Marketing Happy Hour 4 Marketing Lessons from Disney (and the Power of Storytelling — from “Disneyland Handcrafted”)
In this episode, Ally and I break down the marketing and brand lessons hidden inside Disneyland Handcrafted, the new documentary directed by Leslie Iwerks that captures the extraordinary effort, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind the creation of Disneyland. Using never-before-seen footage and audio, the film elevates the often unnamed people who brought Walt Disney’s impossible idea to life — and offers a masterclass in legacy brand storytelling. Whether you’re a Disney fan or not, this conversation explores why the best brands are built on emotional resonance, attention to detail, and stories that actually need to be told — and how marketers today can apply those lessons to content, customer experience, and the products they’re building.
Key Takeaways:
// Every brand is built on story — but not every story has been told yet: The most compelling marketing often comes from uncovering overlooked perspectives: your team, your customers, or the behind-the-scenes work that rarely gets credit.
// Behind-the-scenes content builds trust, not just engagement: Showing the process — the challenges, pivots, and craftsmanship — creates authenticity and emotional connection far more than polished outputs alone.
// Attention to detail isn’t optional — it is the brand: From product design to social media responses, every interaction teaches your audience what to expect from you.
// Happiness is future-proof: Brands that create moments of joy, escape, or ease — even through content — build lasting relevance in uncertain times.
// Great marketing is hospitality: How you treat your audience, respond to feedback, and show up consistently matters just as much as the message itself.
// Legacy brands last because they invest in craft, not shortcuts: Long-term trust is built through care, patience, and respect for the people behind the work — not trend-chasing.
Connect with Cassie: LinkedIn
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn
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