September 24, 2007 in Marketing by sbaradell@ideagrove.com
The Wonderful World of Disney Hospital

Construction began last Wednesday on a $35 million Florida children’s hospital that will bear the Disney name — a first for the brand. According to reports, Disney “imagineers” currently are working to “develop the patient experience.”

I normally wouldn’t presume to offer my pitiful, uncreative recommendations to someone who has earned the lofty title of “imagineer” … but in this case, what the hell:


All patients will be assigned a PCC (Primary Care Character).


Semi-private rooms are standard.


Mealtime will patriotically showcase an all-American cuisine.


Disney’s most treasured icons will chip in with patient care.


Uninsured patients will be escorted out of the building by Mickey himself.

 
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October 15, 2006 in Media, Media Orchard, Media Relations, Public Relations by sbaradell@ideagrove.com
Minnie Mouse Is a Ho

Disney is notorious for its emphasis on brand consistency — particularly at its theme parks. The “Disney Way” has been praised in Harvard Business School case studies … but criticized freqently by the company’s more independent-minded employees, who feel like they are working in “Mousewitz” or “Duckau.”

Of course, we know how independent-minded those Rousseau-reading French are. So it’s not surprising that they occasionally need to let off a little steam at Disneyland Paris:

No fun goes unpunished at Disney, of course. Per Reuters:

Disney would not say whether it had dismissed any of the costumed employees featured in the grainy video, which appears to have been shot with a hidden camera at a backstage dressing room at Disneyland Resort Paris.

“The behavior shown on the video is unacceptable and inexcusable,” Disney said in a statement. “The video was taken in the backstage area not accessible to guests. Appropriate action has been taken to deal with the cast members involved.”

The video shows Minnie Mouse struggling to free herself as she is grabbed from behind by Goofy and then a giant snowman. Later, Mickey Mouse simulates sex with the snowman and Goofy does the same with either Chip or Dale, the chipmunks, as laughter is heard on the tape.

Media Orchard’s review: four stars, best movie out of the Magic Kingdom since “Son of Flubber.”

 
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