Giant Inflatable Mickey Mouse for Disney at Cannes Lions Festival

by Custom Inflatables

2Heads, is a leading experiential marketing agency known for building immersive brand worlds for major entertainment and media companies, including Netflix and Disney. For the 2025 Cannes Lions Festival—a globally recognized event celebrating creative excellence—they approached us to help bring a high-impact Disney activation to life.

The Challenge

Disney wanted a bold visual centerpiece that would stand out among some of the world’s most innovative brands. The installation needed to be eye-catching, fun, and interactive, while also aligning with the premium visual identity and scale of the Cannes Lions audience.

The concept: a giant 16-foot (4.5m) inflatable metallic Mickey Mouse, installed at the entrance of the prestigious Martinez Hotel overlooking the valet area. The inflatable would also include a scannable QR code that created an augmented reality experience—placing a 3D Mickey on visitors’ shoulders for selfies.

This wasn’t just a creative challenge—it was a technical one. The installation required rooftop positioning, structural stability, and a setup that remained visually clean and secure throughout the event.

Project Scope

  • Produce a custom 16ft mirror-metallic Mickey inflatable

  • Integrate functional QR engagement for social media activation

  • Engineer a safe rooftop installation on a luxury venue

  • Manage logistics, on-site testing, installation, and supervision

  • Provide ongoing support throughout the multi-day event

Our Approach

A month before the festival, we conducted an on-site inspection to anticipate installation requirements and safety constraints. To guarantee stability and protect the constant air blower, we designed and built a custom wooden base and storage box—ensuring both structural safety and aesthetic fit.

Because access to the installation balcony was limited and the room leading to it was booked for other uses, the setup had to be completed quickly and without disruption. Throughout the week-long event, our team returned twice daily to monitor and maintain the inflatable, ensuring flawless operation.

Results

The installation became an immediate sensation. The metallic Mickey dominated the entrance of the Martinez Hotel and quickly turned into a must-photograph moment for attendees. The QR-powered AR selfie feature created a steady wave of organic shares across social media, amplifying visibility beyond the event site.

Disney and 2Heads expressed strong satisfaction—not only with the final activation but with the meticulous execution and ongoing supervision. The inflatable was so successful that it has since begun touring additional Disney-related events across Europe.

 

Back to Case Studies