For five days and four nights I was vacationing with the family at the Disneyland Resort. To say we were vacationing in Anaheim might give the false impression that we were wandering around town, amusing ourselves with other diversions and experiencing other entertainment outlets, but we never actually left the Disney property. Well, except when we shuttled to and from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana and when we legged it to Hilo Hattie in Orange. Other than that, our experience was more like a Disney Immersion Program (DIP).
I'm not complaining. Really. I love most things Mickey. I love the imagination, creativity, magic and happiness the brand represents and projects. I dislike how the company has managed to transform those positive qualities into collectible pins, hoodies and mugs. This isn't to say I don't fall for such merchandising. I purchased a few mementos while I was there. I just hope my taste in souvenirs is slightly more refined than the average theme park patron's. It's probably not, but that's the Disney snob in me talking.
While five days might seem like overkill for most people, it's a decent amount of time for my parents. Disneyland is my dad's dream vacation spot. It has been for as long as I can remember. When we were younger, he and my mom would rush us from ride to ride, or more accurately, from line to line. Now, they take their time at the parks. They'll grab a FastPass for Indiana Jones or Soarin' Over California and then cruise through the shops while waiting. It's been just four years since our last visit. My dad's reason to my mom for returning so soon was to experience the new California Adventure. I suspect he would have gone even if there were no additions to the park.
As soon as I have access to a computer that can upload photos, I'll post some from our DIP. It's Monday again. Isn't that nice?
7 Comments
I just went to Disneyland too, just a couple of weeks ago (my second time this year)! I share a lot of the same sentiments as you, in regards to loving the Disney experience but hating the marketing machine.
I stayed on the resort for the first time ever on this last trip (we almost always stay in Orange, as a matter of fact, right around the corner from the center where Hilo Hattie is). I didn't realize what I was missing! It's SO great!
Hey Dave, you should have told me you were going to be in town. I live like fifteen minutes away from Disneyland. We could have met up at the ESPN Zone and I could have told you about how the skilled defense and clutch hitting of the Los Angeles Dodgers would eviscerate your G'ints.
Since you were just there, perhaps you have some insights towards Jon's (rather disturbing) question?
Free the Mouse! Let Mickey enter the public domain.
Agh, I hate responding so late, but here I go anyway...
courtney: I wish they'd tone down the marketing machine, but it seems to be an inseparable part of their corporate culture. It's too bad.
soo: Aw, man! That would've been awesome to meet at ESPN and talk baseball. Dodgers vs. Giants this weekend. Should be intense with only 2.5 games separating them! :)
fling: My not-so-serious "insights" to the rather disturbing question. :D
rich: Did a little searching and it seems Mickey won't be released until 2019. Too long of a sentence in my opinion. :( So, yeah, free the Mouse!
You know the merchandise isnt the problem. That is created so guest can leave with a momento of the park. No where else can you get as creative and limited edition item with Disney Characters on it, let alone attraction memorabilia.
The problem is the hording of the Disney name with ESPN, ABC and all the others,....we have watered down what Disney stood for and thats creativity not enterprise. Parks, Movies and Feature Animation are enough to manage and be the best at...no need for the rest.
So dont throw around anger at Parks Merchandise, I mean come on you bought stuff did you not?
I think I was turned off by the sheer quantity of the merchandising. Walking through stores like The Emporium or The World of Disney, one gets the impression that nothing is sacred and everything is for sale. That irked me. But your point about the merchandise is well-taken. If it allows guests to take home part of the Magic, be it character or attraction memorabilia, then it's a good thing and it's true that there aren't many places outside of the resort to obtain such items. And I agree that Disney would be better served to focus on its core strengths, but I don't know what it would take for them to head in that direction.