Is Disney Paying Its Fair Share in Orlando?

[POLY LOVER]

Some of the responses are typical hard line folks. Bottom line Disney is a multi billion dollars corporation. They make huge money from the parks because they can hire cheap labor. They could easily afford to pay more but it's all about max profits. Let's not kid ourselves with some talk about how 9.00 an hour employees should be grateful for the crumbs off the table. Disney has an abundance of potential workers that need to work and they take what they can pay them. Yes Disney does a lot for the community but the community does a lot for them. It's a 50/50 split. Disney hires part time mostly and the requirement is you have to be available for more hours when needed. Let's not foul ourselves if it were not advantageous for Disney to be here they would not be here.

 

[EricsBiscuit]

What if the biggest actor/s in the free market decide they can get by paying low wages because of their size? Disney has so much power in these markets that they decide what the minimum wage is for entire labor market. They only recently raised wages in Central Florida because UNI raised theirs.

I guess you didn’t read anything I wrote about trade schools or the time and money needed to pursue a college education, regardless of level, so I won’t respond.

With regard to your 60 year old janitor, you are making a moral judgement, not a rational one. If this person did receive a college or trade education he would be making upwards of $100,000 with his experience in his field of choice. Guess the free market figured out that one, even with a living wage.

70k cast members doesn’t mean that all of them are full time and can support themselves on their Disney paychecks alone.

Then people would work for others. No one forces you into a job. And about school taking time, THATS THE WHOLE POINT (not yelling, just emphasizing). It takes TIME and HARD WORK to improve yourself and to make yourself more valuable in life. Whether through vocational school, college or going right in to the work force. Also yes, competition between Disney and Uni is driving up wages, and forcing them to make their parks better! That's the whole point of the free market: let businesses compete to provide the best product at the lowest price. It's a win for everyone. When government gets its hands into anything economic it messes it up.

 

[Rumrunner]

If the state is so undesirable without Disney, then why do hundreds of thousands move there every year? Out of the 50 states Florida as of now is the 5th fastest growing in population. If you think all of those migrants descending on the Sunshine State are coming for Disney parks then you are mistaken. Most move there for non Disney related reasons.

As for Florida tourists, both foreign and domestic
, many never step foot on Disney property, spending time in the Keys, beaches, Miami, Universal or gator viewing in everglades. Some come for the Space coast too or even medical tourism.

Many move to Disney because it does not have a state income tax and the nice weather. Big pluses for the state.

 

[Chef Mickey]

If the state is so undesirable without Disney, then why do hundreds of thousands move there every year? Out of the 50 states Florida as of now is the 5th fastest growing in population. If you think all of those migrants descending on the Sunshine State are coming for Disney parks then you are mistaken. Most move there for non Disney related reasons.

As for Florida tourists, both foreign and domestic
, many never step foot on Disney property, spending time in the Keys, beaches, Miami, Universal or gator viewing in everglades. Some come for the Space coast too or even medical tourism.

My guess is a lot of people move there because it's warm...not because it's an awesome state. No state tax is also appealing for people who need cheaper retirement conditions.

I'm not saying I don't like Florida...I'm saying Disney makes it WAY better. There are some decent beaches, but have you really ever been to the actual cities? Not a lot going for them.

 

[POLY LOVER]

Then people would work for others. No one forces you into a job. And about school taking time, THATS THE WHOLE POINT (not yelling, just emphasizing). It takes TIME and HARD WORK to improve yourself and to make yourself more valuable in life. Whether through vocational school, college or going right in to the work force. Also yes, competition between Disney and Uni is driving up wages, and forcing them to make their parks better! That's the whole point of the free market: let businesses compete to provide the best product at the lowest price. It's a win for everyone. When government gets its hands into anything economic it messes it up.

we all know that companys always do the right thing without government interference. History has taught us that now hasn't it. I laugh! the part about Disney providing the lowest prices. Oh lord what parks have you been too lately.

 

[Networth]

You can't have this discussion without noting what the Disney vacuum does to the local small merchants, particularly hotels that are now getting squeezed out as Disney builds more and more rooms at all price levels. Disneys gives and Disney takes. you have to also consider that Disney does not pay a living wage for most employees and that hurts the locals. They keep most workers on a part time basis but work them full time. If it all balances out only number crunching can get that answer.

