Following the revelations that the Reedy Creek Improvement District Board targeted by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has transferred most of its powers to Disney, the governor has vowed to investigate the action, and said, “We’re not going to let [the Reedy Creek board move] happen.”
Disney World
Now, DeSantis has revealed his plans for further action against Disney World and what he describes as its efforts to “dodge Florida law.”
In a speech last night at Hillsdale College in Michigan, the potential 2024 Presidential candidate revealed that he wants to raise tolls and hotel taxes that will affect Disney World visitors.
“Disney is a joke,” DeSantis said in the Thursday evening appearance. “Under no circumstances should the state of Florida be subsidizing woke activism by allowing them to have their own government.”
DeSantis made his latest remarks about Disney on April 6th at Hillsdale College.
“The media is acting like somehow they pulled one over on the state,” DeSantis continued. “Suffice it to say, the Legislature is going to void anything Disney did on the way out the door.”
The new comments from DeSantis come after the improvement district board that had been controlled by Disney signed the agreement with the company that transferred most of its powers — just before a new board controlled by DeSantis took over.
Main Street Train Station in Disney World
“Now that [Disney] re-opened the issue, we’re going to look at things like taxes on the hotels … tolls on the roads … developing some of the property the district owns,” DeSantis said Thursday night.
The disagreements between DeSantis and Disney started last spring, when Disney spoke out against the Florida Parental Rights Act, a law that critics dubbed the “don’t say gay” bill. Disney was largely quiet during the run-up to the takeover of Reedy Creek by the new board, prompting some political analysts to wonder why the company was not pursuing legal action.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at Hillsdale College on April 6th, 2023.
“I guess they decided they would lean into their strength – and the Legislature gave Disney many months to figure out a response,” University of Central Florida Political Science Professor Aubrey Jewett said in an interview with DFB. Nearly a year elapsed between the Legislature’s act that would have dissolved the Reedy Creek District, and its action on the new plan that would keep the board in place under a different name and with a board appointed by the Florida governor.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has not commented publicly about the 11th-hour agreement between Reedy Creek and Disney. But at the company’s annual shareholder meeting last week, Iger said he thought Disney was right to speak out against the bill.
©Disney
“It seems like (DeSantis) has decided to retaliate against us. In effect, it seems, to punish a company for exercising a constitutional right,” Iger said. He went on to call Florida’s actions “anti-business” and “anti-Florida.”
But DeSantis continues to insist that Disney will not remain in control of the district it has had for more than 50 years. “They are not superior to the people of Florida,” DeSantis said.
Keep following DFB for the latest on the discord between DeSantis and Disney.
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What do you think about the Florida governor’s latest comments? Let us know below!
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Oh yeah. This will win Ron all KINDS of support. (Sarcasm). ?
And Disney doesn’t raise costs ? $35 bucks for GP ?
Governor DeSantis is not more important than the people who continue too live in Florida. First he tries too take over Disney, then he writes a new law , or Bill for everything he doesn’t like. When will it end? He is like a spoiled child without boundaries.
This is turning out to be a TRAGEDY! So, DeSantis is going to make Disney vacationers pay? Does he realize this will also affect surrounding parks and businesses? Shame on DeSantis!!!! Disney build another park in the United States.
This whole thing is a case of ego leading the blind. DeSantis wants to be considered for the upcoming Presidential election field. Perfect thing to do is raise hotel taxes to disrupt tourism, a lifeblood of Florida. He says he supports Florida but every action portrays him otherwise. Think about this and all of his recent actions. How can you see him as anything but a politician. Mr DeSantis:Grow up and stop stamping your feet like a child with a temper tantrum. At least do something to help Florida before you run off to Washington.
Because nothing makes an electorate happier than a governor raising taxes, tolls and tourism fees in a state where tourism is the #1 economic driver. Even one who’s ideology is to reduce taxes and government interference in the market. Makes sense to me.
Ron DeSantis is getting ridiculous over his fight with Disney. As a Florida resident I’m losing respect for him and he was high up on my list for candidates. Leave Disney alone and concentrate on the rest of Florida. Otherwise, you may be losing some votes in the next election. I’m tired of listening to this.
If DeSantis disciplines Disney by making it into DeSantis Land with tolls, higher prices and future land development, how long before he begins to look into other businesses and areas to insure they practice the DeSantis doctrine?
I am sorry, the parks and all its property belong to Disney not the state of Florida to do with it as they please. Years ago when the Reedy Creek District was created it was used to manage a vast complex of land and attractions. Those new committee members supposedly put in place do not have the type of credentials and experience needed to guide such a large business. Remember WDW is part of the Disney corporation and should be managed by its owners – not some board of political contributors loyal to DeSantis. Next thing DeSantis would be using Eminent Domain to take over Cinderella’s Castle for his Central Florida home. One DeSantis needs to stop wasting Floridian’s money, two stop flying all over the country on Florida’s dime and time campaigning for an election that he is not even running for. He is afraid to quite the Governor’s office now and that the next incoming who may be a fellow Republican may have different priorities that fighting Disney.
