Recent controversy surrounding a Florida bill is causing issues between The Walt Disney Company and the state. Here is what you need to know about it and how it may affect your future travel plans.
Florida Bill
Before we dig in, I (Monica) want to be very clear that this post will only be looking at the facts of the situation and no commentary/opinions will be provided. Likewise, any comments on this post or on social media that are inappropriate will be removed.
Florida recently passed House Bill 1557 into law, which is also called the Parental Rights in Education. According to flgov.com, “the bill prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through 3rd grade and prohibits instruction that is not age appropriate for students and requires school districts to adopt procedures for notifying parents if there is a change in services from the school regarding a child’s mental, emotional or physical health or well-being.”
Disney’s response
The Walt Disney Company originally remained quiet surrounding this bill despite pleas from employees and fans for them to take an official stance. Tension built until CEO Bob Chapek denounced the bill, but many believed it was too little, too late.
He went on to say that the company would be pulling back resources from all political donations. In addition, he stated in a shareholder meeting that he and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis were in talks. DeSantis denied any talks occurred.
The company has even gone so far to say that they would actively work to get the bill repealed, which caused DeSantis to retaliate in his own public speakings.
Repeal of the Reedy Creek Improvement Act
The tension between the company and the state continue to get worse as state Republicans look to repeal the Reedy Creek Improvement Act of 1967. Essentially, the law states that Disney is its own governing body in the two cities and land within Orange and Osceola counties.
They can make their own laws, zone their own land, and essentially do whatever they want within those limits. By stripping the company of those abilities, Disney would be regulated by Orange County.
What does this mean for the future?
The legislative season is on break until next year unless a special session is called to address the possible repeal.
If the state “wins” this battle and takes away all of Disney’s self governing rights in Florida that would be catastrophic for the company and may even lead to the end of Bob Chapek as CEO. Diehard fans and followers of Disney know Chapek has a bad reputation.
It could mean a restructuring of the company and many protocols currently in place. These could trickle down and affect your stay at Disney resorts and parks. We would probably see an increase in pricing across the board (more than we have seen in the last two years if you can believe it). Projects may be put on hold and locals would have to take on Disney’s tax burden.
If the act does not get repealed, it seems the relationship between the state and Disney is still tarnished. If Disney bends to the state, that does not look good for the company or the CEO. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future.
Share your (respectful) thoughts with us in the comments below and on Facebook.
No explanation is needed. Im glad you had fun is enough. Im sure kids with gay parents have been explaining it to other kids for decades
Correct on all points. These folks are really narrow minded and indoctrinated into a false rhetoric full of misinformation. This is not the 1950’s and the world of Ozzie and Harriet. We live in a diverse multi cultural society. These folks should remember Citizens United. Corporations are like people and people can have opinions.
OK, so Chapek caved to a group of employees? I thought the primary job of any corporate CEO was to focus on his customers and shareholders. When did it become all about the employee? Why are those in charge of our major businesses focusing on political issues and NOT their business? I think acceptance and understanding is very important, but I am in the camp of those who agree small children should not be being taught alternative lifestyles in our schools. Sadly, this type of LGBTQ activism against what many feel is just common sense is what many hetero people fear – the LGBTQ community does not want acceptance they want total conversion.
Why does Disney feel the need to become involved in the politics of FL. Leave it to the folks of FL. It appears to me they are pushing West Coast Values on another state. The CEO of Florida responded to responded the CEO of Disney in a way you would expect. If either one looses their position over this, So Be It.
only thing I disagree with is I think you can get a CEO who is focused on both. Profit for the shareholders driven by the best experience a patron can have. Disney became great by focusing on their guests. It can do that again.
Funny, one of my nick names, based on my last name is Rock, usually Rock43, my badge number. And your response is something that I would have written. Full of common sense, which isn’t common anymore.
