Below is an email I received from Walt Disney World today. Focus is the economic impact for those of us who live in Central Florida but I thought everyone here might find it interesting.
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Subject: MouseMail: An Update for Community Leaders
May 27, 2004
Since we first launched MouseMail nearly two years ago, our circulation has grown to more than 70,000 readers - 46,000 Floridians and 28,000 Cast Members. One thing we've learned during this time is that our neighbors throughout Florida appreciate hearing directly from us. We are committed to sharing details about our business and updates on the activities of our Cast in the Central Florida community. In today's edition, we're excited to share new details about how the tourism industry, and specifically the Walt Disney World® Resort, is leading the way for economic recovery and growth in Central Florida. For more details about the Fishkind and Associates economic impact study (PDF), click here <http://www.wdwpress.com/mousemail/info/fishkind.pdf> .
Study Finds Disney is Engine Driving Central Florida Economy
A new economic impact study released today concludes that the Walt Disney World® Resort has emerged with strength from the recession to lead area tourism in its economic recovery. "We've just experienced the deepest downturn in tourism in this state since the Arab oil embargo," said Dr. Henry Fishkind, Ph.D., a leading economist and owner of Fishkind and Associates. "The great news for the Central Florida economy is that the area's biggest employer, Walt Disney World, has come through this recession in amazingly strong shape."
Walt Disney World's gross fiscal output in Central Florida is $5.1 billion annually, representing more than 8.8 percent of the entire Central Florida economy.
Walt Disney World is the region's largest employer, having created more than 111,000 jobs both directly and indirectly that generate $2.9 billion in annual earnings.
By itself, the company's annual payroll exceeds $1.3 billion. Other jobs directly supported by Disney generate more than $600 million in annual payrolls. The indirectly supported workers earn an additional $1 billion.
Direct expenditures by Walt Disney World total almost $2.6 billion in Central Florida. This spending stream generates an additional $2.6 billion in spending for a total economic impact of $5.1 billion per year.
All of these economic activities, combined with guest and employee spending locally, provide a huge fiscal surplus of $350 million annually - $295 million per year in Orange County; $52 million per year in Osceola County; and more than $1 million per year in Brevard county.
Earnings Demonstrate Growth Plan Working
The Walt Disney Company recently announced earnings for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 (January 1 - March 31) and, once again, the results are very good. Earnings per share for the quarter were 26 cents, up 73% from last year. For the first half of the fiscal year, earnings per share were 59 cents, an increase of 38 cents, or 181%, over the same period a year ago. These strong earnings provide a further indication of the resurgence that is underway. Disney is benefiting from the unique strengths of the Company's assets, as well as the long-term growth strategies. Additional details are outlined in our earnings release, which you can access at www.disney.go.com/investors <http://www.disney.go.com/investors/> .
Disney Vacation Club Announces Growth Plans
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Spa, the latest Disney Vacation Club property, opened today amid new growth details. Officials announced plans to expand the property by another 276 units. The newest resort in The Walt Disney Company's highly rated vacation ownership program, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Spa opened with its first phase already three-quarters sold out, said Walt Disney World Resort President Al Weiss. "The guest response to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Spa has been so overwhelming, we have decided to add a third phase of development to the resort."
Disney Parks Recognize 50 Years in a Big Way
For the first time, the 10 Disney theme parks around the world will join together for a global celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of Disneyland® Park in Southern California. Beginning May 5, 2005, and extending 18 months through 2006, the festivities will take place in every Disney theme park around the world. Highlights include the premiere of exciting new shows and attractions at Disneyland® Resort in California, Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort® in Japan, and Disneyland® Resort Paris in France, as well as the opening of the Hong Kong Disneyland® Resort. Since Disneyland Park opened its gates in 1955, Walt Disney's flagship park has been praised the world over for serving as the foundation for the modern theme park industry.
Community Organizations Benefit From $600,000 Disney Donation
Congratulations go to the 45 organizations across Central Florida that received Disney's Helping Kids Shine grants totaling $600,000. The grants were announced during a special ceremony at the Magic Kingdom® Park on May 18. Shepherd's Hope was awarded $50,000 as the recipient of the Bob Allen Outstanding Community Service Award. Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida received a $50,000 grant as the recipient of the Dianna Morgan Children's Champion Award. To view a photo of the top award recipients (PDF), click here <http://www.wdwpress.com/mousemail/info/HKS_photo_2004.pdf> . To see a detailed list of award recipients (PDF), click here <http://www.wdwpress.com/mousemail/info/HKS_recipients_2004.pdf> .
Literacy Group Applauds Disney Contributions
The Adult Literacy League recently recognized Walt Disney World Co. with its annual Outstanding Business Partner award at an awards ceremony held in Daytona Beach. The award honors a company or business partner for leadership and/or significant contributions in support of literacy. In presenting the award, Joyce Whidden, Executive Director for the Adult Literacy League, said that Walt Disney World Co. has always shown great concern for education in the community. Hundreds of Cast Members have benefited from the classes provided at the Walt Disney World Resort, including improving their English language skills, increasing their overall literacy, and earning their GED.
