The battle for control over Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District has seemingly come to an end, but that doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of the ripple effects.
Cinderella Castle
And now, in the wake of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement naming the district’s new board members, one Disney executive has shared some insight.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has named his appointees for the new Reedy Creek Improvement District — now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. This is a new responsibility the governor created after signing a bill into law that significantly changes key aspects of how the district operates.
Reedy Creek Sign in Disney World
Some have pointed out that DeSantis has named “politically connected Republican allies” to the board (The Orlando Sentinel) and now, a Disney executive has shared his thoughts.
via Twitter
In an interview with the Orlando Business Journal, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro didn’t discuss politics in too much depth, but is sticking with things that are in his control — which doesn’t include “how state leaders feel about the company.”
“We will stay focused on what we have always done. Look at how we run our business. Look at the investments we are making in our business. As long as I can keep providing that, take care of our cast members, the Central Florida community [and] take care of these guests … I’m in good shape. I can only control what I can control,” said D’Amaro.
It’s Josh D’Amaro!
While declining to really discuss the Reedy Creek debacle, D’Amaro shared that he wants to focus on making sure the Disney parks and Cast Members are in good hands, which includes the new district board’s hands.
Josh D’Amaro, Head of Disney Parks and Resorts
D’Amaro stated, “The reality is we work with different people around the world at our different theme parks. So we know how to work with different people. For all those reasons, I have to look at the situation of where we are going — I believe in where we are going — and I hope the board sees the same.”
It’s most likely that D’Amaro is referencing Disney parks in operation around the globe and having to be well-versed in international relations to do so.
EPCOT
“If that new board understands the value that gets created here and how it positively impacts the Central Florida community, I think they will be aligned with our vision and will carry on the Reedy Creek soul that’s been in place,” he shared.
“Will there be noise on the outside? Will there be different points of view that we may not like? Sure,” said D’Amaro, also noting that Disney World “still embraces the differences in the world and welcomes all kinds of visitors, regardless of their political backgrounds or other beliefs.”
He continued, “I really believe that, so we are not going to get distracted.”
©Josh D’Amaro
The new board is set to hold its first meeting on March 8th, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for updates — so stay tuned.
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DeSantis demonstrates his inability to deal with different folks, ideas and cultures. His “my way or he highway” won’t carry throughout the country nor the world. He’s not a negotiator, he’s done.
The new lot will have one thing in mind, and that is the De Santis way. Which means they plan on DICTATING every little thing Disney does from now on.
Josh gave a very nice “politically neutral” answer. Focus on the value that Disney brings to the cast members and the community.
I’m not sure Grammy, seems he won in a landslide, more people are moving to Florida in unprecedented numbers and Florida is the envy of most of states in America. Reedy Creek legacy will have no problem with this board. Might even help. We will see. And I will apologize if I’m wrong, but I remain positive.
totally disagree with the first poster above, that’s nothing but a left wing rant. Were thankful to have DeSantis in Florida. He actually gets things done whereas the incompetent president cant. The reedy creek thing is complicated but surely and hopefully they will work with Disney and vice versa, I imagine Disney has been sweeping things under the rug for years, who knows.
I think the new board members are going to become a problem. They all seem very well connected to Mr. DeSantis. Isn’t that going to open up the question of “conflict of interest” and “quid pro quo” scenarios? Doesn’t seem very fair or maybe in some circumstances, maybe not even legal. Mr. DeSantis doesn’t know how play well with others.