If you’re in the loop with Disney news, then you know that there’s a LOT going on right now.
Cinderella Castle
Between changes coming to the theme parks, new movies getting released in theaters, and The Walt Disney Company’s legal battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, there’s plenty to try and keep up with. We’ve been following everything that’s happening, ready to hear more from Disney executives. And that’s exactly what happened today.
During Disney’s Q2 earnings call for fiscal year 2023, CEO Bob Iger shared details on the financial reports for the Company, announced some changes with Hulu content, revealed a Disney+ price increase, and more. But his comments on one topic, in particular, will likely stand out to many.
©Disney
During the call, Iger made some comments about the situation in Florida with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Reedy Creek Improvement District (now Central Florida Tourism Oversight District) in response to a question.
Iger started by saying that the federal lawsuit filed against DeSantis and the new Board of Supervisors for the District last month made Disney’s position clear, and that is that all of the changes made to the District are “about one thing and one thing only — and that’s retaliating against us for taking a position against pending legislation.” (This is in reference to Disney’s response against the Parental Rights in Education Bill, what critics called “Don’t Say Gay”).
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ©Deadline
According to Iger, Disney has just been exercising its right to free speech. Iger insisted that this is “not about special privileges or a level playing field.” He went on to detail how there are around 2,000 special districts in Florida, most of which have been established to foster development in certain areas. Iger noted that Reedy Creek was one of these special districts created to foster development.
He shared that Disney has built a massive business in the state that employs over 75,000 individuals and attracts tens of millions to Florida. So he pointed out that while it’s “easy” to say that Reedy Creek has benefitted Disney, “it’s misleading to not also consider how much Disney benefitted the state of Florida.”
Reedy Creek Improvement District
Iger pointed out that Disney is not the only company in Florida operating under a special district, and mentioned that the Daytona Speedway and The Villages (a retirement community) operate under special districts too. He argued that if the point of DeSantis’/the state’s actions is to level the playing field “in the uniform application of the law or government oversight of special districts,” then any changes need to be applied to ALL special districts (not just Disney).
Iger also said that there is a “false narrative” that Disney has been trying to protect its tax breaks as part of this battle. But, he pointed out, Disney is the largest taxpayer in Central Florida and paid over $1.1 BILLION in taxes (to the state and locally) last year. He also said that Disney pays MORE real estate taxes because of the special district situation.
Reedy Creek Building
According to Iger, there was no effort to impact Reedy Creek until Disney spoke out against the Don’t Say Gay bill. So, to him, this is “plainly a matter of retaliation, while the rest of the Florida special districts continue operating basically as they were.”
Iger said that Disney is proud of the tourism industry it created in Florida and they want to keep providing a great experience for guests. He explained that Disney never wanted and never expected to have to defend its business in federal court, especially after the good relationship it had with Florida for many years.
Monorail
So what happens now? Well, Iger pointed out that Disney has plans to invest $17 billion in Disney World over the next 10 years “which is what the state should want us to do.” He insisted, “We operate responsibly. We pay our fair share of taxes. We employ thousands of people.”
Iger ended his comments with a very pointed question seemingly aimed at Florida, DeSantis, and other state leaders — “Does the state want us to invest more, employ more people, and pay taxes, or not?”
Cinderella Castle
While picking up and moving Disney World OUT of Florida isn’t really a feasible idea, it does seem that Iger may be indicating that a souring relationship with Florida could potentially encourage Disney to invest in its parks and resorts elsewhere, rather than pouring all of that money into Florida. This is something that some analysts have warned as a potential. Could continuing fights mean that Disney decides to build that new ride in Disneyland instead of Disney World? Or focuses on a new hotel in another resort instead of Orlando? It’s possible. Only time will tell.
To learn more about the Reedy Creek situation, Disney’s federal lawsuit against DeSantis, the District Board’s lawsuit against Disney, and more see our posts below:
- DeSantis’ Reedy Creek Board Takes Further Action To CHANGE Disney District
- Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill to VOID Disney’s Reedy Creek Agreements
- Clearing Up the CONFUSION Over the New Reedy Creek Board’s Attack Against Disney
- Disney Claims DeSantis Is Waging a “Relentless Campaign to Weaponize Government Power” — Here’s a Breakdown of the Drama
Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream
We’ll be on the lookout for more news on this subject, and we’ll make sure to share with you as we find out more. Stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates from The Walt Disney Company.
