Disney contributes to the local community in many ways – through the millions of dollars in taxes it generates for local governments, the leadership it provides on important community issues, the cash and in-kind support it provides local non-profit organizations and the thousands of volunteer hours given by Cast Members.

Economic Impact
A study by Arduin, Laffer & Moore Econometrics released in April 2011 shows the magic Disney makes for Guests at its parks and resorts and on its cruise ships translates into a strong economic impact not only in Central Florida but across the state.

• The $18.2 billion in annual economic activity generated locally by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts accounts for 2.5 percent of Florida’s gross domestic product.

• Of the 7.2 million Floridians in the workforce in 2009, more than one out of every 50 had a job that can be directly or indirectly tied to the operations of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Locally, 6 percent of all jobs in Central Florida can be attributed to Disney’s operations.

• In Central Florida, Cast Members at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts earned a total of nearly $1.8 billion during FY2009. Across Florida, when direct and indirect jobs are taken into account, more than $6 billion in paychecks can be attributed directly or indirectly to Disney’s operations.

• Each year Walt Disney Parks and Resorts purchases more than $2 billion worth of goods and services. Nearly $1 billion is paid to vendors with a presence in the state and approximately $500 million goes to vendors in Central Florida.

• Spending by Disney Guests at businesses outside the resort area totaled nearly $1.7 billion in FY2009. This includes hotel and lodging expenditures, meals at local restaurants, retail purchases’ and transportation expenditures.

• When taking the amount Disney pays in taxes and subtracting the money for the various government services used by Guests and Cast Members, the net benefit to Florida and all localities is more than $400 million. In Central Florida, Orange County sees a net benefit of more than $100 million and Osceola County sees a net benefit of almost $10 million.

Revenue for Central Florida Governments
Disney is the largest taxpayer in Central Florida, paying approximately $566 million in state and local taxes each year.

• Walt Disney World Resort pays approximately $95 million annually in ad valorem taxes; an estimated $82.5 million is paid to Orange County and more than $12.5 million to Osceola County. 

• In Orange County, Disney pays more in taxes than thenext 10 highest county taxpayers combined. Approximately $44 million of those funds go directly to education.

• Disney generated approximately 34 percent of the Tourist Development Taxes collected in Orange Countyand approximately 25 percent of these taxes in Osceola County in 2010.

• Disney paid or collected more than $406 million in state sales, use and communications taxes and local resort taxes for the surrounding communities in 2010.

• In addition to the county taxes, Walt Disney World Resort paid more than $69 million in taxes to the Reedy Creek Improvement District in 2011. These tax dollars go toward building hundreds of millions of dollars worth of public infrastructure at no cost to taxpayers.

Community Leadership
Walt Disney World Resort is committed to providing leadership that will continue to help Central Florida thrive and grow. Approximately 120 Disney Cast Members serve on the boards of local nonprofit organizations.
Recent initiatives in which Walt Disney World Resort has played an active role include:

• Contributing to the well being of children in Central Florida – The new Walt Disney Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children was made possible in part by a $10 million commitment by Disney. Disney Imagineers designed the hospital’s lobby, which features supporting characters from classic Disney films in a welcoming, healing environment that places young patients in the starring role. Walt Disney World Resort also contributed $1 million to build the Walt Disney World Clubhouse of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and $750,000 for a teen center in the Tupperware Brands Boys & Girls Club in Osceola County.

• Building the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Disney pledged a $12.5 million contribution to sponsor the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, the largest of the halls at the center. With a grand opening scheduled in 2014, the performing arts center will be significant to the cultural growth of Central Florida and a premiere destination for the arts in Orlando.

• Support of Commuter Rail -Recognizing the region’s need for more mass transit options, Disney supports SunRail, which will create new ways for commuters to reach their jobs, new access to existing businesses and new chances to further diversify Central Florida’s economy and create jobs.

• Further diversifying Florida’s economy – Walt Disney World Resort leaders were actively engaged in the development of a medical city at Lake Nona, working closely with Central Florida leaders to bring the Burnham Institute to Central Florida and help to make the dream of a University of Central Florida Medical School a reality. Both projects are expected to help diversify and drive the region’s economy for years to come.

