McDonald's and Disney

[profscottraynor]

Hi everyone,

I was working on a post today on my site trying to find photos of unusual McDonald's locations around the world. Of course I plugged in a few that used to be located on Disney property but it led me to thinking about why the relationship split apart between McDonald's and DIsney.

Personally I always thought it was an odd fit but there seemed to be lines at each of the locations most days.

Do you think it was because of the food? Two different brand strategies? Or just money.

I never got the story of why they broke apart...would be nice to know.

Thanks...and if you want to see the photos you can click here:

 

[draybook]

I don't know but the one over by Animal Kingdom is a rip off.

 

[Megalodumb]

I read somewhere that the separation was in part due to growing controversy over McDonald's unhealthy menu offerings, and Disney trying to step away from that debacle. Of course the irony of this is that most of WDW's quick service food options aren't any healthier than McDonald's. Who knows.

 

[lazyboy97o]

A lot had to do with the image of the fast food industry as trying to make kids fat and die.

 

[profscottraynor]

I've also noticed that the Disney fast food quality in some venues has declined a bit. Hoping that it will improve in the next couple of years.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

You should check out Yesterland they talk all about them from land, world,& downtown.
http://www.yesterland.com/mcwdw.html
http://www.yesterland.com/mcdtdwdw.html
http://www.yesterland.com/mcland.html

 

[AndyS2992]

McDonald's and Disney were close partners, McDonald's would sponsor Disney attractions as well as promote new Disney movies through Happy Meal toys. However the child obesity epidemic took over and Disney as well as the government felt it was unethical to promote children's movies with fatty food and so Disney ended the relationship on ethical grounds.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

McDonald's and Disney were close partners, McDonald's would sponsor Disney attractions as well as promote new Disney movies through Happy Meal toys. However the child obesity epidemic took over and Disney as well as the government felt it was unethical to promote children's movies with fatty food and so Disney ended the relationship on ethical grounds.

They took the "safe route" and went with subway to promote their films by giving kids flimsy bags.

 

[profscottraynor]

McDonald's and Disney were close partners, McDonald's would sponsor Disney attractions as well as promote new Disney movies through Happy Meal toys. However the child obesity epidemic took over and Disney as well as the government felt it was unethical to promote children's movies with fatty food and so Disney ended the relationship on ethical grounds.

I suppose that makes sense although I do see the irony of much of the food in WDW's fast food restaurants aren't exactly 'healthy'.

 

[FettFan]

Behold: The least-appetizing McDonalds ad in the history of ever.

Not sure what is worse....the fact that it more-or-less implies that McDonalds is the equivalent of eating a lizard carcass, or the "speckled" look of the poster...which happens to be in red and thus looks like blood splatter.


And I especially love the Carnotaurus one that looks like he just had his mind completely blown.

Only reinforces my belief that the Carno was intentionally designed to look like a total pothead from his inception. Perhaps a better title would be "Food, Fangs, and Four-Twenty".

 

[Bairstow]

my belief that the Carno was intentionally designed to look like a total pothead from his inception.

 

[NearTheEars]

I don't understand why someone would line up for McDonald's fries. Yeah, I like them as much as the next guy, but it just wouldn't be something I'd be craving at the park. Especially at a premium price.

We have gone through the drive thru a few times while staying at AllStar Sports Resort. It seemed a little pricier than most, but not crazy.

Starbucks, I get. Good coffee is good coffee. But not a French fry stand.

Not sad I missed out.

 

[stevehousse]

Speaking of McDonald's my favorite "odd" location is the Bistro McDonald's in Orlando! If u haven't been yet, make it a must stop on your next visit! So many yummy different things like pastas, sandwiches, paninis, soup, waffles and omlettes, etc! Go try it!

 

[Dragonrider1227]

I don't understand why someone would line up for McDonald's fries. Yeah, I like them as much as the next guy, but it just wouldn't be something I'd be craving at the park. Especially at a premium price.

They're tasty, they're familiar, and kids won't complain

 

[IWantMyMagicBand]

I read somewhere that the separation was in part due to growing controversy over McDonald's unhealthy menu offerings, and Disney trying to step away from that debacle. Of course the irony of this is that most of WDW's quick service food options aren't any healthier than McDonald's. Who knows.

Still at Disneyland Paris though. Unsurprising seeing as you can't find a vegetable inside the park anyway....
They don't offer Disney toys in the Happy Meals though which I find odd. They used to until a couple of years ago.

 

[copcarguyp71]

At the other end of the spectrum I have to say that the alternate to French fries at cosmic rays which is the cucumber salad was really very good and a healthier alternative.

 

[Hakunamatata]

McDonald's and Disney were close partners, McDonald's would sponsor Disney attractions as well as promote new Disney movies through Happy Meal toys. However the child obesity epidemic took over and Disney as well as the government felt it was unethical to promote children's movies with fatty food and so Disney ended the relationship on ethical grounds.

The government cant feel. Politicians, on the other hand, feel like they know better than anyone else....

 

[profscottraynor]

At the other end of the spectrum I have to say that the alternate to French fries at cosmic rays which is the cucumber salad was really very good and a healthier alternative.

Cucumber Salad is gone?

 

[Texas84]

I would bet a WDW burger is a lot healthier than McDonalds. And I love McDonalds.

 

[copcarguyp71]

Cucumber Salad is gone?

No, it was still there on our trip in Sept.

I was just saying that it is a great option to fries that they serve. I like fries don't get me wrong but if I took fries as a side with every meal at WDW that they offer them with I would feel pretty awful by day three so it was just a good alternative...kind of off subject so I am sorry to the OP for derailing