In light of the emergence of right brain business models soon to be ruling the economy, (NY Times best selling author Daniel Pink of “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future”), my passion for creativity and all things Disney, I jumped at the chance to join Disney’s NEW fan club/community D23 and attend their FIRST D23 Expo in Anaheim (Sept 10-13). I was privileged with an "All Access" pass to the event and I was on my way!
I find the more I am exposed to creative environments and people, the more I expand creatively to apply to my personal and professional life. With a family tree full of creative types and being brought up in an artistic environment, I am always looking for ways to feed my artist and imagination. While in creative modes, our energy vibrates high – thus attracting and manifesting positive experiences and results. Creativity is the work of Spirit (Universal principles).
D23 Expo was a smashing success even surprising Disney folks who didn’t expect such a HUGE crowd! What does this tell you? Even in a burdened economy, people will spend on money on being inspired, expanded, and entertained. There is no lack when it comes to inspiration and expansiveness. (Hint: prosperity).
By spending a full 10 hours immersed behind the scenes of Imagineering (parks and resorts), animation, film, TV, costuming, songwriting, archives, and more, I walked away feeling lighter, more authentic, and nurtured. I was home in my heart. I laughed at the fun costumes and actors, got caught up in the artistry of animation, felt inspired by the imagination of Disney imagineers, and smiled at the kids mesmerized by Princess Aurora, Mickey, Goofy, and the Mad Hatter.
I attended the larger than life presentation of “Imagineering the Future of Disney Parks” where Chairman Jay Rasulo shared behind the scenes of the magic flowing into new projects. Star Tours is being upgraded to Star Tours II. All attendees received an official numbered poster of Star Tours II. Fantasyland at Disneyland is being expanded with tons of fabulous stuff: Expanded Dumbo ride, Car land, Beauty & the Beast experience and dining hall. Sleeping Beauty interactive experience, and tons more. Hong Kong Disneyland is undergoing a big upgrade and California Disney will have a beautiful new water park (think Fantasmagoria show) and more.
Attending “Growing Up Disney” was very eye opening as the audience witnessed a fireside chat between Roy Patrick Disney, grandson of Roy O. and grandnephew of Walt, and author Neal Gabler of “Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination.” Imagine what it must have been like to have Walt Disney as your great Uncle! It was very clear Walt’s vision was never compromised – even in the family. Seems every family member had a hand in the success of Walt Disney Studios and theme parks.
I was thoroughly entertained by the “Lost Chords” presentation where Russell Schroeder narrated an archival slide show to a live performance of never released film songs delivered by the Disney Employee Choir. These songs dated back to 1940’s – 1970’s for Walt Disney films: Mary Poppins, The Happiest Millionaire, Cinderella, and Melody Time to name a few. The best laugh was an ensemble singing “Donald Duck” which was composed in 1939 as a main title song for the Duck shorts.
Raised in San Fernando Valley, Disneyland was THE place to go for your birthday. I grew up around the entertainment industry and Disney studios was in our backyard. Disneyland was just a 90 min drive from the west end of the valley. So each year, one of us 3 girls got to choose Disneyland as the place to celebrate. I’d escape with Mickey in this world of fantasy. How it fed my spirit. Little did I know, I would create a career in the entertainment field working with visual and performing artists as a publicist and talent mgr. I love to inspire others to connect with their own artistry. Today, each time I surround myself with Disney, I connect with my heart, my artistry, my Spirit.
Hey thanks Disney for bringing us back together! D23 rocks! I encourage you to find your Disney and expand your world. Your business and personal life will be better for it.
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