Disney appear to have shafted new Central Florida Tourism District, with help from King Charles!

It has become apparent today that the new Central Florida Tourism District's board are none too happy with Walt Disney World right now.

Why you may ask? Well, news has emerged that in the final days of Disney having control over the Reedy Creek improvement District’s board before Florida Gov. Ron Desantis forced the company to relinquish control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, Disney executives and their attorneys were determined to stave off any inflicting damage from the new DeSantis appointed Central Florida Tourism District and his power grab for control of Disney's long time self governing district.

Back in February when Gov. DeSantis signed HB9, the bill that effectively gave power to his self appointed board, he announced “Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end.”

Fat forward to today, and it appears that the corporate kingdom still has its magic, and has managed to find a way to strip the authority of the incoming new board!

On February. 8, 2023, as the Florida House was passing legislation to give DeSantis his new power, Reedy Creek’s board members signed a development agreement with Disney that allowed the company maximum developmental power over its territory for the next 30 years.

According to the new board members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight board, and their attorneys, Disney is allowed the maximum possible density and building heights inside Walt Disney World.

Other property owners will need Disney’s permission to expand within the district, and they and Reedy Creek leaders will need to seek Disney’s approval if they made any aesthetic changes to their properties within the district.

The district is also not allowed to permit advertisements of any companies that compete with ones that operate within Reedy Creek, board members said. “We lose control over everything other than to maintain the roads and maintain the infrastructure,” one board member said.

It appears that board members only discovered the agreement after their appointments!

Both they and their newly appointed attorneys called the agreement null and void.

Particular focus was paid to one section that board members said locked in development rights of a particular parcel until 21 years after the death of the youngest current descendant of King Charles, or until Disney abandons the resort.

Board members have hired multiple politically-connected law firms to represent them and analyze the agreement, and discussed bringing on as many as four different firms to battle the mighty Disney corporation as they desperately attempt to nullify the agreement.

The new board are claiming that they will take the case to the United States Supreme Court if necessary, although backtracking on this, some board members said they hoped Disney executives and attorneys would be willing to reach a compromise before any legal action was taken...

Disney have since issued a statement:

“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.”

From this statement is looks like Disney will fight this all the way, and a battle in the courts seem to be inevitable, but for sure Disney appear to have found a way to shaft Gov. Desantis and his newly appointed board, so for now the corporate kingdom has NOT come to an end!

As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida

You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more.

Please note:

Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.