Disney Says Bye, Bye to Reedy Creek

 by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

February 13, 2023

 

Florida state lawmakers finished doing the bidding of Governor Ron DeSantis last week by establishing a new special district – the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District – replacing the Reedy Creek Improvement District. 

Reedy Creek was established in 1967, and allowed Disney to self-govern the land upon which Disney World sits. The renamed district now will have a board selected by the governor, with approval from the state senate.

 

As expected and based on a statement released on Friday, Disney is looking to work under the new system. Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle released the following statement on February 10: 

 

“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.”

 

A page has been turned in the relationship between The Walt Disney Company and the state of Florida. The question is: What additional costs and uncertainties will Disney face going forward whether the governor is a Republican or Democrat?

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael novels; and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right? 

 

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