For our Change Makers: Walt Disney project, PLP 10 went on a field study to Disney World in Florida. We were there to explore how Disney creates powerful and memorable experiences through creativity, design, and storytelling. Each of us had a specific focus, and we worked in groups to research, interview people, film, and create a final video to show what we learned.
My focus: How do Disney cast members use appealing storytelling, emotional connections, and the five senses, to create experiences that feel personal, are joyful, and become a part of them for a lifelong memory?
Right away I noticed how much cast members have such an impact at Disney. Everyone is super friendly, always in character, and you can truly tell how much they love their job. The characters bring their stories to life, and every little detail helps create cheerful moments that stay with people forever. It could be the smell of popcorn on Main Street, a character waving, or a cast member sharing a fun fact, they use the five senses and emotion to make each guest feel like they’re part of something special.
People Power focus: How does creativity and collaboration create unforgettable experiences?
Cast members work together to keep the magic going, like the rides, shows, and staying in character when talking to people. All the little things lead up to the big picture, like the teamwork at Disney helps bring the visions to life. Everyone is so different but similar in the best possible way, and they use that to all work together to create something amazing.
Driving Question: How do creativity, collaboration, technology, influence, and design create experiences that change how we see and engage with the world?
Disney is the perfect place to learn about this. Every part of the parks is carefully designed using creativity, teamwork, and technology. All of those things together create an unforgettable experience for everyone.
The Process
Before the trip when working in the People Power group, I made guiding questions using the CBL chart, and organized my interview plan in my challenge planner, which helped me choose the most interesting questions that can be on the open sided side. For the questions I focused on storytelling, emotional connections, and the use of the five sense.
Planning interviews was definitely a challenge. At first it was hard finding cast members willing to be on camera or take a moment to talk. But after my first interview, I got into a rhythm, and became more confident in myself to ask people. I learned that next time I want to try to make my interviews feel more like conversations. By being open, curious, and listening closely, you never know when someone might say something perfect for your video.
For the project I filmed a 5 minute video that not only had interviews but also included the environment, the sounds, and the emotions of the parks. Even though I wasn’t at the film festival to present it, my group did an amazing job sharing what we learned, and how valuable it can be when taking a step outside the classroom to learn within a new environment.
What I Learned
This trip taught me that people are the heart of every meaningful experience. Disney’s creativity and collaboration aren’t just behind the scenes, but they are happening all the time, in person. Cast members make a huge impact by making guests feel seen, heard, and welcomed. And that feeling sticks with you for a very long time.
This trip helped me gain confidence by talking to strangers, asking thought provoking questions during my interviews, and filming in busy places, around so many people pushed me out of my comfort zone. But in the end, I made countless memories during the process, stronger friendships, and a better understanding of how meaningful experiences are made.
This is an animatronic from the Pandora ride, it sang, when it moved everything flowed, and the attention to detail just really shows how Disney can bring something to life, and create unforgettable experiences.
What I did well:
- Asked meaningful questions during interviews and learned to adapt in the moment
- Got great footage that showed what my focus was (I didn’t use half my videos, at least it’s better to have more than less!)
- Collaborated well with my group
- Grew more confident with talking to people I have never met
What I could improve:
- Better time management and planning, especially with planning my interviews, I was changing questions last minute and that didn’t help
- Planning more in advance for what shots and audio I needed for the final video
Overall this field study was incredible. I made so many memories, got closer with my classmates, and saw in real life how Disney’s magic isn’t just in the rides, it comes from the imagineers, the cast members, the other visitors around me. This trip showed me how creativity, collaboration, and storytelling can really change how we see and engage with the world.
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