We have another update for today, and it is not looking too good for Disney. They are now one step closer to losing self governing status in Florida.
Florida vs Disney
The state of Florida and Disney World have been in a heated match the last several weeks over House Bill 1557 – 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.”
You can read more about this in our story HERE.
Repeal of 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 and Osceola Counties. Emergency services would now be responsible for calls on Disney property. Disney would also have to seek approval for new attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Bill Passes
The Florida Senate met yesterday, April 20, to vote on dissolving the Reedy Creek District. It was passed by the Senate 23-16. You can read more about that in our story HERE.
Today, April 21, the Florida House voted and passed it, too. Governor DeSantis is expected to sign this bill into law. Many lawmakers who oppose the bill are actively protesting it on the floor. Reedy Creek is not the only district being dissolved with the passing of this bill.
Both the House and Senate passed the bill to dissolve Reedy Creek and other districts.
As mentioned yesterday, the passing of this bill would place a $2 billion debt over to local taxpayers. We are unsure if the state has plans to take away some of that burden.
What does this mean for Disney?
This is really not looking good for The Walt Disney Company at all. Losing self governing powers means Disney will no longer be able to act as its own entity and will need to rely on Orange and Osceola counties for everything.
Current and future projects will likely be delayed not to mention not to mention the financial burdens placed on the two counties in which Disney World is located. It will be a messy situation for sure.
We will be sure to share if The Walt Disney Companies issue a statement.
What do you think of the Florida Senate and House passing this bill? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.
They don’t care
Disney, stick with family friendly entertainment. We are not renewing our annual passes, ever again.
Disney isn’t going anywhere, but their CEO might be after this fiasco.
Since Disney will have to seek approval for new attractions, restaurants, and hotels from Two counties if this law goes into in June of 2023, Disney Must issue bonds immediately for planned projects covering the next 5 to 10 years to ensure continuity of entertainment services. To remain competitive they can not be slowed down by political nonsense
.
Leave Florida and go where ? They need good year round climate
I feel that at some point, Disney will negotiate with the state to get some of its power back. If they lose all power, I think they will eventually leave Florida. I certainly agree that they should stay out of politics. I am a teacher of K-6th grade and I have never (38 years) taught anything about sexual orientation; that is a parents job. I love Disney, but they are 1. Pricing themselves out of business 2. Sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong and 3. Making things bad for themselves.
This!
Disney needs to stay in their lane. People also need to read the bill. I don’t want formal instruction for my kids, especially at that age, on that topic by schools. Has zero to do with being gay or straight. Bad enough they have gotten so money hungry but now this. Nope.
Go woke and…you’re not “Disney” anymore:(
News flash Disney. Nobody comes to Disney World on vacation because they care to be lectured on politics. Stick to doing what youve always done so well and has worked for you…entertainment. Politics is the stuff you worry about when you get home. If you take sides in politics and force it on everyone, then I guess you don’t deserve self governing rights. Stick to entertainment.
Heck yes! They need to let parents teach their children! This is long overdue Disney is no longer for children it’s for pedophiles! To much corruption goes on because they govern themselves!
I love Disney, but I believe Disney overstepped its boundaries in stating they were going to try to overturn state laws regarding young children in Florida schools. They should stick to their business of entertainment and not politics. They said they want to overturn their laws so FL will overturn their special status. They asked for this.