• Walt Disney World Resort donated $500,000 toward construction of Second Harvest Food Bank’s new facility opening in March 2013. 

Investing in Central Florida’s Children and Families
Walt Disney World Resort’s community programs and partnerships are focused on building better futures for local children, and ultimately, creating a stronger community for everyone. These efforts are geared toward helping families meet basic needs, youth development and education.

In 2012, the company donated more than $30 million in cash and in-kind support to local nonprofit organizations. Examples include:

• Walt Disney World Resort gave a total of $1.5 million in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants to 59 local nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to build better futures for more than 70,000 children in Central Florida. Among the top recipients were Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, A Gift For Music, Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida.

• Walt Disney World Resort is a valued partner to Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, which for the past few years has been recognized as one of the top Disney’s Helping Kids Shine grant recipients. As part of this recognition, the Coalition continues to receive ongoing comprehensive support from Disney, which includes board service, assistance in the maintenance and improvement of Coalition facilities, approximately 750 monthly meal donations prepared by Disney chefs and donations of warm clothing in the winter.

• 2011 marked the 20^th anniversary of the Disney Harvest program.  More than 340,000 pounds of prepared and un-served food were donated to the local community through Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

• Walt Disney World Resort’s excess inventory continued to meet the needs of many non-profit organizations in Central Florida. Merchandise and in-kind product donations in 2012 were valued at nearly $4 million.

• Disney continued to be the primary sponsor of the A Gift For Music program which is part of A Gift for Teaching, with a $100,000 donation. A Gift For Music provides, at no cost, instruction on stringed instruments to students who normally could not afford such an opportunity.

In addition, Walt Disney World Resort is the largest corporate contributor to the Heart of Florida United Way. In 2012 Disney Cast Membersdonated more than $3.4 million to the United Way to help non-profit agencies meet social services needs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties.

VoluntEARS Show Character
In 2012, Disney VoluntEARS gave 216,000 hours toward improving the lives of Central Floridians, ranging from donating more than 3.1 million school supplies to local students, to serving more than 9,000 meals to the homeless. Nearly 700 Walt Disney World VoluntEARS received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House for contributing more than 100 hours of service. VoluntEAR efforts include:

• In 2010, all Walt Disney World Resort hotels began supporting Clean the World by collecting discarded bath soaps, shampoos and lotions. Recently, efforts were expanded to include Disney resort hotels in California and Hawaii. To date, Disney hotels have donated 86 tons of soap and bottled amenities to Clean the World, not only diverting that waste from landfills, but providing useful products for those in need.

• In August 2012, Disney VoluntEARS donated a total of $837,750 to 455 local non-profit agencies and community service groups through Disney’s EARS To You program.  The grants from The Walt Disney Company annually recognize individual Cast Members and Imagineers for their VoluntEAR service (based on prior calendar year) through a contribution of up to $1,000 to the eligible charity of their choice. Top recipients included schools, animal rescue organizations and groups that support children and families.

• Disney annually recognizes a VoluntEAR of the Year and VoluntEAR Team of the Year with $2,500 cash donations to the charity of their choice.

• For more than 17 years, Walt Disney World Resort has supported Junior Achievement of Central Florida by raising more than $3.7 millionthrough events such as the JA Bowl-A-Thon. VoluntEARS also teach Junior Achievement financial literacy classes for grades K-12 in Orange and Osceola Counties.

• In Dec. 2012, Disney VoluntEARS helped make the holidays brighter for thousands of local children by collecting more than 35,000 toys for Central Florida Toys for Tots. Cast Members also gave more than 7,000 hours toward helping the U.S. Marines register families in need, sort and stock toys and assist with toy distribution.

• As part of the 2011 International Coastal Cleanup, one ton of debris was collected from Brevard County beaches, by more than 300 Disney VoluntEARS, of whom more than 50% were first-time VoluntEARS. 

Supporting Education
As part of Disney’s commitment to building a better future for Central Florida’s children, Walt Disney World Resort is actively involved in supporting education. The benefits for the region are far-reaching; money and time invested in educational programs show a return in higher graduation and employment rates, reduced crime and less reliance on public assistance.

