As part of Ziploc’s partnership with Disney, the distribution of Ziploc bags at Splash Mountain in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World started this past week.
You know that moment, when you’re ride is just about ready to go down Splash Mountain and you start to think “will my phone be ok?” Well, that’s the impetus for Disney and Ziploc with this new campaign.
Cast members are distributing these custom printed Ziploc bags to riders (you don’t have to take one, of course) who need a bag for their phones, glasses, car keys – whatever you want!
But there’s been huge debate about this promotion among Disney guests and fans.
The bags ARE super cute, and you can take them home and re-use them or keep them as souvenirs. But many Disney fans are mentioning it as counterintuitive that Disney is eliminating single use straws in their parks as well as lids and shopping bags, yet giving out free plastic bags at the ride.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Note that recycling bins are located at the end of the ride to recycle the bags, and guests are encouraged to recycle or reuse the Ziploc bags.
Ziploc has recently launched a huge partnership with Disney. Ziploc is also the sponsor of the Kidcot Fun Stops in Epcot. Instead of a “flat Duffy” that kiddos color and collect stamps on as they travel around Epcot’s World Showcase, they now get a Ziploc bag that looks like a suitcase complete with handles. Kiddos then get an informational card about each country on one side and a little scene to color on the other side.
What do you think about this new partnership?
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I feel like comparing this to plastic straws and lids is a moot point. Those are pretty much one time use items. Ziploc bags can be reused multiple times.
Whether it comes from Disney or I bring my own, my phone and watch are going in a plastic bag.
I love this idea 😀
I like the idea for this ride but I HATE it at Epcot I think the flat Duffy is super cute and lot more of a keepsake.
While I too like the idea, and have often worried about my items getting wet, I am still not sure that a lot of these environmental initiatives aren’t to some degree cost cutting initiatives. They will save a lot of money on the bags they are not giving out. I know when I had bought something at the Disney store and received the bags I would reuse them or use them to give away my souvenirs in. Now that we have to buy the bags it just seems like a money grab to me. And a lot of people by multiple small items and would like bags to go with them.
The straws and lids are another issue but maybe they will replace them with paper straws as they do in Animal Kingdom.
My husband makes Ziploc bags for a living and we love Disney so we think it’s awesome!
There is a major difference here. No one takes home the thin straws or plastic lids. Most places do not have a recycle bin for he plastics. On the other hand, the ziplocks say that there will be a recycle bin just outside the ride. And I expect lots of people will take home the branded ziolocks, reusing them or saving them as souvenirs. I certainly would.
Aren’t all modern phones waterproof? I haven’t worried about stuff getting wet in a long time.
I think it is a great idea! The bags can be reused and cost much less than a new cell phone. I don’t see how this is comparable to one time use straws and lids.
This is a great idea! Anyone who doesn’t want one out of some misplaced sense of environmental guilt, doesn’t have to take one! (And I feel the same way about straws … just really)
I love the idea!! I don’t see how this could compare to single-use straws or lids; since the bags can be reused or recylced if you choose to.
Ugh. Yes, some percent of people will reuse the bags instead of other bags they would use, so net neutral. But some will just throw them away immediately, when packing to go home or shortly thereafter. Even those that are recycled – what, handed to another guest? Cleaned or dried first? Recycled as plastic material? It takes resources to produce, transport and recycle things.
Sorry to see Disney taking such an environmentally negative step. I could live without the blatant Ziploc advertising as well, which for some reason seems more crass than the usual corporate sponsorships of fireworks, pavilions, etc.
I actually picked up extra large Ziplock bags (like large enough to hold clothes) from Target with Mickey printed on them. I plan on reusing them several times for my Disney trips. Ziplock baggies come in handy when trying to protect your items from water or when keeping wet or dirty clothes contained.
Disney is a business and they got a sponsor for a ride that most people complain about needing an update, so good for them. The whole straw, bag thing is just Disney following the whole PC thing, the no straw and getting rid of plastic bags is very out front in the news right now. Remember when it was about saving the trees? squeaky wheel gets the grease.
That was exactly my first thought — adding plastic bags after taking away plastic lids and straws seems counterproductive if the true impetus behind the lids and straws initiative is concern for the environment. I will definitely reuse the Ziploc, but I’m sure a decent percentage of those bags will still end up in the trash.
