You know that feeling when you’re listening to a song you don’t really love and it feels like it’ll never end? Or when you’re on a road trip, you’re OVER being stuck in the car for hours, and it just feels like you’ll NEVER get to your destination. By now, that’s the feeling some might have when it comes to the battle between Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney.
Reedy Creek Improvement District
The battle has been dragging on since Disney made its statement against the Parental Rights in Education Bill and eventually escalated to major changes in Disney World’s district. Lately, the updates have included a federal lawsuit filed by Disney, a state court lawsuit filed by the new Board of Supervisors for the District, bills signed into law by DeSantis that impact Disney agreements and the inspection of Disney’s monorail, and more. But are Americans done with the feud? They might be.
Recently, Yahoo News/YouGov conducted a poll to see whether or not Americans really care about the battle between DeSantis and Disney about the Reedy Creek Improvement District. It is said to have been a “nationally representative sample” of just over 1,500 U.S. adults interviewed in early May. The results are pretty interesting for those who have been following the drama closely.
Obtained via ClickOrlando Livestream
It seems that from an overall perspective, Americans seem to care a lot LESS about the “war on woke” in general than DeSantis does. DeSantis has been quoted as saying “We will never surrender to the woke mob” and describing Florida as the place where “woke goes to die.”
But, out of those who responded to the survey, only 41% felt that wokeness is a “big problem” in America. Every other issue asked about was seen as more of a problem — that includes inflation, the debt ceiling, border security, book banning, and more.
©Yahoo! YouGov
In terms of the Disney versus DeSantis drama specifically, people are pretty divided along partisan lines (as might be expected). The poll discussed how Disney criticized the Florida Parental Rights in Education bill (what critics called “Don’t Say Gay”) and asked whether Disney’s actions were “appropriate or inappropriate.”
Overall, 42% of U.S. adults felt Disney’s actions were INappropriate, while 39% felt they were appropriate, and 19% weren’t sure. But when split among party lines, 66% of Democrats felt it was appropriate, while 47% of Independents and 73% of Republicans felt it was inappropriate.
©Yahoo! YouGov
The poll also noted how, in response to Disney’s statement, DeSantis has tried to abolish the Reedy Creek District and then took control of the board that oversees the District. The poll asked whether DeSantis’ actions were appropriate or inappropriate.
As a whole, 38% felt DeSantis’ actions were appropriate, while 40% felt they were INappropriate, and 22% weren’t sure. But among party lines, 67% of Democrats felt it was inappropriate, while 67% of Republicans felt it was appropriate. Independents appear to be much more divided on this issue with almost an equal amount saying it was appropriate (37%) and inappropriate (38%), and 25% saying they’re unsure.
©Yahoo! YouGov
Basically, slightly more US adults (as a whole) think Disney’s actions in speaking out were inappropriate. But slightly more US adults (as a whole) also think DeSantis’ actions in taking over the board of the District were inappropriate.
What about Disney’s lawsuit? According to Yahoo, “More think the courts should ultimately rule in favor of Disney (42%) than DeSantis (32%).”
Reedy Creek Building
While the controversy might be a big one for Disney fans and those in Florida, the rest of the nation might not be as concerned. Only about 34% of Americans from this poll say they’ve heard “a lot” about the DeSantis vs. Disney battle. So it might simply not be as big of a deal for some.
Plus, only around 28% of Americans (based on this poll) “take DeSantis’s side on the questions about Disney’s initial criticism and his subsequent response.” More people seem to take different sides on different questions — which could indicate that they’re not particularly motivated by the issue — or are just not sure.
As Yahoo puts it, “few Americans are really invested in DeSantis’s crusade here.”
©Governor Ron DeSantis Website
Has Disney’s reputation suffered because of the debate? It depends on what you look at. About 64% of voters who identify as Republican or Republican-leaning now see Disney unfavorably (perhaps no surprise), and even MORE (71%) feel that Disney is “too political,” while 77% feel Disney is more “liberal” than conservative.
But, overall, Disney still has a “net positive rating” among Americans as a whole (when not separated along party lines) — with 52% having a favorable view and 34% seeing the Company as unfavorable.
Disney VERSUS DeSantis
How this will work out for Disney, in the long run, remains to be seen. On the latest earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger made some strong statements on the matter. He said 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.”
Iger emphasized how important Disney is to the state, given the amount of taxes it pays, the number of visitors it attracts, and amount of employees it hires. He argued that the restrictions have been narrowly designed to impact Disney, not all special districts.
He 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?”
©Disney
But since those statements, DeSantis has signed a bill into law that’ll impact Disney World and subject the monorail to state inspections. The lawsuits in both federal and state court related to Reedy Creek are still pending, and federal legislation has been reintroduced that could impact Disney’s no-fly zones. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates on this situation and let you know what we find.