Well done article, thank you for keeping your opinion out of it and just giving facts. My family recently moved to Florida from California. We loved CA, but did not like the direction it had taken over the last decade or so. One of the reasons for the decline was politicians seeking to appease corporations or a vocal group. Rarely, in recent years, was anything done for the average citizens sake. In general, I am in favor of considering what is in the best interest of the everyday citizen. Having said this, while I agree with the bill, I am not in favor of using political power as a weapon against those who disagree with you. I understand raising the issue to get attention, but to go through with this might seem petty. On the other hand, Disney is acting very foolishly. A large majority agree with the bill, both in the state and nationally. I am not sure why you would alienate so many people when you are a public company. They have every right to express their opinions as individuals, but for they are supposed to, as a company, make decisions in the best interest of the shareholders. Obviously, this is response is not in the best interest of the shareholders. I think both sides of the disagreement would do well to pull back a little on the rhetoric.
Thank God for Governor DeSantis. He is the moral compass of Florida and may be for the whole country! Disney is wrong, and should not be swayed by a vocal minority. We are talking about children way below the age of consent and should not be clouded with alternative lifestyles that are just that…alternative.
Thank you Jeff for this information. LGBTQ has gone too far! I knew nothing about this movie. Now because of you, I found an article on line describing this movie in detail. I have informed many of my FB groups, so they too can be aware of this movie.
Jamie, I’m so sorry. This is so sad to read. :( Your point of view from the inside is much appreciated.
As an ex-20 year Cast Member, I’ve watched from the inside how Disney has gone to far left policies relatively quickly. The big problem is they push their agenda on ALL Cast Members through mandatory training protocols and forced compliance with the threat of termination if you say anything. The BLM and sexual harassment training are proof that their policies are discriminatory on gender and race – plus I’ve experienced it personally – and now the recent stance on the Florida bill shows they are adding another category of indoctrination. They are trying to convert the Cast base to blue policies and bring even more Cast here from California with the same ideology. This will continue to hurt Florida and our life in our free State. I support DeSantis in his attempts to stop them.
“But” for added clarity…. Also sailing?? That is supposed to be “saying”.
Great article! I was unable to read all of the comments but I read many. One thing that I didn’t see was comment on Bob Iger. I believe he set Chapek up for this. Bob Iger, IMO, was and is hugely political.(and Big time CCG kiss up) And anybody going against what he started years ago is going to be hugely unpopular in the Bob Iger Disney Company. I saw where Chapek tried to stay out of it, but he got backlash because he did not continue on with the way Iger had, with the virtue signaling. That’s just my two cents. Not For added clarity, I am no fan of Chapek, but just sailing in my observation, Iger took Disney far left with constant virtue signaling and has pretty much set up any new CEO for this sort of backlash. Chapek showed weakness by caving in instead of taking a stand with support for young children and families.
Have read through the comments. If someone is in support of the Parental Rights in Education bill they have been called gullible, goonies, dictators, narrow minded, hypocrites, bigoted, bullies, religious right, ignorant etc. It would seem that this is not the proper path to take in order to state your personal beliefs. Others have stated that certain subjects with regards to this bill have never been taught but yet parents have witnessed their young child bringing age inappropriate materials home, there are numerous videos of school boards trying to shut parents down or shut them out of what is being taught or materials that are made available to their children. So maybe this is the reason that parents feel Bills of this nature are needed as they have lost the trust in the teachers and school systems to teach age appropriate material. A lot of people have been brought up to “follow the science” so if their is an expectation of someone seeking acceptance of a certain belief then that maybe too much to ask. Tolerance maybe a more realistic goal. Insulting others surely is not going to gain their acceptance or change their beliefs. Disney has not remained neutral on the subject which in turn looks to have alienated a lot of their customers. These same customers have grown to truly enjoy escaping with their families to the parks. They have helped with the success of Disney. Not to mention DVC owners and shareholders who are heavily invested in Disney. Not sure why adults feel that this bill which looks to be in place to leave certain teachings to parents or guardians is causing so much concern to the adults. Or why certain adults had to come up with their own title for the bill. Also I am a little confused as to what Disney’s agenda is with part of the story line in the new Buzz Lightyear movie. Not sure the movie will now be appropriate for my five year old. Was hoping for some neutrality for once.