And, Matthew, you must never have had the misfortune to drop your smartphone in a pool or toilet. They are most definitely not waterproof.
Who is throwing these bags out? Love this idea since I never would bring a bag of my own (although I should). Not for lack of trying of course. Would be on my list to put in our backpack and not make it in there for one reason or another.
Plus, if your not recycling or used to recycling by now that should be the argument here. We are always worried about what others are doing and solving for the lowest common denominator. Why can’t the majority rule in some cases?
I like the idea each the country cards. The stick was always breaking before we got home. But informative cards were never at every country so now hopefully they will be since that’s what they will color now. Looking forward to seeing them next trip.
People are selling these on eBay already! Ridiculous!
It’s just terrible. Disney is just adding more plastic to the environment that is already overwhelmed by plastic
I think this is a great idea. They need to do the same for Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom!!
I’m expat living temporarily overseas and I always take the same old heavy duty waterproof scuba pouch to DW to keep our passports, cash and cell phones dry. It never let us down. =)
I love the new ziploc baggie idea! They can be recycled at home, which I will definitely do! Good job Disney!
I think it is a great idea. I was planing on taking my own bag/water protection for my phone. I keep wondering what do you do with you phone when on the roller coaster type rides? I am not using my to take pictures but I don’t want it in a locker miles away or just someplace someone can take it. I get the lose objects on a ride can cause injury.
DISNEY IS SO FULL OF CR_P!
They’re SOOO worried about the environment until there’s a buck to be made. Notice how this newfound effort to cut back on plastics only applies to items that are essentially free but Disney had to pay for? Both straws, lids, and the shampoo bottles are EASY to recycle (at least where I live in MA) while those bags are not (again, at least not in Western MA).
I’m all in favor of cutting out as much plastic as possible, but these corporate hypocrites shouldn’t be allowed to publicize their phony environmental advocacy without being called on it!
I think this is a wonderful idea. The fact that these can be reused is a plus. I say this because I’m the type of person that does reuse ziploc bags. It all depends on the person.
People should be prepared to take care of their own items. rather than Disney giving out plastic bags.
I think they would be great as long as they are made of renewable biobased plastic that decomposes in a week after exposure to the environment.
Betty, many thrill-type rides have a storage area right in front of your seat to help with that!
I have nothing against one time use lids, straws or bags, as long as they are placed in recycle or trash bins immediately after use, or reused in the case of shopping bags. For Disney to ban the use of those items but glorify the use of these Disney Zip Loc bags is ludicrous. Some commenters claim it’s the not same, but it sure is! If they truly cared about the environment and the impact they are creating, they would not distribute these. As I said, I don’t have anything against any of the items , my problem is their “Do as I say, not as I do” attitude. They can’t have it both ways. Period.
As a parent, I love the straws & lids. Cuts down on the spilling of drinks. I myself like a straw to drink from.
+Splash Mountain is my favourite ride so I think any keepsake is fab and we go soon so I hope to get at least one!!! I am not opposed to sensible use of plastic bags.
-If Disney is committed to reducing plastic bags and plastic in general why on earth is it teaming up with Ziploc???
I love Splash Mountain and got one of these bags when I went on it yesterday. I’m taking it home as a souvenir.
Disney claims they are “”Green”” and environmentally stewards. They do what ever suits them….Just LOOK AT THE HUB in the MK…ALL the old, beautiful trees & grass GONE…replaced with cement & astroturf …WHY???? More $$$ of course & TO FIT MORE PEOPLE in the park for a 20min fireworks show…SHAME on YOU DISNEY !!!!
I was just at Disney World in early September and they didn’t have these…I would have LOVED one that was ride-themed. Instead, I thought ahead and just had a plain large ziploc bag that my entire cross-body purse including phone fit inside. And it is a good thing I did that because I got drenched in the front row on the final drop. I love the idea and agree with others that the plastic lids and straws are a totally different thing because they aren’t the type of items people tend to reuse, but this totally is!
I’m really appalled that Disney did this. Not surprised, but still offended. It is an absolute waste, and a step backwards in progress towards sustainability (which Disney has always claimed to be in support of).
If anyone is worried about getting their phone wet on water-based rides, I highly urge you to check out Stasher bags— durable, reusable snack & sandwich bags made of silicone that are cook, dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe. Seal your phone into one of these, enjoy the ride, and you can do it over and over and over again!