5 PR Lessons from Classic Disney Movies

I recently took a family vacation in Disney World and relived many of my childhood memories. Seeing all of the attractions based on these very familiar Disney characters was such an amazing experience.

Early on in childhood, Disney taught us many life lessons. I learned that a dream is a wish your heart makes and that sometimes you’ve just gotta say “Hakuna Matata.” However, little did I know that some of the lessons from my favorite Disney films also inadvertently taught me a lot about PR. Standing in Disney World's Magic Kingdom I realized that I have been PR my entire life. Turns out, Walt Disney and Disney Corporation have produced movies for decades to help educate children and adults on how to be effective public relations professionals!

Here are a few very crucial PR lessons from five of my favorite classic Disney films:

1. Cinderella - Be Timely

2. Pinocchio - Be Transparent

3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Rely On Your Network

4. Pocohantas - Passion Drives Results

5. Little Mermaid - Take Risks

As Walt Disney has taught us, every story has a lesson that can be applied to our lives, both personal and professional. PR pros should consider heeding every warning this classic films have given to us. What other PR lessons have you found in Disney films? We want to know!

Disney: A Beloved Brand

When you hear the words, “Happiest Place on Earth” one brand should come to mind- Disney, of course! The Walt Disney Company has done everything right to make sure their reputation emulates joy, happiness and fun.  According to a recent Associations of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Worldwide survey of 70,000 consumers in 15 countries, the Walt Disney Company is the #1 most beloved brand in the world.

So, how does Disney create these heartwarming connections with people across the globe? A very detailed and thought out marketing strategy. Every brand in the world must come up with ways to market its image. Some marketing plans are successful, some are not. Disney, however, has perfected their marketing plan to a T. Their desired image revolves around family entertainment, honesty, innovation, and creativity. Whether it is in a classic Disney movie, on a Disney cruise line or in one of the sensational amusement parks, Disney is so terrifically branded to fit the desired image you can be left to wonder if they really do use magic.

Ever since Walt Disney brought Mickey Mouse into our lives, the company has done a fantastic job with connecting to their audience at an emotional level. Disney continues to use its heritage and the characters that the world fell in love with years ago as their main branding tool, and it is clearly working for them.

If the Walt Disney brand keeps this image, it will be the most beloved brand for many years to come.

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Kelly Dougherty.