To be a change maker, you have to envision the impossible and have the courage to make it happen. Walt Disney was one of those people. He took his dream, even when people said it was crazy, and turned it into a lifelong legacy. For our field study project this year, we studied how Disney’s vision had created a whole world of imagination, leaving lasting impacts on guests around the world.
Before we were able to embark on our life-changing trip to Disney World, we had to learn about Walt Disney and the process behind his transformation from a comic artist to a worldwide phenomenon. We also got to know our project groups and spent time creating our essential questions, as well as doing research on our topics. My overarching question was “How do designers at Disney spark emotion by combining nostalgia and new ideas,” as soon as we took off toward Florida, I was ready to find answers to all of my queries.
When we got to Disney World, I was immediately captivated by all of it. The parks, the castmates, the overpriced yet delicious food. Everywhere I looked felt like it fit perfectly into the atmosphere, which made our trip and others even more magical. Along with the wonder that travelled with us, I had many wonderful conversations and interviews with cadet mates who helped me get a glimpse of how nostalgia is one of Disney’s most powerful tools.
As we finished our trip and headed home, I started to sort through all the valuable information learned on the journey and filed it away to help me with my video. Back in the classroom, when we were working on our videos, I took all my knowledge of Disney and its designers and poured it all into my video. The editing and voiceovers were tedious, as I wanted to make sure my video displayed all the information I needed as well as making it interesting and entertaining, and I have to say that I am very proud of the finished product. Last week, on May 20th, we showed our videos to each other and our partners at the Change Makers Film Festival. Although I wasn’t able to be there, I was told by others how successful and spectacular the evening was, which made me realize again how lucky I was to be able to go on this trip of a lifetime, and how greatful I am to share my journey through Disney with everyone.
Creativity, collaboration, technology, influence, and design converge to create immersive experiences that reshape our perceptions and interactions with the world. Through the lens of Walt Disney’s vision, we see how imaginative storytelling and innovative design foster emotional connections, drawing on nostalgia while integrating modern elements. This blend not only captivates audiences but also inspires collaboration among creators, harnessing technology to enhance storytelling and engagement. As we explore these experiences, like those encountered at Disney World, we gain new insights and a deeper appreciation for how these elements work together to transform our understanding and engagement with our surroundings.