Disney Imagineer Says Park Design Now Prioritizes 'Instagrammable' Moments Over Storytelling
Michel Den Dulk points to social media appeal and data on IP popularity, including input from Disney+, as central factors guiding recent projects such as the Adventure World expansion.
Overview
- Den Dulk said the “Instagrammable” aspect has become important in the design process, reflecting a shift away from cohesive narrative-first planning.
- He noted that social media engagement was a major driver in shaping the new Adventure World area, designed to produce highly shareable visuals.
- Imagineers are tracking franchise performance and consulting Disney+ viewing data to decide which characters and properties to feature in attractions.
- Fan sites cite prior comments from Disneyland Paris leadership about survey-led planning, framing it as a practical yet potentially less immersive approach.
- Reactions from park enthusiasts include concern that visual-first, IP-heavy design reduces narrative depth, with one widely shared post alleging Adventure Way lacks a unified story.