Will Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' takeover of the taxing district that governs the area where the Walt Disney World Resort sits have a long-term impact on Disney's presence in Orlando?
It's too soon to tell. And while exactly how much control the new board will exert over potential expansion plans is unknown, most believe guests' theme park experiences will remain unchanged.
Late last month, DeSantis signed a bill giving him control over the former Reedy Creek Improvement District. Reedy Creek was created in 1967, and provides public services to Disney World, ranging from fire protection to wastewater services.
The bill renamed Reedy Creek the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and it requires DeSantis to appoint a board to oversee the district, which he has done.
DeSantis initially made moves against Disney last year after the company voiced its opposition to the state's so-called Don't Say Gay law; DeSantis in turn accused Disney of being a "woke" corporation and took action to dissolve Reedy Creek.
Advisor concerns 'minimal'
Travel advisors are closely watching the situation in Florida, but concerns currently are "minimal."
"I'm always concerned when there is a storm with local government where the destinations are located, but, this time, I have very minimal concerns," said Adam Duckworth, founder of Travelmation in Fort Lauderdale. "Both Walt Disney World and the state of Florida rely heavily on tourism, and it is in the best interest of both parties to provide the best and most amazing guest experience.
"My concerns are minimal at best on this one," Duckworth added.
Greg Antonelle, who owns Windermere, Fla.-based MickeyTravels with his wife, Elyssa, said, "We won't know for a while just how dramatic the impact is."
Before DeSantis took control of the board, Disney cleared the way for several new projects, Antonelle said, including expanding a two-lane road into a four-lane road and giving itself leeway to build another theme park and two smaller expansions, like waterparks.
"What we don't know yet is how many problems the new board causes just to stir up trouble and get headlines," Antonelle said. "Its focus during the first meeting was on reassuring impacted civic employees like firefighters. Realistically, the board would have to try extremely hard to disrupt Disney in a tangible way. Will they do that? It's still early to say."
Disney Parks chairman reassures employees, guests
In an interview with the Orlando Business Journal, Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, this week said Disney's focus remains on taking care of employees and guests. He also noted the company is well versed in working with governments around the world with regard to its theme parks.
"If that new board understands the value that gets created here and how it positively impacts the Central Florida community, I think they will be aligned with our vision and will carry on the Reedy Creek soul that's been in place," D'Amaro told the Orlando Business Journal.
Expansion could be affected
Dennis Speigel, president and founder of theme park consulting firm International Theme Park Services, said Disney's day-to-day operations in the short term will not be affected.
"Where I think it could have an impact on Disney's future approach is on the expansion side of their business, on their development, their future, 25, 50 years down the road," he said.
However, Speigel said he believed the guest experience at Disney will remain untouched.
He also pointed out the importance of Disney to tourism in Central Florida.
"We were orange groves and alligator farms until Disney came to Florida, and it changed the entire composition and complexion of Florida, definitely, over time," he said. "The only thing that was there were really some roadside-type attractions and [botanical garden and theme park] Cypress Gardens. Disney was certainly the launch pad in the grandest way to create what Florida has become, particularly in Central Florida with Orlando and all of the leisure attractions.
"Without them, it wouldn't be there, and it would be a different ballgame totally without Disney," he said.