Living a couple of hours from Disney World has it's advantages. Our family has season passes so we go several times a year.
As a children's ministry director, I always have my eyes open for ideas when I'm there. And I always walk away with a new idea or inspiration from the masters of connecting with families.
This past weekend I was there and here's some ideas that grabbed my attention. If you want to reach kids and families like Disney...keep reading. I've added the pictures I took so you can see what I saw.
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mm2_NYP58N0/Uizt1m5khWI/AAAAAAAAB-0/gpY-WkonBgI/s320/IMG_1755.JPG) |
Give families the opportunity to make memories together. What event or experience can you create for families to make memories together? |
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![](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3X5eMJ2C5g/Uizt0rb7r7I/AAAAAAAAB-o/z7WBEYKWTkc/s320/IMG_1756.JPG) |
Make check-in easy for families. This is their new check-in system. No more turnstiles. Just swipe your ticket across the mouse ears, place your finger on the indicated spot, and you're in. How can you make your check-in for families easier and faster? |
![](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5a3oL6nunA/Uizt3J1nUAI/AAAAAAAAB_A/6BXIkrp8Dho/s320/IMG_1759.jpg) |
Use creative thinking to turn ordinary items into fun. This is a computer screen. They encased it to look like an old storybook. Take a look at the ordinary items in your ministry. How can you put a fun twist on some of them? |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vkun-7parvM/Uizt68ARQxI/AAAAAAAAB_g/oXjTWj5yV6k/s320/IMG_1760.JPG) |
Provide good signage. Look through the eyes of a guest family. Make it easy for them to identify areas. |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TemxEeU5y8U/Uizt34jHTDI/AAAAAAAAB_I/bom9TvHoYag/s320/IMG_1790.jpg) |
You've got ideas you've been waiting to try. What are you waiting for? Go for it. |
![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq-C3E7uMbo/Uizt6AEF0KI/AAAAAAAAB_U/MotnDE85g-s/s320/IMG_1792.jpg) |
Be committed to excellence. Families are drawn to excellence. |
![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2KntDHW71E/Uizt9M6MfgI/AAAAAAAAB_s/FkLYzxCe75E/s320/IMG_1793.jpg) |
Effective ministry requires effective planning and organization. |
![](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUIxbFDrANQ/Uizt84UoWjI/AAAAAAAAB_o/svL-hfl0Fzs/s320/IMG_1794.jpg) |
Make your ministry a fun place to be...for kids, families, and your volunteers. If you hear laughter and see smiles, you're on the right track. |
![](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XaLbcuK7G8/Uizt9UEk5eI/AAAAAAAAB_w/KbYK2DqBi4c/s320/IMG_1795.jpg) |
It takes a team to
reach families. It's not what you can do, it's what you can empower
others to do. The most important thing you can do is build a strong
volunteer team. |
![](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Erc7icCG9Qg/Uizt_W8htRI/AAAAAAAACAI/zkrAAJ5wq5w/s320/IMG_1827.JPG) |
It's all the small things that add up to make a big impact. This painting on the street was done with a broom and water by a Disney cast member who was simply sweeping the street. What are some small touches you can add that will make a big impact? |
Your turn? What are some ideas you've gotten from Disney that can help us reach kids and families? Please share them with us in the comment section below.
Posted in: creative thinking,Disney,Disney World,excellence,families,fun,guest,idea,inspiration,memories,orginzation,planning,signage,storybook