Unpacking My Days with Disney Creators Lab 2.0

Magic, adventure, and inspiration — three words that encapsulate my experience with the Disney Creators Lab 2.0 program. I was among the fortunate 21 creators the Disney team chose to bring together for this year's program. Imagine being handpicked by Disney to be part of their next storytelling brigade! 

What is Disney Creators Lab?

This program is designed to support up-and-coming creators in developing stronger relationships with their audience. Through virtual learning sessions and in-person events, such as trips to Walt Disney Studios, this journey was unforgettable. We had exciting educational sessions from Disney producers, plus opportunities to network and learn from the creative minds behind the design and construction of Disney theme parks and attractions. As a content creator, I learned valuable insights on tailoring my content to my audience and creating robust frameworks around it.

What happens after the program?

After a few months of learning from the Disney team, the program commenced with a magical trip to Disneyland — it happened earlier this year! It was also an opportunity for us to celebrate Disney100, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. By the way, Disney100 celebrations are happening at Disney Parks through the end of this year.

What happens at a Disney Creators Celebration?

For the celebration, we had a week filled with Disney experiences, which you can see here, here, and here. We not only saw how Disney creates magical adventures behind the scenes during the program, but we also had the opportunity to combine our learnings with real-life experiences.

The celebration at Disneyland also included a stay at the Disneyland Hotel, a private breakfast with Princess Tiana in New Orleans at Disneyland, a fun preview of Disney's Halfway to Halloween activations at the Haunted Mansion, an exclusive Disney100 dinner with Disney's beloved iconic characters, a meet-and-greet with the cast of Freeform’s Cruel Summer, access to the Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure (my favorites picks here), and much more! Did I mention that we had an after-hours party at Pixar Pier? Amazinggggg!

Then comes the Disney Wonder!

After an incredible week at Disneyland, we packed and headed to our next destination — the Port of San Diego to board the Disney Cruise Line! It was my first time getting on a cruise! Once we stepped onto that Cruise, the world changed. It wasn't just about the fun Disney parties and the views but about immersing ourselves in a world where stories come alive. I mean, who can forget Mickey's Sail-a-Wave Deck Party? Dancing on deck with Goofy? Check! 

The days were filled with surprises. From capturing content with Captain Minnie and Mickey to pirate night parties and celebrating Hulu's 15 years over a silent dance party, it felt like we were all in our little world connected by the rhythm. 

Next stop? Ensenada, Mexico, and Catalina Island!

For the stop in Mexico, I chose to do a wine countryside tour and soak in Mexico's countryside. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of Mexico's lesser-known areas — I love the local energy, the colors, and the stories every street had to tell. 

We also stopped at Catalina Island, and I rented a golf cart to ride around the island with fellow creators. It was a fun experience, and I couldn't resist capturing some content to share with my audience. And because we only had a few hours, it was the perfect way to explore and soak in as many views as possible before returning to the Disney Wonder. 

Sea Day

Now, as a creator, Sea Day was pureeee gold. We received an exclusive screening of a Disney+ feature Peter Pan & Wendy (yep, before the rest of the world got to see it!). Plus, we got an exclusive preview of the Part of Your World scene in The Little Mermaid movie before it was released in theaters. Honestly, so incredible!

As our journey neared its end, we gathered around for a farewell reception — it was just the cherry on top: conversations, reflections, and a collective hope to keep these narratives alive.

Parting Thoughts

If I had to distill this entire experience into a single thought, it would be this: Stories are everywhere. Sometimes they're in the laughter shared with new friends or the magic of a firework-lit sky at Disney Parks. Sometimes they're waiting to be discovered in a new city.

So, to Disney, my fellow creators, and all the magic makers, THANK YOU. As I write down new travel stories and embark on new adventures this year, the echoes of this Disney Creators Lab experience will always serve as my muse.

Keep dreaming; keep telling your stories. After all, in the words of Walt Disney himself, "It all started with a mouse." 🐭

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