I strongly believe that Chapek and more importantly Disney are venturing into uncharted territory and should not be involving itself in legislative matters regardless of the pressure from Disney employees. I have been a vacation club member for well over 20 years and I feel that Disney should focus more on creating the atmosphere that makes patrons feel that they are getting value for their money. We have witnessed more of the positive perks of Disney eliminated but yet the prices are soaring beyond reasonableness. My wife and I are very unhappy with our recent visits to Disney and are actually discussing possibly selling off our shares. It is no longer the happiest place on earth. Mr. Chapek needs to go and Disney should hire a CEO who’s vision is more about the patrons and less about the dollar.
I agree with the law and think Disney should focus on entertainment. I work there for 20+ years and seen the place go down hill for the inside. It all started with outsourcing and the turn over of employees who did not care, maintenance suffered and the LBGTQ group was entrenched and it is no longer a family friendly place to go.
Walt Disney would turning over in his grave! How dare these Ultra Liberal business executives from Disney think they have any say as to our young children and how they could ever think it is Ok to talk about sexual orientation to Kindergarteners, elementary age, or any school age child for that matter.
Now that Disney has come out and decided to promote non-traditional family values and bring sexual orientation into their characters, my family will no longer watch or support this organization. I hope and believe that thousands to possibly millions of people also feel the same way. I would love to see Disney go bankrupt and have to totally restructure because of this.
I don’t like that good people would lose their job, but maybe this will cause those good employees that also hate to see this happening start to speak up. Disney used to be for supporting family values. Walt Disney wanted to provide a place where families could come and get away from the worries of everyday life, not be hit in the face with immorality and subjects that would have to cause parents to shield their innocent children from.
That is public business. That’s why our governor got involved. Up to third grade should not even be thinking of sexual orientation. Parents should be the ones talking to their kids. That would be the private part.
Maybe not happening in your school but unfortunately it is happening in others what makes me sick is how awful is any person thinking that anyone other than a parent should be teaching kids about sex. CRT different but really you have to clarify 4-8 and should be like yes high school. As for Disney, I have a season pass and why do they need to be involved in this to begin with ? Worry about Disney stuff please.
Well said Peter! It is time for the majority to become a vocal majority!!! You are an inspiration.
NB, I agree that we should not need a law to keep questionable education programs from interfering with young kids minds.
However, there are too many people that want to push a political agenda on young minds which needs to stop.
The Disney employees (supported by Disney management) is one example. Instead of fixing rides and improving the park experience, their focus is on young kids sex education. Why are they doing this?
Even if justified (i.e. they are parents and have kids in FL public schools), this should be done on their own time and in a different (non-employment) forum like everyone else in this country (bar sports figures and actors, is that the correct gender neutral term nowadays)?
They are not entitled to special political influence because the public believed in Walt’s ideals, which they currently appear to disagree with.
I agree the article was well written. Chapel and Disney should NEVER get involved in politics. People go to Disney Parks and watch Disney movies to escape from reality NOT to be immersed in it.
If Disney wants to dance with the devil they better be prepared for the consequences. It is time they go along with the majority and not the vocal minority. If they stuck to the facts this would not be an issue.
My only comment will be that I agree with the law, and don’t feel Disney should have any say in the matter. But I do have a comment for the author – Monica Street – job well done. You presented information without bias. Don’t think I’ve seen that done so well since Walter Cronkite.
Sorry not true. Some schools are telling there teachers to teach kids to explore with opposite sex and it is ok.