• Walt Disney World Resort has given more than $5.7 million to the University of Central Florida in the past 13 years, including contributions of $2 million to the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Management and $1 million to the UCF College of Medicine.

• Disney has donated more than $2.7 million to the scholarship funds of Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University. In addition, Disney contributed $250,000 to the Florida A&M University College of Law to sponsor the Children and Family Law Clinic.

• Walt Disney World Resort contributed $1 million to Valencia Community College to support programs in culinary science and hospitality.

• Walt Disney World Resort contributed $500,000 to Rollins College to benefit The Campaign for Rollins, The Rollins Fund for the Walt Disney World Scholars Program, the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business Scholarship Fund and the Hamilton Holt School Scholarship Fund.

• In May 2012, public school districts and early learning coalitions in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties received a combined total of $320,000 in Disney Helping Kids Shine Grants to enhance student performance from preschool through 12^th grade. New in 2012 was a focused grant amount for students whose lives are affected by homelessness.

• To date, more than 11,900 students have been named Disney Dreamers and Doers. The program recognizes exceptional students throughout Central Florida for demonstrating outstanding character and volunteer service.

• Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members conduct an annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, last year donating an all-time high of more than 3.1 million school supplies. The items were combined with Walt Disney World Resort’s 13,000 donated backpacks and distributed to underserved youth in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk and Seminole counties.

• 120 children from community centers in Orange and Osceola counties participated in the 2012 Disney Conservation Camp during their school spring break. Offered for the first time outside of Disney, participants engaged in conservation and environmental activities that inspired them to take care of themselves, our community and our planet.

Granting Wishes
Walt Disney World Resort works with children’s wish-granting organizations around the world to make Disney dreams come true. Whether it’s a desire to dance with Cinderella, or a chance to play football with Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World Resort helps create special memories for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Disney-themed wishes continue to be the most popular requests from children with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
In 2012, Disney hosted more than 7,000 wish trips for children and donated complimentary tickets valued at more than $10 million to Give Kids the World Village and other wish-granting organizations.

With Mickey Mouse cheering them on, more than 250 Walt Disney World Cast Members gathered today for a pep rally to kick off a month-long celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Disney VoluntEARS. The program is a global, company-wide effort that provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time to make a positive impact on the community. With Mickey Mouse cheering them on, more than 250 Walt Disney World Cast Members gathered today for a pep rally to kick off a month-long celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Disney VoluntEARS. The program is a global, company-wide effort that provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time to make a positive impact on the community. With Mickey Mouse cheering them on, more than 250 Walt Disney World Cast Members gathered today for a pep rally to kick off a month-long celebration of the 30^th anniversary of Disney VoluntEARS. The program is a global, company-wide effort that provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time to make a positive impact on the community.

During the month of May, Cast Members around the world will commemorate the 30-year milestone by participating in activities that promote the happiness and wellbeing of children and families, strengthen their communities and inspire others to volunteer. At Walt Disney World Resort, thousands of Cast Members have committed to nearly 50 volunteer activities over the next 30 days from serving meals to the homeless to building playgrounds in local neighborhoods to caring for rescued animals.

“Walt Disney World is proud to be a member of the Central Florida community,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “We live in a dynamic community with many needs, and our VoluntEARS invest their time and talents in a variety of endeavors. Through them, we inspire children and families, revitalize our environment and improve the quality of life.”

Last year, Walt Disney World VoluntEARS donated 230,000 hours to support over 1,700 Central Florida organizations. In addition, 700 Walt Disney World VoluntEARS received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House for contributing more than 100 hours of service. This year, Disney will also donate a total of $916,000 to 450 local non-profit agencies and community service groups through Disney’s EARS to You program.

As part of today’s event, Walt Disney World Resort recognized the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Community Involvement Team as the VoluntEAR Team of the Year and veterinary assistant Liz Hedrick as the Disney VoluntEAR of the Year. The VoluntEAR Team of the Year donated more than 5,500 hours serving meals to the homeless, helping build houses and making pet beds for animal shelters. Hedrick donated more than 750 hours providing health evaluations of rescued animals, free community dog training classes and visiting nursing homes with her therapy dog. Hedrick and Disney’s Animal Kingdom team received $3,000 each for the charities of their choice — Wildlife Rehabilitation of Central Florida and the SPCA of Central Florida.

