FROM: Communication Around the 'World' A Disney Dispatch Feature
Why Disney Made a River Brown
In a student report written for David Zanolla's course about Disney organizational culture and communication, Tori Jacobsen explains some of what she learned in the course, including something very gross (but authentic!) about brown rivers.
David Zanolla teaches an advanced honors course at Western Illinois University called Communication Around the "World". Disney World! In addition to standard lectures and projects, students will spend a week at the happiest place on earth. Cool, eh?
As part of the course requirements, each student must write a short report both for David and for ... Disney Dispatch! Cool, eh?
When I think back on our time spent at Walt Disney World, I can't help but smile. For me, Disney is very special, a place dear to my heart. Attending this class has enhanced my appreciation for Disney. I learned about many different aspects of the Walt Disney Company, and took the time to appreciate the values of their programs.
Why the River is Brown
Where do I even begin? I learned SO much on this trip and made so many memories.
The Walt Disney Company is amazing. I learned about the vast scope of Disney's enterprises, and yet realized that they pay more attention to detail than possibly any other company in the world.
For example, the brownish-colored 'river' that runs through Liberty Square is brownish-colored because people from that era would dump their chamber pots into it. I never knew that! By incorporating that level of detail into the Parks, Disney creates a unique, immersive guest experience. Disney really does 'sweat the small stuff'.
The Money, the Show, the Dream
Another thing I really loved was the camaraderie among Cast Members. There was such wonderful mutual respect, and everyone played perfectly their part in the 'show', working side-by-side, even picking up trash. As a Disney Cast Member, no matter your position in the company, that's what is expected of you, with no exceptions.
Disney's unique circumstances allow it to call its employees not employees but Cast Members, and to cordon its property into on-stage and back-stage areas. They try to create the best possible "show" for their customers; the best possible experience. In other words, they 'Put the money in the show'.
We visited back-stage areas where it was obvious (and humorous) that the sight lines were on the ground at Disney. As soon as the building or attraction was out of sight, it was bare pavement or plain steel frames.
I could go on for pages about our experience at Walt Disney World, but I will leave you with my last observation.
'Dream, believe, dare, do' is a key Disney philosophy, and it applies equally to helping the customer; building a budding business; and nurturing our own aspirations, needs, and wants. Some people call this 'visioning,' but I like the Disney concept of 'dreaming'.
Tori's Takeaway
Walt Disney once said: "I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true."
Thank you, Walt Disney World, and my "Communication Around the 'World'" class, for a truly wonderful experience and adventure.
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