Click here to see the latest updates from the Board of Supervisors of the Disney District and what CHANGES they’re making that could impact Disney
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What do you think about these poll results and the questions asked? Tell us in the comments.
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The only good thing about DeSantis’ attacks on the Disney Company is the fact that it will aid mightily in ending his political career.
It is not about Disney being against the “don’t say gay” it is about Disney statement they will work against the state government to overturn the law. Disney is an entertainment business and should stay out of politics. The law is about K -3rd grade. Let them be kids at this age and stop pushing an agenda that goes against many of their patrons.
When people look at this battle they need to be reminded that the commission.that goes against Disney are all supporters of DeSantis and put in place by him. Look at other business, large and small after a time they shut down devastating both workers and the economy. These things show simple retaliation tactics from the beginning that’s an argument you cannot say did not happen. There is one vote do you want Disney in Florida or not. Inger should listen and watch. It would be better to close down than take this backlashand feud further. Close the entire park very thing for undetermined time. 75,000 would be impacted but operating under this does nothing but fuel more issues more ways to stop and impede. People may not like this but put this in you what would you do if this happens to your business, honestly you’d say I’m done and move. It’s been done by some of our largest company’s in America and continues to profit them outside the US while hurting our economy though loss of employment and tax dollars. This seems if they cannot control the company than they will continue to destroy it..In another run people will pay the price. Reedy Creek will cost people hundreds for what to satisfy a feud. Thats bad economics.
I rarely answer polls these days because the questions are too biased, and there are way too many! So I have to wonder about how accurate the polls are, since many of my friends feel the same way? Given that… I have to say, DuhSantis does not seem to understand that “woke” means people who care about other people… People who care about REAL history, and learneding to be better citizens to the people who have CHOSEN to come to a country that offers freedom and liberty to ALL… not just white, authoritarian control freaks like him. Most of the non-white people he choses to ignore are hardworking, freedom appreciative, family loving loyal people who will work to make American all it claims to be. It is bigots like him that are the problem! It is the minorities ( of all Nations) that have added their
strengths and talents that have helped us to become the greatest nation!! And let us not forget the Native Americans whose care of this land has helped to protect its resources and beauty!!!
Acknowledging the existence of gay people is an agenda that goes against parents? Allan, you sound like a bigot. Many kids age K-3 have gay parents, siblings, family members and family friends. Acknowledging their existence isn’t an agenda, it’s just being respectful and living in reality.
I worked with gays, heteros, abstainers, etc. We all got along and had a laugh every day. I have read about several government officials who were publicly, adamantly against gays–and then were arrested for solicitaion. What is DeSantis really worked up about? And “Woke” means equal opportunity for women and men, all colors, all heritages–too much competition for people like DeSantis? In some other countries their governments and laws dictate that gays be publicly beaten, whipped, murdered. Where are we headed with DeSantis and his ilk?
Disney should do what they do best and what Walt wanted: entertain and make people happy: stop involving the company in political and societal issues. They cannot possibly please all of their cast members and all of their visitors.
Again, those of you saying Disney should stay out of politics: newsflash, they’ve ALWAYS been politically involved, from the statements made about our culture through their animation (e.g., portrayals of women in Snow White, Sleeping Beauty etc; Song of the South; war propaganda, especially featuring Donald Duck during World War II–look it up!! Gender roles and race in their newer films) to their political donations. If you’re not paying attention, these take the form of subtle political statements. Disney’s speaking out against the Don’t Say Gay bill (which is a discriminatory bill, I’ll add) simply makes their political involvement more obvious, and as such an influential company, I would argue it’s Disney’s duty to speak out against terrible legislation like this. The company’s also protected by the 1st Amendment in doing so, and EVERYONE should be concerned with this case because if DeSantis wins against such a powerful company, that means ALL of our 1st Amendment rights are in danger because of authoritarian wannabes like DeSantis. Wake up and think about this!
I’m hoping for a disney villain sized curse put on desantis and his board!!
I for one will not be voting for him…. I must admit I was thinking about it… But I feel he is just being a BULLY and that’s NOT who I want in the White House… The people that I have spoken to in NC all feel the same way… He is losing votes…. and a lot of them….
Thank you Lois.
Allan you got it wrong when you say “ Disney is an entertainment business and should stay out of politics. The law is about K -3rd grade..”
