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12 April is always noted in my diary… 33 years ago today I was part of the opening crew of the artist formerly known as EuroDisney Now Disneyland Paris.   I was so excited to be a ‘cast member’ My role? Working at “Bella Notte” serving pizzas and ice cream opposite, “It’s a small world” Waitress or waltzing in the parade, all cast members have to go through the. “Disney University” A masterclass in magic and service where we discovered: ↪ The difference between ‘on stage’ and ‘back stage’ ↪ What to do if Mickey Mouse faints? Do you take the mask off? (answer in comments)* ↪ The importance of the senses in an immersive experience It was my first foray in hospitality. Like a sponge I soaked it all in, Looking back, there are many lessons I took from this experience, that has put me in good stead today ⤵️ 1️⃣ Always clear your table at a fast food restaurant: I remember the mess people left for us to clear and was shocked. There are 2 people in this world. ✅ Those that do and ❌ Those that don’t. ❓Which person are you? 2️⃣ Say what you want: The script was the same every day Guest: Can I have a drink? Me: What would you like? Guest:  What do you have? Me: Coke, Sprite or Fanta Guest: Coke Me: Small, Medium or Large? Now, whenever I order, “Please may I have a small [insert drink]” I see the smile on the server’s face 3️⃣ Systems save time: We would go from twiddling our thumbs to queues out the door. Analyse the flow, see where you shave time (refer point 2), improves customer experience 4️⃣ Every moment counts: Smells piped through bakery walls, music in the streets, fun signage to read in the queue. Delight the customer at every moment 5️⃣ Team are everything: I admit the work was boring. But the team made it and I am still friends with many of former cast mates today. I laughed every day and have so many memories that I cherish always Happy Disney Day What lessons have you taken from the start of your career? P.S. Note the Dr. Martens plc boots. My rebellion to the 'costume' #events #creativity #transformation #experience #hospitality

I remember fondly one of my first jobs in entertainment. My manager walked to my office one day and asked me to go for a walk. Soon thereafter I realized he had asked everyone on the team the same thing. We then all walked together, talking about random things, to the commissary on the studio lot to literally get a soft serve ice cream cone. This small impromptu gesture taught me so much. Recognizing your team’s efforts does not have to be a big production. It does not need to be planned or surrounded with a big budget. It does not require anything more than the sincere recognition that a team’s effort is not lost in the hustle of the day to day. A team needs nurturing. A team needs the organic trust that recognizes efforts and the delivery of results. There is constant change and diverging business needs, but a committed and supported team is genuinely in it for the long haul. Sometimes a team just simply needs a soft serve ice cream cone to operate at its peak.

I produced a Hilton commercial! Here's a fun story for anyone who likes the strange ways the universe works. After graduating high school, I had yet to decide what to do. I tried many things, mainly in the creative and entrepreneurial spaces, but nothing stuck. I would later learn this is due to my neurodivergence, but that's a story for another time. If I could've chosen one thing to do, it would've been to make films of all shapes and sizes. I've always loved the medium more than anything else. Being from the sticks in Ohio, I didn't have any resources to make this happen. Then, I met a guy named Zach Daulton. He lived a few towns over, further in the sticks, and he was doing everything I thought was impossible. He was making content before it was easy to make. I was jealous and infatuated. I reached out to Zach, and fortunately, he let me hang around and help him with his videos. A few years later, I was cutting grass and cleaning toilets for a living, and as you might guess, I was unhappy with my life. Talking with Zach, he told me to take his camera equipment and start offering my video services to local businesses. He met me after my shift ended and dropped off all of his gear: lights, a camera, and a microphone. I spent the next month hustling the streets of Greater Cincinnati, offering my video services at an embarrassingly low rate. This was the first step toward me leaving a 9 to 5 for good. Cut to many, many years later, I had built a small freelance business, partnered with a marketing agency, directed and produced a documentary for Lionsgate with Rob Zombie, and directed and produced my own privately funded feature film. All of this led to me starting a production company, Relavox, which my wife, Lindsey Hasty, would eventually leave her full-time marketing job to help take the company to new heights. Last year, we decided we wanted Relavox to expand into the high-end commercial advertising space. At this point, Zach had become an incredible commercial director, working for the biggest and best companies around the world. He spent several months teaching me about this side of the industry and making introductions he could've kept to himself out of fear of competition. Instead, we decided to collaborate once again after almost ten years. The first project we pitched was for Hilton, and we landed it! I love the challenge of high-level short-form narrative storytelling, and we've already been doing a lot more of it at Relavox since wrapping this spot. I'm excited to continue to share our journey down this road. For now, here's one of three spots we shot at the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill. Be good to people, and don't forget how much further you can go when you don't try to do it all yourself.