This is getting ridiculous. He is like a dog with a bone and just won’t let it go. If it’s true that he would have to step down as Governor to run for President I would be all for it. Except what if he became President?
Residents of Florida, I’m sorry for what this man is putting you through. Unbelievable. and sad……..
It’s never a good look for any elected official to have a tantrum.
Good!..he’s right
The only joke is DeSantis himself.
Imagine him as President, he can’t run a state.
Desantis is the joke. Really think there are more important things to worry about other than an amusement park. He’s just upset because Disney doesn’t agree with him.
Okay DeSatan keep it up you’re only gonna hurt your state residents who don’t have the means to move out of your state.
You would think that Gov. DeSantis would have more pressing matters (like crime) than spending his days wondering how he can bully Disney World. He should be grateful to WDW for all the tourists (money) that comes his way from Disney. I wish politics didn’t have to follow us wherever we go ☹️
DeSantis is no match for mini and mickey. Now he threatens competitive development! What a joke.
DeSantis is the joke, not Disney. There are some people on this planet would have been better off had they not existed.
Disney World is beloved by many people, nationwide, and around the world. I don’t think any childish retaliation is very wise. Especially not raising hotel taxes or tolls that will affect not only out-of-state Disney World guest, but those who live in Florida as well and who want to continue to visit Disney World.
I think this constant going back and forth with Disney World is very childish of the Florida State leadership and also very unprofessional. It does not benefit the state of Florida or the people of Florida. The state leaders were not elected to have a kindergarten style back-and-forth fight with Disney World. The only people who suffer in the end are those who simply want to take their families to an amusement park to have a great vacation.
This latest announcement from the leaders of Florida seems like kindergarten antics and very childish with no concern about their own constituents or any financial damage that it will cost to them.
Disney employs hundreds, if not thousands, of Floridians who love Disney and who also depend on their livelihood from Disney. This approach of raising hotel taxes, raising road tolls and going to courts, is wasting the money of the people of Florida and is just irresponsible.
This has nothing to do with helping the people of Florida. It’s seems more like a personal vendetta and I think it will cause damage to all parties concerned if it continues and especially to all the Floridians who love Disney, and also depend on Disney for a livelihood.
There is no clear winner here. If this situation cannot be resolved peaceably and responsibly as adults, then the only ones who will lose in the end are the families who just want to go out and have a good time together
on a vacation to Disney World .
Hope Florida residents are paying attention. VISITERS only travel those roads when they are there. AP’s and already struggling workers, travel them all the time, so the main people he will be hurting is his own constituents. Taxing the hotels, he will have to tax ALL hotels or Disney will be able to prove discrimination. I can see the other hotel chains getting in his face for that.
This is on top of how much the taxpayers are going to end up paying the lawyers he is employing, to fight Disney’s move, because neither him nor the new board had the brains to g to any of their open meetings before taking over. De Santis ignorance and stupidity is going to cost Floridians BILLIONS.
This will NOT get drawn his elected to anything. I think he is being very unreasonable.
I’m not happy or agree with some of the things Disney has said or done lately buy, I am disgusted at the fact that Gov Ron DeSantis is going to make honest hard working people that want to take their children on a Disney vacation pay a toll or tax because he was one up’d legally by Florida’s own laws. Gov Ron needs to grow up a little sit down at a table with Iger and discuss differences and work out a plan that satisfies both parties without taking it out on hard working Americans.
I tend to fall on the conservative side of the political spectrum, but there is nothing conservative about Desantis’ actions. This is him clearly pursuing a vendetta against a company that dared speak out against one of his policies and is willing to destroy the tourist economy of his state in pursuit of that vendetta.
Ron DeSantis and Florida lawyers vs. Bob Iger and Disney attorneys. It’s not a fair fight.
What do you call it when a government targets one group for punishment without due process? Pretty sure we fought a couple of wars over that.
Why is he so against Disney? He should be happy about the amount of people and money Disney brings to his state! I visit Orlando 4 times a year and only for Disney!!
The DeSantis Inquisition is a joke and the pro business Republicans who brought Disney to Florida must be turning over in their graves.
If he wanted to become a Disney character, he has succeeded. He is the new face of Goofy.
How sad, tourists will now be punished for going to theme parks to escape just for a day the harsh realities of life. Theme parks allow local people to have gainful employment and live their lives during difficult comical times. How lovely to have a politician living off taxpayers money to say he’s going to punish everyone by exercising bully tactics to achieve his goals. It must be so nice to have so much free time on his hands ?.
Desantis is the joke
No one is above the law. Not even Disney
I used to like him but no more. Families go to Disney. Prices are already outrageous so he will hurt families more??? This will earn him no votes. He’s turned this into a pissing contest. He needs to dig deep within himself and think this through. It’s not worth it.
@P.Scott That’s the scariest thing about this. The future ramifications for the people of Florida. He’s going through the steps of a fascist in training. He’s cracking open doors that someday will be wide enough to drive a truck through. I feel bad that my state hosted this person when he was making statements like this. Heaven forbid he gets turned loose on the whole country.