I'll add that universal is doing the same.

No, just no.

Please go read a history book about what Central Florida was like prior to 1971. Without the house of mouse the entire State of Florida would suffer in some capacity.

The “local” workers who Disney pays low-wages too, would be few and far between, the region would most likely still focus on farming and agriculture. Those “local” hotels would cease to exist as the region, again would be mostly rural farm and wetlands.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Some of the responses are typical hard line folks. Bottom line Disney is a multi billion dollars corporation. They make huge money from the parks because they can hire cheap labor. They could easily afford to pay more but it's all about max profits. Let's not kid ourselves with some talk about how 9.00 an hour employees should be grateful for the crumbs off the table. Disney has an abundance of potential workers that need to work and they take what they can pay them. Yes Disney does a lot for the community but the community does a lot for them. It's a 50/50 split. Disney hires part time mostly and the requirement is you have to be available for more hours when needed. Let's not foul ourselves if it were not advantageous for Disney to be here they would not be here.

And who demands high profits, well large government pension funds, like CalPERS, to help pay off those promised pensions to other workers. The is only so much of the pie that can be shared. Disney doesn't get to keep its profits, they are either re-invested into the company, or given to the shareholders,

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

Disney's properties in Orlando have a market value of a bit over $8 Billion - For which they paid about $102 Million in property taxes in 2016. So about 1.275% vs the Florida average of about 1.08%.

You also need to factor in the other revenue the county and state make off of Disney. There are an awful lot of tolls collected on the 528 and the Turnpike due to Disney. The 6.5% sales tax on everything bought at Disney (with the exception of the All Star Resorts which are at 7.5% as they are technically in Osceola County) fills the state coffers even more. The hotel occupancy tax in Orange County is 12.5%.

Could Disney pay more...sure..they could. But I think Orange County and the State of Florida are happy with the arrangement.

 

[21stamps]

If the state is so undesirable without Disney, then why do hundreds of thousands move there every year? Out of the 50 states Florida as of now is the 5th fastest growing in population. If you think all of those migrants descending on the Sunshine State are coming for Disney parks then you are mistaken. Most move there for non Disney related reasons.

As for Florida tourists, both foreign and domestic
, many never step foot on Disney property, spending time in the Keys, beaches, Miami, Universal or gator viewing in everglades. Some come for the Space coast too or even medical tourism.

Exactly. There's millions of tourists who visit Florida without Disney.. and millions and millions of residents who didn't move to Florida "for Disney".

There is life outside of Orlando, a thriving one.lol

 

[21stamps]

My guess is a lot of people move there because it's warm...not because it's an awesome state. No state tax is also appealing for people who need cheaper retirement conditions.

I'm not saying I don't like Florida...I'm saying Disney makes it WAY better. There are some decent beaches, but have you really ever been to the actual cities? Not a lot going for them.

Have you ventured out of Central Florida?

I don't think Miami and the Keys became such popular destinations because they "don't have a lot going for them". (And they've been so Way before Disney World came along).

Not snotty with you, just always amazed that people think Florida starts and ends with WDW. There is so much more out there.

 

[POLY LOVER]

No, just no.

Please go read a history book about what Central Florida was like prior to 1971. Without the house of mouse the entire State of Florida would suffer in some capacity.

The “local” workers who Disney pays low-wages too, would be few and far between, the region would most likely still focus on farming and agriculture. Those “local” hotels would cease to exist as the region, again would be mostly rural farm and wetlands.

I think you need to read history. Not all the locals were thrilled about Disney coming in. The cattle folks weren't so happy. The small town folks liked things as they were. Read before you tell other to.
If you read my first post it states some good and some bad. It's not anti Disney it's just stating there are two sides to the story.

 

[POLY LOVER]

And who demands high profits, well large government pension funds, like CalPERS, to help pay off those promised pensions to other workers. The is only so much of the pie that can be shared. Disney doesn't get to keep its profits, they are either re-invested into the company, or given to the shareholders,

And let's not forget the millions of dollars the top executive past and present get in salary, bonuses and golden parachutes. This is not a one sided story.

