Things are heating up in the battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
©Governor Ron DeSantis Website
A DeSantis-appointed board of supervisors for Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District (now renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) discovered agreements Disney entered into with the prior board that gave Disney a great amount of power over certain things moving forward (despite what the new board may say or do). DeSantis and the new Board have criticized those agreements, while Disney has defended them as being legal and properly noticed. Now, DeSantis has outlined his plan of attack against Disney, which includes a bill to nullify those agreements between Disney and the old board, but that’s not all.
During an April 17th, 2023 press conference, DeSantis laid out his plan of attack against Disney and the agreements they entered into with the old Reedy Creek board of supervisors. Those actions include a bill to be introduced in the Florida legislature that would utilize a Florida statute to strike down Disney’s agreements and an expectation that the new Board of Supervisors will find that there are legal issues with the Disney agreements and declare them invalid during their upcoming meeting.
Reedy Creek
But it goes beyond just striking down those agreements. DeSantis seems to be looking to (and expecting the new board to) make other changes within the District — from changing COVID-19 rules to regulations on property appraisals. And one thing DeSantis mentioned specifically was the development of some land the District owns.
Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream
Disney owns a lot of the land in the District, but the District does own some other land next to the land owned by Disney. DeSantis noted that he “wasn’t even thinking about that land” when the initial bill to change things about the District was introduced. He said, “We just wanted them to live under the same rules, pay the debt, pay the taxes.” But now that they’re in this position, DeSantis said people have been wondering “‘what should we do with this land?'”
Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream
According to DeSantis, people have suggested a number of potential developments. He shared, “People have said…maybe create a state park, maybe try to do more amusement parks…maybe you need another state prison. Who knows?”
He continued, “The possibilities are endless, and so that is now gonna be analyzed to see what would make the most sense.”
Reedy Creek
As Business Insider points out, some of these developments (particularly when it comes to the idea of building a state prison in the area) could “affect home values on nearby properties.”
Beyond utilizing the land owned by the District, DeSantis discussed changing certain inspection rules when it comes to accidents that take place on Disney World rides, accelerating the debt payment within the District, potentially selling utilities to a private entity, and more.
You can read the full breakdown of DeSantis’ plans here
The new Board of Supervisors for the District meets next on April 19th, at which point they are expected to discuss a number of issues. We’ll be watching for updates and letting you know what we find.
For more on the DeSantis vs. Disney debacle, click here to see Iger’s latest comments on the matter. And get some more background on the agreements Disney made with the old board by watching the video below.
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Ron DeSantis is clearly the most self-centered, mean spirited, thoughtless politician in America today. Free speech is allowed only if he agrees with it. The thought of this fascist running for President is ludicrous.
Since Florida continues to support DeSantis, Florida does not deserve Disney. I am sure it is impossible for Disney to leave Orlando, but I wish they would.
As a FL resident for nearly 43 years, I am counting down the seconds until DeSantis leaves office. I didn’t think we could ever get a governor that would be worse than Rick Scott. Ron here proved me wrong.
So much for protecting kids. This DeSantis is a real loser, sounds like a thirteen year old girl when he talks.
DeSantis is a not what Florida needs, not what this Country needs.
If this is how he tries to run a state imagine him running a Country.
Disney better pull a checkmate move on Desantis before things get worse.
Disney just needs to get out of politics and stop digging themselves in a hole.
Disney Opened this pandora’s box, now they need to close it. Until they do I think it’s only fair they get what they deserve. Iger is just Chapek 2.0 nothing is going to change.
Trump even said he has taken this too far and I agree. I love my governor but he needs to learn how to fight battles publicly. Not a good look.
Ah, the desperate shrieks of someone who knows he isn’t going to win. And this man wants to be President of the US? SO tone-deaf, but he just can’t seem to stop talking.
What is wrong with this man??? And people VOTED FOR HIM!!!!!
Put it to a vote. Disney or DeSantis. The loser leaves the State.
