THE ART OF MAGIC AND SURPRISE IN THE REAL WORLD, POWERED BY TECHNOLOGY AND TECHNIQUE AND CAPTURED TO BE SHARED ON SOCIAL CHANNELS
We created an augmented reality experience that cast a “Disney Shadow” on unsuspecting shoppers as they walked past our faux storefront.
The Disney “shadows” mimicked and interacted with participants in real time through a multi-projection system housed in a studio built behind the facade. Characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and others were revealed to the public at the end of the event, sparking cheers and excitement from the adoring crowd. The event was designed to capture genuine moments of people interacting with and enjoying the brand experience, which we then transformed into a compelling social film.
CLIENT:
DISNEY PARKS
CREATIVE AGENCY
GRAND VISUAL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR:
DAN DAWSON
BROADCAST VIDEO DIRECTOR:
JAY HATCHER
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
James Dean, Liminal
CREATIVE TECH
Jon Jones
VIDEO DIRECTOR
RORY MCKELLER
SHADOWS
Disney aimed to craft a digital out-of-home (OOH) experience that would capture the heart of its *Show Your Disney Side* campaign in a playful and surprising way. The goal was to create an immersive activation that not only delighted participants on-site but also resonated with a broader audience online.
The concept focused on blending the magic of Disney with innovative technology to produce an unforgettable experience. Passersby were invited to discover their “Disney side” through an interactive display that brought beloved Disney characters to life in unexpected ways. These moments of joy and surprise were designed to highlight the campaign’s core message: that everyone has a fun, magical, and adventurous side waiting to be unleashed.
The activation culminated in the production of a compelling social video. This final deliverable captured real reactions and interactions from participants, showcasing genuine moments of awe and excitement as they engaged with the experience. The video was crafted to maximize shareability, with a narrative and visuals that could evoke the same sense of wonder online as it did in person.
Disney’s strategy extended beyond just the activation, focusing on the ripple effect of social sharing. By creating a video designed for virality, the campaign aimed to inspire viewers to share their own “Disney side” with friends and family across social media platforms. This not only amplified the reach of the campaign but also reinforced Disney’s reputation for creating magical, memorable moments that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Ultimately, the project delivered an engaging, multi-channel experience that seamlessly integrated digital OOH with the power of social media, embodying the spirit of the *Show Your Disney Side* campaign and extending its magic far beyond the initial activation.
RESULTS
The *Disney Side Shadows* video became a global sensation, amassing over 300 million views and being shared more than 5.9 million times worldwide. This extraordinary performance far exceeded all the benchmarks Disney Parks had set for their social video campaigns, making it one of their most successful initiatives to date.
The video’s appeal lay in its innovative concept and emotional resonance. Shoppers passing by a seemingly ordinary storefront were delighted when their shadows came to life as iconic Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. These unexpected interactions, brought to life using advanced augmented reality and projection technology, captivated audiences on-site and resonated with viewers online. The video showcased real moments of joy and surprise, creating a genuine connection with Disney’s brand ethos of magic and wonder.
The campaign’s success was not only reflected in its impressive reach but also in its cultural impact. A study by Unruly, a leading social video analytics company, named *Disney Side Shadows* the second most shared advertisement of 2015, cementing its place as a standout piece of digital content. Its ability to inspire sharing across various social media platforms demonstrated its universal appeal and its ability to evoke strong emotional engagement from audiences of all ages.
Beyond its metrics, the video exemplified the power of experiential marketing. By turning everyday moments into magical experiences, it strengthened the emotional bond between Disney and its fans. The massive reach and virality of *Disney Side Shadows* underscored the effectiveness of blending creativity, technology, and storytelling, setting a new standard for branded social content and leaving a lasting impression on millions around the globe.