DeSantis points to Universal's Epic Universe as catalyst for Disney's future expansion in Florida

Mar 27, 2024 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

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Posted: Wednesday March 27, 2024 1:48pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

In answering questions from reporters this afternoon, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis briefly commented on today's settlement agreement between Disney and The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

DeSantis repeated previous talking points that asserting state control over Reedy Creek and nullifying certain covenants are in Florida's best interests and that legal challenges against the state's actions have not succeeded.

DeSantis was notably softer in his language today and shifted the blame to Disney in Burbank, and away from Orlando. When asked how Disney would work with the new CFTOD, he said, "I think it would be good. This is moving beyond moving forward, I think that's what the company wants to do. And, you know, a lot of what happened with parents rights and education, some of that stuff was really driven by Burbank. It was not driven by Orlando, and I think we've always understood that."

DeSantis suggested today that Disney in Burbank was to blame for the dispute, and that "It was not driven by Orlando"

Touching upon future development, DeSantis suggested that other entities like Universal, which is developing Epic Universe, could significantly impact the region and that "Disney can be a part of that."

Universal Epic Universe concept art

Continuing to speak about Epic Universe, DeSantis said, "I think it's just going to be a huge game changer. It's bigger than their other two parks combined. I mean, like, imagine that footprint; that's pretty huge. And so, you know, I got to think that Disney would want to answer that to be able to kind of keep up with the competition.

The Governor even went as far as to suggest that Disney may build another park, saying, "I got to think Disney would have an interest and maybe, maybe offering another one. The district will be ready to negotiate something to be able to be good for the state of Florida be good for jobs and be good for all those things."

Full details of the settlement agreement between Disney and CFTOD can be seen here.

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JoeCamel14 days ago

Juicy

DCBaker14 days ago

The CFTOD has added a Board of Supervisors meeting next Wednesday, September 11, at 7pm. Here's the published agenda:

V_L_RaptorAug 10, 2024

I'm sensing an opportunity for Super High Intensity Training, here.

flyakiteAug 09, 2024

I am not sure if this is relevant to anyone anymore. So if not, sorry for the bump.

cranbizJul 30, 2024

Don't forget eNPS.

pdude81Jul 30, 2024

Don't taze me, bro

Nubs70Jul 30, 2024

Ack!!!!! That one is the worst..... I see your NPS and taise you a SalesForce

Batman'sParentsJul 30, 2024

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2024/07/29/disney-attorney-roy-payne-fishback-dominick.html?cx_testId=40&cx_testVariant=cx_11&cx_artPos=1#cxrecs_s or for those who can't see past the paywall: The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's supervisor board voted July 24 to bring on attorney Roy Payne as in-house counsel. Until now, the entity that governs Walt Disney World property in Orlando had Fishback Dominick law firm on retainer. Stephanie Kopelousos, district administrator since March, said the district needs someone who can provide consistent, on-site legal guidance, which external counsel cannot always offer. Board members echoed the sentiment that having an in-house counsel like Payne would ensure the district's legal needs are met more effectively. “When I came in, I thought it was important for our team to have someone here day to day,” she said. Before introducing Payne, Kopelousos said she had conducted a search with help from Craig Mateer, the most recent addition to the board. Payne, who until now was chief assistant city attorney for Orlando, got the job in part due to his 33 years as a lawyer for local government. "The district, as you know, is a very unique animal,” Payne said. “It's a special kind of organization ... The learning curve is a little more than I was expecting because things are done quite differently here than in your typical municipal corporation or county, but it's been refreshing to be a part of this." The district’s latest approach to legal counsel is not a reflection on the quality of services provided by Winter Park-based Fishback Dominick, said Vice Chair Charbel Barakat. Crediting attorneys Kurt Ardaman and Daniel Langley of Fishback — who attended the board meeting — for putting the puzzle pieces of the district in place, he said, "You all have helped us build policies and procedures that have made this a best-in-practice, best-in-breed government going forward. We're going to continue to build on that work and the foundation you all have built." The district's board members were appointed last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace the Reedy Creek Improvement District special government as part of a year-long feud between the governor and Disney. Board members said Ardaman and Langley will help transition the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District from outside special counsel to in-house general counsel, particularly concerning ethical and conflict-of-interest issues. Payne said he already has a prior relationship with Fishback Dominick, having worked with the firm on cases during his tenure with Orlando.

JoeCamelJul 30, 2024

Gee I haven't checked my Net Promoter Score lately.......

Nubs70Jul 30, 2024

While a little buzz wordyish.... KPI's are at least measurable.

Nubs70Jul 30, 2024

You either have one or have been victimized by one that does.

mktJul 30, 2024

Unfortunately, I am currently bandwidth-constrained and unable to allocate resources to this task. Let's touch base later to reassess priorities. Understood. We'll ensure our communication is both robust and paradigm-shifting to adhere to best practices and maintain a gold standard. Indeed, they're strategically right-sizing to optimize individual cast member potential, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency and maximizing ROI.