For a few lucky Millikin students, the cold and snowy winter was exchanged for a few days of sunshine and Disney magic.

From January 13-16, 15 Millikin students traveled to Orlando, Fla for a winter immersion. The large group was split into two classes: Loyalty Through Digital Media, which was co-taught by professors Carrie Trimble and R.J. Podeschi, and Designing Disney co-taught by professors Jana Henry Funderburk and Matthew Albrecht.

Primarily aimed at business and theatre students but open to all majors, the Disney Winter Immersion trip explored Disney’s use of digital media and how they incorporate media into the running of the parks. It also taught students how the company maintains enthusiastic employees, excellent service to customers while maintaining its reputation of being “the most magical place on earth” for all ages. Lastly, this immersion navigated Disney’s use of design to tell a story the same way as a theatre designer would tell a story in both plays and musicals through their designs.

Disney has been a popular destination for many Millikin students—both alumni and current—throughout the years. Sophomore and theatrical designs major, Allie Wilson describes her experience of meeting one of Millikin’s alumni. “We got the opportunity to explore lots of cool things and got special backstage opportunities with Disney professionals, including Millikin alum Jamie Kern.”

When asked about Disney’s theatrical design aspects, Wilson said, “We experienced so many amazing things during this trip. I was amazed at how even Disney doesn’t always know the outcome when beginning new projects. Every detail matters and their attention to detail is one of the main reasons that sets Disney apart from other companies. Even when you don’t think someone will notice a small detail, they will. As a theatrical design major, I took that lesson to heart when coming back to Millikin.”

Disney is also widely known for their marketing strategies. The company prides itself on its ability to attract anyone of all ages to its parks. For someone majoring in marketing and communications, like senior, Sarah Malone, Disney is an ideal place to learn marketing strategies.

“Disney does a phenomenal job at making anything and everything possible, and creating a place that is truly magical,” Malone said. “From the top of Cinderella’s castle down to the very bricks you walk on down Main Street, Disney creates the perfect experience for visitors both young and old. They figure out what you want and need before you even know you want it. They transform your stay at Disney into the ultimate experience by understanding customer wants and needs.”

Millikin’s Disney winter immersion trip was a huge success, bringing home students with a wider spectrum of ideas to not only enhance their own marketing and design skills but to enhance their department’s skills as well.