This appears to be a planning bill for it not to happen it if it does, parents are informed. It is definitely being taught in Oregon and Washington as parents opposed to it showed homework of multi pronouns and transgenderism.
My only real thought here, how has the Reedy act both positively and or negatively affected Florida? Disney has made florida a destination for families. The $$ that are brought in to Florida have benefitted the state and especially the region around Disney and all the attractions and businesses. I do not see how it has had. Negative impact other than the traffic and perhaps carbon foot print from the visitors. The pandemic shut down Disney and I was in the area during that time, it was depressing!
This is about letting children be children. K-3rd grade a still babies. If parents want to talk to their kids about these issues that’s perfectly fine but I don’t want teachers taking on that responsibility until they are a bit older.
I guess it was inevitable there would be some emotional comments. You tried and your reporting is excellent and appreciated. Having read through the comments it appears as though most are in agreement that sex shouldn’t be taught in primary grade classrooms. I hope all those who feel it isn’t happening take solace in the fact this law is just meaningless then.
The law largely exists because of Broward County, and their policies around transgender kids. The County and school board’s policy reads that parents have no rights or say over important medical decisions concerning their children. This is, problematic, because creates the same kind of dichotomy/duality in identity that creates a lot of the mental Heath issues that are sought to be avoided by transitioning.
Waiting for someone to point out any school teaching this. Basically, it’s political bait to rile up the ignorant. This is not, never has, and never will be a “subject” taught. Neither is CRT, barely brought up in my post grad education.
It is truly amazing the things that come to the political landscape for discussion/debate. This bill is beyond ridiculous. We are not, nor have we ever taught such & such, and we’re gonna make a law so that we continue to not do what we’re not doing. It is not about making changes to something that exists in practice. Some people are so gullible, believing this BS. Retired teacher and administrator here. So happy to no longer be at political tug of war with these folks.
Disney does pay taxes and does follow most state laws. However: they don’t pay local taxes that cover their infrastructure (roads) or fire departments, etc. Disney pays for those things themselves on their property. If you think about when WDW was first started, it was in the middle of nowhere, and the local municipalities would never had been able to keep up with Disney’s needs for infrastructure for many of the early years. When it comes to the laws they don’t have to adhere to, those are only zoning and construction laws, which allow them to be more creative in how their build their parks and rides, since most zoning and construction laws are geared towards residential and “traditional” commercial buildings, which 90% of what’s in a theme park isn’t that.
Right!! Seriously you have to mentally ill to want your child to learn about sex and private parts in early elementary years. It’s called being a parent and if you really want to educate your child then you can talk about that stuff in your own house not in school. People that believe this is about gay or straight are really brain dead!!
Dis ey is there to entertain us, not be a political item. I haven’t read the bill but if it limits the education of small children in K thru 3rd grade on sexual matters than I have to agree with it. This should be taught at home by the parents not by teachers in school (at any age). Schools are supposed to teach reading, writing, science and arithmetic. Not until high school should any sex education be taught and then only if the parents are ok with it. Teach our kids do not indoctrinate them. Politics, sexual identity, sexual education should be taught by parents only!
@David Blackburn…since I’m sure you know how to read, please read the bill. It addresses nothing you mentioned.
We can all handle this our own way. I believe Disney will find out the hard way…go woke go broke, pretty much sums it up. Before judging DeSantis and this bill, please read it. It’s concerning that anyone would want any sexual topics taught in school to 5-8 year olds. Our family in the past has looked to Disney for entertainment. Not political activism.
You are spot on. Our family will not spend another dime at WDW until this wokeness stops. That’s how we handle it.
Beautifully said. Sadly the other commenter’s all think they know what the bill about. But really people look at how many other states have this same stupid bill. This is just our Government throwing their fear against the LGBTQ+ community.
Linda, they did not fire the entire IT department. I don’t know where you are getting your information but I know cast members that work and I TE are in central Florida.
