A lot of news surrounding The Walt Disney Company right now has to do with the Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which was created before Disney World was built and essentially allows the theme park to function with its own county government.
Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed that the Reedy Creek Improvement District (which was created with that Act) should be dissolved, thus removing Disney’s self-governing status. DeSantis added this topic to a special session of Florida Legislature, and the Senate has already voted to dissolve the District. Now, the proposed bill to dissolve Reedy Creek has taken another big step forward.
In case you haven’t been following the headlines, we’ll catch you up quickly on this story. Florida recently passed the Parental Rights in Education bill (called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by some). Disney responded when the bill was signed into law by condemning it and saying they would support groups seeking to have it repealed. In retaliation, Governor DeSantis threatened to repeal the Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which would take away many of the freedoms that Disney World enjoys as an essentially self-governing area. This proposal to dissolve Reedy Creek has already passed in the Florida Senate.
Now, the Florida House of Representatives has voted to dissolve “certain independent special districts,” which would include the Reedy Creek Improvement District in Disney World. The decision was made with a 70 to 38 vote today, April 21st, 2022.
The next step in this process is for Governor DeSantis to sign the bill that would dissolve these districts. If he does sign it (and since he has supported the bill thus far, odds are good that he’ll sign it), Reedy Creek would be dissolved on June 1st, 2023.
Although it’s likely that DeSantis will sign the bill, there is still a lot to be done in this process. The decision is far from final, and we’re expecting to see a lot of further negotiation before any practical steps are taken. Analysts have continued to say that it’s unlikely the Reedy Creek Improvement District will be dissolved, even if the governor signs.
We’ll continue to watch for more updates on this developing story, so keep following AllEars for all the latest news.
What would happen to Disney World if the Reedy Creek Improvement District were dissolved?
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So Florida is punishing Disney. They are taking away $1 Billion in debt and giving it to the counties. The services (fire power water etc) that Disney is paying for will now be paid by the counties. Disney’s property taxes will likely go down while Orange and Osceola counties go up (taxes must be equal for everyone within the county; Disney was paying additionL taxes to RCID).
I am so disgusted with Disney, even before this. It has lost its magic, and now they are just crazy. I will have fond memories of my trips, but im done with them.Glad they opened thier mouth, when they should have keep it closed. Disney has lost the vision of traditional family values, which I am sure the majority of people believe in. See ya not so real soon. I feel bad for the shareholders, hope their is a huge selloff of Disney stocks in the coming weeks.
This is a political vendetta in a democratic society. Its a slippery slope for our elected officials to target companies that don’t say things we agree with. Some of you below may be happy with what the Governor did, but it moves far too close to a China or Russia mentality. Regardless, of the issue. It could have been about whether chocolate or vanilla is your favorite ice cream. How will you feel if the company you work for is targeted because of a political comment, that affects their bottom line because the legislator picks a fight. Its why we have whistle blower protections for individuals that step forward.
You should also be aware Disney was already covering the costs of all the utilities so to speak. Orange county will now have to pick up over 1 billion in bond debt from Disney. That debt help service over 25,000 acres of property, 175 miles of road, 67 miles of waterway, sewage, trash, electric, and everything else that goes along with it. The county will now have to provide police, Fire, and ambulance services for Disney property. tax payers will be helping pick up that bill. The county didn’t provide those services. Disney did. Its frankly, a disaster and many think paying the legislation was nothing more than political theater.
Chapek and the chief legal counsel for the company need to be fired. The former CEO for McDonald’s laid out a very simple explanation of why those two must go. It’s the only way forward for Disney at this point.
Great news. Let Disney be a part of the real world experience. No more lightning lane for their projects while Universal is in standby.
More transparency on the crime rate and injury reports. No more fake news on budgets and losses. Pay your fair share Disney,
Seems fair enough considering Chapek was trying to play both sides. By donating to one side, then trying act like Disney was supporting the other side. You can’t do both in this instance. I think he really thought he could get away with it. The only reason to play both sides is to try to keep raking in the money. Wonder how the board feels about it now? Hopefully since he has been exposed for trying to play both sides, the board will now do something to bring our beloved Disney back to where it is supposed to be. A happy place for all instead of just happiness for lining their pockets. He was the main reason we stopped going four years ago, long before he was head honcho, but when he was in charge of the WDW Resorts and Parks. We saw where it was going, didn’t like it, so started going to the competitor instead. Funny the competitor actually reminded us of the first ten years of going to Disney. Back when you could just have fun, be casual with your plans, and enjoy quality family time. Of course, all of this is my opinion, and it is a heated issue. Hopefully everyone can just calm down, and start being respectful to each other. We all live together on this earth. But I do hope Chapek is gone soon, and someone who truly understands the Disney brand is put in charge. Until then, guess I’ll keep taking my yearly vacation to their competitor. So sad.
Good for Gov DeSantis. I guess Disney is learning fast that if they want to use their corporate muscle to determine what is “right” for us in politics then it will bite them back.
The parental rights education bill, incorrectly called “Don’t Say Gay” by some, is much needed and applies to K – 3 grade children to protect them from subjects that a teacher has no business talking about to people that young. If Disney wants to threaten to repeal such a law then they can kiss their corporate welfare goodbye.
The mouse that roared is finally being muzzled…With Disney stock heading south, I am glad we chose this year to end our annual passes…after 30 years.
The Magic Kingdom has lost its glitter and doesn’t look and feel the same…Many thanks to Bob Chapek and to the many stockholders that elected this crackpot.
What would happen? One guess: Disney would raise prices (again).
Pretty sure those same experts said it wouldn’t pass the senate or the house. Unless something major happens in terms of Disney’s response (e.g. a pledge to stay out of partisan politics and to donate equally to Dems and republicans) I think it will happen.
Good!! They don’t deserve to be treated differently. They want to be inclusive. Now they are dealing with what they preach. They now have to pay taxes like every other business and citizen in Florida. Everyone should be praising this bill. I bet Universal and SeaWorld are probably saying, about time! Way to go Governor DeSantis. Keep up the great work.