“The Disney Way” is the long-revered secret that keeps you and me coming back to Disney time after time no matter how expensive those main gate passes get. Why? Because what brings you to Disneyland the first time is of course… …the rides, …the characters, …the castle. But what brings you back again a second, third, and fourth time, after you just dropped half your retirement savings on 14 hours of long lines and $20 Cokes.. …is NOT the rides, …is NOT the characters, …is NOT the castle. ✨ IT’S THE MAGIC ✨ Bill Capodagli describes this in his book, “The Disney Way: Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company” with stories of how cast members go above and beyond to make sure that every guests experience isn’t just what they expect and pay for…it’s far beyond that. It’s the magic touch. It’s the mint on the pillow. It’s coming back to your hotel room to find your teddy bears all tucked in bed together with a Disney book propped up in front of them as if they’re reading it. As a young man, I was fortunate enough to work at Disneyland in their Guest Relations department for a couple of years. There I didn’t just learn the magic. I WAS the magic. Every cast member was. And that’s why, at Digitopia, one of our five core values is…MAGICAL. When you work with a Digitopian… …you don’t work with an employee. You partner with a team mate. …you don’t get what you paid for. You get so much more because we care deeply about our core values of: SELFLESS DRIVEN FLEXIBLE SCRAPPY And…MAGICAL I’m so proud of my team. I love working with them. And you will too.

🎙️ When it comes to hotel brand videos, the question of whether to include voiceover often arises. While less than 5% of the hotel films I produce feature voiceovers, they can be incredibly effective if used thoughtfully. ❌ One pitfall to avoid is narration that merely describes what the viewer can already see. "Enjoy a cocktail around the pool" or "look out onto vibrant city life" doesn't add value when the visuals speak for themselves. ✨ However, there are ways to utilise voiceovers creatively. Short, poetic passages can set the mood and elevate a hotel's brand, especially luxury resorts. Additionally, carefully crafted interviews with key staff members, such as chefs discussing cuisine and local fare, can provide valuable insights and enhance the viewer's experience. 🎥 Ultimately, I believe in the power of moving images accompanied by natural ambient sounds and a compelling music track. Let the visuals tell the story, with supplementary elements adding depth and emotion to the narrative. #HotelMarketing #VideoProduction

What was your first reaction when you saw this photo? Was it nostalgia for when you were a kid? A memory of your parents taking you to see Toy Story? Or a memory of you taking your children to see it for the first time? Or are you trying to comprehend how this character is nearly 30 years old?! (Yes, Woody and the whole gang are up there in age!)😱 Well fun fact: This Woody doll used to belong to my not-so-little brother, EJ, back in 1996(his name is even on the top of the hat.) Nowadays, his delightful three-year-old niece has claimed him as her own because, as she puts it, "I love Woody, and he is my baby now." Whenever I look at the doll, it reminds me of the importance of storytelling and how a fictional character took me to a different world as a child and still does so even in my adulthood. It's the same feeling I get when I think back to certain restaurants or dishes.🥰 Food and dining experiences can uniquely tell stories, evoke emotions, and transport you to another place. Like a good movie or a fond memory, both the hospitality and film industries aim to share their creativity and passion with the world, hoping to create long-lasting memories. I am passionate about being a part of the hospitality industry and creating unforgettable experiences for strangers. It's what brings people together and why I am so enthusiastic about sharing the stories of the people who contribute to this creative world. While not everyone can be deemed the Walt Disney of the food and media industry, we can be the unsung heroes or creators of the beloved "characters" of our incredible hospitality industry.🙌🏻 So, what is your restaurant or brand story? Does it take us to another world? Or is there a restaurant or dish that makes you feel a certain way whenever you think about it? Let me know in the comments below! #hospitalitybitesmedia #hospitalitybites #storytelling #brandstory #foodmedia #foodindustry #hospitalityindustry #chefs #creators #toystory #foodmemories #disney #linkedinforcreators #opentowork #readytoshareyourstory

Don't Let a Little Rain Dampen Your Disney Magic! ☔️ When it starts raining in Walt Disney World, I'm here to tell you it's not a signal to call it a day. It's the perfect time to sprinkle some extra pixie dust on your adventure. Here's how: 1️⃣ Rain? What rain? While others dash, you can dash into shorter lines for your favourite rides! 2️⃣ Ever wanted to shop without the hustle and bustle? Now's your chance! Dive into the shops and emerge with the coolest souvenirs without the crowds. 3️⃣ Discover the indoor attractions! It's the perfect combo of entertainment and relaxation. 4️⃣ Lights, Camera, Action! Catch a show you've been missing. It's the best way to enjoy the Disney magic while staying dry. 5️⃣ Ever tried thematic dining or that snack you've been eyeing? Now's the time! Indulge in unique tastes that only Disney can offer. And remember, a little rain never hurts anyone, especially when you're armed with a stylish Disney poncho! Often, the rain is just a passing shower, and you'll be back to sunny adventures in no time. Do you love Walt Disney World in the rain?  Share a rainy day tip in the comments ⬇️ #disneymoments #disneyworldtips #disneyworldparks #waltdisneyworldresorts #personaltravelagent #disneytravelagents #travelagentperks #disneyvacationplanning #disneyfamilyvacation #familyvacationideas #disneytravelplanning #vacationplanningtips #Disneyvacationtips