I totally agree with Kim. These nonsense laws do nothing but gets their base in an uproar. Kids in grade K-3 are not being taught any type of sexual education in school. I have put 5 kids through the public school system and 1 is in the 7th grade and not once were they talked about or taught any type of sex Ed until 9th grade and even then it wasn’t called sex Ed it was health class combined in their PE class. Even in that class they barely talk about sex. It’s the same as the whole critical race theory they say is being taught in public school. It’s not happening!! That is a collage course that you have to choose to take it. The things that people believe is baffling. I’ll admit I do not know much of what’s going on with Disney. But it did say in the article that the CEO was quiet until he was pushed to make a statement. I am born and raised Florida and have been to Disney a zillion times but have no knowledge of the corporate comings and goings.
Well said!
Exactly, Kim… you expressed it just right.
The bill looks to ensure that young children are only taught the learning essentials. Teaching young children about sexual matter by someone other than a parent is restricted. This would seem to benefit all regardless of your beliefs. If a child has two dads or two moms or a mom and dad does anyone really want them being taught a subject that is better explained by a parent or guardian? It could go both ways. A teacher believes that having two dads or two moms is normal but tells the other children that having a mom and a dad is abnormal. A teacher believes that having two moms or two dads is a sin, mental illness, lifestyle choice and you should only have a mom and a dad. Maybe better to just leave the subject alone for the parents to explain? By Disney voicing their opinion (and if you have noticed what has been included in their TV/Movie programming in recent years for young children) you have to wonder what their agenda truly is. Disney was always considered a safe haven for all families and young children (they have made a fortune off of it). Adult employees and an adult CEO voicing disapproval over a bill that restricts persons other than a parent discussing sexual matter with their young children is very disconcerting considering you rely on this adult CEO and some of the adult employees to ensure your trip to the most Magical Place on Earth is safe and enjoyable for you and your family. With Disney’s history, as an adult employee who gets hired it should be a given that you are there to continue the time honored tradition of welcoming “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls” instead of pushing your own personal agenda. If your not there to serve all of your paying customers then maybe it is time to move on. Hopefully (and very soon) their will be a change in Disney management structure because the way this is headed all of us that have enjoyed and contributed to the success of Disney are all going to lose out-Universal is just up the road. If an entertainment business chooses to go on a crusade instead of remaining neutral then you end up alienating your customers. Remaining neutral does not mean you are not sympathetic to everyone’s beliefs in fact it shows that you are.
Disney CEO Chapek should have never gotten involved in school rulings, he should be focused on entertainment not politics. DeSantis is 100% right, as a parent, I would like to be the only person who teaches my kids on sexuality, especially at that age. School should be focused on math, ELA, science, writing, ext. Not encouraging inappropriate conversations that don’t belong in school. Schools need to be teaching kids to have better manners, economics and respect. The new generation seems to be lacking respect and manners. I believe this is the first step in getting schools curriculum back on track.
Agree with TD and Autumnliver. I love Disney and am an AP holder and a DVC member, but Disney needs to take care of their business (which they have not been doing a very good job lately with taking away the hood things and charging for things tgat barely work).. They should take care of their business and stay out of politics. They are changing their brand from innocence and fantasy for children to that of “wokeness”. This does not mean everyone is not included but everything should not change because of the minority.
Disney should stick to entertainment and stay out of politics and law making. I think Walt would be so disappointed in what Disney is becoming.
I agree with you 100% DeSantis and his goonies are dictators they have no right to make a law so narrow minded but he’s out of control no law should dictate personal business
Huge Disney fan but always found it odd that one company could have so much power.
We’ll said, Jeff.
Imagine that, a piece perfectly written with no opinions, just facts. Now, my thoughts are simply, corporations need to stay out of politics. There are elected officials who’s job it is to do the will of the people who elected them, and that means the majority. If you don’t like it, find a candidate you do like, and get as many people possible to vote for them. It really is that simple. As a teacher, I am required to teach a specific subject, and that is all. It’s not up to me to teach any such sexual orientation. I have no idea what orientation any student of mine has, and there is absolutely no need to. If you don’t agree with me, I’m fine with that. For me, I’ve always been a huge Disney fan. That affection fir everything Disney is now tarnished some.
