Florida is Overwhelming Choice of Brazilian Visitors

[fillerup]

The thread title is the headline of a 4/5 article that ran in the Miami Herald and was reprinted in today's O'Sentinel. If it's been posted already, I didn't find it with several searches.

First couple of paragraphs:

"South Florida residents are accustomed to hearing Portuguese accents as Brazilian visitors flock to stores and tourist attractions, but they may not be aware of just how popular the Sunshine State is in Brazil.

Mauro Vieira, Brazil’s ambassador to the United States, said Friday that new figures show that of the 1.8 million Brazilians who traveled abroad in 2012, 75 percent came to Florida."

Adding my own math to the above quote - that works out to 1.35M Brazilians in Florida each year. And I'm not adding any editorial comment to this except to say that their contribution to our economy is most welcome.

Full Article by Mimi Whitfield

 

[luv]

I think they were all in the mall the day I went to pick up a birthday cookie cake. But their money is most welcome!

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Dang it.

 

[bsiev1977]

Of course their money is welcome.
What would be more welcome is if the leaders of the touring groups could rein in the behavior of some of the younger visitors when they are in large groups in the parks.

 

[Master Yoda]

While it does suck to have to deal with them in the parks, they are a big part of the reason why I do not have to pay a state income tax in Florida so I can't get too mad.

 

[Skippy's Pal]

Would be dandy if a guidebook would include an appendix with a few useful, polite, but FIRM Portugese phrases that could come in handy when dealing with tour groups.

 

[disneyfan1995]

Yup they were all at Disney in Februrary! It was quite lovely actually. I really loved the herds of them all dressed in matching outfits with matching bags. Also loved how they traveled in large groups so it was hard to navigate around them.

 

[Violet]

That's fascinating. 75%!

 

[DfromATX]

Yup they were all at Disney in Februrary! It was quite lovely actually. I really loved the herds of them all dressed in matching outfits with matching bags. Also loved how they traveled in large groups so it was hard to navigate around them.

Are you being sarcastic?

 

[danpam1024]

Oh dear. So far they haven't discovered our beaches

 

[danpam1024]

Yup they were all at Disney in Februrary! It was quite lovely actually. I really loved the herds of them all dressed in matching outfits with matching bags. Also loved how they traveled in large groups so it was hard to navigate around them.

LOL! Don't forget the flags!

 

[disneyfan1995]

Are you being sarcastic?

Hahaha yes! Sorry!

 

[DfromATX]

Hahaha yes! Sorry!

LOL I thought so but you never know. Uggghh, when are they NOT there?

 

[disneyfan1995]

LOL I thought so but you never know. Uggghh, when are they NOT there?

Most likely Sept/Oct

 

[luv]

They're there a lot these days. Hard to know when you might avoid them.

Honestly, though...I think Disney may have talked to them or something. Less cutting in line.

 

[bethymouse]

I was shocked when I saw them. I asked why>? It doesn't bother me much, but I wish Disney would market a bit more to the USA: especially WDW! Sorry. I hope I didn't offend anyone.

 

[AintNoOtherMan]

If Disney were smart, they would build a park in Brazil. If that many people are willing to leave the country for WDW, imagine how many would be willing to go to it if it were in Brazil.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Oh... Yay!

 

[rct247]

I know it makes sense why Disney is building another park in Asia, but I have really wondered why Disney hasn't built or doesn't at least have plans to build in South America. Sure, there is instability in the governments and economies throughout South American, but wouldn't it benefit the company to build down there? With as crowded as WDW (specially Magic Kingdom) gets and with so many South American tourists visiting, why wouldn't you. While, it would take away some of our income from these purchase-happy groups, I think having attractions that can be built in their language would enrich their experience. With as popular as Disney is, I don't think they would be hurting for attendance either.

 

[ImagineerDude]

Most likely Sept/Oct

I went October last year and mainly heard British accents (which fascinate me for some reason!!!)