OMG only in America, what the actual!! I thought UK politics was bad, even Barking Mad Boris and his cronies wouldn’t even attempt to put a prison near and amusement park, its like saying lets build one next door to Buckingham Palace, so the tourists get two for the price of one…..
He’s a total clown. This is some of the biggest anti-business rhetoric I have ever seen.
How are those home insurance rates treat in’ ya? Ron could care less.
All he wants is to be in the media while he builds momentum to take on Trump for the Republican nomination.
This just makes me sick. I love WDW and have visited so many times with my family. I wish Disney could just pull up and leave, but they employ so many people that would be expensive and a loss for the state of Florida. This man just needs to stop. He is trying to destroy a beloved travel destination for no reason other than power and media presence.
This is disgusting. This man needs to focus his energy elsewhere. Who cares if Disney went against a bill you passed. Grow up and move on. There are more important and critical matters that the state of Florida needs to attend to, not some silly schoolyard back and forth bickering.
This Central Florida Republican doesn’t really believe that DeSantis will build a prison near WDW or raise tolls on roads near WDW. I think he is signally crazy things he could do for use as bargaining chips with Iger. Having said this, I think it’s time for DeSantis to be a statesman and sit down with Iger over a cup of coffee and resolve this. I am still shocked that Disney, Walt’s company, believes via its CEO’s, that instructing 5, 6, 7 and 8 year olds in sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools is acceptable. This is what triggered this whole situation, remember? Disney opposed Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill. Disney has a 1st Amendment right to say this, but Disney is on the wrong side of this arguement morally. I wondered if Iger would want his young grandchildren hearing this stuff in K -3, but then I remembered due to his station in life, his grandchildren probably go to an elite private school where this material would never be taught to children that young.
Ron bad
Disney good
Mega corporations know what’s best for you.
Joe, I hate to say this but telling someone else to get out of politics does not counter balance someone wanting to build a prison beside a children’s theme park 🤨.
Threats is beneath a real politician and it’s a shame he has just shown who he is as a human being. Clearly therapy would be one of the top recommendations here.
What a weird threat 🤔
This has gotten so ridiculous and pathetic
People who say that Disney should stay out of politics need to re-word it to mean exactly what the mean.
“Disney should stay out of the politics I don’t agree with” There…fixed it for you. We all know that you wouldn’t bat an eye if Disney’s politics aligned with your own.
The theme parks portion of Disney has been what has sustained it while it continues to lose huge amounts on streaming what seems to be woke ideology driven content. The don’t even have one sustained show in top ten streaming programs for ratings. (Sorry but The Mandalorian is sinking in its ratings). Florida is one of the most business friendly states in the country. So it would seem unlikely they will want to close WDW.
Me thinks ‘twill be Big Bob who takes the knee.
Disney’s latest cartoon villain. He’s so full of it, putting a prison next to Disney world hurt his state’s tourism and the state residents that work there.
Disney needs to stop trying to be politically correct and stay out of politics. Also, they continue to raise prices and reduce benefits of visiting the “Magic” Kingdom. $1000+ a night for a room? Please. I’m very disappointed that it’s become too expensive for many families to visit. Disney is only about lining their pockets.
I’m sure the Governor was making a joke.
DeSantis is right, and Disney has lost its way taking that left turn dropping the concern for children and parents. DeSantis is being humorously tough but not overly tough in this battle with a super-powerful company that is against protecting children from learning about sexual matters in school. These are KIDS. It’s hard enough to be a kid without adults confusing them about gender identity and sexual
preference. It’s terrific Disney supports all adult identities and lifestyles but more than disappointing it doesn’t support protecting kids.
I love Disney and have been a few times over the years….this hasn’t changed my opinion of them in the least. DeSantis however , whom I’ve had NO opinion about til Covid hit…..and now this — on a national stage – he’ll be eaten alive by the people in the rest of the country who have been watching his antics …..b/c they sure are NOT governance!!!
I think it’s time for Gov. DeSantis to look for his mind…….he’s clearly lost it 🤪
Orlando would not be the vacation destination it is without Disney.