“Over the years, the SPCA of Central Florida has been lucky to be the recipient of Liz’s time, energy, and love,” said Jake White, executive vice president and general manager of the SPCA. “Her commitment to our pets is unmatched. Through heartfelt actions like hers, we are able to be successful in our mission.”

The VoluntEARS program started at Disneyland Resort in 1983 as a way for Cast Members to focus their volunteer efforts in a more meaningful way. The team achieved great success in their support of charitable organizations, and that momentum led to a company-wide launch of the Disney VoluntEARS in the early ’90s.

To help inspire Cast Members take a more proactive approach for their health, Disney offers Cast Couch to 5K Plus  This program includes personalized training plans, online resources and coaching to help Cast Members become more active. Cast Members at all levels of fitness are participating and moving toward a healthier lifestyle by starting simple.

For Cast Member Tom Mack, the impetus to get started came from his seven-year-old daughter who expressed an interest in running. After finishing the program, he and his daughter both ran in the Disney Royal Family 5K in February. “Since finishing the program, running has become a lifestyle for me and my family” said Mack, whose goal is to run in more race events later this year.

Couch to 5K launched in 2011 with more race events and enhanced training plans added this year.

Cast Member Maria Espinal says that  this program has helped her reach her goal of completing a 5K. “I never thought I would ever be doing a 5K.”

“Since we launched the Couch to 5K hundreds of Cast Members have participated and taken steps to improve their health,” said Tracy Swanson, Vice President for Benefits, Health and Workforce Solutions. “Being active helps our Cast and their family’s lead healthier lives, including spending more time outside.”

Couch to 5K Plus is one of many ways Disney supports Cast Members along their wellness journey. Other programs include:

• On-site health and wellness offerings
• Educational and screening opportunities
• Access to online tools and resources, such as a personal health assessment and a prescription drug price comparison tool.

Disney Cast Members have many wellness options to choose from.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (March 7, 2013) – This weekend, the Walt Disney World Resort will host 100 teens participating in Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine.  The teens, along with a parent or guardian, received an all-expense-paid trip to the Walt Disney World Resort March 7-10, but they won’t be vacationing. Instead, they are participating in a once-in-lifetime innovative outside-the-classroom educational and mentoring program.

Entering its sixth year, Disney Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens; help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Each year, 100 students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a bevy of career paths ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques and networking strategies.

It all takes place in a magical setting: The Walt Disney World theme parks. Both on stage and behind the scenes, the parks become vibrant ‘classrooms’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Motivational speakers and celebrities share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and “DREAM BIG.” Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and
world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

“Over the past five years, we have helped 500 Dreamers unlock their potential and get started on their journeys in life,” said Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion Tracey D. Powell. “The sixth Disney Dreamers Academy marks another year of continued motivation, education and success. Steve Harvey and Essence Communications share in our vision of enriching lives. Everyone leaves this program inspired to live their best life.”

Walt Disney World Resort, along with Steve Harvey – syndicated radio and television personality – and Essence Magazine will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power-packed career and educational exploration. Harvey, speaking on the program, says, “Disney Dreamers Academy gives hope and inspiration and exposes youth to a world of possibilities. We are excited about another opportunity to transform lives and give students an inside look at what their future can hold.”

Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “We are excited about the sixth Disney Dreamers Academy. This program transcends the normal classroom setting, taking learning to the next level. This year we plan to go above and beyond to encourage Dreamers. Our valued partnership with Disney Parks and Steve Harvey represents our commitment to the leaders of tomorrow.”

This year’s 100 students were selected from among more than 5,000 applicants by a panel of judges representing the best in their fields which included Powell, Harvey and Ebanks. Applicants answered a series of essay questions about their personal stories and life dreams. 

