Future Disney World Attractions & Expansions Could Be Shelved Due to DeSantis’ Hostile Florida

    What’s beyond big thunder mountain at Magic Kingdom? Does Zootopia belong in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Is the PLAY! Pavilion coming to EPCOT? Will Disney bring Marvel into Disney’s Hollywood Studios? These are the types of questions that Disney fans love to discuss and debate, but there is another question looming that might make all the other questions pointless. Will Disney invest in a hostile Florida?

    It’s been covered extensively, but back in March 2022, The Walt Disney Company took a stand against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The protected First Amendment free speech was a step too far for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and what resulted was a “targeted campaign of government retaliation”, according to a federal lawsuit by Disney against DeSantis, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board of Supervisors, and others. An 89-word statement would trigger months of Republican backlash against The Walt Disney Company, and action from the Florida Legislature to assist with a DeSantis takeover of the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID).

    There are two court cases that could change the future of Walt Disney World. At the heart of the matter is a Development Agreement between CFTOD and Disney that grants Disney wide-ranging rights to the District and Disney properties over the next 30 years. In one court case, Disney World is suing DeSantis and others, asking a federal court to not only find the Development Agreement valid but to undo actions by DeSantis and his rubber-stamp legislature that allowed for the State takeover of RCID. In a separate lawsuit in State court, the District is suing Disney World and asking the court to find that the Development Agreement is null and void. Complicating matters is recently signed legislation that effectively nullifies the Development Agreement. Disney has tacked on the legislation to its original lawsuit as another State action that Disney hopes the court will overturn.

    Now, recent comments from Disney CEO Bob Iger call into question just how much The Walt Disney Company wants to invest in Florida going forward. The comments came during the 2023 Q2 earnings call yesterday. At the end of a long answer to a question about the ongoing battle with DeSantis, Iger said the following:

    …and as I mentioned on our shareholder call we have a huge opportunity to continue to invest in Florida. I noted that our plans are to invest $17 billion over the next 10 years, which is what the state should want us to do. We operate responsibly. We pay our fair share of taxes. We employ thousands of people and by the way we pay them above the minimum wage – substantially above the minimum wage dictated by the state of Florida. We also provide them with great benefits and free education so I’m gonna finish what is obviously kind of a long answer by asking one question. Does the state want us to invest more, employ more people and pay more taxes or not?
    Bob Iger, Disney CEO

    In terms of officially announced projects, there are only a couple on the radar, but Blue Sky concepts presented by Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro at the September 2022 D23 Expo might collect some pixie dust as they sit on a shelf while the actual dust settles in Florida. Plans such as the Beyond Big Thunder Mountain project that aimed to bring Coco, Encanto, and a Villains-themed area to Magic Kindom might be further delayed. A Moana-themed reimagination of DinoLand USA was essentially a lock to be green-lit at the upcoming Destination D23 event this fall, but recent actions by the Governor and CFTOD Board of Supervisors may make Disney reconsider, at least in the short term.

    Beyond Big Thunder Mountain project early concept art

    It’s probably important to remember that Disney World has been around for more than 50 years, and there is nothing to suggest that they won’t be around for another 50 years, at least. Iger noted that Disney’s “primary goal has always been to be able to continue to do exactly what we have been doing there, which is investing in Florida”.

    As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!

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    7 COMMENTS

    1. Not likely. IF they announced that Disney’s stock would plummet even more as it would devalue the literally 10’s of billions of dollars they put into Florida, for what is literally a short term squabble. In 5 years when the new projects are finished finally, this will be long forgotten. It’s like the child that threatens to run away from home to get attention, not going to happen and if they start to, to prove they are hard headed and serious, when they see how much they are going to lose they change their mind quickly.

      Not going to happen.

    2. Somebody arrest DeSantis or else, because he can’t keep doing this BS anymore, let WDW get more

    3. Go on Disney, brave for you. Keep on doing what you do exceptionally very well. In a world of so many problems, at least there is one place where you can relax and enjoy and be happy again. Don’t let this one guy, DeSantis, change your plans of investment and expansion. He’s just a clown who wants to use this fight to create political advantage for his presidential campaign.
      We all know that, and we also know he will loose this fight and the presidency as well. So, keep it up Disney and go on, we are all with you. VOTE NO FOR DESANTIS

    4. Time to cut Bob Iger’s head to size. Such arrogance and disrespect to the government of Florida. This is what happens when you give and entity so much power. It gets drunk and thinks of itself as the boss. CUT DISNEY TO SIZE AND SHUTDOWN THAT IRREVERENT MOUSE!

      • An 89 word statement more than a year ago is hardly getting into politics. Wasting millions of dollars to hurt local businesses is bad politics and terrible governing. Dont worry though, the government is here to help, his name is desantis, and we should all be terrified. He is not conservative, thats for sure.

    5. Disney sucks they are but hurt because they messed with a single man that can pull Disney’s power to do what they want and close Disney World.

    Comments are closed.

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