You would think grown ups could act like grown ups.
Let’s be honest, no body is building a date prison near Windermere. 🙄
Putin in Florida!!! Nothing more said.
Lol I agree with Harold! Ugh. DeSantis is a tool. Thank you DFG for reporting on all this to keep us all up to date and informed
The Governor needs to be removed from office!! Can you imagine the man as president!!!!
He’s a joke. I wonder how the rest of the state feels about the fact he only seems to care about Disney. Disney is probably one of, if not, the biggest moneymaker in the state. He has a whole state to deal with. As I said, he’s a joke. I can’t wait til he’s out of office. The US Constitution means nothing to him.
Disney brings in a lot of money to the state of Florida and employs a lot a people. The state of Florida benefits from Disney very much! Adding more taxes and tolls around Disney will just be passed down us not Disney and Disney is already a very expensive vacation for families. DeSantis says he might build a prison near Disney and this is just crazy & sad. DeSantis needs to fight real issues, like rising crime and not pick a fight over free speech.
Find a person willing to build a gay bar next door to the governor’s residence and hometown.
Alongside the gay bar build a prison gage for looney tune DeInsanetist.
The, maybe the only truthful statement vocalized by Trump, is DeInsanetist has gone too far.
Well, Florida could use more prisons, I’m sure there’s a waiting list.
As to Disney staying out of politics, they are not in politics. They only voiced an opinion..you know,
like the people that comment on this blog.
M respose to the person that said gets what they deserve u must not like Disney and there is a thing called freedom of speech 🎤 and then there is this hate deranged desantis that courts the idea of building a prison next to it and so u do think that’s a good idea
Disney should be held to the same standards as everyone else. I love Disney. But no special treatment.
I voted for DeSantis, now I wish I hadn’t.
He seems to be turning Florida into a dictatorship state. Not only this crap with Disney but also his vote on taking away women’s right to choose. Are we returning to the 1800s.
Insanity on DeSantis’ part, all because Disney exercised its 1st Amendment right. Smh!!
A prison on Disney property?? I hope DeSantis is the first prisoner!! I am a Disney passholder and a resident of Florida for 50 years now and I am embarassed by this governor. Just because Disney doesn’t agree with him and spoke out against his passing the “Don’t say Gay” bill all this man now wants is REVENGE! I did not vote for him either time he ran for office. The first campaign he ran he did not win by many votes. I don’t understand why my fellow Floridians reelected him! I wish he would have lost. He has banned so many things in our state. I thought governors were supposed to do good things for their state. This thing with Disney has really gotten out of control now. He is really angry because Disney outfoxed him! Kudos to Disney. Disney is the best thing that ever happened to Florida. A big boon to our economy. Does he realize that or is he so wrapped up in himself he doesn’t realize that? DeSantis is a whimp and a bully. If DeSantis can’t even handle Disney can you imagine him against our foreign enemies should he somehow run for president! Yikes! What a horrible thought!
It’s just the land grabbers Disney warned against. It just happens to be the government now. They need the supreme court.
Why is he trying to destroy Disneyworld???
I wonder why all the articles posted on DFB lean left and against DeSantis. The title of the article totally misleads the readers into thinking that he is going to be putting in a jail. I would appreciate a little more balance on the postings. De Santis has done a lot for Florida and Floridians.
This is the most ridiculous thing I have read so far. This is pure retaliation for something said that he took personally. When does the madness stop. Tax dollars being wasted on what?
The madness will stop when he’s put n may I suggest a muzzle
Our country doesn’t need desantis as a president he is a dictator and we’ve had one of those already
Fear and ignorance are powerful motivators. DeSantis knows this. 98% of the people concerned about “the woke agenda being thought to our kids” have not been in a k-3 classroom since the three years it took them to get through third grade.
Disney stay out of politics was my nice way of saying get out of leftwing indoctrination.
When is DeSantis up for reelection? If he runs for President in 2024, and loses, does he get to go back to being governor, or does he have to find a new job ruining something else?