The remaining 2013 Disney Dreamers Academy judging panel was comprised of: Mikki Taylor (Editor-at-Large, ESSENCE Magazine); Yolanda Adams (gospel music legend); Terrence J (actor and host of E! News); Stephen A. Smith (broadcaster and sports analyst); Dr. Steve Perry (education advocate and CNN commentator); Sonia Jackson Myles (founder and author, The Sister Accord); Jonathan Sprinkles (award-winning motivational speaker); Chef Jeff Henderson (celebrity chef and motivational speaker); Alex O. Ellis (CEO, Simply Ellis Custom Clothier) Brandi Harvey (Corporate and Community Relations Director, the Steve Harvey World Group) and Karli Harvey (Hair Artesian, U Salon, Atlanta). 

This accomplished group remains involved in Disney Dreamers Academy throughout the year, serving as the program’s ambassadors and advisory panel as part of the Disney Dreamers Academy’s Speaker Resource Group.

For more information visit www.disneysdreamersacademy.com, www.facebook.com/disneysdreamersacademy or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dreamersacademy.

The following students have been selected to participate in the 2013 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine:

Media Contacts:

Maria Cecilia Toro

Walt Disney World Public Relations

maria.c.toro@disney.com

407.566.6310

Treva J. Marshall/Joel Kaiman

TJM Communications, Inc.

treva@tjmcommunications.com / joel@tjmcommunications.com

407.977.5004

 About Walt Disney World Resort / The Walt Disney Co.:

Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando. The Walt Disney Co. has a rich legacy of creativity and exceptional storytelling that brings families together in unique and memorable ways. Creative excellence is coupled with a strong commitment to community service and diversity. The Walt Disney Co. is dedicated to making a positive impact in communities around the world, with a primary focus on brightening the lives of children.

 About Steve Harvey:

Steve Harvey began doing stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s, which eventually led to a long stint as host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” His success as a stand-up comedian led to multiple TV sitcoms, including “Me and The Boys”, “The Steve Harvey Show” and “Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge. “His first book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” quickly became a bestseller in 2009. Harvey has appeared on “The Oprah Show,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” Currently, Harvey hosts the nationally syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show” which airs in over 60 markets and has over 7 million listeners. He is host of “Steve Harvey” a new nationally syndicated daytime talk show.

 About Essence Communications Inc.:

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online.  The company’s flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 42 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women’s lives.  Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at www.essence.com.

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Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization that goes into schools to provide age-appropriate economic education for children in grades K-12. Preparing young people for economically sound futures, Junior Achievement helps students understand financial responsibility by teaching lessons in how to earn, save, maintain a budget, manage credit and control their personal finances.

“With the support of Walt Disney World and their Cast Members, Junior Achievement is better able to achieve their goal of empowering children from kindergarten through high school to own their economic success and plan for their futures through smart academic and economic choices,” said Craig Polejes, president, Junior Achievement of Central Florida.

Qualifying donations raised this weekend by Disney VoluntEARS can be matched by The Walt Disney Company Foundation and will fund Junior Achievement programming, educator kits and classroom supplies. The Disney Bowl-A-Thon is the culmination of yearlong involvement Disney Cast Members extend to Junior Achievement by donating their time and talent to teaching Junior Achievement curriculum in Orange and Osceola County schools.

“For 19 years, Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members have generously supported Junior Achievement of Central Florida,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “All of the donations are a result of their compassion and readiness to give back to the community.”

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.  Feb. 20, 2013- Between long work hours, busy after school schedules and countless distractions, today’s American family is feeling more disconnected than ever – creating a deficit in “quality time” amongst U.S. parents and their children.

The solution? According to the Disney Time Survey, a blind study conducted by Kelton – a leading research firm – quality family time not only increases while on vacation but parents and children say they learn something new about one another during this time, as opposed to when at home.

More than 1,000 parents of children age 5-17 participated in the Disney Time Survey, which asked families to think about and share thoughts on quality time when at home – versus when on vacation.

So, how do parents define quality time? Ninety-one percent of parents report that quality time is achieved when they learn something new about their child, while 84 percent of parents say quality time means their child learned something new about them. From favorite to least favorite activities and food, to details about their children’s friends – the survey found that moms and dads saddled by hectic lifestyles are craving more time together with their kids.

