We Can Learn From Walt Disney World
So, this post is certainly different from my others thus far. However, I want people to know there’s more to me and my family than just church leadership and deep thoughts. That being said, prepare yourself. My passion for Disney World runs deep, and who knows, my thoughts may run deeper than you’d think also. Let’s start with a top ten countdown, if you will. Ten reasons everyone should visit Disney World during their life (many times).
10- Everybody needs to see the “Real” Mickey Mouse at least once during their lifetime and certainly many times. My 19 month old son sees Mickey on TV and all he can get out is a, “Mouse… Mouse … Mouse…” I can only imagine the joy he’ll have on his face when he sees the “Real” Mickey for the first time … or maybe he’ll just freak out. Either way it’ll be fun for me!
9- Dreams really do come true. The attention to detail that the Walt Disney company gives to each and every thing they do at their parks, resorts, restaurants and really everywhere is incredible.
8 – Everyone that works for Disney (cast members) are flat out the friendliest people I’ve ever come across when frequenting theme parks. YOU really are their first priority from the moment you step on the property until the moment you leave. They are excited that YOU are there. (and it really seems genuine)
7 – No matter where you are in the world (most) people will know who/what Disney is. Anything that BIG should be visited. Don’t cha think?
6 – Dole Whip. Probably the neatest tasting ice cream type treat one could imagine. Visit the Magic Kingdom and give it a whirl. It’s located near Pirates of the Carribean.
5 – Expedition Everest. A roller coaster thrill ride located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You’ll walk into a theme park that is “not a zoo” but you’ll end up being chased through Mount Everest by a Yetti. Watch out, the tracks have been ripped up and there’s nowhere to go but back and down and all around.
4 – The Rockin’ Roller Coaster. This one is located at Disney’s Hollywood studios. Aerosmith is playing tonight and you don’t wanna miss the show. You’re already late but don’t worry, the guys have hooked you up with a stretch limo that goes faster than the average limo. It’ll get you there but you may have to make some sharp turns.
3 – The Tower of Terror. You’ll find this gem right next to the Rockin’ roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You gotta take the maintenance elevator to get to your room, the only problem is, this elevator travels to places unknown. That … and the cables have snapped.
2- There’s something for everybody. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking your 22 month old in September (me and my wife) or if you’re chronologically superior. You will find something that appeals to you. I promise. If you don’t believe me test it out for yourself.
1 – Night of Joy. This is the only “belief-based” event that Disney themselves sponsor. Well, this and the reading of the Christmas story every night throughout the Christmas season at EPCOT. Night of Joy is a Christian music festival, if you will, that happens every September, currently happening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2009. Many folks believe that Disney sponsors other events, not to be named because this post is not about that, but you may or may not know what I’m talking about. However, Disney does not sponsor those events. That’s to say, it’s not “put on” by Disney themselves. Night of Joy, however, is “put on” by Disney. And it’s just as great as anything else Disney does. All throughout the park for two nights you’ll find various well known Christian music artists/praise & worship leaders doing what God has blessed them with the capability of doing. It’s incredible to see a magical place like that have the presence of God … EVERYWHERE.
So … what can we learn? Churches can stand to learn a lot from many different companies. Disney just happens to be one of my favorite and so I write from this stand point. Up front I’ll say the following: Churches should not be a business. They do have a need to run similar to a successful business from time to time. Good leadership, great visions, a thought process that is so focused its unbelievable and the talent to pull it off is all needed to accomplish the goals that God sets before us. So, let’s back track. I’ll number these as I did the top ten but note that these are in no order, they coincide with the above but are all equally as important as the one before and after each.
10 – Everyone needs to see the “real” Jesus everywhere they go. It is our job as Christians to show people the “real” Jesus, not the one that some like to paint a picture of. Jesus does not hate you, He is not waiting for you to fail, He wants to see you succeed and He loves you.
9 & 8 – Churches should give great detailed attention to everything they do. We should give our best. Anyone who walks in the doors should know that we do what we do because we love the Lord and we love them … they are welcome and we are here for them.
7 – No matter where you go, wouldn’t it be neat if people knew who Jesus was? Not, “Oh yeah, I’ve heard of Him…” Wouldn’t it be neat if they really “KNEW” Jesus? I think so.
6 – Dole Whip is placed in a location where if you make one BIG circle around the park throughout the day, you’ll hit this little hut right before you’re about to enter back into the front of the park in order to exit the park. It meets a need. We’re tired, a nice cold treat would be great right about now, and then, there it is. People make BIG circles throughout life and no matter where they are they have different needs. Some may think I’m stretching this one, but I think not. Disney takes time to evaluate where people are, when they’re there and how often a certain need is present. Some churches could stand to do the same. The question here is, how do we identify a need and how do we identify how to meet that need and when do we execute? (hmmm I smell another Blog post)
5, 4 & 3 – The rides listed above under these numbers all have a few things in common. They’re tons of fun, very detailed, and very big. This one is simple, I won’t go into great detail here because I want you to think about it. How detailed is your church? How big is your church? Not in size or numbers, but in the impact that it’s making. And … how much fun is your church? because it sure should be fun. Jesus … is not boring.
2 – Most churches do indeed have something for everybody. However, this one isn’t always a definite. Some churches may feel led to appeal to only a certain group of people, a certain age range, or just there own unique blend. Whatever it is, it needs to be “you.” Though Disney may have something for everybody, it’s because that’s who they are. What kind of leader are you, and what kind of church is God calling you to be? Find it and run for it.
1 – One might think that Disney would be hurting itself by closing it’s park off to only Christians for 2 nights (Night of Joy). First, they don’t say you have to be Christian to come. Many of the people who walk in the park on those 2 nights are Christian, but some aren’t, and some of those who aren’t may just be impacted by what happens and that may lead to a changed life. Is that Disney’s goal? Maybe not. But it happens. Churches, we know this one already to be true, but we should exist to transform lives. That’s it. Plain and simple … we need to be transforming lives and those people need to feel that it is so contagious that they go out and lead others to do the same thing.
Well, there you have it. Some may feel as though I stretched my way through a few of those points. Again, I say no … I love Disney so maybe for me these things make perfect sense. If you agree great, I’d love to hear from you. If you don’t, great, I’d love to hear from you as well. If you’re interested in knowing more about Disney’s leadership you should check out the Disney Institute. You can follow the link and get all the info they have to offer. It truly is an incredible company that has lived, learned and is tried and true.
Have a nice day!
