What I Learned from Disney World About Running My Business (And Planning Our Next Big Trip)

Recently we spent a week at Disneyworld in Florida. And what I experienced there reminded me of why I try to run and work in TCFP the way I do.

We opted for a seven-night stay at a Disney resort, granting us access to all six parks in the vicinity. Six parks over six days seemed like a logical plan, despite the considerable expense.

Determined to make the most of it, we enlisted the help of ChatGPT 4 to craft a detailed itinerary. This itinerary aimed to optimise our visit by advising on which parks to attend based on our interests, projected crowd levels, transportation options, the value of fast pass purchases, and strategic attraction visits. This plan, promising to save us countless hours of personal research, was our blueprint for adventure.

Like all business plans I've drafted - though I've since abandoned the practice for its predictability in clashing with reality - this plan was perfect only until it encountered real-world challenges. As Jim Rohn tells us “Philosophy trumps plan every time”.

It became abundantly clear that the itinerary did not allow for how two adults and an eight and a six year old would react to it. How could it? It is “artificial” intelligence after all.

For example we hadn’t allowed for travel tiredness and jetlag and the weather (it rained the first day and poured the second).

When you wake at 4am in a smallish room and breakfast doesn’t start for 2? hours and the parks don’t open for 4 and you don’t have your own transportation what do you do? Squabble apparently.

Also the food options were overwhelmingly unhealthy, consisting of 98% fat and sugar, 2% fresh fruit and vegetables and water. Frozen chocolate coated bananas only help so far. And nothing makes up for bad tea and coffee.

Additionally, the constant activity was a stark departure from my usual workday, which is never full on day after day, or even during the day. It is broken up by dog walks, golf, laundry, doing stretches, having a nap, reading, cooking etc.

Despite these challenges, by day three, we began to adapt, and our new rhythm was greatly assisted by the exceptional Disney staff. Their kindness and support played a pivotal role in transforming our trip into a memorable and enriching experience.

Reflecting on this adventure, several business and travel lessons emerged:

1. Stay Open to Flexibility: Initial plans should accommodate potential changes and challenges.
2. Value of AI as a Starting Point: While AI, like ChatGPT 4, can eliminate tedious planning, it's not a substitute for adaptability and human insight.
3. Underestimate Emotion at Your Peril: Emotions significantly influence the success of any plan, a factor often overlooked in planning stages.
4. Balance Intensity with Downtime: Continuous high energy is unsustainable; effective periods of rest are essential for recovery.
5. People Make the Difference: Just as Disney prioritises staff placement, the right team can make all the difference in business success.
6. Nutrition is Key: The quality of our fuel directly impacts our performance and experience.

For our next adventure, we've gleaned several strategies for an even better experience:

• Arrive earlier to ease into the new setting.
• Opt for apartment accommodations for more space and comfort.
• Rent a car for greater flexibility.
• Schedule downtime immediately upon arrival to recover from travel.
• Approach park visits with a strategy: arrive early, immerse fully, then leave for relaxation.
• Incorporate rest days to recharge both physically and mentally.
• Return home enriched by unforgettable experiences and broader perspectives.

This trip underscored the importance of flexibility, preparation, and the invaluable role of human touch in both business and leisure.