Dale your belief is wrong. They most certainly have had programs and books involving sex and gender identity in ALL grades. They discuss how you feel about yourself and your genitals. Your example is ridiculous. Why would it be prohibited for a child to mention ” had a great vacation with my 2 dads”? Why would the teacher have to explain any of it to the class? Stop with accusing others of points that are not in existence. Regardless of what happens in the classroom – it is not Disney or their employees” business. This is between the state, schools and parents.
The bill looks to ensure that young children are only taught the learning essentials. Teaching young children about sexual matter by someone other than a parent is restricted. This would seem to benefit all regardless of your beliefs. If a child has two dads or two moms or a mom and dad does anyone really want them being taught a subject that is better explained by a parent or guardian? It could go both ways. A teacher believes that having two dads or two moms is normal but tells the other children that having a mom and a dad is abnormal. A teacher believes that having two moms or two dads is a sin, mental illness, lifestyle choice and you should only have a mom and a dad. Maybe better to just leave the subject alone for the parents to explain? By Disney voicing their opinion (and if you have noticed what has been included in their TV/Movie programming in recent years for young children) you have to wonder what their agenda truly is. Disney was always considered a safe haven for all families and young children (they have made a fortune off of it). Adult employees and an adult CEO voicing disapproval over a bill that restricts persons other than a parent discussing sexual matter with their young children is very disconcerting considering you rely on this adult CEO and some of the adult employees to ensure your trip to the most Magical Place on Earth is safe and enjoyable for you and your family. With Disney’s history, as an adult employee who gets hired it should be a given that you are there to continue the time honored tradition of welcoming “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls” instead of pushing your own personal agenda. Hopefully (and very soon) their will be a change in Disney management structure because the way this is headed all of us that have enjoyed and contributed to the success of Disney are all going to lose out-Universal is just up the road. If an entertainment business chooses to go on a crusade instead of remaining neutral then you end up alienating your customers. Remaining neutral does not mean you are not sympathetic to everyone’s beliefs in fact it shows that you are.
Sex isn’t taught in these grades…but what is you ask. If Suzy she’s she has two dad’s or Billy has two mom’s the conversation needs to be stopped because it’s “not natural”. This started because a teacher asked a children which bathroom they were comfortable using and the parents took it as an agenda instead of a courtesy. Oh, and the children is question was high school. There is no gay agenda in the school system…there is an agenda of caring and kindness of our fellow man.
Couldn’t agree more.
I think your biased comment (calling people hypocrites) is what Monica was trying to avoid. I am fairly sure the other side has an equally strong opinion which will turn this thread ugly if allowed to go on unchecked.
Disney was having issues with its workforce and guests and shareholders before the Governor decided to target them. When Mr. Chapek finally decided to do the right thing and stand up for the people Disney counts on to make the Magic, it is Mr. DeSantis who is violating his own party’s stance yet again that government shouldn’t overreach nor interfere with businesses and citizens’ rights.
This bill was written for a problem that didn’t exist in the first place because there is no curriculum to teach sexual identity and gender issues in K-3. It is just a vaguely written law to stir up fear amongst those who don’t know any better and oppress the rights of LGBTQ families. These people and their children exist and are equal and should be treated as such. If a child in K-3 wants to talk about their two mothers or their two fathers or their feelings, that should never be shut down and no child should ever be made to feel quietly ashamed because of some bigoted law like this.
I am not a fan of Mr. Chapek at all but if it came to a fight between DeSantis and Disney, I will certainly be supporting Disney. Mr. DeSantis should not be bullying a company anymore than he should be bullying individuals. And neither should the fan base of Mr. DeSantis. Just a bunch of bullies making up problems that don’t exist.