I will even feel sorry for his supporters if that happens, maybe.
Disney should consider creating a Resort and Park in New York. We have beautiful lakes and trees upstate that would be perfect for a Northeast Disney Attraction. With outdoor and indoor attractions, a spa and theater – the possibilities are endless. Our winters can be a little rough but 3/4 of the year our weather is great. Give it some thought Disney. Or you can just wait for DeSantis to leave office.
…regarding what “Suz says”…what law are you talking about that you think Disney is apparently above? You do know he really isn’t a real “sheriff” as he said a few weeks ago …right?
Brian M….I agree with you !
@PScott….. such a scary thought and one I’ve had myself ?
Desantis is literally the worst. Let it go, Ronnie. Stop being a hateful, petty, vindictive bully and maybe, I dont know, do your job?
I’m mad at all the people who voted this clown in again.
Ron is doing everything he can to dismantle his presidential run. We had a loose cannon as president for a while didn’t we? Not that we have a statesman now, but that’s beside the point. Can you imagine this puffed-up, vindictive, zealot representing the United States on the world stage? We’ll have nukes on our doorsteps in a month; then he gets his wish for Disney to shutter because most human life will cease to exist.
He’ll have to resign to run for POTUS so will be out of our way. Too bad he’s wasting our tax dollars campaigning NOW, albeit it unofficially. Then there’s the Supreme Court challenge that’s sure to come when this crybaby declares imminent domain and tries to seize Disney property.
It’s probably a fair statement that a lot of those well-healed enough to visit the parks are and know a few voters. I wonder about their campaign trail and election day reactions to the possibility of a presidential moron who would, without a doubt based on recent actions, spend time trying to penalize the entertainment industry when he should be tending to national matters. His slap fight with the Bobs seems to be all this man thinks about.
This guy has train wreck written all over him. Does anyone else think that he is dangerous as governor and would be incendiary as president?
I Love DeSantis! All you whiners aren’t appalled by the constant price hikes Iger is constantly adding to everything disney just to fill his greedy pockets but you’ll get your panties in a wad over hotel and road taxes. It’s comical. The residents here are good so you all who are feeling so sorry for us is hilarious.
Florida residents here. And we approve of DeSantis reining in Disney.
The original agreement no longer serves its purpose.
Time to level the playing field
I am a UK resident. Firstly, the Don’t Say Gay rule is appalling. I am a Headteacher and each of my children has differing needs and circumstances! This rule breaches the fundamental needs that some children may require to develop both emotionally and physically. I was so pleased to hear Disney challenged this awful expectation……. I shared it with some of my older children ?
Secondly, there are so many more important issues that require time, money and deep-debate that could have a much greater impact on the people. ……. If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it! 50 years and all has been well. We always feel a sense of comfort when we travel to Disney as the surroundings are so beautifully maintained. The benefits of Reedy Creek clearly outweigh all opposition.
I really hope you all gain a positive resolution.
Interesting comment, no one is above the law ?. So a government has just threatened to seize land and forcibly develop it for personal gain ?. Am I missing something here? Disney has managed to create a balanced environment where wildlife is supported, green space are allowed to exist in a balanced environment where we can admire and be soothed while surving a purpose. They live in reasonable harmony with their neighbors and keep taxes down while maintaining all the infrastructure at higher standards than the states requirements. Please elaborate on why you think Disney is braking the law ?. Wish they were my neighbour as my city is horrible at managing infrastructure and the environment ?.
This type of behavior shows DeSantis true personality. He’s a narcissist with egomaniac tendencies. A school yard bully. So glad his true nature has come out. Thank goodness this type of leadership will not lead the nation. Florida is better than this too.
Must I keep reminding folks?–
DeSatan is TEMPORARY.
Disney is PERMANENT.
Wonderful comments herein. I agree with many. I too am a Central Florida Resident and think the idea of raising taxes and tolls is bad policy. Businesses never absorb tax increases. They pass them on to their customers in the form of proce increases or in the case of tolls, it’s the customer who pays directly. Governor DeSantis needs to sit down with Mr. Iger and resolve these differences. I am not happy about all that Disney has said or created over the past year, but the governor needs to be a statesman.
Yeah, okay, DeathSantis. Tax WDW and its visitors, add toll roads, and watch tourism in FL drop off to depths you probably can’t imagine. You decided to get punitive against a privately owned company and it blew up in your face, and now you’re embarrassed. You will never get anywhere on the national stage, because you’re showing your true fascist colors. Don’t even think of calling yourself a “conservative” because obviously you’re all about big government butting into private enterprise’s business.
Thus we see how the egomaniacal, self described culture warrior DeSantis treats the largest private employer, and largest taxpayer in Florida as retaliation for their free speech. So much for the pro business Republican Party. Does anyone anywhere seriously consider voting for the thin skinned, childish, revenge governing DeSantis for President? I never thought I’d say this, but even Trump might be better.
What law are we talking about being above Suz? Disney spoke on a law. They didn’t violate one. You must be thinking about Donald Trump.
Gov Ron is acting like a little kid who had a toy taken away. Spend time doing your job!!