For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.
The fight between Disney and Florida continues in this latest update.
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.
You can read more about this in our story HERE.
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.
Passes the Senate and House
Both the Florida Senate and House met this week and both voted on the bill to dissolve the Reedy Creek district. Today it went to the Ron DeSantis’s desk, and he signed it into law.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law.
He made remarks today in addition to signing the bill. “Don’t let anyone tell you somehow Disney is going to get a tax cut out of this. They’re going to pay more taxes as a result of it.”
Community
You may remember we shared that Disney’s $2 billion tax debt would get passed on to taxpayers in Orange and Osceola counties. This is certainly a heavy burden for those people living there. So it appears that the state has already considered how to take that burden off the taxpayers and put it back on Disney.
He also mentioned they are going to take care of the services and utilities Disney utilizes on property. That would also get passed on to these counties, but by this statement it appears the state is somehow working around that.
We will be sure to share any official statements from Disney along with how this will continue to play out. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and on Facebook.
Share the love!
CRT
Saturday 23rd of April 2022
The Reedy Creek public services will be paid from the tax revenue collected in the Reedy Creek district. Disney will still be paying for these services. They will now just have to file permits and get in line with the other businesses in Orange and Osceola counties for approval to changes they want to make to DW. Universal, SeaWorld, and Legoland already have to deal with these rules. There is no reason why Disney should receive special treatment now.
CRT
Saturday 23rd of April 2022
I agree with you. Disney was paying for the services out of the tax revenue they collected. Now this revenue will belong to Orange and Osceola counties. The taxpayers are not going to foot the bill unless they visit DW.
Jeff
Friday 22nd of April 2022
Who is the speechwriter for Disney and did they really think it would go over well by stating "Florida’s HB 1557, also known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, should never have passed and should never have been signed into law," "Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts. Keep in mind Disney is headquartered in California. This sure does look like they are trying to dictate policy in Florida. ". Someone also apparently decided in their infinite wisdom to rename a bill called HB 1557 to the “Don’t Say Gay”. The bill is actually called the Parental Rights in Education and is concerned with age appropriate instruction for young children K-3. So it looks like instead of actually reading the bill parts of a certain group are immediately offended. Maybe when a company tries to dictate policy in another state their business may be scrutinized and it does look like Disney has been given an unfair advantage over the other entertainment companies operating in Florida. So the playing field may need to be leveled? It does not seem that most people really care how someone wants to identify themselves. You can identify as a cherry popsicle if you want but that does not necessarily mean others are going to encourage it or others are going to teach their children that they are cherry popsicles. Parents seem to want to parent their child and develop their child’s identity (not to have others doing it). This does not seem to mean that there is any ill will toward others it is just being a protective parent. A duly elected Governor signed a bill for his state and a company HQ’d outside the state challenged it so really who is to blame here? Did the bill really have absolutely anything to do with the company’s business operations and their paying customer base (K-3 year olds normally do not buy tickets)? Maybe upper management of Disney just is not up to the task of being in charge of a family friendly entertainment zone for all? Maybe an upper management change is in order? Some who are better suited to work with the local government? It sure looks like a mess, but a self inflicted mess? Being neutral could possibly have been the best course of action and not picking a side. Maybe this would show that your business is accepting of everyone. Leave all the drama outside the park and enjoy the "Magic"?
Joyce L Lambert
Friday 22nd of April 2022
Congratulations to the government of Florida! Disney Corp needs to decide - politics or entertainment. It is sad that Walt Disney's dream has come to an end.
Deb c
Friday 22nd of April 2022
I think Disney better lose it’s woke ideas and go back to the Walt days.