An Insider Look Behind The Magic by Disney Legend Lee Cockerell

Sunday, December 27, 2009
By Amanda Tinney

“It’s not the magic that makes it work; it’s the way we work that makes it magic.” ~ Lee Cockerell

Have you ever stopped to think about what goes on behind-the-scenes at the Walt Disney World Resort that makes our Disney experience so Magical?  Tens of thousands of Cast Members working in unison like one enormous symphony. Each one trained to perform their role on stage perfectly. Every great symphony needs a conductor to lead them. For over a decade, Lee Cockerell was the conductor of one of the largest and most enchanted symphonies on earth. The cast of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

No one is as eloquent as Lee so I would love to allow him to tell you in his own words about his Magical Walt Disney World experience…

Lee continues to educate others on “The Disney Way” by teaching leadership skills on behalf of The Disney Institute. He’s also a coveted keynote speaker addressing Fortune 500 Companies, government agencies, and schools all across our nation.

My good friend Rick Howard, host of the “Travel With Rick” Show,  mentioned that Lee would be speaking at a function he was holding in Walt Disney World. I immediately dropped to my knees with my palms held together in prayer and begged to be allowed to sit in on Mr. Cockerell’s presentation.

Lee Cockerell and Amanda Tinney

Lee Cockerell signing my copy of Creating Magic

The morning of Lee’s talk, I headed into the Conference Room at the Walt Disney World Boardwalk Resort giddy with excitement.  Rick said to me, “Hey Amanda…I saved you a seat right here.” I sat down in my designated seat with the other five individuals and glanced across the table to see none other than Mr. Lee Cockerell chatting it up with another fella. Was  I really sitting at a table with the one and only Lee Cockerell????!!!  With nervous anticipation I said hello to the Disney Legend, introduced myself and commented on one of his blog posts that really touced me: “Be Thankful for the Right People and Tell Them”.  Lee was just as down-to-earth as you or I. He asked me some questions about myself and then gave me some sound parental advice and before I knew it, it was time for him to get up and give his presentation to our small intimate group.

All I can say is “WOW”! What an unbelievable life Lee has lead so far! Lucky for us, Mr. Cockerell has put all that he has experienced and learned to paper in his book “Creating Magic”.

Creating Magic

You can find more pearls of wisdom sprinkled throughout Lee’s weekly blog posts on “Lessons in Leadership”. He is also accessible on Twitter here: @LeeCockerell.

Until Next Time,
Amanda_Tinney_Signature

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  • Amanda, Let me just say this--this man is amazing! I'm sure you are already following him on twitter and facebook, but what impresses me is how this "big" Disney man communicates with me - a "little" Disney fan!

    When I joined his facebook page, he sent me a PERSONAL note, and on another occasion, he wrote again. His blog posts are inspiring and encourage you to grow.

    It's funny you posting this blog because I was literally just on his blog, facebook, and twitter accounts before coming here!

    Small world or great minds think alike? Girl...I have got to meet you in person soon. Are you going to try and meet up with our little group for David Cassidy in March?
  • I am going to go with great minds think alike. =) I would TOTALLY love to meet up with you in March. Give me a heads up on the date and time a few weeks before and I will come out!
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