• CLICK TO VIEW PDF INFOGRAPHIC OF SURVEY RESULTS
• CLICK TO VIEW JPG INFOGRAPHIC OF SURVEY RESULTS

We’re Busy!

Time is precious – and fleeting – and for many parents, scarce.

• Out of 52 weeks a year, on average, parents surveyed admit that they have only 15 “free” weekends – i.e. “no plans.” Further, 13 percent say they have no free weekends.

• Seventy-one percent of parents would love more time with their kids – up to nine hours more a week, specifically.

• Ninety-six percent of parents would give up at least one thing for a year to spend just one extra hour with their children every week, such as a favorite TV show/sports/game (78 percent), the internet (74 percent), shopping (74 percent), sleeping late (69 percent), a favorite hobby (64 percent), even coffee (59 percent).

Solution? Go on Vacation!

The findings present vacations as a key way to cultivate family bonding and strengthen quality time.

• Ninety-seven percent of parents say that their children have gotten to know new things about them while taking family trips, including more about their parents’ childhoods (86 percent) or facts about other family members (74 percent).

• Almost one in two parents feel that out of all the time they spend with their children, only half of it, at most, could be classified as “quality time.” However, while on vacation, parents report that 82 percent of time would fall in the “quality time” category.

• When they do vacation together, the whole family is inclined to be more excited (77 percent), relaxed (75 percent), silly (68 percent), calm (54 percent) and even more affectionate (54 percent).

• Parents report eating an average of 10 meals with their children in a typical week at home. However, when on a seven-day vacation, families say they almost double the number of meals they eat together (19 meals vs. 10 meals) – and 68 percent claim they would eat all 21 meals (three meals per day) as a family.

Family Travel: Looking Ahead

As part of the study commissioned for Disney Parks, parents were asked to share some vacation habits and places of interest. Family travel is set for growth over the next five years, findings showed.

• More than eight in ten (82 percent) respondents who have taken family vacations reveal that they will take the same amount of, if not more, vacations in the next five years. Further, 94 percent of parents think it’s important for families to take vacations together on a regular schedule.

• When asked to pick one specific location where they felt their family would have the best time on vacation, top responses in terms of type were theme park, beach, cruises and camping, respectively.

• Parents also highlighted Florida, specifically Orlando, Hawaii and California as top destinations for family vacations.

Disney asked Kelton to conduct the survey to better understand the value parents believe vacations bring to their families.

“We know vacations are important, but to have parents validate how important vacation time is to their families was insightful,” said Leslie Ferraro, executive vice president of global marketing for Disney Parks.  “As we’ve learned from families who participated in the survey, those moments of quality family time can feel fleeting in our everyday home lives.  At Disney Parks, families enter a different kind of time – where the entire family can relax and be a kid – Disney Time.”

This year, Disney Time gets an extra sprinkling of pixie dust as Disney Parks celebrates Limited Time Magic, featuring special and new experiences every week aimed at creating memories to last a lifetime.

Survey Methodology
The Disney Time Survey was conducted by Kelton between January 8 and January 21, 2013 among 1,004 American parents of children ages 5-17, using Random Digit Dialing of listed and unlisted numbers. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. The margin of error for any subgroups will be slightly higher.

About Kelton
Kelton is a leading global insights firm serving as a partner to more than 100 of the Fortune 500 and thousands of smaller companies and organizations. Utilizing a wide range of customized, innovative research techniques and staff expertise in marketing, branding, PR, media, and business strategy; Kelton helps drive our clients’ businesses forward. For more information about Kelton please call 1.888.8.KELTON or visit www.keltonglobal.com.

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According to the National Safety Council, each year more than 100,000 crashes happen in the United States because of drivers who are distracted by activities like texting, emailing and sending instant messages. A study by the Virginia Tech Highway Safety Institute found that individuals who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Florida is one of the few states without a distracted driving law. The Florida House and Senate are expected to discuss a measure to prohibit distracted driving during the upcoming legislative session.

As part of an ongoing commitment to safety, Walt Disney World Resort is already among the growing number of companies across Florida that has a distracted driving policy in place.