This is one of my favorite topics, and the best part of going to Disney with my dad. He's a builder and notices all kinds of things, but I'd have to say the aesthetics in general. I have always been fascinated with how Disney keeps everything so clean and beautiful, the paint, the landscaping, everything is as perfect as can be with thousands of people and kids storming through daily, just amazing!
I read in a book called something like, Disney World Reality, how they had a huge crew including a lot of management desk people replacing dead sod at The Contemporary all through the night on the night before Disney World opened, and I guess I appreciate the effort, dedication, Disney tradition, etc. that was inspired by one man's unyeilding concept!
It has inspired me in my daily life somewhat. When we were on a cruise when it was still called the Big Red Boat, there was a man touching up paint real late at night, and ever since, I go around and touch up the paint on my walls every couple of months. I realized it was way easier and better than waiting until they looked horrendous and the whole room needed repainted, and whenever I work in my yard, I think of all the flowers Disney plants and how trying to make it beautiful is worth it.
I also read that Walt would watch people to see how long they would hold onto an empty cup before setting it down rather than throwing it into a trash can, and that's how he decided how far apart the trash cans needed to be placed, so I've often wondered if having a clean park unconsciously inspires people to behave more civilized and politely.
I posted pictures of the Pirates of the Caribbean room I painted here yesterday, so I do love the magical side to the design elements, but I think it's fun to notice the less obvious ones that have an effect on our experience also.
Thanks for asking, good luck!
