Disney World does not plan to fight changes to Reedy Creek, president says

[In It to Win It]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/disney-world-does-not-plan-220715457.html

Walt Disney World said it does not plan to fight the changes being made to Reedy Creek Improvement District and will let Gov. Ron DeSantis take control of its Board of Supervisors.

Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle said in a statement:

“For more than 50 years, the Reedy Creek Improvement District has operated at the highest standards, and we appreciate all that the District has done to help our destination grow and become one of the largest economic contributors and employers in the state. We are focused on the future and are ready to work within this new framework, and we will continue to innovate, inspire and bring joy to the millions of guests who come to Florida to visit Walt Disney World each year.”

Link to tweet

[LakeVermilion]

1. No doubt, a little "behind-the-scenes" negotiations...

[Walleye]

2. Innovate? Bring joy? I don't think DeSantis is into any of that

[FBaggins]

3. "Ready to work within this new framework"

That’s clear enough. Donations to influence the people who have power over them.

A previous thread made clear that they have already begun (by donating to the governor’s inauguration).

“We think it’s wise for you to pick people who have experienced and relevant knowledge of the unique aspects of the district’s makeup. What’s that? Oh… a bag of cash? We’re just starting up our campaign donation cycle again. No connection to what we’re talking about today.”

As for the headline? They never really had much choice. Despite fantasy predictions… there was never any chance of Disney leaving the state. And there was no way to stop this apart from convincing republicans to change their minds.

[FoxNewsSucks]

7. And since republicons don't actually use what little minds they have,

that's also hopeless.

[Docreed2003]

4. The power that DeSantis has been able to exert within that state is frightening

What type of strong-arming/threats/payola is he pulling behind the scenes again and again to get what he wants?

[FoxNewsSucks]

8. More frightening,

who is he auditioning for? Who or what is he working for?

"See what I can do with a state? Give me control of the country"

[GreenWave]

5. I sensed a threat in there. Very subtle.

to help our destination grow and become one of the largest economic contributors and employers in the state.

So don't make us move out??

[former9thward]

24. They can't move and everyone knows it.

Disney World and its satellites are not some weekend corner lot amusement rides.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

32. they can shift their expansion plans to California

[Irish_Dem]

6. I knew Disney would fold like a lawn chair.

Oligarchs know it is futile to fight with a dictator.

[Samrob]

23. And they wouldn't think of moving to a Blue state, right? nt

[Irish_Dem]

27. Reality has to be faced: There is no safe place in the US right now.

In the US right now, any state can go fascist almost over night.

State judiciary, congress, governors can take over a state quickly.

Via voter suppression, gerrymandering, outright theft of seats.
Along with relentless GOP/Putin propaganda.

Also I think Disney has too many sunk costs in Florida.
Too hard to move such a massive infrastructure.

The oligarchs in Russia learned the hard way to comply with a dictator or else.

[Silent3]

30. Other than California, which already has DisneyLand...

...blue states and a year-round warm climate don't go together.

It would be insanely expensive to move to another location as well.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

33. they have land available in CA for a third addition to park

[Silent3]

34. Sure, but then everyone wanting to go to Disney has to fly to California

There's clearly an advantage to having a separate park that's more convenient for the eastern half of the country.

[Mr.Bill]

44. I live in California,

but if I lived in the east, I would spend a few hours on a plane rather than go to Florida anytime.

[Silent3]

46. Your personal choice in the matter wouldn't help Disney here

They'd lose A LOT of business not being in Florida. Perhaps they hope they can ride out this mess.

[Mr.Bill]

47. I'm sure that's their plan.

If they have term limits in Florida, DeSantis is gone in four years.

[Phoenix61]

9. So if the board tries to pull any na they can say a

they wanted to work with them but their extreme position has made they impossible.

[onecaliberal]

10. Sorry but I will never go there.I wouldn't spend a penny in that state intentionally.

[SoCalDavidS]

14. Right There With You On That nt

[cachukis]

11. How will the Reedy Creek debt service be handled?

Will it be attached to nearby districts or will Disney have to pay? Something is not being explained here.

[FBaggins]

12. The same way that it has been

Property taxes on land within the district (essentially all of which are Disney).

[Takket]

13. I'm WAY oversimplifying this.......

but basically what Disney agreed to is they still have to front the money, instead of Florida taxpayers, and deSantis gets to decide what they do or don't get to do.

