Remember The Magic!
Having just returned from a week-long honeymoon at DisneyWorld (okay, it seemed like a good idea at the time!), I feel compelled to offer my analysis of what happens when people are confronted with (economic) decision making in the land of Disney.
It was hard not to notice the three-story faux can of Spaulding tennis balls that graced the stairwells of our hotel, or the equally large cup of Coca-Cola on the building next door. Admittedly, the commercialism did not end at the hotel. Nay, that was just the beginning. Basically you could, at times, interpret DisneyWorld as one gargantuan commercial.
Space Mountain is sponsored by "Fed-Ex," the entire Epcot Center seemed to be sponsored by "AT&T," Honey I Shrunk The Audience was preceded by a "Kodak" commercial, so and so forth. I don't think there was a ride or attraction, in the entire park, that doesn't have Robin Williams' voice or likeness attached to it. Even I, ardent lover of capitalism, rolled my eyes when, after the directions for riding Star Tours were shown and on the video screen the "Energizer" battery symbol appeared. Yet if this blatant display of commercialism helps keep ticket prices down, then consumers reap the benefits. If these companies are willing to finance million-dollar restorations for these rides, just for the opportunity to flash their symbol in front of my eyes, then I say have at it. Instead of passing these costs onto the consumer, "Fed-Ex" picks up the tab, which is important to families who are already spending hard-earned money on the trip.
Another benefit the Disney company has provided is the number of jobs it has created, all without great cost to the taxpayer. Hundreds of people have jobs directly related to the park - whether in concessions, ride operations, or janitorial services alone, not to mention the outside food, drink, and novelty suppliers.
In addition to these jobs we have what is known as the multiplier effect. The consequences of this park's existence includes many more positive economic benefits than what occurs strictly within its boundaries. This can be evidenced from the number of hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and stores that have sprung up just outside the park. This also has created hundreds of jobs. The competition ensures cheaper hotel rates just outside the DisneyWorld properties. The $3.99 breakfast buffet at "Sizzler" is a true bargain, and I personally benefited from this bargain more than once during the week. More doughnuts than you can shake a stick at and tater-tots, and grits, and danish and - well, you get the idea.
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