Animal Programs Staff "Delivers" More Good News
On May 22, the Walt Disney World Resort celebrated the one-year birthday of Tufani, the first African elephant calf to be born at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Tufani, whose name means storm in Swahili, is only the fourth surviving African elephant calf in North America to be conceived through artificial insemination, has grown from his birth weight of 297 pounds to nearly 800 pounds. The birthday comes at a special time because the animal care team at Disney's Animal Kingdom is preparing for the births of two more precious pachyderms. After nearly a 22-month gestation period for the two mothers, the first is expected early this summer, and the second is due in late spring 2005.
Wild About Safety Celebrates Success
One year ago this month, Walt Disney World Co. launched the "Wild About Safety" campaign, an entertaining and educational program to teach guests about resort safety. This far-reaching campaign has encouraged everyone how to enjoy the parks without compromising safety. The safety messages appear in 10,000 new signs across the resort; more than 1.8 million children's menus; 32 million guide maps; 500,000 trading cards; and 300,000 activity books.
Disney Joins Forces to Help Protect Sea Turtles
As sea turtle nesting season begins along Florida's coastline, Walt Disney World Co. is joining with seven prominent conservation organizations to get beachside residents involved in the mission to save sea turtles. The program is called NESTS (Neighbors Ensuring Sea Turtle Survival), and it has been developed through the support of Walt Disney World Co., The Ocean Conservancy, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service, Friends of the Carr Refuge, the Brevard Zoo, the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, and Sebastian Inlet. Information about NESTS is available at www.nests-certified.org <http://www.nests-certified.org> .
Students Get A Boost Through School-To-Work
Four outstanding students each received a $1,500 scholarship to Valencia Community College during Disney's School-to-Work graduation ceremonies on May 7. This year, 33 students in Central Florida graduated from Disney's four School-To-Work programs, which were created to help local students successfully transition from high school to higher education or to additional training that will lead to a productive career. These programs have helped improve grades and lower dropout rates among participants.
Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association Summer Clinic Series
Beginning May 29, the Walt Disney World® Resort will host another summer season of monthly clinics for the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association (OMYGA) at the driving range at Disney's Oak Trail Course. The clinics, which are free and exclusive to the more than 100 members (ages 6-17) of the OMYGA, will offer instruction from Disney's top teaching pros during three weekends this summer - May 29, June 26 and August 21.
?
© Disney MouseMail is a periodic news brief produced by Walt Disney World Co. For information on Walt Disney World® Resort hours, attractions and theme parks, please visit www.disneyworld.com <http://www.disneyworld.com/> . If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click the link below:
_______________________________________________________
Subject: MouseMail: An Update for Community Leaders
May 27, 2004
Since we first launched MouseMail nearly two years ago, our circulation has grown to more than 70,000 readers - 46,000 Floridians and 28,000 Cast Members. One thing we've learned during this time is that our neighbors throughout Florida appreciate hearing directly from us. We are committed to sharing details about our business and updates on the activities of our Cast in the Central Florida community. In today's edition, we're excited to share new details about how the tourism industry, and specifically the Walt Disney World® Resort, is leading the way for economic recovery and growth in Central Florida. For more details about the Fishkind and Associates economic impact study (PDF), click here <http://www.wdwpress.com/mousemail/info/fishkind.pdf> .
Study Finds Disney is Engine Driving Central Florida Economy
A new economic impact study released today concludes that the Walt Disney World® Resort has emerged with strength from the recession to lead area tourism in its economic recovery. "We've just experienced the deepest downturn in tourism in this state since the Arab oil embargo," said Dr. Henry Fishkind, Ph.D., a leading economist and owner of Fishkind and Associates. "The great news for the Central Florida economy is that the area's biggest employer, Walt Disney World, has come through this recession in amazingly strong shape."
Walt Disney World's gross fiscal output in Central Florida is $5.1 billion annually, representing more than 8.8 percent of the entire Central Florida economy.
Walt Disney World is the region's largest employer, having created more than 111,000 jobs both directly and indirectly that generate $2.9 billion in annual earnings.
By itself, the company's annual payroll exceeds $1.3 billion. Other jobs directly supported by Disney generate more than $600 million in annual payrolls. The indirectly supported workers earn an additional $1 billion.
Direct expenditures by Walt Disney World total almost $2.6 billion in Central Florida. This spending stream generates an additional $2.6 billion in spending for a total economic impact of $5.1 billion per year.
All of these economic activities, combined with guest and employee spending locally, provide a huge fiscal surplus of $350 million annually - $295 million per year in Orange County; $52 million per year in Osceola County; and more than $1 million per year in Brevard county.
Earnings Demonstrate Growth Plan Working
The Walt Disney Company recently announced earnings for the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 (January 1 - March 31) and, once again, the results are very good. Earnings per share for the quarter were 26 cents, up 73% from last year. For the first half of the fiscal year, earnings per share were 59 cents, an increase of 38 cents, or 181%, over the same period a year ago. These strong earnings provide a further indication of the resurgence that is underway. Disney is benefiting from the unique strengths of the Company's assets, as well as the long-term growth strategies. Additional details are outlined in our earnings release, which you can access at www.disney.go.com/investors <http://www.disney.go.com/investors/> .
