I love going to Disney World in Florida. Disney has celebrations worked out to a science.
Looking at this t-shirt today, I realized three things Disney’s taught me about celebrations and special events:
- Find excuses to celebrate
Disney seems to celebrate everything. Even a 1 year anniversary merits parades and fanfare. Think about your nonprofit. What can you celebrate today? Is it some uncommon act of service? Or a donor’s gift you’ve neglected to celebrate? Or clients that are graduating from the program?You could even celebrate the fact that you are doing what you’re doing. You’re in the fight. You’re team is making a difference. Everyday. Why not take some time to get a cake and celebrate that today? Or even throw an internal parade?
- Give yourself time to celebrate
Disney’s “year of” celebrations are actually 18 months. They’ve learned that more people are able to celebrate with them if the stretch the year over a year and a half. You can do this too. Do you have a centennial coming up? Rather than starting celebrating that year on New Years, why not start this July? Build anticipation and expectancy. And take the time to celebrate your accomplishment well. - Make them magical.
Yeah, I had to say the “m” word. C’mon, it’s a post about Disney!When we visit the parks on our kids’ birthdays, they get special pins and other free things. My daughter remembers getting cupcakes and chocolate. Disney took our family celebration and made it even more special. How can you do that for your cause? Maybe your gala invitation could include a note of thanks from people impacted by a donor’s gifts? Or you could start sending birthday cards to board members and donors? (You do have those recorded in your database, don’t you?)
Those are three things I’ve learned. Are you a Disney geek too? What would you add to the list?
I think one of the things Disney does well: they are thorough. Their attention to detail is almost legendary. Having that sort of attention to the entire nature of any given experience elevates the celebration.
They sure are!
One thing I love to do is look for the hidden Mickeys. Love that level of detail too!
Having grown up in Disney’s shadow, I have to agree with Molly’s assessment of attention to detail. Everything from piped-in aromas to costumes for all of their ‘cast members’ to props situated to make standing in line less like a chore. At Disney, everything the visitor sees is a stage. And, did you know that there is a proper way to point when giving directions and just one correct wave for the Princess?
I did!!
Ever since I learned of the 2 finger pointing, I’ve used it during all my special events. (And at other times too.) People definitely see the two fingers (index and middle together) more clearly than index alone!
Marc,
This post hit home. Of course with 2 daughters I am quite familiar with everything Disney princess. I read this in a coffee shop with my 8 year old daughter and she said, “he’s right Dad, Disney knows how to throw a party”.
I also agree with Kirsten — the attention to detail and the amount of energy focused on orchestrating events is admirable.
Thanks for the reminder and tips on bringing magic to our work.
Thanks Mike! I too have an 8 y.o. daughter so I can just imagine that coffee shop scene! 🙂