Selling an idea TO Disney...can anyone help?

[*Robin*]

Hi everyone, if this gets tossed because it's off topic I'll totally understand, but you all are the most knowledgeable people I know in relation to how Disney actually works.

I have done some art pieces that are Disney "ride" inspired, and I'd like to show them to someone, but have no idea if this is even possible...

Could anyone direct me in any way? Or even give me a few hints?

I'd appreciate it more than you'd know...

Thanks!
Robin

 

[Sarangel]

I'm afraid this is neither news or a rumor... Let's try the community board & see if anyone has any ideas.

Sarangel

 

[*Robin*]

No thanks Sara. I just wanted to talk to some people that seemed to be in the know...

Thanks anyway, I don't really want it to become some debate...

 

[DawnCt1]

I would be very careful selling any idea to Disney. Someone "sold' the idea of the sports complex to Disney and they didn't pay up. They had to sue to get paid.

 

[MouseWorshipin]

I don't know how you would do it, but I wouldn't just submit it. My guess is that their lawyers would return it to you and tell you that they can't accept it.

I am curious to see if anyone has a good answer.

 

[*Robin*]

Hi everyone...I guess she moved it anyway...

This has less to do with "stuff", or buildings, or rides etc...and more to do with them buying a licensed product...(They have artists doing things for them all the time...and not necessarily just imagineers....you know?)

There are a lot of people with seeming inside information over on Rumours and News, so that's why I asked...

I would appreciate it if anyone has anything they can give me...I've gotten a few other leads doing some snooping around...though I'm not sure what will pan out...

anyway, you guys are great, thanks for taking the time!

 

[mickeyboat]

No advice, but good luck!

Denae

 

[DisMN]

Are you talking about having created something one-of-a-kind unique that's based on Disney rides? Something they could sell in their upscale collectible stores?

Mass quantity or as I said one of a kind items?

Go from there. Mass quantity I don't really know about but I do know the marketing for either type product would be different.

Good luck. I'd love to know how this turns out for you.


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[CathrynRose]

I would be very careful selling any idea to Disney. Someone "sold' the idea of the sports complex to Disney and they didn't pay up. They had to sue to get paid.

As well as the little containers of *Pixie Dust* topped with a Little Tinkerbell...

They also had to sue.

 

[Razor Roman]

when I was a cast member, they kept telling us, over and over again, Disney does not take any unsolicited ideas, so don't even bother. (They dont want anyone to even have half a shot at suing them)

 

[outstandinfarmer]

when I was a cast member, they kept telling us, over and over again, Disney does not take any unsolicited ideas, so don't even bother. (They dont want anyone to even have half a shot at suing them)

Yep, that's what I heard too from actual imagineers

 

[*Robin*]

DisMN, I didn't even see your post before, I'm sorry! This could either be a "one of a kind" or one AT a time product, or it could be mass produced.

I'm actually checking out some of the stores in DTD as well as working with a lawyer and Parker Brothers.

Oh, and by the way, thankfully thousands of Artists haven't heeded the advice of castmembers over the years...and Disney is much better of for that fact.

I think we're also very lucky that castmembers don't make all the decisions.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!! It may take a year or so, but it is possible...

anyway, even if it doesn't work out, I'm learning tons!

 

[outstandinfarmer]

DisMN, I didn't even see your post before, I'm sorry! This could either be a "one of a kind" or one AT a time product, or it could be mass produced.

I'm actually checking out some of the stores in DTD as well as working with a lawyer and Parker Brothers.

Oh, and by the way, thankfully thousands of Artists haven't heeded the advice of castmembers over the years...and Disney is much better of for that fact.

I think we're also very lucky that castmembers don't make all the decisions.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!! It may take a year or so, but it is possible...

anyway, even if it doesn't work out, I'm learning tons!

I hope it all works out for you!!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I hope it works out for you. I cant really reveal too much of the details but dh has 2 business associates. #1 lives in florida, owns his own co. he was allowed to conduct a seminar at disney for both its benefits and other invited guests, this involved access to the parks, underground stuff etc. He has also consulted with disney on one of their everyday items of character use. His co. is well known for this type of research and development. Then there is associate #2, I dont know who fronted this meeting, but lets just say disney plays hardball and it had to do with patent rights and with disney its all for disney or nothing etc. I guess they can revisit this in the future because dh friend was unwilling to sell the patent to disney at the time. Just be careful and get good representation on your behalf. Best of luck.

 

[DisMN]

DisMN, I didn't even see your post before, I'm sorry! This could either be a "one of a kind" or one AT a time product, or it could be mass produced.

I'm actually checking out some of the stores in DTD as well as working with a lawyer and Parker Brothers.

Oh, and by the way, thankfully thousands of Artists haven't heeded the advice of castmembers over the years...and Disney is much better of for that fact.

I think we're also very lucky that castmembers don't make all the decisions.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!! It may take a year or so, but it is possible...

anyway, even if it doesn't work out, I'm learning tons!

Now you've got the right idea! Just be very careful who or where you actually share the idea. To be honest, "ideas" don't necessarily "sell".....it's better for you if you actually have a product. Talking to different people at various companies is a great idea. You might get many comments similar to the ones above but you will also find people willing to encourage you.

Good luck! My product hasn't come to fruition yet but like you, I learned TONS and had a ball while doing it!!


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[jbdreamer]

This reminded me of when I worked for Disney. We were told that if we inspired with an idea while working there, it belonged to Disney.