Florida Governor Ron DeSantis threatens to impose tolls on Walt Disney World roads, develop land and add taxes to Disney hotels

Apr 07, 2023 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

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Posted: Friday April 7, 2023 7:17am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis aims to further escalate his fight with Disney by imposing tolls on Walt Disney World roads, develop land, and add new taxes to Disney hotels.

Speaking at Hillsdale College, a conservative liberal arts college in Michigan DeSantis said, "So come hell or high water we're going to make sure that policy of Florida carries the day. And so they can keep trying to do things. But ultimately we're going to win on every single issue involving Disney I can tell you that."

These latest comments come after DeSantis recently instructed the Chief Inspector General of the State of Florida to investigate the Reedy Creek Improvement District following the latest developments regarding the state's takeover of the district.

In a move that seems to have out-smarted the state, Disney's final agreement between Reedy Creek Improvement District and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts appears to have severely handicapped the Ron DeSantis-appointed board of the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight board.

Reedy Creek Improvement District overview

Signed into effect on February 8, just as the Florida House passed the legislation to take control of Reedy Creek Improvement District, the new Developer Agreement gives Disney significant control of the RCID landing and prevents the new board making any changes to the agreement.

At a March 29 special meeting, where the board discussed the new Developer Agreement, one member said, "We lose control over everything other than to maintain the roads and maintain the infrastructure." Board member Brian Aungst said, "We gave governmental control to Disney."

Reedy Creek Improvement District overview

The legal council for the new board said that various agreements were made over the past several months that were "unusual" and "suspect." In a brief statement following the meeting, Disney said, "All agreements signed between Disney and the District were appropriate, and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida's Government in the Sunshine law."

Speaking at the Annual Shareholder meeting earlier this week, Disney CEO Bob Iger publicly addressed the fight with DeSantis for the first time. He outlined the company's significant contribution to the state of Florida, and he was clear that he views the position of Ron DeSantis as "retaliating against Disney" for its opposition to the Parental Right Bill. And he added that the Governor's response "seems really wrong to me."

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Sirwalterraleigh59 minutes ago

Arlen spectre syndrome…there is no known cure

JohnD1 hour ago

What political affiliation is he today? Anyone know? I can't keep up.

Sirwalterraleigh1 hour ago

If you believe recycling the same handful of people through positions with money influence is “healthy”… …what’s Charlie crist up to? 🤔

MisterPenguin1 hour ago

"I, as governor, will not be appointing myself as senator." "I, popular movie star, will not be in the next MCU movie."

JohnD1 hour ago

I don't see it happening. He already made clear his finishing out his term as Governor. Besides, he's an executive. I don't think Senate is his style, although he served in the House a few terms. If he lobbies for anything it would be AG. He's well suited for that as a former JAG officer. If not, he ran for President a few months in 2023-2024 to bolster his credentials. He leaves office in January 2027 as one of the best known Governors in the nation, ready to run in 2028 for President. Disney is no longer an issue for him. He's serving out his term.

Sirwalterraleigh1 hour ago

Well I highly doubt he’s gonna go take DWI cases in dade county Government seems to be rather addictive

jpeden1 hour ago

Based on the statement that I posted earlier I’d be very surprised if he did that. That type of statement doesn’t come out by accident or without him knowing about it.

JoeCamel1 hour ago

cough *scott* cough

ToTBellHop1 hour ago

He’s a term-limited governor who still sees a future POTUS in the mirror every morning. If he wants to be relevant enough to stage another campaign in 2028, he will want to be in Washington. And, if he never becomes POTUS, his “consolation” prize could be a 40-year career in the US senate since he’s still in his 40s. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t pick himself. Politicians want long-term jobs. That’s why so many former Governors become Senators.

Tom P.1 hour ago

How so? This is the constitutional and legal process for replacing sitting Senators. It has happened many, many times before. How is that a circus?

Stripes2 hours ago

To be clear, Disney is very happy with the current district board and particularly the new district administrator. They could not be more effusive in their praise for Kopelousos.

JohnD3 hours ago

I'm just saying she is more likely than himself. Not that he would appoint her. If he appointed someone already in office, then provisions would have to be made to fill that vacant position. She was only "elected" as a running mate. So easier to appoint her and appoint someone else to be Lt. Gov.

LAKid533 hours ago

Why would he appoint her? If it's not himself, I'd think he'd want someone within his inner circle.

JohnD3 hours ago

I think that's highly unlikely. More likely is the Lt. Gov. appointed Senator. As for relations, I think we're over that hurdle. Things have settled down. Seems "business as normal" to me.