In short, this agreement is complete lunacy that I'm dumbfounded Disney signed on to. If desantis decides to take retribution on disney for being too "woke", which is what started this battle in the first place (he could give a shit about reedy creek, it was just a convenient target he could shoot at to make it look like he was going over a "woke monster" ), he can now use reedy creek to deny Disney the ability to make changes on their property, like building new attractions/hotels.

[FBaggins]

15. Too far I'd say

Because Disney may have accepted the inevitable... but there is no "agreement" here and Disney didn't "sign on" to anything.

The state imposed its (i.e. Desantis') will upon them. They're just playing nice because they don't have a choice.

[cachukis]

16. Subtle influences creep into society.

Disney needs its cash flow. Streaming services may be suffering because, some say, its wokeness.

The state takes over infrastructure management and Disney has to accept the new board.

DeSantis adds feathers to his cap after New College and AP curriculum. The state attracts the more like minded philosophical adherents and before you know it, the governor has his fiefdom.

Why would he want to leave this situation to be in an acrimonious run for president.

He is young and can establish stronger cred by exerting more control over his enemies and walk into 2026 a more refined, polished, experienced dictatorial sort.

[Initech]

17. Really?? What the absolute fuck???

Has this whole world gone crazy? If I were Bob Iger, I'd be suing Fox and Desantis into oblivion for this bullshit. This entire stunt was just so Desantis could please his talk show overlords. Fox News is dangerous, and they've been crossing multiple lines lately. Why are we letting them get away with this shit?

[FBaggins]

18. On what basis would you sue?

Particularly when your target has the power to make/change the laws under which you sue and effectively controls the courts in which the conflict would take place?

No... Iger is more likely to avoid further ticking off the guy who can make things tougher on Disney - which is exactly what the governor had in mind.

[Initech]

20. Yes good point.

This is precisely why I think that Fox News is an inherent danger to society. They are that powerful. How do you take down a bully? I think that the GOP is abusing America and if we don't stop them it'll be too late.

[Johonny]

19. Iger is betting he will last longer in Florida than the current politicians

and the new board will be as easily bought as the old one. Probably easier if DeSantis is choosing them.

[Initech]

21. Hmmm.... hadn't thought of it that way.

[Aristus]

22. I was thinking the same thing.

How is one of the most powerful and influential corporations in the world caving to a state governmental body?

And the Republican world-view sure has done a heel-turn. Using government abuse of power to dominate and cow a private company.

So much for the 'beauty of the free market'...

[Initech]

26. They're not caving to a state governmental body.

They're caving to a hostile foreign intelligence agency posing as a "news network". There's no mistake that the "Don't Say Gay" bill was a product of Fox News. And that most of Florida's "anti-woke" bullshit legislation is also the product of Fox News. They're destroying America without even firing a shot.

[bluestarone]

25. Seems like the ONLY thing Disney can do is

HALT all donations to ANY rethug. Would be interesting to compare what the have donated vs what they WILL continue to donate. Maybe even go as far as to donate to some Democrats? We'll se huh?

[FBaggins]

28. Just the opposite, I'm afraid

The change doesn't harm Disney... it puts a gun into the governor's hands to harm them in the future.

That's not usually the time when companies try to push back.

Really the only thing that Disney can do is play nice (hopefully without upsetting too many people on the other side) until there's a chance at replacing the governor... then stab him in the back and hope it sticks.

[allegorical oracle]

29. Knuckled over for Ron. So what will the rumpled dictator take over next? n/t

[Vinca]

31. Why should they? The taxpayers are now picking up the bills thanks to brilliant Ron.

[FBaggins]

42. No... they aren't

That’s the plan from last year that was just replaced

[Tickle]

35. I really thought once they replaced the CEO

that things would go back to normal. I was wrong

[ProfessorGAC]

36. A Different View

IMO, Disney isn't fighting it because it no longer provides much benefit & they follow state laws anyway.

I see this more as Disney saying "Whatever Ronnie. Have at it."

[In It to Win It]

37. I agree

Such a public fight has no real benefits for Disney. In effect, not much will change for them.

[ProfessorGAC]

41. If There Was A Big Benefit...

...they'd likely fight. I'd say they're not capitulating; they don't care.

[pfitz59]

39. Plus the state gets saddled with the bond debt

Likely a win for Disney.

[onethatcares]

38. I'm trying to picture

the employees going on strike. They've already been beaten down for a wage that would allow them to stay in the park for three days a year. Have you ever seen the puke party and now especially deathsentence do anything for the average person or worker?

