Both The Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have been the subject of many headlines since Disney released a statement against the Parental Rights in Education law (what critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill). Over the past few months, the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) has undergone some restructuring, with DeSantis imposing a new board to oversee taxes and other regulations within The Walt Disney World zipcode.
Walt Disney World
Thus far, many have focused their attention on the potential impacts that the newly appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board may have on the Disney parks. During a recent Board of Supervisors Meeting, several business owners sought to bring attention to another group impacted by proposed changes.
A Quick Recap
For a bit of background, the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) is a special district in Orange and Osceola Counties created by the Florida State Legislature in 1967. The RCID was designed to manage various municipal services for the 47-square miles of the Walt Disney World Resort. The district was responsible for paying to provide municipal services, including power, water management, maintaining the roads, and fire protection.
Reedy Creek
For decades, the RCID has given Disney the power to make its own decisions without outside approval. Then, fast-forward to 2022, Disney spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, and things began to change. By April 2023, DeSantis had signed a law to dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek governing district by June 2023. Now, DeSantis has proposed new projects for the board to handle, including building a prison near Disney World, appointing an outside source to inspect the Disney World monorail, and removing COVID-19 restrictions in the District.
©Governor Ron DeSantis Website
Most recently, Disney decided to fight back with a lawsuit, alleging that the Governor has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against the company.
Who is impacted?
At a recent Board of Supervisors Meeting held by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, many business owners voiced their concerns with the ongoing battle between the Flordia Legislature and The Walt Disney Company.
Attorney Jeff Aaron at the meeting
One local businessman, Steven Schussler, who represents Yak & Yeti, The Boathouse, Rainforest Cafe, and T-rex restaurants, explained that some of the proposed changes will impact his staff and employees, claiming, “Every one of them has expressed concerns over what’s happening with Reedy Creek.” He explained that some of his staff take a bus to work, and the board’s proposed changes could impact workers’ ability to get to work.
Keep in mind that although many restaurants are located on Disney property, not all are owned and operated by Disney.
Yak & Yeti
Then, the CEO of that same restaurant group, Steve Lombardo, explained that The Boathouse restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Disney Springs. As a tenant of Disney, the restaurant must pay millions in taxes and other fees. The discussion of additional taxes concerned him, and Lombardo said, “Please understand that when you make these decisions, it impacts far more than just Disney.”
The Boathouse in Disney Springs
After that, several other Disney Springs business owners voiced similar concerns, including Mark Gibson (who owns and operates Splitsville, Homecoming, and Everglazed) and George Miliotes (Wine Bar George), to name a few.
@winebargeorge on Instagram
Many shared their fears regarding the ongoing tension between the board, the state, and Disney. Some made a point to say that any changes made going forward will impact not just Disney but also the hundreds of small-business employees who operate in Disney World. Rising costs and employee retention were common fears shared among the business owners.
A Basin representative was also present at the meeting
From small shops like Basin to popular restaurants like Homecomin’, many representatives took the time to explain that new restrictions, taxes, and regulations could cripple third-party businesses on Disney World property. We will continue to monitor the status of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, so stay tuned for updates.
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No one should fear Ron DeSantis or the State of Florida’s efforts to silence WDW and the Disney Corporation. NO ONE, unless of course the support Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida. So, choose wisely.
The dissolution of Disney’s Reedy Creek governing district by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has far-reaching implications for not only the Walt Disney World Resort but also the surrounding community. The proposed projects, including the construction of a prison near the resort, raise concerns about the potential impact on tourism and the environment. It remains to be seen how these changes will play out and what the long-term effects will be on the region.
The ongoing battle between The Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has many business owners concerned about the potential impact of proposed changes to the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Small shops and restaurants on Disney World property, not owned by Disney, fear that new restrictions, taxes, and regulations could impact their ability to operate and retain employees.
All about POWER, MONEY and LAND. That is what the wars thru the ages have been about. Shame on DeSantis!!!!!!!
The agreement between WALT and the state of Florida SHOULD have died with him. Disney has had a massively unfair deal. They get to build and add rides with almost no state oversight. That saves them massive amounts of time and money. It’s about time to equalize them with other entities such as universal and Bush Gardens.
While people want to pin this on DeSantis, government has been wanting this for years.
Lemme see. How can I word this. Descant is the word that rhymes with stick, click, trick but is begins with a capital D.
This sounds like a lot of smoke and mirrors on the part of non Disney owned businesses for the purpose of fear mongering. Once again, I remind people if Disney corp had kept quiet on the whole subject this wouldn’t have happened. Could it be that these companies will have to provide a decent wage for these workers and they don’t like dipping into their bottom line?
I’ve never seen someone claiming to be a conservative so eager to destroy businesses large and small! With all his anti-business rhetoric, perhaps Destantis is really a closet Marxist?
Considering he has proven to be willing to rip off his nose to spite his face, it’s a good thing that he is an elected official and therefore it’s up to constituents to make a choice on who they want running the state.