No. The law has been greatly expanded to cover all the way through high school, and if it hasn’t happened yet, they want to push into collages too. So that’s when you realize it’s just about being bigoted towards a minority group and one man’s political ambitions for higher office. And Disney has a lot of gay employees. Employees that they need to keep happy in a tight labor market. So of course they are going to speak out on that. As they should. Gay people should not be used as stepping stones to further ones political career. And the GOP as a whole needs to stop trying to discriminate against gay people, or transgender for that matter. The GOP should stay out of social issues. They aren’t very good on them.
I’m pro Disney. I consider myself a Christian. I know Disney is in the right. I can see through DeSantis motives that it has nothing to do with Christianity but more to do about gaining votes. The way DeSantis handled the whole public affair wasn’t done with Christian principles. He attacked an individual over a belief that he himself doesn’t show any humility for what the Bible says in how we as Christians supposed to act towards one another. In Ephesians 4:26-27, we are told to “be angry but do not sin.” This means that we can express our anger in positive ways, without letting it turn into hatred or revenge. Also, Matthew 18: 15-20 -“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.“ DeSantis isn’t interested in helping people to get closer to God. He is interested in people’s voting power.
However you feel about Disney what said it really doesn’t matter. Disney has freedom of speech just like everyone else.
Desantis’ actions are punishing Disney for speaking out against the government.
These actions are a clear violation of the First Amendment. And is easy for any non-lawyer person to understand.
Destantis violated the constitution for political power, that should tell you all you need to know about Destantis.
When this gets to court Disney’s gonna wipe the floor with him
Florida, where old Republicans go to die. Literally!
So much for small government Republican ideals.
DeSantis obviously knows nothing about running a business. And he wants to be president?? Being married to a business consultant for 40 years of my life, you need to ask some key questions to run a successful business. One of those questions in this case is, who is your key target? In otherwords, who are your customers? In Disney’s case it’s young & old, people of all races & nationalities, married & singles, pretty much the entire world. There are so many groups of people in our world & Disney is targeting these customers. Politicians, like DeSantis who play these head games, is calling Disney “woke”. I call Disney successful at what they do to continue making money for their stockholders. I hope to god that none of you Republicans are business majors. In reference to the Reedy Creek agreement, there are a number of these types of agreements throughout the state of Florida… The Villages, a home development, for example. DeSantis is using a trigger term of “wokeness” to draw in other Republicans because you’ll easily fall for it. I hope Disney nails all of these fools to the wall!
Not a freedom of speech issue at all.
If Disney wants to play politics, let them play it…and stop whining about the consequences.
Funny:
Did Disney ever poll its employees or shareholders for THEIR opinion? Or is it only Chapek’s and Iger’s opinions that matter?
I could care less about either side in this fight but the ability for Disney to have their own government is only sustainable if Universal and Seaworld are given the same treatment. Universal is no longer a small time operation in Central Florida. The days of Disney being the most important house on the block is ending so perhaps their special treatment should also.
DeSantic has become delusional and power hungry. His opinions are scary. Will not vote for him again. The Republicans need to come into the 21st century.
As a former Republican who switched to Independent on the very day Trump was elected … I am flabbergasted that the current GOP, which is supposed to be pro-business, pro jobs, pro tourism that brings in money, and who are happy with Disney’s largest tax revenue in the entire state of Florida; are allowing DeSantis to push this path forward. On top of THAT, it was GOP influence who pushed Citizens United through the Supreme Court, which among other craziness, resulted in Corporations being recognized as individual entities with all the rights and privileges of individual citizens … including Free Speech. DeSantis is going to LOSE this one in court and likely lose a lot of voters too. I’ll be happy to welcome those voters to the Independent Party which is growing day by day.
I think I need help on the initial chart Per item it shows a red dot for republican , blue dot for democrats W… what is US adult category Because it certainly is not the mid point . . Where am equal number is Republicans and democrats polled?
I find it interesting the number of comments that Disney should stay out of politics. Maybe so but conversely, shouldn’t politics keep out of any efficient and successfully run business? Is the Desantis’ appointed board more qualified to run Disney World than the Disney folks? I think not! PROVE ME WRONG
They polled 1500 people in a country that has over three hundred million. This poll just showed how divided this country is. Everyone knows how democrats feel and how republicans feel. Yes Disney can say whatever they want under the first amendment. But as soon as they said they would contribute money to organizations to fight this law that changed. They publicly challenged the government. To me that is where Disney went too far. And unfortunately for most people that object to the law, didn’t really read the law or understand it. The left loves to twist things they oppose, so if you disagree with the law, I really hope you read it and understand it. And for Disney to say they stand behind they’re employees that disagree with the law, how do they stand with the ones who support the law. I personally think Disney should have never said anything public about this and continue to operate as usual. Disney started all this, and I think the pressure came from the people in California. No more needs to be said about that…
While I do not agree with what DeSantis did, I do applaud a politician who stands up against these corporate giants.