Disney- visual marketing

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Summary
Celebrating Disneyland's 50th anniversary, they launched a online program called Virtual Magic Kingdom. In this website, Disneyland fans can experience the activities in Disney virtually, create avatars and play games to collect points and more. These points collegected through various online activities, can be actually used in real life. Disney boasted that there were million avatars created from this program itself. Many fans used this site to make friends, chat, and participate in programs such as the company's resort in California and Florida.

However, Disney announced that they will discontinue the use of this website. Because this website was just for the celebration of the 50th anniversary. It was just prolonged because of the high interest from the people. ManyDisney fans are against this act. 20,000 petitions were written and dozen people stood in front of Disney to protest. However, Diseny continues to pursue their decision and promote other programs that are offered with monthly fees.

My Opinion
I believe Virtual Magic Kingdom was a great program that Disney promoted. It was opened at the right time and the right place. Many people had access to Disneyland all over the world, and 50th anniversary had great meaning to the company and their fans.
However, Disney is trying to stop this online program because of its expenses and support of other programs available with a monthly fee. I believe that this will hurt Disney's image and many of its fans' wants and loyalty.
VMK is a free program, used by hundred and thousands of people all over the world. This is not a one on one relationship with Disney and the fan but a whole community activity. Disney fans' meet one another through online games and interact with one other. I believe that VMK is a great promotion to Disney. Rather than discontinuing this program that is so loved by many people, I believe that Disney should open it.
20,000 petition were signed against of this discontinuation. I believe that Disney has the obligation to fulfill world-wide consumers' want by charging a fee for this program and continuing it. As read in the article, programs were charged $9-10 dollars. The value of the VMK will determine the right price for the service provided. I believe that people with strong attachment to this program will pay the price for such experience and activity. This program is a great marketing that will keep many consumers attached to Disney. Disney isn't a place where people can go often or anytime. People need to invest time and money to enjoy themselves one day at Disneyland. The website keeps loyal customers, and also a promotion to the loyal customers with their points that can be actually used in real life.

I believe its a great program for the LOYAL consumers of Disneyland.
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