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When Disney Becomes the Classroom: Teaching Magic, Strategy, and Imagination (Ep. 554)

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Manage episode 514668025 series 2468040
Content provided by Jim Hill Media Podcast Network. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jim Hill Media Podcast Network or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

This week, Len and Jim welcome Dr. Jill Peterfesso from Guilford College to talk about her new book Why the Magic Matters: Discovering Disney as a Laboratory for Learning. The conversation explores how Disney is studied in college classrooms, how its mix of “magic and strategy” reveals deeper lessons about creativity and culture, and why professors are turning theme parks into teaching tools. Plus, Jim continues his history of Disney Springs with the rise and fall of Pleasure Island’s West Side expansion and what that meant for future Disney retail and dining districts.

  • How professors are using Disney films, parks, and history to teach everything from religion to marketing

  • The balance of “magic and strategy” that makes Disney both creative and calculated

  • Surprising college courses inspired by Disney, from theme park architecture to environmental storytelling

  • Why Epcot’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is removing 3D effects and what it could mean for other attractions

  • New Universal Orlando test for single attraction Express Passes and how guests are reacting

  • Universal Kids Park in Texas reveals themed lands for Shrek, Trolls, and SpongeBob

  • The forgotten Hyperion Wharf project that led to Disney Springs’ modern design

From academia to Pleasure Island, this episode connects the art of learning with the business of magic. Whether you’re a Disney scholar, park historian, or just love a good origin story, this one’s packed with imagination and insight.

SHOW NOTES

Unlocked Magic

Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

1363 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 514668025 series 2468040
Content provided by Jim Hill Media Podcast Network. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jim Hill Media Podcast Network or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

This week, Len and Jim welcome Dr. Jill Peterfesso from Guilford College to talk about her new book Why the Magic Matters: Discovering Disney as a Laboratory for Learning. The conversation explores how Disney is studied in college classrooms, how its mix of “magic and strategy” reveals deeper lessons about creativity and culture, and why professors are turning theme parks into teaching tools. Plus, Jim continues his history of Disney Springs with the rise and fall of Pleasure Island’s West Side expansion and what that meant for future Disney retail and dining districts.

  • How professors are using Disney films, parks, and history to teach everything from religion to marketing

  • The balance of “magic and strategy” that makes Disney both creative and calculated

  • Surprising college courses inspired by Disney, from theme park architecture to environmental storytelling

  • Why Epcot’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is removing 3D effects and what it could mean for other attractions

  • New Universal Orlando test for single attraction Express Passes and how guests are reacting

  • Universal Kids Park in Texas reveals themed lands for Shrek, Trolls, and SpongeBob

  • The forgotten Hyperion Wharf project that led to Disney Springs’ modern design

From academia to Pleasure Island, this episode connects the art of learning with the business of magic. Whether you’re a Disney scholar, park historian, or just love a good origin story, this one’s packed with imagination and insight.

SHOW NOTES

Unlocked Magic

Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  continue reading

1363 episodes

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