I have been to Disneyland & Disneyworld several times.
Every time I go, I work hard to absorb everything Disney does. Looking at every detail and, most importantly, living in the moment.
The things I see blow my mind.
For instance, each ride has a story.
From the moment you get into line until the moment you get into the ride, a story unfolds before your eyes.
There is a ride in Disneyworld’s Animal Kingdom called Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. It is a rollercoaster ride that takes you on an adventure searching for the elusive Yeti.
While you stand in line, you are immersed in an expedition shack decked with artifacts, news clippings, vast supplies and ‘proof’ that a Yeti exists on Mount Everest.
You are immersed in this mountaineering world the whole time you are in line.
No details are overlooked. I truly mean that.
I was blown away by the attention to detail.
From floor to ceiling, there was period correct stuff hanging everywhere. The equipment, photos, and pamphlets from Tibet…I was amazed by the attention to detail that went into the lineup for the ride.
This was the lineup. Not the ride….just the lineup!
I began to see stories unfolding on each ride I took. I also saw stories unfolding on the grounds of each park.
If you ever go to Disneyland or Disneyworld, take a look.
We all can agree that Disney is a powerhouse at storytelling.
Why they are so good is because they outwork their competitors.
Where others see a walkway that just needs some concrete, Disney sees an opportunity to make it look like circus grounds. Concrete stamped with tracks, embedded peanut shells and footprints of animals.
Where others see a lineup, they see an opportunity to build anticipation, excitement and a story.
No detail is overlooked.
Disney is an inspiration to all business owners.
The attention they put into the whole experience is something you can also do for your business.
Tell a story. Own it. Don’t overlook any detail.
No matter the industry category you are in, there is a story to be told and an experience to be created.
Every touchpoint you have with your customers is a story waiting to happen – Your customer lounge, emails, text messages, invoices, products, TV screens, music, etc.
These little nudges are an opportunity to tell your brand’s story.
Your competitors are not even thinking of telling their story or crafting a customer experience.
All they are focused on is selling.
Selling their services.
Selling that next seasonal promotion.
Selling their one-stop shop.
It’s boring!
It’s expected!
It’s forgettable.
If you want to be memorable, you have to disrupt your customer’s expectations.
When they visit your business, they expect to get the same boring experience as everyone else they bought from.
Change their minds.
Create a story-driven experience they have never seen or felt before.
Disrupt their thoughts.
When you disrupt, you force them to open their eyes and look.
They will become in the moment and absorb your story.
When they absorb, they retain.
When they retain, they tell others.
When they tell others, curiosity sets in.
Now everyone else wants to experience it themselves.
Disney is a master of this.
You can be a master too!
Learn from Disney.