Kodak and Disney to end partnership

by Leah Zanolla
Dec 19, 2012

After filing for bankruptcy, Eastman Kodak will be ending their sponsorship agreement with the U.S. Disney theme parks as of December 31. Suzi Brown, Disneyland Resort spokeswoman, said, "Kodak has served as the official film and camera partner at Disneyland since the park opened in 1955." Along with Kodak, Coca-Cola and Carnation (Nestle) are the remaining original sponsors. In addition to references in several attractions, theme park guests are used to seeing Kodak's name on the Kodak Picture Spots - small signs marking the best places to take a photograph. Kodak signs will be removed from the camera stores found around the parks, though Event Imaging Systems, a division of Kodak, will continue to handle souvenir photos at the attractions. Audrey Jonckheer, a Kodak spokeswoman, said, "Disney and Kodak have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years and Kodak thanks Disney for its outstanding partnership."

Locations that include Kodak branding at Walt Disney World include: the Kodak Picture Spots, Mickey's PhilharMagic at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Camera Center, MuppetVision 3D, Cover Story, and Garden Gate Gifts at Disney's Hollywood Studios. At the Disneyland Resort, these include: the Kodak Picture Spots, Main Street Photo Supply Co. and a small kiosk in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park, and Kingswell Camera Shop at Disney California Adventure.

In September 2010, Kodak pulled its sponsorship of the Imagination! pavilion at Epcot. At the time, Disney stated that "this adjustment reflects the dynamic nature of the sponsorship business."

The 132-year-old company filed for bankruptcy in January.

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• Last Updated: Dec 19, 2012 - 8:43:23 AM

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