Category Archives: Florida


New Study: Disney Generates $40 Billion in Annual Economic Impact in Florida

Walt Disney World Resort, one of the world’s most visited vacation destinations, generated $40 billion in economic impact across the state and more than a quarter of a million total jobs in fiscal year 2022, according to a new study from Oxford Economics

The study found that Disney, which has fueled Florida’s economy, tourism and small businesses for more than half a century, generated the following across the year:

  • $40.3 billion in total statewide economic impact.
  • 263,000 direct and indirect jobs – 1 out of every 32 jobs in the state.
    • This figure includes Disney’s workforce of 82,000 across the state. Within Central Florida, Disney directly supports 12%, or 1-in-8, of all jobs. For every direct job on-site at Disney, an additional 1.7 jobs are supported across Florida.
    • Without Disney’s statewide job impact, Florida’s unemployment would jump from 3% to 5.4%, which would take Florida from the 21st lowest unemployment rate among all 50 states to the second highest unemployment rate in the country.
    • Disney revenues and off-site visitor spending contributed to $12.1 billion in total labor income in fiscal year 2022.
  • $6.6 billion in tax revenue, including $3.1 billion in annual state and local tax revenue generated by Disney, visitors, employees and third-party businesses – helping to fund local schools, law enforcement, public safety, parks, roadways and more throughout Central Florida.
  • 2,500 Florida-based small businesses contracted to supply products and services to Disney World.
    • Part of the more than 8,500 small businesses across the country contracted by The Walt Disney Company.

The study, which was commissioned by Disney, also reflects the economic impact of Disney Signature Experiences in Florida, including Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line. The results are for fiscal year 2022, prior to the Reedy Creek Improvement District becoming the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District with the appointment of a new board.
About Oxford Economics: Oxford Economics is the world’s foremost independent economic advisory firm. Oxford Economics enables intelligent and responsible decision-making through the provision of timely, data-driven economic and business insights and solutions that clients trust.


SeaWorld Orlando’s Popular “Inside Look” Programme is Back with New Experiences

SeaWorld Orlando just announced the return of the Park’s highly-anticipated “Inside Look” programme, November 4-5 and free with park admission. Don’t Miss Exclusive Behind the Scenes Access to See and Learn More About Marine Animals.

  • Animal experts educate on how we care for the diverse animals in our parks including sharks, cetaceans, manatees and pinnipeds
  • Rescue teams share stories of lifesaving work as guests tour critical care and rehabilitation areas not normally open to the public
  • NEW- Guests will learn about SeaWorld’s incredible successes in conservation, spotlighting the unprecedented birth of 3 endangered smalltooth sawfish and efforts in repopulation of coral
This fan-favourite event brings guests behind-the-scenes to learn more about the world-class care SeaWorld Orlando’s animals receive and the continuous conservation efforts made to preserve endangered marine life. Guests will be able to visit places and meet teams not typically available to the public and see the conservation work of SeaWorld’s team of animal care experts first-hand. This year, SeaWorld Orlando is debuting several new Animal Care Specialist Talks, including the ALL-NEW Coral Presentation and Sharks Presentation. In these interactive presentations, guests will be given insight into how to care for dwindling coral populations and meet the SeaWorld dive team, respectively.
 
The event runs the weekend of November 4-5, 2023. “Inside Look” experiences are included in regular park admission, but this event is extremely popular and highly attended, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to access this exclusive offering.  
 
“At SeaWorld Orlando, we are always looking for ways to allow guests to dive deeper into the realm of animal conservation,” said Jon Peterson, Park President of SeaWorld Orlando. “Inside Look showcases the hard work our animal care specialists do behind the scenes and educates future generations about how they can help protect endangered species and marine habitats, inspiring a long-lasting commitment to protect these incredible creatures.”
 
There will be many incredible exclusive experiences returning to SeaWorld Orlando’s “Inside Look” programme and a few exciting new ones, including: 

Continue reading


Disney After Hours Events Return With More Nighttime Magic at Walt Disney World

Disney After Hours events return to Walt Disney World Resort starting January 2024 with tons of nighttime Disney fun. On event nights, guests can enjoy an extra three hours of magic-making at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Guests attending the separately ticketed events get more time to experience fan-favourite attractions, character greetings and unlimited complimentary snacks, including select beverages.

©Disney

Extra magic awaits after hours at select Walt Disney World theme parks

Disney After Hours events allow a limited number of guests to enjoy Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT after the parks officially close for the day, offering shorter wait times for select attractions and character experiences. Guests can also indulge in ice cream novelties, popcorn and beverages –– all included in the cost of the ticketed event. Early arrivals can access the parks starting at 7 p.m. to squeeze even more moonlight joy out of their visits.

Booked guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting Nov. 7, 2023, by calling 407-W-Disney. Event tickets can be purchased online by all guests starting Nov. 14.

Disney After Hours ticket prices range from $155 to $175 (plus tax) at Magic Kingdom Park and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney After Hours ticket pricing at EPCOT ranges from $149 to $159 (plus tax). Specially priced tickets are available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. Continue reading


Walt Disney World To Reopen Blizzard Beach Water Park

Disney recently announced that their Blizzard Beach water park will reopen on 6th November 2023. The water park has been closed since March of this year.

As Blizzard Beach reopens, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will close for refurbishment with its last day of operation being 5th November 2023.


New Entry Experience Transforms Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex officially unveiled the new Kennedy Entry Experience, an exciting enhancement to the entrance plaza that awes guests as soon as they begin their journey. Sponsored by SNA Displays, the LED spectacular features a 3,000-square-foot video display that tells the story of NASA: past, present, and future, with attention-grabbing technology that makes images appear to leap off the screen.

The inspiring six-minute video, which replays throughout the day, sets the tone by featuring former President John F. Kennedy’s famous “We choose to go to the Moon” speech as well as iconic artifacts guests will encounter during their visit, moments in history that changed space exploration forever, and glimpses into the future. In addition to featuring custom immersive content, live-input video, and event advertising, the Kennedy Entry Experience is also integrated into the emergency system to alert park guests of inclement weather events. The display will also have the capability to stream launches and special events in the future.

Visit https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ to learn more.