INTENTIONAL INSIGHTS Customer-Centric Stories for You and Your Team INSIGHT | Intuitive Service Intuitive Service is all about paying attention to your guests' needs and going above and beyond to enhance their experience, even before they ask for something. Let's break down a real-life example to understand this concept better. A CEO from a Disney alliance partner checked into Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. He mentioned he was down to his last smoke. Inquiring, the concierge learned that he was a cigar smoker. Instead of ignoring it, she jumped into action. First, the concierge confirmed the guests’ preference for cigar brands by asking his team and contacting his assistant. Then, she discovered the resort didn't carry his brand. She didn't stop there. Sourcing a local cigar vendor, she arranged for a delivery within an hour, and presented the box of cigars with a personalized note, making the guest feel special and valued. It's the little details, like recognizing preferences and anticipating desires, that leave a lasting impression. Always strive to make positive impressions by being attentive, thoughtful, and proactive in your service. It’s about building the Customer Experience one Magical interaction at a time. Contact me for a discussion about how I can help you elevate your experience. #customerexperience #concierge #magicmakersgroup #brandstandards #barryjacobsonconsulting #employeeengagement #training

Ten reasons to go to the Walt Disney World Resort in 2024. #1 Park reservations are no longer needed. There are a few circumstances where you still might need them, but as a general rule, you don’t. This is such a relief, especially when it comes to making dining reservations! It’s much easier to plan your day. #2 Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is open. The newly renovated area is beautiful during the day but simply gorgeous at night. #3 This is a big reason to go, dining plans are back! There are two different ones to chose between. Watch out for specials where Disney offers free dining! Ask your Mystical Dream Agent to add you to their list so they can contact you when Disney offers are released! #4 Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is open! Have you seen pictures or videos of any of the animatronics? It’s amazing! #5 Hey, Star Wars fans! Star Tours has new scenes and characters added to the attraction! With the new additions, you will experience one of more than 250 storyline variations! #6 The Country Bear Jamboree is opening this summer with new acts this Some of the old songs are getting retired. I read that “Bare Necessities” might get a new style, something of a rockabilly sound! #7 The Little Mermaid Show, at Hollywood Studios, is getting reimagined! Some of the changes include, different set designs, and new effects. #8 Everyone is super excited that 1900 Park Faire is open!  The all you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffet, located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a character dining experience. There is no guarantee but, you might see Cinderella, Princess Tiana, Mirabel, and maybe even Aladdin! #9 The Festivals at EPCOT, add such a bonus if you are at the Walt Disney World Resort during one of them. They include special foods and merchandise. The remaining ones for 2024 are: The Food & Wine Festival (July 25, 2024, through November 16, 2024); and my favorite, the EPCOT Festival of the Holidays (From November 29, 2024, through December 30, 2024. #10 The best reason, in my opinion, to go to the Walt Disney World Resort in 2024, is to make memories. Whether you are with family or friends, and no matter what your kids age, you will always cherish the time spent at the Walt Disney World Resort! 2024 is a great year to go to the Walt Disney World Resort. Maybe you want to go because you haven’t been there for a while, maybe you’ve never been there, or, perhaps, there is something new that you want to experience. Ready to start planning your next adventure? Amy's Travel Services LLC can help you begin planning the vacation of your dreams! 🏰 #vacation2024 #amystravelservicesllc #Disney

Walt Disney World is proactively addressing the recent decline in visitor numbers and rising complaints by introducing significant price cuts on tickets, accommodations, and dining. Starting in May, families can explore the magic of Disney at a more affordable rate, with three-day ticket packages available for just $89 per day— a stark contrast to the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. This strategic pivot not only offers immediate financial relief but also addresses growing dissatisfaction among guests, with satisfaction ratings reportedly dropping from 90% to 60% due to escalating costs. Many families have felt the pinch; for instance, a family of four might have previously hesitated to plan a visit due to high costs associated with park entry and dining. With new offers, they can now envision a magical getaway without breaking the bank. What do you think? Will these discounts be enough to reignite the Disney experience for guests, or do they serve as a temporary fix? 🤔 As Disney works to stimulate attendance, the broader question arises about long-term commitment to affordability. Is this a temporary tactic or the beginning of a new trend in theme park pricing? #DisneyWorld #TravelIndustry #ThemeParks