What Does Disney Have in Common with Schools?

Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School; Greenville, SC

More than you might think. Sure, one is a theme park built for thrills, characters, and imagination. The other is a place designed for academics, growth, and preparation. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that both are, at their core, learning environments—spaces where people come to discover, explore, and be transformed.

Both Disney World and schools are built with intention.

Both tell stories.

Both shape the way people feel, think, and engage with the world.

And both have the power to spark curiosity, wonder, and lifelong memories.

That idea is at the heart of my new book, Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth—a practical, inspiring framework for educators who want to reimagine what’s possible in the classroom.

Here’s a few things we can learn from Disney that apply to our schools:

1. Story is Everything

Disney parks are designed around immersive storytelling. From the moment you step onto Main Street, U.S.A., you're part of a narrative. Every sight, sound, scent, and structure supports that story. What if we took the same approach to school? What if every hallway, classroom, and common space told a story of belonging, exploration, and wonder?

Schools already tell a story—through their walls, their layout, their energy. The question is: What story are we telling our students?

2. The Experience is Designed

Disney Imagineers know that magic doesn’t happen by accident. It’s designed. Every bench, light pole, and parade route is part of a carefully orchestrated experience.

Educators are designers, too. We design lessons, learning spaces, schedules, and systems. But often, we’re so busy managing the day-to-day that we don’t get the time—or permission—to dream.

Imagine if we gave ourselves that space again.

Imagine if our classrooms were intentionally immersive, emotionally engaging, and designed to spark curiosity.

3. The Goal is Inspiration

No one walks out of Disney World quoting data points or memorizing facts. They leave with a feeling—a sense of awe, joy, and belief that anything is possible.

That’s how our students should feel. That’s how we should feel as educators.

In Imagineering Education, I explore how we can use principles from theme park design, storytelling, and creative thinking to design better experiences for learners—experiences that leave an emotional imprint, not just academic achievement.

Because when we design with purpose and creativity, school becomes more than a place where learning happens.

It becomes a place where transformation happens.

Imagineering Education is a practical, inspiring guide that blends storytelling, environment design, creativity, and curiosity to help educators bring a little Disney magic to their schools and classrooms. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of imagination, this book is for you.

Coming soon! Be the first to know when the book is released—and get exclusive bonuses—by joining the launch list at www.imagineeringedu.com/thebook.

Because school really can be the most magical place on Earth.

And together, we can design it to be just that.