What hypocrites complaining about cancel culture but then trying to harm a company and threatening to take away their business permits and other tactics. What hypocrites to say the government has no business being so big and taking away individual rights and yet here we are defending human rights from a government who likes to get its supporters all frothing at the mouth so they can fleece them for their money and votes.
We were much happier before any of this nonsense was even created. Let people love who they want. All families matter. LGBTQ people exist including children so stop trying to make it shameful and hide it with laws and tactics like this. These are not personal opinions. These are people’s very lives and existence.
Do you even know what the law is that Disney employees are complaining about? It has nothing to do with trying to eliminate gays or make them nonexistent. It is a law stating that public schools do not have the right to teach cildren in K-3rd grade about sex!!! In order to have a program on sex/gender identity in those grades they need to get parents’ permission. It has nothing to do with religion or political beliefs. It is Disney that is trying to play politics with parents’ and their children’s lives. If any of Disney employees have children in FL public schools, they have every right to speak out at their school board meetings or complain to the school/teachers directly. Disney parks and other Disney property are NOT the place for this political action.
What one chooses to do in the privacy of their own home is totally up to the individual(s) as consenting adults. Disney, on the other hand, should never have started allowing people’s private sexual preferences to be on display at their parks. What ever happened to the innocence and magic of childhood fantasy? Stop with the wokeness and give us back what Walt built…a place for FAMILY fun to exist.
This is nonsense. It isn’t the teacher’s job to explain anything about anyone’s chosen family structure, lifestyle, dating habits, etc etc.
That is the point of this law.
Why should Disney be exempt from taxes and the laws of the state
Thank you for just stating the facts, Monica. it is sad that citizens have made this a hot button topic but didn’t have the same response to Disney firing their entire IT department and replacing them with outsourced, foreign contractors,
I think the CEO should put his energy to make going to the park more afford to an average family. If he can’t do that then he should be removed. It’s all about them making more money. Many families save for a year or more just to take their kids to the park. Just the parking alone now is $25.00 and paying extra for fast pass. Nickel and dime you to death. All he’s doing is putting more nails in the coffin of Disney until it’s out of reach for families to go or they just don’t want to pay those high prices anymore. And stay out of the politics.
AGREE THANK YOU!
No. This is not a matter of making anyone non-existent. DeSantis passing a Bill to protect little children and their parents’ rights vs a CEO grandstanding-who is actually playing politics with people’s lives? The employees of Disney are there to do a job-ensure their paying customers enjoy their time at Disney. If as an employee, you cannot do your job maybe it is time to move on. No one cares about a particular individual’s lifestyle. Activism can be done on their own time.
Who is being ostracized? Does there need to be teaching about “orientation” at this grade level other than possibly by a parent? I have young children at this age, and it would seem borderline criminal for any adult (regardless of if they are a “teacher”) to be discussing anything other than math, English, art, reading, writing etc. in school. If a child mentions that they had a great vacation with their two dads-that sounds great Johnny now open your textbooks. See how easy that is to stay in the middle and let little children be little children.
Disney Co. should have stuck to what it was intended, a theme park where families could enjoy time together and make great memories. Teaching any kind of sex ed to children that age is ridiculous and unnecessary. If Disney Co. wants to play politics, then jump in with both feet, but be prepared to play the game. The State granted Disney Co. a special favor, and Disney Co. has bitten the hand that fed it.
If this leads the outer of Chapek I will be rejoicing.
As for reedy creek I am not sure where you have gotten your facts regarding Orange County residences. Disney would just have to answer to Orange County for permitting. Disney still owns the land.
Thank you for the good explanation. It’s a shame politics creeps into everything and wokeness rules the day. People like going to Disney to escape and have fun. They’re going to ruin all that. Walt is probably shaking his head.
