Originally Posted By alexbook Not sure if this should go in Disney Dining or World Events or here... <a href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-mcdonalds8may08,1,1059324.story" target="_blank">http://www.latimes.com/enterta inment/news/la-et-mcdonalds8may08,1,1059324.story</a> >>Disney is not renewing its cross-promotional pact with the fast-food giant, ending the arrangement with this summer's release of "Cars" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." One reason, say multiple high-ranking sources within Disney, is that the company — which prides itself on being family friendly — wants to distance itself from fast food and its links to the epidemic of childhood obesity.<< They're going to continue selling McDonald's food in the parks, though. Interesting stuff towards the end of the article: >>Other factors contributed to the unraveling of the McDonald's-Disney alliance. Although the relationship boasted hit promotions for such films as "101 Dalmatians" and "Lilo & Stitch," some McDonald's franchisees began to chafe when the studio churned out clunkers like "Treasure Planet." The company also had to abide by Disney's strict rules regarding use of its characters, which were not allowed to be seen eating McDonald's food. For its part, Disney grew disgruntled with some of McDonald's advertising efforts and had problems with the fast-food giant's toy production schedule, according to a high-level Disney executive. The studio had to lock down release dates at least 18 months ahead of time to accommodate the needs of McDonald's. If the studio moved the date, it had to pay a penalty to McDonald's.<< The article talks in general about how common merchandising tie-ins are with kids' movies, then says: >>An exception is the "Harry Potter" franchise, which had only one promotional partner, Coca-Cola, for the first two movies, and none for the last two. That's in part because "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling went on record stating that "fast-food kids meals would be her worst nightmare," said Diane Nelson, executive vice president of global brand management for Warner Bros. "She made it clear she had an aversion to it. "We … decided internally it was not the right way to approach the brand."<<
Originally Posted By alexbook Oops. Try this URL: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/oler4" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/oler4</a>
Originally Posted By TheRedhead But isn't this the 10 year pact that was ending this year anyway? The pact that McDonalds said last year it had no desire to renew, simply because it was too restrictive about who else McDonalds could do business with? Is this Disney trying to spin a non-story to make themselves look good at McDonalds expense? I'm confused. I think the thing that infuriates me about all this is that McDonalds and Disney are being blamed for targeting children with unhealthy food and plastic crap. 6-year-olds don't buy Happy Meals. Their parents buy Happy Meals. Why aren't they being blamed? I wish people would start to take some personal responsibilty for their actions in this country that grows lazier and stupider every day.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss It isn't the first time Disney has split ways with McDonald's. There was a period in the mid-90's when Disney switched over to Burger King.
Originally Posted By TheRedhead It was an "open relationship" with Burger King. BK did promotions using Disney films and tv shows. McDonalds was able to do Disney theme park promotions (they had hapy meal toys tied to Disneyland and EPCOT).
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Okay, without putting in stuff I just can't....my wife spent 17 years working for McD's corporate HQ in Oak Brook in Media Relations and Corporate Marketing. This 'deal' has been unraveling for the last 5 years....when the exclusive language was 'altered' a few years back this relationship cooled considerably. McD was upset that Disney's biggest box office hits in the renaissance period came before McD tie ins, and the original deal limited the ability for McD to tie in with competitors, so they fought to change the wording some..and Disney relented. Now remember McD approached the 10 year deal, not Disney. Now that the 10 years is up mgmt at Disney remembers....and it's adios to McD. Current management at McD has no loyalty to anyone...and hence one of the tightest triangles in the corporate world is broken. -- Coke - Disney - McD. If you check the payrolls you will find sons and daughters of high ranking execs of these three working for others in the triangle....very tight knit. No longer. Remember the tie between McDonalds and Disney goes back way further than the age of the fast food giant or the media conglomerate. One of Ray Krocs first sales targets was Walt Disney, whom he had met in Connecticut during Red Cross ambulance driver training near the end of World War I. ( 1916-17). I have a great black and white photo of the Red Cross group with Walt and Ray Kroc in the picture..( from their archives) -- This is a sad ending and you can bet Coke is now on the firing line to take sides...watch the events coming up... Who knows, for you Pepsi drinkers, a few wrong decisions and you may get your wish at WDW.
