Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Division will locate in Orlando’s Lake Nona bringing 2,000 high-wage professional jobs to the region.
Orlando, Fla. –. The Walt Disney Company announced plans to relocate its Parks, Experiences and Products Division to Orlando, bringing 2,000 high-wage jobs to the region. With average annual salaries of $120,000, Disney plans to open a regional campus in Orlando’s Lake Nona, one of our region’s premier centers for innovation.
“Disney and Orlando are longtime partners, and this decision is a huge win for our economy as was Walt Disney’s announcement more than 50 years ago.”
Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani
“We look forward to welcoming more Disney cast members to the Orlando region in the future and who will bring their professional expertise in the areas of digital technology, finance, communications, human resources, product development and more to the region,” said Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani.
The announcement cements Orlando’s status as the world’s No. 1 destination for tourists and a top-tier destination for businesses. Factors like an affordable cost of living, especially compared to other states, like California where Disney Parks, Experiences and Products plans to relocate from, available and affordable property, and low tax rates are also attractive characteristics for large companies, like Disney, to bring their business to Orlando.
The true magic of this decision is the immediate economic impact, but also the ripple effect of bringing more diverse businesses to our region. Orlando has seen an increase recently in companies that are relocating and expanding to the region, as well as a significant increase in companies that are considering doing so. Disney reinforces why companies are looking to Orlando as a land of opportunity. The message to businesses around the globe is clear: Orlando’s affordable cost of living, abundant and highly skilled workforce and focus on all-in support make it an outstanding destination to locate and to grow.
Orlando’s business community has witnessed groundbreaking innovation from a growing technology sector with developments in gaming, virtual reality and mobility that are powered by the vibrant tourism economy. Orlando is now home to over 2,000 technology companies ranging from startups to major companies and that presence can only be expected to grow as Disney expands its footprint in Orlando. While tourism supports roughly one-third of Orlando’s economy, the remaining two-thirds is bolstered by a thriving ecosystem of engineers, entrepreneurs, technology experts and manufacturers – all helping to make Orlando a place people not only want to visit, but a place that residents and businesses want to call home.
Orlando’s tourism industry sets a precedent for creativity and innovation, qualities now engrained in the city’s culture and business landscape. Orlando is also equipped with reliable and efficient infrastructure, offering access to major domestic and global markets through Florida’s busiest airport, Orlando International (MCO), and three strategically located regional airports across the region. This benefits the region’s headquarters for industry giants including Travel + Leisure, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, IAAPA, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide.
###
About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution; and three content groups—Studios, General Entertainment and Sports—focused on developing and producing content for DTC, theatrical and linear platforms. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $65.4 billion in its Fiscal Year 2020.
