How Disney Creates Immersive Experiences

May 20, 2024

How Disney Creates Immersive Experiences

Disney’s magic goes beyond storytelling. Walt Disney himself envisioned a world where his characters came alive, and that’s exactly what he achieved. From Mickey Mouse on merch to immersive experiences at Disneyland, Disney has been a leader in creating unforgettable moments for over a century.

As the Licensing Expo kicks off in Las Vegas tomorrow, Disney’s storytelling continues to be a differentiator. Disney’s franchises — beloved brands such as Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Animation, and Pixar, among others — connect with billions of fans through a broad array of unique products and experiences.

While storytelling is the foundation of Disney’s vast media empire, the company goes beyond captivating narratives. They transform these stories into immersive experiences, making dreams a reality for fans worldwide. This focus on building enduring franchises ensures Disney’s magic continues to resonate for generations.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that “one of the things that truly sets Disney apart is our unique ability to turn top quality IP into top quality experiences, leading to significant growth,” and Disney is constantly creating new, innovative experiences that craft deep relationships with consumers.

Here are just a few examples of how Disney goes beyond storytelling:

Frozen

With more than $2.7 billion earned at the global box office, a significant product line, and countless renditions of Let It Go, one of the most popular cultural franchises of the past decade is Disney Animation’s Frozen.

The adventures of Elsa and Anna have inspired Disney experiences around the globe such as World of Frozen, a new themed land at Hong Kong Disneyland, and a soon-to-be revealed Frozen area at Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea. These experiences are filled with enchanting landscapes, family-friendly attractions, and unforgettable characters from Arendelle.

Soon a Frozen-themed land will be coming to Disneyland Paris as part of a multi-year project that will bring attractions inspired by Frozen to Europe.

Toy Story

Since 1995, Toy Story has stood out as one of the most treasured stories in all of animation, as well as one of Disney’s premier franchises bringing in more than $3.2 billion at the box office.

This enduring love for Woody, Buzz and the rest of Andy’s toys has led to popular Toy Story attractions across the globe: guests can step into a Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.

They can also stay at a Toy Story Resort Hotel, which integrates the brand into themed resorts at both Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort, as well as Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

Marvel

It’s impossible to talk about popular franchises without talking about Marvel, and you can’t talk about Marvel without mentioning Earth’s Mightiest Heroes: The Avengers.

The Avengers films have shattered box office records by notching $7.7 billion globally, and have captivated audiences with rich storytelling, compelling characters, and groundbreaking visual effects.

This makes them the perfect source of inspiration for gripping theme park experiences like Avengers Campus, an immersive land that invites guests to take part in living side-by-side with some of the world’s most powerful heroes.

Some of the Avengers can also be found on the high seas on Disney Cruise Line, which offers a variety of Super Hero-themed adventures, such as the Worlds of Marvel dinner experience and Marvel Super Hero Academy on-board the Disney Wish.

Guests can also join a Marvel Day at Sea cruise in 2025 where more than 30 Super Heroes and Villains come together for thrilling activities and one-of-a-kind entertainment on board the Disney Dream.

Star Wars

The galaxy far, far away has enchanted audiences since 1977’s Star Wars: A New Hopeby generating $10.2 billion at the worldwide box office, and Disney’s creative minds have pushed the boundaries of theme park design to transport guests into this treasured universe.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — which is located at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park — is an expansive themed area that transports guests to the planet Batuu, where they can take part in their own Star Wars story. This includes building custom droids and lightsabers and enjoying galactic cuisine, all within an authentic and highly-detailed Star Wars environment.

Not to mention, they can take part in thrilling attractions such as flying the Millennium Falcon in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Runand fleeing Kylo Ren and the First Order in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

The Star Wars saga continues on the Disney Wish at the Hyperspace Lounge, where guests can glimpse interstellar views of Coruscant, Tatooine and Batuu with signature Star Wars-inspired beverages.

Do you have a favorite Disney franchise?

How Disney Creates Immersive Experiences 1

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Sara

Sara is a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency. She lives in Alaska with her husband and 3 kids. Due to her extreme dislike of winter, she travels often to warmer destinations during the colder months. She visits the Disney parks and resorts frequently with her family and loves helping other families plan magical vacations. Contact her here for help with your vacation!