A bill to CHANGE Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) has nearly been passed by the Florida legislature.
Reedy Creek
The current RCID essentially allowed Disney World to function as its own government for over 50 years. But following Disney’s disagreement with Ron DeSantis over Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill (commonly called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), the District was set to be dissolved in June of 2023. A new bill was introduced recently that would keep RCID in place but rename the district and significantly change Disney’s level of control. Now, the president of Walt Disney World has something to say about it.
The bill addressing RCID changes already passed in the Florida House of Representatives but as of February 10th, it has passed within the Florida Senate as well. It passed with a vote of 26 yeas and 9 nays. The next step will be for the bill to go to Governor DeSantis’s desk, and most expect the governor to sign it quickly.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ©Deadline
Scott Gustin posted on Twitter that Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle issued a statement following the bill’s passage in the Senate. Vahle’s statement reads:
“For more than 50 years, the Reedy Creek Improvement District has operated at the highest standards, and we appreciate all that the District has done to help our destination grow and become one of the largest economic contributors and employers in the state. We are focused on the future and are ready to work within this new framework, and we will continue to innovate, inspire, and bring joy to the millions of guests who come to Florida to visit Walt Disney World each year.”
Jeff Vahle
Disney has not revealed whether they intend to challenge the bill, although Vahle indicated previously that Disney was watching the progress of the bill very carefully. He stated before that “Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”
Disney World
If the bill is signed by the governor, it will take effect immediately. There are parts of the bill that allow for a transition period. A Senate analysis of the Bill notes “The bill provides that the terms of all current members of the district’s board end as of the effective date of the bill, but allows those members to continue to serve until a successor in office is appointed and qualified.” So the Board members could stick around for a bit but likely would be replaced soon.
©WFTV 9
Here are some of the changes that the Bill would enact:
- rename the district to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District
- change the Board of Supervisors selection process — instead of being selected by the landowners (Disney is the majority landowner in the District), the board members will be selected by the Governor and confirmed by the senate
- strip the District of some powers (like the power it had to potentially create a nuclear power plant)
- place certain requirements on the district (mainly reporting requirements)
We’ll continue to watch for more updates on this situation, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest news.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I feel our governor is acting like a petulant toddler. Disney had the gall to disagree with him about the “Don’t say gay” bill so the governor had to retaliate and take something from Disney namely the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Not everyone agrees with everyone else but they suck it up and move on. Throwing a tantrum to get even is not the kind of governor Florida deserves.
God help the country if he is elected President of of the USA
I think Disney should lock it’s gates and turn it into a cow pasture,then see what desanis has to say
Update to this is that Disney will not fight the state takeover.
The leadership of the Disney enterprise made a big mistake in becoming politicly active in Florida politics and social issues which are currently causing caustic social debate. They are in the business of entertainment and have excelled in providing families with great enjoyment. Unfortunately, they departed from entertainment as the main focus to get involved in divisive issues. It became an unnecessary distraction which I believe took a toll on their image. When Florida started taking issue with Disney’s diversion from entertainment, did they reassess to what they were doing and get back to just providing entertainment? Nope. They proceeded to get further entangled in a destructive battle which caused many of their customers, as well as, Florida’s government to question the validity of letting them keep the rare privilege of governing themselves. The old adage, “you made your bed, now lie in it”, applies totally in this case.
This will go down in history as one of the biggest “bonehead moves” by any corporation. It could have all been avoided by staying out of local politics. It will be taught in the future for years in business schools of what “not” to do. Absolutely foolish.
I mean, they went political… politics are now involved. I don’t see the big deal…
What a weird world we live in. Now the Republicans are leading the charge to take control away from industry and giving it to the government.
The sad thing happening today is that it seems that no matter what subject it is, people have to name and attack other political parties, and make it all about whatever party they’re not part of.
Disney was right to continue being a friend to the LGBTQ+ community. That is not political, it is being considerate of their employees and guests. This is all DeSantis’ doing, not Disney’s. We took our elderly mother to WDW in October, a last trip. The magic is still there, but my family will no longer be there. I wouldn’t give Florida one penny of my money. Disney made central Florida, and without Disney it would still be a swamp, plus they are the largest public employer in the state. Did DeSantis and his cronies really think that Disney was going to build their own nuclear power plant? DeSantis is nothing more than a playground bully. He has stripped away freedom after freedom. As the saying goes, “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
—Martin Niemöller. Disney spoke for all of us who support our LGBTQ+ neighbors.
ya’ll all corporations are political. by doing nothing they are being political.
this corporation employs tens of thousands of people and they are responsible for them as well.
the bill is BS and its virtue signaling to a base for a primary. Disney did the math a long time ago and families come because of the way Disney treats diverse communities. even though my family isn’t gay I like that they support the gay community and I spend my money accordingly. business that chose to discriminate or not call out bad behavior don’t need my money.
you don’t like it six flags will take your money but Disney is going to get to keep mine
I think the name change says a lot, about the attitude of both sides.
Improvement district vs. Oversight district.
DeSantis is a control freak.
DDW thanks for your comment.
I wrestle w wanting to go to DW and NOT spend money in Florida. Right now I keep my cash only to staying o property etc. but there are still taxes etc so it’s not the best way.
I’m hoping our next Disney trip is to Disneyland in LA or Paris. Yes I have that kind of cash and Disney gets mine.
We have family in Florida and when we visit them we all do our best to avoid giving cash to horrible businesses. Again not perfect but it’s the best we can do. That family is moving because of desantis. Their home insurance is going through the roof.
It’s sad that it’s become the norm to bash each other on social media over differing views, and even on the food blog?. I support what the Florida’s legislature and governor have done in this matter and disagree with what some others have posted. However, I don’t believe in trashing each other or trashing companies or whatever politician happens to be in power. Even though I disagree with Disney jumping into the political fray, as well as, their political views, I won’t let that influence whether I spend money there. I focus on the entertainment that they provide. They are way too expensive but I’ll give them what I can afford.