CEO Bob Iger Responds to One of Disney’s Biggest Criticisms — Click Here!
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Good for Iger. Scalia said that governments should not try to control businesses or their speech/actions, and he would not be happy at what DeSantis is doing.
This entire situation has been driving me insane. It’s a clear First Amendment issue and, as a conservative, I’m unwaivering in my opposition to government retaliation against private entities. What’s makinge crazy is the support DeSantis has with most other supposed conservatives because, I guess, Disney has the nerve to support it’s LGBTQ employees. Last I checked, the First Amendment is, like, the main founding tenet of America and I thought conservatives were all about that. I guess we’re at party over principles.
Nothing but retaliation on destains part. There are 1,844 special districts in florida, most functioning the same as reedy creek.
Nice to hear from a sane Conservative. Thank you, Tristan Hathaway.
P.S. Bob Igor, please stay forever!
Iger is not exercising “free speech”. Disney threatened to monetarily interfere Florida state law circumventing the “voting” citizens that the government represents. Who elected Iger? No one, so he can say what he wants about the laws, but once they injected themselves into this with threats and sponsoring legislation – Disney opened the door to this. Now they don’t like it.
I am a Disney fan, I am disheartened by all of this. Disney did this to themselves and they need to back out of it now.
RP
The problem started after the other bob threatened DeSantis that Disney was going to do everything they could to repeal the law. The law only concerned school children 3rd grade and under. Did not effect disney at all.
I am Republican, but would never vote for De Santis as governor or President. Abuse of power.
I have considered myself very liberal and non-party affiliated nearly all of my life, but lately my common sense has prevailed. I read the bill. Although I have always supported Disney’s special district, just like The Villages and some others in the state that control their own districts, I can understand why the state is adamant regarding their stance to gain some control over Disney. I just hope the state’s fear does not prove itself to be true. But everything is going so bat-_ _ _ _ crazy lately, who knows!
Here is the way it was explained to me, for those who cannot understand the position:
Disney decided to follow a far-left mischaracterized portrayal of the Parental Rights in Education Bill. In a nut-shell, this bill was designed to make it harder for sexually related topics to be presented to elementary school age children. A small but loud number of Disney’s LGBTQ+ workers and their allies painted the bill as an attempt to somehow harm gays or trans people. Then they attempted to use that mischaracterization to defame (cries of homophobia) the Governor of the state they are operating in. Now, they seem surprised that their agenda is under question by that state! Why would it not be? Disney is a huge corporation with many intelligent people. The bill is easily read and understood. It does not state “Don’t say gay”. No-where does it take away any rights. Can you understand why it may appear to some that Disney is against the bill for reasons other than what they are stating? There are many sick individuals in our society, and it takes but a few minutes on social media to find video evidence of men in ladies lingerie dancing for children, and schools and “teachers” making accessible or providing “literature” consisting of phonographic material to elementary school children in their classrooms. Why would anyone oppose this bill? Think about it. The reasons one may imagine are horrifying. Now, I am not saying Disney is supporting the type of people who might wish to prey upon small children, but their stance against a bill designed to preserve a child’s innocence does not lend much credibility to them.
So, as I understand Florida’s stance, the state is pressing for more control mostly because they have lost their trust in the brand that was once the poster child for wholesome, safe, family entertainment.
I hope Disney can find the strength to regain that trust.
Tristan, as a conservative, I’ve been shouting this from the mountains since the very beginning. You’re either a conservative or not; and as a conservative we respect the Constitution, even the parts that allow meany little words to be said about us.
Always Amazing when Desantis stands at the podium and claims to be protecting American’s freedoms. Freedom of speech seems to work for him unless you disagree!
I live in Florida. I live across the street from THE VILLAGES. In this area THE VILLAGES gets whatever it wants as it eats up all of the towns around it. In all the time I’ve lived here I have never seen a GOP candidate or “ruler” go anywhere in the area but to their stronghold in THE VILLAGES. When the Governor talks about supporting the VOTERS of Florida he seems to only mean those who support him. I don’t belong to either party but it is quite obvious that the Governor is only listening to those who support or agree with him. His temper tantrum because a company had the nerve to disagree with him and support their employees and other Floridians speaks loudly. Each day seems to be less safe or free for those who do not agree with the many limitations being imposed as laws.