 

[Networth]

I think you need to read history. Not all the locals were thrilled about Disney coming in. The cattle folks weren't so happy. The small town folks liked things as they were. Read before you tell other to.
If you read my first post it states some good and some bad. It's not anti Disney it's just stating there are two sides to the story.

My post was point out that all those low paying jobs you mentioned would be no jobs without Disney, and those mom and pop hotels would of never opened if Orlando had not become a international travel destinations due to again, Disney.

Many were happy when Disney came to town the property values exploded (which is why Disney had used shell companies to purchase large parcels). I am a born and raised Floridian with family who lived in Orange County when Uncle Walt was buying up land in secret. I can tell you probably moved here and now think you understand the history of the area, that said I am not in the mood to get into a argument over the internet.

Point being Disney has been a positive for the Florida economy plain and simple, to deny that is foolish.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Have you ventured out of Central Florida?

I don't think Miami and the Keys became such popular destinations because they "don't have a lot going for them". (And they've been so Way before Disney World came along).

Not snotty with you, just always amazed that people think Florida starts and ends with WDW. There is so much more out there.

Absolutely. To be honest, I personally think Miami is a dump. I’ve stayed there 2 times and travelled through Miami multiple other times.

The Keys are decent but I don’t even consider that part of Florida since they are like 100 miles away from the motherland.

I’ve also been to Tampa once, which was dirty.

 

[POLY LOVER]

My post was point out that all those low paying jobs you mentioned would be no jobs without Disney, and those mom and pop hotels would of never opened if Orlando had not become a international travel destinations due to again, Disney.

Many were happy when Disney came to town the property values exploded (which is why Disney had used shell companies to purchase large parcels). I am a born and raised Floridian with family who lived in Orange County when Uncle Walt was buying up land in secret. I can tell you probably moved here and now think you understand the history of the area, that said I am not in the mood to get into a argument over the internet.

Point being Disney has been a positive for the Florida economy plain and simple, to deny that is foolish.

the jobs Disney has created are low wage jobs. Yes they are jobs but not good ones. Another industry could have taken hold here and created better skilled jobs. No one knows. So if you put a desperate man in your scenario a $9.00 an hour job or no job he takes the job. Disney controls the job market here and sets the rates.

 

[Damon7777]

The Keys are decent but I don’t even consider that part of Florida since they are like 100 miles away from the motherland.

Sorry, but you don't get to define general Florida borders---- they are established and understood. We can all see that that island chain doesn't fit your narrative of bashing the entire state minus Mouse......better to be more fair about this.

Next you might tell us how you don't consider Hawaii as a bonafide part of the USA since the islands are deep in the Pacific.

 

[POLY LOVER]

Check out Allmans finding Florida for some eye opening information on how Disney operated.

T.D. Allman’s Finding Florida.

 

[Sundown]

I despise the use of the term "fair share". It's used by people trying to get more out of someone else, because "fairness" and all that...

A completely undefinable term, but often used to get the lemming's nodding their heads & malign people/businesses/etc

Ugh.

 

[mapleleaf1389]

I think this is one of those chicken/egg type questions. Would the counties be worse off with no Disney Parks? Without question. Could disney be doing more to benefit the local area? Most likely.

Going back to the eighties I can only recall what seems like a pretty good relationship between the company and the state/counties. I seem to recall prior to Animal Kingdom and the resorts on that side of the property, Osceola county was making a little noise about never seeing the promised income as the property within the county was mostly undeveloped. Obviously this is no longer the case. I’m the 90’s I vividly recall what I would say was a much better relationship between Disney and the 192 businesses, and this kind of souring when the All Stars/Coronado/POP got built as the rooms were around $60 a night and having a huge impact on the outside hotel business (which is still largely visible today, 192 used to be fairly nice and now is a bit scary in my opinion).

Not sure I could find a ton of actual data to back my statements up, this is mostly recollection from the past 30ish years and the local news coverage.

 

[NearTheEars]

Exactly. There's millions of tourists who visit Florida without Disney.. and millions and millions of residents who didn't move to Florida "for Disney".

There is life outside of Orlando, a thriving one.lol

I moved here for a job 7 years ago. WDW had never even crossed my mind. Had never been there.
Obviously that’s changed now. Hopefully there’s not that many people addicted to WDW that they’d move solely for it.