DISNEYLAND CHANGES SHOPLIFTING POLICY IN RESPONSE TO CRITICISM
Goofy's security force has changed its shoplifting policy.
Responding to media reports that Disneyland security officials asked suspected shoplifters to pay damages on the spot, the amusement park has announced it will no longer seek money from juveniles who are detained, but not yet prosecuted, on shoplifting charges.
In recent weeks, several guests have complained to local newspapers that they were told they could avoid prosecution by paying damages immediately, even though they had yet been formally accused of any crime. Some guests said Disneyland security personnel detained them for several hours until they felt they had no choice but to pay, even though they insisted they were innocent.
Disneyland spokesman Tom Brocato said the park will still seek civil damages from shoplifters who are convicted or plead guilty, however.
Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that shoplifting accounts for 36 percent of inventory shrinkage in retail stores. [ read full article ]
GIVING DISNEYLAND ITS DUE AS A MARKETING SCHOOL
Contents
Dana Point, media megalopolis?
Home Base has some fun with Suissa Miller
The marketing team that Disneyland put together in its early years, has probably spawned more startups than any other company in Orange County history.
For example, last week I had a conversation with Jack Lindquist, Disneyland's original advertising manager, who worked his way up to president before retiring from the park, and now heads up Irvine-based Lindquist Group and Lindquist-Clark. Jack and partner Steve Lewis, another Disney alumnus, have received tons of publicity recently for their Class of 2000 concept that's designed to help corporations celebrate the millennium.
Another phone call came in from former Disneyland marketing guy Billy Long, who heads up Long On Promotions, a marketing company that helped Tustin-based Select Productions International produce the halftime show at last week's Super Bowl. Select itself is run by Dennis Despie, another Disney marketing alumnus.
Such talent was forged in a marketing department that gave new meaning to the word lean. In the first 20 years of the Anaheim park's existence, there were probably never more than 20 staffers. [ read full article ]
If It’s October, It Must Be Disney’s HalloweenTime! Disneyland Resort to Become Fall Playground for Little Boos & Ghouls of All Ages
A Family-Friendly Tradition of Fall Fun Begins Sept. 29 With All-New Seasonal Event
The witching hour of midnight on Sept. 29, 2006, will mark the beginning of Disney’s HalloweenTime, an all-new seasonal event at the Disneyland Resort with whimsical décor, costumed Disney Characters, and interactive Halloween activities the whole family will find frightfully fun. Continuing through Oct. 31, the first-ever event will allow guests to enter a family-friendly world of Halloween delights.
“Disney’s HalloweenTime will be a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and enjoy the make-believe aspects of the holiday,” said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort. “We hope families will begin a new holiday tradition of celebrating Halloween with us here at the Disneyland Resort.”
The autumn motif will be immediately apparent as Guests approach Disneyland park where charming jack- o-lantern creations depicting Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy will adorn the rooftop of the Main Entrance. Upon entering the park, Guests will see the familiar imagery of the “Mickey Planter” below the Main Street Train Station transformed into a canvas of pumpkins and a masked Mickey face, featuring a skin-tone and ears created with real miniature white and orange pumpkins.[ read full article ]