1. Each company was founded in California by two Irish-American brothers.
2. Both are icons of global Americanization.
3. McDonald's is symbolized by the Golden Arches; Disney, by the double arcs of Mickey Mouse's ears.
4. Disney's two most iconic characters are called Mickey and Donald. The Mc- element in McDonald's corresponds to Mickey, as in the nickname "Mickey D's."
5. Both companies use "happy" in their branding. Happy Meal. The Happiest Place on Earth.
6. Both Mickey Mouse and the prefix Mc- are used colloquially to indicate mediocrity or worthlessness.
