Following the enchanting holiday season at Disney parks, the spectacle of decorations that transform the parks into winter wonderlands must be carefully dismantled. But how does Disney handle this massive task of removing holiday decorations in a way that keeps both the magic alive and the environment in mind? Here are five ways Disney manages post-holiday decor removal in 2019:
1. Strategic Timing and Planning
Disney's approach to removing holiday decorations starts well before the last guest leaves the park. The process begins:
- Immediately after New Year's Day: This is when the cleanup begins to ensure that the park is back to its regular state as smoothly as possible.
- Overnight Operations: Many decorations are removed during park closed hours to minimize disruption to guest experience.
📅 Note: Disney uses a detailed schedule to ensure decorations are removed promptly yet efficiently.
2. Sustainable Practices
Disney's commitment to sustainability influences how holiday decorations are handled:
- Recycling and Reuse: Many items are either recycled or stored for use in future holiday seasons. This reduces waste and costs.
- Biodegradable Materials: Using decorations made from materials that are less harmful to the environment when discarded.
3. Employee Involvement
The removal process involves a significant number of Disney employees:
- Cast Members: Various teams including custodial, attraction, and entertainment members participate in the dismantling process.
- Specialized Teams: Dedicated teams handle specific types of decorations, ensuring precision in their removal and storage.
| Department | Role in Removal |
|---|---|
| Custodial | General cleanup and removal of small items |
| Entertainment | Handling stage setups and special effects removal |
| Operations | Coordination and supervision |
4. Public Relations and Guest Experience
Disney takes care to ensure that:
- The guest experience remains magical: Any necessary work is done discreetly so guests do not see the "behind-the-scenes" process.
- Communication: There is clear communication about seasonal transitions to manage guest expectations.
5. Technological Aid
Technology plays a key role:
- Mobile Apps and Internal Systems: To manage and track the removal process, ensuring efficiency.
- Automation: Where possible, automated systems are used for decoration removal, speeding up the process.
The journey from the festive holiday decor to a park returning to its regular charm is a complex, well-orchestrated effort at Disney. Each step from timing, sustainability, staff involvement, guest experience, to the use of technology, ensures that the magic of Disney remains intact even as one season gives way to another.
How does Disney ensure the guest experience isn’t disrupted during decor removal?
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Disney removes decorations during park closed hours and uses backstage areas for large items, ensuring guests are not exposed to the process.
What happens to the holiday decorations after they are removed?
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Many decorations are stored for future use, others are recycled, and some biodegradable materials are discarded in an environmentally friendly manner.
How long does it take Disney to remove all holiday decorations?
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The process typically spans a few weeks but can vary based on the size and type of decorations involved.