I really thought Disney would fight this but we're moving back to the gilded age and things aren't going to get better again,

[Kid Berwyn]

40. Translation: Good luck with the tax bill.

Someone’s gotta pay, right DeSatan?

[FBaggins]

43. Again... untrue

See multiple replies above. If anything… Disney will pay more.

[Kid Berwyn]

48. Where? When you wrote something?

Who knows what the impact will be and on whom? Here’s what it looks like now:

Disney to Keep Perks Under Florida Bill Allowing Gov. Ron DeSantis to Assume Control of Special Tax District

The legislation gives DeSantis the power to appoint members to the district's governing body.

BY WINSTON CHO
Hollywood Reporter, Feb. 7, 2023

Despite a Florida bill empowering Gov. Ron DeSantis to take control of its special tax district, Disney will get to keep most of the perks that’s allowed the company to self-govern the land on its theme park resort for over 50 years.

Legislation introduced on Monday by Republicans in Florida’s Legislature would reshape the leadership structure and change the name of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District. But under the bill, Disney would retain almost all of its exemptions from a host of regulations, taxes and fees in addition to powers allowing it to act much like its own government, including the issuance of bonds. The proposal advances DeSantis’ crusade seeking to overhaul the education establishment as he positions himself for a presidential run next year by cornering Disney into keeping quiet on cultural issues, like gender identity and sexual orientation, or risk having him disrupt company operations.

Last year, Florida lawmakers passed a bill dissolving independent special districts that were created prior to 1968. While the state has hundreds of special districts, most were set up after that date. Without legislation re-establishing Disney’s special tax status, the counties that would take up oversight of Reedy Creek would inherit an estimated billion-plus in bond debt.

The feud between Florida lawmakers and Disney started when the company pushed back on the Parental Rights in Education Law, which prohibits instruction on gender sexuality through the third grade. Disney initially stayed silent on the legislation, but later opposed it under pressure from employees.

After the company suspended political donations in the state and vowed to push for the law’s repeal, DeSantis shot back by calling the company a “woke corporation” trying to influence state affairs. “If we want to keep the Democrat machine and their corporate lapdogs accountable, we have to stand together now,” DeSantis wrote in a fundraising pitch sent in April. His retaliation culminated with the passage of a bill stripping Disney of its special tax status after he asked lawmakers to consider the “termination” of its self-governing privileges.

Continues…

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-to-keep-special-perks-under-florida-bill-allowing-gov-ron-desantis-to-assume-control-of-special-tax-district-1235320186/

Gee. There’s more to the story than anything in your replies above.

So? What do you know?

[FBaggins]

49. Did you even read what you posted?

Nothing in there even vaguely supports the claim from your earlier post.

Is there “more to the story” than I fit into a single line? Of course… but unlike yours… nothing in the “more” was inconsistent with what I posted.

Cho (Hollywood reporter?) does get one critical fact wrong. Disney does not retain any special powers. The district that was created to accomplish that retains almost all of those powers… but the power to control that district just shifted from the corporation to the state.

[Kid Berwyn]

50. Nothing says "intelligent" like denigrating another for their opinion.

Applies the same to those who like to “correct” others.

[FBaggins]

51. Hilariously ironic that you could post that so soon after #48

Nobody denigrated your opinions. You were merely corrected on a misunderstanding of fact. It’s an understandable ignorance because that’s what the assumption was last year when this story began.

Take a look around and you’ll find dozens of posters making the mistake… and then sending “thanks for the correction” when they are updated. DUers are generally happy to learn where their assumptions are wrong. You’ve gotta ask yourself why your reaction is so sharp instead.

[Xolodno]

45. The district was put together when Florida lacked the resources...

...for the massive infrastructure. That isn't the case anymore. Managing the district may have just been an extra head ache for the company. Now, its DeSantis's headache and the state has to actively manage it. I read an article that Disney could have easily beat this in court, but the article also cautioned that Disney may decide it really wasn't worth it. Now we know.

Add to that, they've announced putting in an Avatar ride in the Disneyland area, so they are now pushing their investments to the West Coast and I also read Disneyland Paris.

[Buckeyeblue]

52. I think you're right. While it is a pain to not have complete control...

It's also a pain to have complete control. Rather than spend energy fighting this, they are taking the long game approach. Maybe they know that this has the potential to blow up in DeSantis' face. And they'll sit back until Florida repeals this legislation and gives them back control.

I'm not sure how DeSantis thinks these types of stunts will help him with swing voters if he runs for president.