I am glad to see Disney and many others giving to the cause.
I have to say, though, that it seems that Disney could use their unique resources in another way, also. I do not know for sure, but it seems that they could help in a unique way, mostly because, unlike other corporations or even other local governments, they have a complete place to stay for a month or so, or even for people to help relocate. And by owning the whole infrastructure at Disney World, Disney is able to make a place for temporary food and shelter in ONE decision.
I started thinking about visiting WDW, and I thought about Port Orleans, and it hit me. The period after Labor Day is one of the slowest at WDW. Since people are being bussed anywhere near the Gulf to stay for a while, and most having no place to go back to (i.e., maybe even looking to relocate and start again), it seems like Disney could help in the following way, starting this weekend:
1. Make an entire WDW hotel property available for at least 30 days. (Move any reservations to an equivalent or higher-rated property). I would consider one of the moderates -- each having more than 1000 rooms.
2. Offer to take in 1000 families for 30-60 days as needed.
3. Give them Disney Dining Plan cards, perhaps helped by FEMA if appropriate.
4. Work with Orange County or Celebration to put the kids in local schools (as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and all other refugee locations are doing).
5. Give them park passes.
This would be a nice thing to do; but most of all Disney is a COMPLETE resource for this. All of the necessities, including some transportation, are available. And it would help the company's image along the way.
Many of the refugees are now homeless and have no other job to come back to, and many will relocate. Perhaps Disney could offer job interviews for service jobs, and work with Orange County or the state to have other people interviewing also (again, similar to what Houston and other localities will need to do).
My point is that Disney has the resources to do in about 2 days what other cities would have to work hard to put together: an instant place to house 1000 families with all the necessary things provided. All in one location.
I would suggest using Coronado Springs, with its convention facilities available if possible for job fairs and FEMA paperwork... But any of Disney's hotels or resorts would work (maybe the military can help, by offering Shades of Green). I would have suggested Port Orleans, but it might be too meaningful...
Paul
I am so happy that the WDC donated that money. My family made our donation yesterday, and I hope to make a donation myself (hey, I'll take a little bit out of my allowance, every little bit counts, right? :animwink: )
