Scar
04-15-2011, 11:04 AM
Saw this report on Orlando channel 9 Wednesday .
Posted: 12:41 pm EDT April 13, 2011
Updated: 3:55 pm EDT April 13, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Disney released new numbers on its economic impact on Central Florida and the entire state. The results show that Disney's numbers are huge.
The release of information is something that Disney has not done in five years. The company showed the entire economic impact of Walt Disney World resort in Florida and more specifically on the counties that include and surround Disney.
Even Mickey Mouse and his friends came out to sing the praises of Disney's economic engine in Central Florida. Local leaders gathered for the presentation that got right to hard numbers.
"I think when you see the numbers it really impresses you," said Mayor Teresa Jacobs.
Disney says they account for 2.5 percent of Florida's gross domestic product and provide 160,000 jobs, just under half actually employed by Disney and the rest are outside contractors.
"You know I'm always really thrilled when results are measured and you can actually see what you anecdotally hear about, and the stories we hear in the community about people who have partnered with us and have benefited from Walt Disney World being here, said Disney President Meg Crofton.
Disney said salaries for those workers top $1.8 billion and that park visitors spend another $2 billion at non-Disney businesses in the Orlando area.
"It's a huge part of our economy and we need to support, not just Disney, but the whole tourism industry," Jacobs said.
In the last year, Disney continued to expand, breaking ground on yet another hotel, the Art of Animation Resort, along with bringing the Disney Dream cruise ship to Central Florida and began an overhaul of Downtown Disney.
On Wednesday, Disney gave a big surprise to local schools; an unexpected $290,000 donation.
"We had no idea, we just can't thank Disney enough for the support of our children in Central Florida and what they do for the economy of Central Florida," said Seminole County Superintendent Bill Vogel.
Disney also estimates the salaries for workers from outside companies that support them, which is another $4.2 billion in paychecks for Floridians.
Jacobs along with local leaders continue to work on diversifying the area economy with projects such as the Medical City at Lake Nona and working to jump start what once was a thriving construction industry.
It's something Jacobs believes Disney has and will continue to help with.
Posted: 12:41 pm EDT April 13, 2011
Updated: 3:55 pm EDT April 13, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Disney released new numbers on its economic impact on Central Florida and the entire state. The results show that Disney's numbers are huge.
The release of information is something that Disney has not done in five years. The company showed the entire economic impact of Walt Disney World resort in Florida and more specifically on the counties that include and surround Disney.
Even Mickey Mouse and his friends came out to sing the praises of Disney's economic engine in Central Florida. Local leaders gathered for the presentation that got right to hard numbers.
"I think when you see the numbers it really impresses you," said Mayor Teresa Jacobs.
Disney says they account for 2.5 percent of Florida's gross domestic product and provide 160,000 jobs, just under half actually employed by Disney and the rest are outside contractors.
"You know I'm always really thrilled when results are measured and you can actually see what you anecdotally hear about, and the stories we hear in the community about people who have partnered with us and have benefited from Walt Disney World being here, said Disney President Meg Crofton.
Disney said salaries for those workers top $1.8 billion and that park visitors spend another $2 billion at non-Disney businesses in the Orlando area.
"It's a huge part of our economy and we need to support, not just Disney, but the whole tourism industry," Jacobs said.
In the last year, Disney continued to expand, breaking ground on yet another hotel, the Art of Animation Resort, along with bringing the Disney Dream cruise ship to Central Florida and began an overhaul of Downtown Disney.
On Wednesday, Disney gave a big surprise to local schools; an unexpected $290,000 donation.
"We had no idea, we just can't thank Disney enough for the support of our children in Central Florida and what they do for the economy of Central Florida," said Seminole County Superintendent Bill Vogel.
Disney also estimates the salaries for workers from outside companies that support them, which is another $4.2 billion in paychecks for Floridians.
Jacobs along with local leaders continue to work on diversifying the area economy with projects such as the Medical City at Lake Nona and working to jump start what once was a thriving construction industry.
It's something Jacobs believes Disney has and will continue to help with.