Why Disney Does Church So Well

Recently my family made the trip to Disney. It was the first time for my kids and the first time I had been since I was 8. I enjoyed myself just as much as I did when I was a kid; however, my experience was completely different.

As a kid I was caught up in the magic and wonder of the experience. As an adult I was not only amazed by the environments but the intentionality the park puts into creating life long memories. My experience sparked the question:

WHAT COULD THE LOCAL CHURCH LEARN FROM DISNEY?

Here are four principles that immediately stuck out:

CLEAR, CLEAN AND CONSISTENT INFORMATION IS KEY

There was no shortage of information and that’s because Disney had a system for that. There was the:

• Shuttle that took us to and from the airport. On the ride there was a video with everything you needed to know about your stay.
• Employees who were ready to receive you. Whether it was the hotel or the park they had an answer or at least could direct you to the right person.
• Smartphone app that had wait times, directions and previews to attractions and dining.

If you’ve never been to a church before it can be confusing where to go and what to do. If you’ve grown up in the church you take it for granted.

The Takeaway: Look at how and where information is shared. Never assume that everyone “gets it”. Equip your staff and volunteers to keep the newcomer in mind. It will break down barriers and create an irresistible experience.

GREAT IDEAS FLOWS UP

The reason people go back again and again is because of how Disney World reinvents itself. While creativity flows through the organization some of the best ideas come from the ground level.

Disney was not only open but proud to share ideas that came from all of it’s employees. It didn’t matter how simple or complex, if it enhanced a guest’s experience they wanted to give credit where it was due.

Your church is saturated with great ideas, you just need to hear them.

The Takeaway: Start asking your staff and volunteers questions like:

• What would you do to make this aspect of church better?
• What was your first impression of the church when you first came?
• What are some of the opportunities we might be missing?

Take the information apply it where it’s helpful and share the credit. If people know they play a part in shaping the experience they’ll be fully engaged.

IT’S AN ESCAPE FROM ALL THE NOISE

As we walked around the Magic Kingdom you felt safe from all the craziness in the world. Whether it was the attention to detail with the scenery, efforts in hospitality or quality of entertainment you were fully engaged.

The Takeaway: While church isn’t meant to be an escape from everyday life, it is a place where we are refreshed and renewed. That is why:

• Environments need to be clean and engaging
• Volunteers and employees should be welcoming and loving
• Music and preaching should be well planned
• Programming is available for all age groups

If people are engaged it means they can focus on deepening their faith. They aren’t distracted, it’s clear what God is calling them to do and they are able to participate fully.

EVANGELIZATION AND ADVOCACY IS NON STOP

There are those that like Disney and then those who are obsessed. Every Disney fan wanted to make sure that my family was not only prepared but had the best time possible.

The sharing continued no matter where we went. Whether it was a video on the shuttle or brief interaction with an employee people were sure to say why they loved Disney. Testimonies from families and employees raved about why they loved Disney.

The Takeaway: If you want to create a culture of enthusiasm and sharing start with the staff:

1. Once a week find time to sit together to talk about the wonderful things your church is doing. 
2. Share these highlights with your volunteers and church members.
3. Invite them to get involved in serving so they can experience the same life changing stories.

Encourage sharing in your small groups and you ministry opportunities. Remind people that while faith is personal it’s not meant to be private.

Disney World can never replace the church, but it can teach those of us in the trenches of ministry a few things. Don’t be afraid to look at what’s successful and what’s working. Dive into the transferable principles and always ask yourself the question, “What can I learn from this?”