The “Walt Disney creativity method”

What do flying elephants and singing mermaids have in common? They could only be brought to life by an idea like that of Walt Disney – a man who set no limits to dreams and visions. Imagine if Disney had tried to pitch his first ideas in a classic brainstorming session back then. It would probably have gone like this: “What, a talking lion? Well… but how would that work?” And the idea would have been nipped in the bud. But fortunately, Disney had developed a creative system that avoids precisely such situations. It allows you to dream freely first and then consider the details and hurdles later – the Disney method. What makes this method so special? It brings order to creative chaos and ensures that wild dreams become feasible plans. How does it work? Let’s go through the method step by step! 🌟

The three roles

1. the dreamer 🌟
This is where it all begins. The dreamer gives free rein to creativity. No idea is too crazy, too big or too unrealistic – on the contrary: the bigger the vision, the better. The motto is: “Dream big!” Example: Would you like to develop a training course? Imagine what it would be like to hold it in a soccer stadium or invite a prominent keynote speaker. Write everything down – without filters, without criticism. 2. the realist 🛠️
After the dreamer has done his work, the realist takes over. Here you check how the ideas from the dreamer phase can be implemented in concrete terms. Questions such as:

• How can this idea be realized?
• What steps are necessary?
• What resources are needed?
• How much time will it take?

The realist is the project planner who transforms dreams into tangible plans. 3. the critic 🛑
Finally, the critic comes into play. Now it’s time to check the ideas for weaknesses and risks:

• Does the concept make sense?
• Where could stumbling blocks lie?
• Which aspects could be improved?

Why does the critic come last?

Maybe you’ve been there: you share a new idea and before you’ve even finished thinking it through, you hear the famous “Yes, but…”. Such objections can immediately slow down the creative process. The Disney method prevents exactly that by first giving space to free dreaming and only later moving on to criticism.

How do you implement the method?

The method is most effective if you separate the three roles spatially. The dreamer sits in an inspiring area with colorful pictures or plants. The realist works in a structured environment that promotes focus. The Critic needs a sober space that invites objective analysis. Depending on your needs, you can go through the phases several times until all roles are satisfied.

Use in workshops and training courses

The Disney method is not only creative, but also incredibly effective. It is ideal for developing new ideas in groups and bringing structure to the process at the same time. The name alone motivates many to think outside the box – and the results speak for themselves.

Conclusion: Creative and target-oriented

Try out the Disney method at your next workshop or project. You will be surprised how many brilliant ideas emerge when the dreamer, the realist and the critic take turns entering the stage.

Have fun with the implementation!