Star Wars Episode VII: The Disney Marketing Team Awakens

Okay, so first, a disclaimer: I’ve loved Star Wars since forever. I first saw it in theaters when the special edition of Episode IV came out, and since then I’ve seen all six movies (yes, even the prequels) dozens of times. Whatever. I’m a nerd. And like everyone else, I’ve looked forward to The Force Awakens, and I loved it. I’ve seen it in theaters twice already.

I also love Disney. Everything Disney. I’ve been to Disney World and Disneyland… many times. Let’s just put it at that. </gush over>

But this little thing happened where Disney’s marketing team basically took over the universe around the release of The Force Awakens. And not just on TV or online — you can’t even step into a grocery store without feeling the urgent need to drive to the movie theater.

Star Wars. Is. Everwhere.

It was obvious Disney was going a bit nuts when I went grocery shopping about a week ago.

And okay fine… Flintstones vitamins have been around forever. I get it. But when I went to Target a couple days later, it got extreme. You couldn’t turn around without seeing Star Wars on a myriad of unrelated items.

Like this BB8 bike helmet (hi, that’s meeee!).

Or this bike protective gear.

And this bike vest. Basically, if you’re a kid biking without Star Wars gear, for shame.

Oh, you thought we were done with bike-related items? Nope… there’s also this bike.

And this backpack.

And this art kit.

And these Band-Aids.

And this blanket. Who doesn’t want to cuddle with a Storm Trooper?

And this weird pillow thing.

And these PJs.

And these other PJs.

And… yet more PJs. Guys, these weren’t even the last of the PJs… I just got tired of taking pictures of pajamas.

And this hat.

Let’s not even bother with the toy section, which transformed into a Star Wars section.

Where these life-sized Star Wars figures are clearly going to come to life March-of-the-Wooden-Soldiers and destroy us all. (Soccer ball intentionally placed for scale.)

Let’s not forget about this box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

And this box of Cheerios.

And this limited edition cereal.

Oh snap, more limited edition cereal.

And these Cheez Its.

And this bag of Chex Mix.

And these Honey Maid cracker things.

And this yogurt.

And this Gogurt.

And this Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.

Bonus: the single-serve variety!

And this display of Valentine’s Day candy.

And this humidifier. (This was my WTF-the-world-is-crumbling moment.)

And this luggage tag. Because really, don’t you need Star Wars on the go?

And, to come full circle, we’re back at more vitamins.

In summary, everyone on Disney’s marketing team deserves raises or some sort of all-expenses-paid vacation. From one marketing person to another, kudos. The force is strong with you and your jedi mind tricks.

Please excuse the quality of the photos and the fact that I didn’t take a picture of every single Star Wars item I found… I didn’t want to spend my entire night in Target.

What’s the most random Star Wars co-branding you’ve seen? Let me know in the comments below!

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