DeSantis and his religious right Right got GOP is our to try to make gay nonexistent; that will never work. It is never a good idea to play politics with people’s lives. And no, Disney had every right to speak out. They should have sooner. Many a gay employee has and does work there and they have been a family. Perhaps Disney will support a Governor who stops putting one group against another for self endulgence and power!
I think it’s terrible that Disney got involved. What was the point of them getting involved, only to be another bad thing for the tax payers and for people that go to the park.
There are lots of churches that involve themselves in politics. By your logic they probably shouldn’t be tax exempt. What are your thoughts on that?
I could care less as I have never been and don’t plan on going to any Disney Theme Park. It is a waste of money. Only making other people rich. Thankful I am not a local because I would not want to pay the tax burden and besides, it’s all about the MONEY!!!
Disney used to be a Magical place to have kid friendly fun. Since when does an amusement park have a voice in political issues? Since when does an amusement park need to be upset that babies don’t need sexual matter shoved into their little minds?
Totally agree with you Melissa – Disney should have stayed in their lane.
Disney should definitely get rid of Chspek, he’s been a horrible CEO and cost have been rising in Florida including the new lighting lane which is outrageous. You don’t even get a break when you stay on property like you do when you stay at a universal property. As for the state and Disney, people are making way to much out of this bill. Disney does not need to get involved with a parental rights bill. There is no way that schools should be talking to children under 4th grade about anything other than English, science, math, reading , writing, etc, telling time, or how about how to write in script. But what sex they are is something that should be addressed at home. A child’s brain is not even fully developed until they are in there 20’s and they certainly don’t need teachers encouraging them to be anything other than themselves and they don’t need to discuss it with them, it’s none of there business, plain and simple.
Disney will be responsible for their own taxes. The locals wouldn’t pay Disney’s taxes. Well , Unless the 2 counties decide to try and screw the locals. That would be catastrophic because homeowners could loose their homes.
Actions have consequences and it makes me sad to think that Disney may lose some of its autonomy because of a decision to take a stand on a matter that does not affect their business in the slightest. Not a wise move on the part of the CEO. Perhaps company CEO’s will think twice before taking such actions in the future. Taking a stand against a law about age appropriate school curriculum just doesn’t make good business sense for an entertainment company that caterers to families and small children; especially if loss of company control over Disney’s land is the result.
On this day in 1965, with the largest media aggregation in Florida history, Walt and Roy Disney joined Florida Governor Haydon Burns to announce their new “Florida project”.
Times have certainly changed. I can only wonder how things would be today with a Disney family member as CEO.
I believe the Disney involvement comes with the many LGBTQ cast members whose families may be affected due to them being ostracized. I don’t believe there is any curriculum in place for teaching about sexual orientation in the kindergarten to third grade curriculum. But, this would prohibit a child coming in and saying,” I had a great vacation with my two Dads,” and subsequently the teacher having to explain that. A parent could sue just for that if they felt it was not appropriate. Chapek states that this wasn’t a matter of politics, but of right and wrong. He is on this case right.
I hope this doesn’t happen. Omgosh we already spend so much to go to Disney and I am planning another trip and would like to do more in the future.
Yes, thank you for these facts. I’m still trying to figure out Disney’s “involvement” in this? This law is about schools, correct? So I’m not sure how/ why it affects Disney as they are not a school district… other than the fact that they have employees with personal opinions about it. What’s the connection that their Reedy Creek Act is in jeopardy?
I am only commenting to say thank you for presenting the facts and not indulging emotional responses. Refreshing to read and I look forward to updates.
Thank you. It was very important to me that I don’t take a side and present the facts only. Will be sure to share any important updates.
It is sad that WDW may lose their own governing body. However, if the employees’ request for Disney to get involved in FL public school laws and Chapek agreed; then they must become part of the state government. It would be the same as if one US state tells another state how to run their government. Disney cannot have it both ways. It is sad but – getting rid of Chapek is a plus!