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Public Relations; Taking a Lesson from the Best

Submitted by Mitch Seigel on Tues, 7/15/2014

Yesterday I enjoyed a day at Disneyland! I was not only having a good time but it also gave me a time to reflect on the many aspects that Walt Disney either brought to marketing or perfected. One area he perfected was the Public Relations channel.

Disney goes to great lengths to make sure that the experience is full and exciting, and truly lets you know that this is the Happiest Place on Earth.

In the morning I was on the Indiana Jones attraction. Two thirds of the way through the ride, our Jeep stalled. It ended up, that for the first time in fifty years of going to Disneyland, that I had to wait for Disney personnel to walk us off the ride. As they were taking care of their guests, at first it seemed unorganized. I expressed that to one of the cast members. They have procedures and need to follow them, and I respect that. As we walked off the ride we were handed two passes to use as Fast Passes to move up in the lines at other rides. A happy feeling for me!

Making the shows enjoyable is part of the public relations experience as well. Having special areas for people to observe Fantasmic in Adventureland or the Fireworks display down Main Street makes it easier for those getting ready to watch, as well as those choosing to pass on the shows and continue to experience the rides.

The last ride we jumped on at the end of the night was the Monorail. Just before we left we could hear the cast member operating the ride saying to someone who showed up

late for our train, “You are Just in Time to be the first person on the next train.” Wow, what a way to end the night. I know I’m not the only one who marvels at the experience you get when you visit any of their theme parks. It is all just part of the PR lessons passed on from the man himself, Walt Disney.

What are your challenges when it comes to public relations? I look forward to hearing your comments. Until next time...