Beyond the Magic: What Disneyland Taught Me About Business | The Taku Newsletter Edition 4
In the last edition of the Taku Newsletter, I shared my thoughts on the design and technology that make Disneyland Resort such a powerful and immersive experience. This time, I want to focus on something else I couldn’t ignore: the business side of Disneyland and what I learned from simply being present.
One of the cleverest strategies I observed was how many rides end directly inside a gift shop. It’s subtle, but it works. After an exciting experience, you’re immediately placed in a space where you can buy a physical reminder of that thrill. If you’re with someone, especially a child, you’re far more likely to grab something off the shelf. Whether it’s a lightsaber, a Mickey plush, or a themed hoodie, the connection between the ride and the merchandise is instant and emotional.
Speaking of children, Disneyland is built for them. But that’s also the genius of it. Children don’t come alone. They come with adults, parents, siblings, grandparents, and when kids are happy, it’s natural for the people around them to want to sustain that happiness. You want to say yes to the toy, the treat, the costume. You don’t even think twice. It’s not just about catering to kids. It’s about creating a world where their joy drives decision-making. And from a business point of view, that’s powerful.
It’s also fascinating how strategically placed the stores are. They’re woven into the environment in such a way that avoiding them feels like missing out. Whether it’s a themed souvenir stand at the entrance of a land or a large shop just outside a ride exit, there’s a level of spatial planning that goes beyond retail; it’s storytelling with commerce built in. That’s something I take seriously as someone working toward building a future creative empire of my own.
Another thing I couldn’t help but notice is the sheer level of professionalism. Every detail, from ride operations to food stalls to merchandise counters, is handled with consistency and care. It’s not just about getting people through the lines; it’s about maintaining the Disney standard throughout. It reminded me how important it is to hold your vision to high standards, no matter how big or small your operation may be.
Theme parks like Disneyland aren’t just places of fun; they are artistic extensions of the stories we know and love. Disney has transformed their stories into physical experiences, and it's an extraordinary experience, to say the least. Another similar competitor that has done the same is Universal Studios Hollywood with their films and then further converted them into rides, such as the Fast and Furious ride. As someone whose goal is to one day build immersive worlds of my own through films, merchandise, and eventually physical experiences, being in this space was both eye-opening and deeply inspiring.
Disneyland, for all its joy and wonder, is also a business. And from the outside looking in, it’s a masterclass in combining storytelling, commerce, and experience in a way that feels seamless.
This has been part two of the Disneyland reflections. Stay tuned for the next edition of the Taku Newsletter, where we continue exploring the business and technology aspects of filmmaking and beyond.
I made a video of my experience at Disneyland, check it out here:
Checkout the images from my website that I captured at Disneyland
Thank you for reading.
It only gets better from here.
- Takudzwa Thulani
#Disneyland #film #business #TheTakuNewsletter
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