) will be reading the book in January. I wish their students the best of luck!

Happy 50th WDW!

Sobering story out of Atlanta of a wedding with near-tragic consequences. More detail of the decision-making process in this article than most, and a very important read. Disney's original four keys (now five) were Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency and they are in that order for a reason. Each trumps the next. You shouldn't be rude to guests to make a process more efficient, nor do you courtesy for a good show. BUT you do have to put all of that aside if safety is in jeopardy. Put in non-Disney terms -- the hell with the wedding, the hell with the decor, the hell with the couple, LIVES are at stake.

Video: Storm topples tent at Buckhead wedding, injuring pregnant woman, musicians Videos taken during an outdoor wedding at a Buckhead hotel provide new insight into the frightening moment a powerful storm ripped down the tent over the ceremony and caused it to collapse on dozens of guests, including two musicians and a woman in the third trimester of her pregnancy.

So great to take the book “on the road” and connect with event professionals at The Special Event conference. Next year is at Anaheim…hmmm…wonder what that might be near? 🐭

Wow! Five Days with the Mouse to be a Better Event Planner was nominated for Best Industry Contribution for the 2021 International Live Events Association ESPRIT Awards. It's a fitting category because this book was indeed created to be a contribution to the events industry--especially event planner professional development. Writing it during the pandemic also gave a unique opportunity to put in writing the impact of COVID 19 on both the events and theme park industries. As they say, "it's an honor just to be nominated," and it's true. Very honored that the book is being recognized by event industry peers in this way.

I know it can be easy to dismiss this as political correctness overload or “cancel culture” but I see it differently. Anytime there is a classy way to remove specific gender references from announcement, you increase inclusiveness and a sense of welcome and belonging. Replacing “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” with “Dreamers of all ages” is not only an elegant replacement, it’s even a more powerful message with two fewer words. Dreamers is a much better choice than a list of genders, and “of all ages” reinforces a key cross-generational aspect of Disney magic. Congrats, Disney for not only evolving, but also taking the opportunity to replace it with something better.

Walt Disney World Removes “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls” Greeting from Fireworks at Magic Kingdom to Promote Inclusivity

https://wdwnt.news/20210630010