Disney Vacation Club Announces Growth Plans
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Spa, the latest Disney Vacation Club property, opened today amid new growth details. Officials announced plans to expand the property by another 276 units. The newest resort in The Walt Disney Company's highly rated vacation ownership program, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Spa opened with its first phase already three-quarters sold out, said Walt Disney World Resort President Al Weiss. "The guest response to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort Spa has been so overwhelming, we have decided to add a third phase of development to the resort."
Disney Parks Recognize 50 Years in a Big Way
For the first time, the 10 Disney theme parks around the world will join together for a global celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of Disneyland® Park in Southern California. Beginning May 5, 2005, and extending 18 months through 2006, the festivities will take place in every Disney theme park around the world. Highlights include the premiere of exciting new shows and attractions at Disneyland® Resort in California, Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort® in Japan, and Disneyland® Resort Paris in France, as well as the opening of the Hong Kong Disneyland® Resort. Since Disneyland Park opened its gates in 1955, Walt Disney's flagship park has been praised the world over for serving as the foundation for the modern theme park industry.
Community Organizations Benefit From $600,000 Disney Donation
Congratulations go to the 45 organizations across Central Florida that received Disney's Helping Kids Shine grants totaling $600,000. The grants were announced during a special ceremony at the Magic Kingdom® Park on May 18. Shepherd's Hope was awarded $50,000 as the recipient of the Bob Allen Outstanding Community Service Award. Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida received a $50,000 grant as the recipient of the Dianna Morgan Children's Champion Award. To view a photo of the top award recipients (PDF), click here <http://www.wdwpress.com/mousemail/info/HKS_photo_2004.pdf> . To see a detailed list of award recipients (PDF), click here <http://www.wdwpress.com/mousemail/info/HKS_recipients_2004.pdf> .
Literacy Group Applauds Disney Contributions
The Adult Literacy League recently recognized Walt Disney World Co. with its annual Outstanding Business Partner award at an awards ceremony held in Daytona Beach. The award honors a company or business partner for leadership and/or significant contributions in support of literacy. In presenting the award, Joyce Whidden, Executive Director for the Adult Literacy League, said that Walt Disney World Co. has always shown great concern for education in the community. Hundreds of Cast Members have benefited from the classes provided at the Walt Disney World Resort, including improving their English language skills, increasing their overall literacy, and earning their GED.
Animal Programs Staff "Delivers" More Good News
On May 22, the Walt Disney World Resort celebrated the one-year birthday of Tufani, the first African elephant calf to be born at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park. Tufani, whose name means storm in Swahili, is only the fourth surviving African elephant calf in North America to be conceived through artificial insemination, has grown from his birth weight of 297 pounds to nearly 800 pounds. The birthday comes at a special time because the animal care team at Disney's Animal Kingdom is preparing for the births of two more precious pachyderms. After nearly a 22-month gestation period for the two mothers, the first is expected early this summer, and the second is due in late spring 2005.
Wild About Safety Celebrates Success
One year ago this month, Walt Disney World Co. launched the "Wild About Safety" campaign, an entertaining and educational program to teach guests about resort safety. This far-reaching campaign has encouraged everyone how to enjoy the parks without compromising safety. The safety messages appear in 10,000 new signs across the resort; more than 1.8 million children's menus; 32 million guide maps; 500,000 trading cards; and 300,000 activity books.
Disney Joins Forces to Help Protect Sea Turtles
As sea turtle nesting season begins along Florida's coastline, Walt Disney World Co. is joining with seven prominent conservation organizations to get beachside residents involved in the mission to save sea turtles. The program is called NESTS (Neighbors Ensuring Sea Turtle Survival), and it has been developed through the support of Walt Disney World Co., The Ocean Conservancy, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service, Friends of the Carr Refuge, the Brevard Zoo, the Sea Turtle Preservation Society, and Sebastian Inlet. Information about NESTS is available at www.nests-certified.org <http://www.nests-certified.org> .
Students Get A Boost Through School-To-Work
Four outstanding students each received a $1,500 scholarship to Valencia Community College during Disney's School-to-Work graduation ceremonies on May 7. This year, 33 students in Central Florida graduated from Disney's four School-To-Work programs, which were created to help local students successfully transition from high school to higher education or to additional training that will lead to a productive career. These programs have helped improve grades and lower dropout rates among participants.
Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association Summer Clinic Series
Beginning May 29, the Walt Disney World® Resort will host another summer season of monthly clinics for the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association (OMYGA) at the driving range at Disney's Oak Trail Course. The clinics, which are free and exclusive to the more than 100 members (ages 6-17) of the OMYGA, will offer instruction from Disney's top teaching pros during three weekends this summer - May 29, June 26 and August 21.
?
© Disney MouseMail is a periodic news brief produced by Walt Disney World Co. For information on Walt Disney World® Resort hours, attractions and theme parks, please visit www.disneyworld.com <http://www.disneyworld.com/> . If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click the link below:
