Disney highlights the American businesses behind its parks, cruises and attractions
World War II veteran Charles Cram, who witnessed the flag raising at Iwo Jima, is seen at Disneyland's Flag Retreat as family watches. (Disney Experiences)
From cruise operators in Alaska to engineering firms in California, Disney is highlighting the American companies that help power its parks, cruises and attractions as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Theme parks in the US capital alone generate approximately $67 billion in total economic impact and support approximately 403,000 jobs nationwide. In all of its parks, cruises and attractions, Disney relies on suppliers, design firms and family businesses to help bring those experiences to life.
Disney highlights several partners from the states included in its new “Soarin' Across America” ​​attraction, which offers guests a simulated flight across the U.S. The companies are based in Missouri, Alaska, New York, Florida and California.
Sarah Salvador, Disney's senior sourcing manager, told FOX Business that Disney finds vendors through industry events, internal networks, supplier contacts and referrals from existing partners.
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A view of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland on April 6, 2024, in Anaheim, California. Disney's US theme parks generate approximately $67 billion in total economic impact and support approximately 403,000 jobs nationwide. (Photos by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC/Getty Images)
“We realize there's a lot of value, a lot of vision, a lot of creativity that resides in companies of all sizes,” Salvador told FOX Business.
Salvador said Disney's investment creates opportunities beyond the company's own employees.
“When the Walt Disney Company chooses to invest in theme parks and resorts, it goes beyond the parks and resorts,” he said. “… We're not just creating opportunities internally, but for businesses outside, big and small.”
One of these businesses is Allen Marine Tours, a family-owned company in Sitka, Alaska. The company has offered tours in Southeast Alaska since 1970 and has worked with Disney Cruise Line since its inception to cruise Alaska.
Zakary Kirkpatrick, chief marketing officer at Allen Marine Tours, said the company is working to keep its family feeling as it grows.
“We're still trying to keep that family bond on our ships and our crew,” Kirkpatrick told FOX Business. “It starts with training [of] all our employees. We talk about our history, we talk about who we are, and we really invite them to be part of that and part of the family. “
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Allen Marine Tours, a family-owned company based in Sitka, Alaska, has offered tours in Southeast Alaska since 1970 and has worked with Disney Cruise Line since its inception to cruise Alaska. (Disney/Fox News)
Kirkpatrick said Alaska offers Disney Cruise Line guests a different kind of magic on each cruise, from whale watching to snowshoeing.
“I know the biggest thing about Disney is the magic and every day here in southeast Alaska, there's something really magical,” she said. “… You never know what you're going to see.”
Another longtime Disney partner, Rando Productions, has helped build parade floats, showpieces and attractions for nearly 35 years.
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Joe Rando said the North Hollywood-based company's work with Disney began with show floats before moving on to themed entertainment, live shows, attractions and projects with Walt Disney Imagineering.
Today, Rando Productions helps design, build and test components for Disney attractions and parade floats, including moving pieces that require mechanical engineering and automation.
“What I can say is that working with Disney has elevated our company because they are a group of experts and subject matter experts,” Rando told FOX Business.
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Joe Rando said the North Hollywood-based company's relationship with Disney began with float work before expanding into themed entertainment, live shows, attractions and projects through Walt Disney Imagineering. (Disney/Fox News)
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Salvador said guests may not realize how many outside businesses help create the Disney experience, from the first ideas to the final installation.
“A lot of people might hear Disney and think we're taking out foreign talent that might be available where we have a resort, and that's far from the truth,” Salvador said. “We work with companies all over the country and around the world.”
He added, “It really takes a village to create these deep stories for our guests.”
