In a move that is surprising, but somewhat expected, Disney recently announced that the Fast Food chain McDonald’s will be closing at the Downtown Disney location as of April 30, 2010. In its place, a Latin chicken quick-service restaurant called Pollo Campero will be opening.
The move is a continuation of a process started by Disney years ago. Looking back about a decade, McDonald’s and Disney seemed like best buddies in the business world with a very cooperative relationship. When Disney released a new movie, McDonald’s was right there to help advertise for it in their local stores. Disney themed merchandise including Happy Meal premiums, glasses, ornaments, etc. were all part of the package that McDonald’s put in front of its customers daily.
Disney World, for its part, offered several McDonald’s locations on property for its guests. These included a few stand alone stores like the location by the All-Star resorts and the one before Animal Kingdom. Two locations were also integrated into the Disney experience like the one at Downtown Disney and a location inside the Animal Kingdom called Restaurantosaurus located by the Dinosaur ride which was sponsored by McDonald’s. Several fry cart locations were even found in the parks offering guests McDonald’s fried and soft drinks. [click to continue…]
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