Disneyland Paris Inspires Youth with Storytelling

Recently, 27 students from the Île-de-France region had a unique experience at Disneyland Paris. As part of the theme park’s commitment to inspiring local youth, they went behind the scenes and explored the art of storytelling.

Discovering Disney’s Magic

Laurent Cayuela, an Imagineer, designer, and author at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, introduced the students, who study communication, stage design, event planning, and marketing, to the world of Disney magic. He explained how thoughtful storytelling immerses guests in the park’s themed worlds. Every detail in the resort contributes to creating the atmosphere, he emphasized. Cayuela shared anecdotes about the history of Disneyland Park and described the architectural inspirations that bring it to life.

Inspiring Future Creatives

The visit left a lasting impression on the students. Noë Brand, their design teacher, praised the event as a perfect complement to their current academic projects. The analysis of Main Street, U.S.A.’s design vividly demonstrated the central role of storytelling in theme park creation. Cayuela’s presentation offered the students a hands-on masterclass, connecting their theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

A Career Path to Follow

The students also met Etienne, the artistic coordinator at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris. He shared his journey from studying literature to securing a key role on the creative team. Etienne started as an apprentice in the merchandise team and worked seasonally at Disneyland Paris. He later completed a master’s degree in marketing through a dual study program with the company. His story highlighted the diverse career opportunities in the theme park industry for the students, who are currently pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.