Is The Disney Company Moving Some Offices East?
Will The Mouse Set Up More Shops In Orlando?
I am trying really hard to take this seriously.
I mean, tweets like the below are interesting and keep the story moving.
FLORIDA. IS. FOR. WINNERS. @Disney should follow @TomBrady's lead and move to Florida. Thank you to @FoxFriendsFirst for having me. https://t.co/0Ks1cTJA4n pic.twitter.com/QmpLGFqh3n
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) February 10, 2021
But is this the equivalent of a Tom Brady bomb to Rob Gronkowski in the last second of a losing effort?
Or is this simply a QB keeper over center to keep the drive going?
Disney Moving East?
Image Credit: Orlando International Airport
A few weeks ago, MickeyBlog.com posted:
Disney Could Be In Talks Of Moving Some California Operations to Florida
That was January 8.
And on February 8, Fox Business’ Daniella Genovese posted:
Disney may relocate some operations from California to Florida https://t.co/dumWRD9Xvt
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) February 8, 2021
“As the largest employer in central Florida, we are always exploring opportunities for additional locations within the vicinity of our theme park, but there is nothing concrete,” the company said in a statement to FOX Business.
While it is unclear which specific divisions or how many people could be part of any type of move, there are logistical challenges for exporting some operations from California. For example, some TV programs and films have been shot at Disney’s Orlando facilities, but the bulk of its studio production operations are on its 51 acre Burbank lot for ease of use to the Hollywood filmmaking community.
Over the course of the pandemic, Disney CEO Bob Chapek has lambasted California’s handling of the pandemic, calling the rules in place “arbitrary.”
And, this last sentence above is where I think these “rumors” are coming from.
Moreover, this statement, from a Florida official: “FLORIDA. IS. FOR. WINNERS. @Disney should follow @TomBrady‘s lead and move to Florida…” That message will probably do more for Disney STAYING in California, where they are like a large fiefdom, than an impetus for The Mouse to move.
Movement Afoot, But Don’t Pack The Trucks
Already we have seen movement by Disneyland officials toward opening the theme park as soon as the area becomes viable.
MickeyBlog.com recently posted:
Disney California Adventure Park To Open Mid-March for a Special Ticketed Dining Event
And again, look at the prior statement by Disney CEO Chapek in 2020, as quoted by WTSP in Tampa Bay:
“Unfortunately, we are extremely disappointed that the state of California continues to keep Disneyland closed despite our proven track record. Our health and safety protocols are all science-based and have the support of labor unions representing 99% of our hourly cast members.”
Photo: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images
Between The Lines
Read that again, “[T]he state of California continues to keep Disneyland closed…”
The Walt Disney Company is, understandably, proud of its public safety record during the pandemic. And, clearly, felt they should have been able to attempt the same in CA.
That said, as a veteran sports reporter, I still see this as Disney’s two Bobs, running out of a “wing T” and pounding the lines of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
And, finally, that defensive line is already playing hurt.
Photo: Disney
