Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle issues statement on Florida's efforts to restructure Reedy Creek Improvement District

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Posted: Monday February 6, 2023 4:03pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle has issued a brief statement this afternoon following the state of Florida's latest moves to restructure the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle

"We are monitoring the progression of the draft legislation, which is complex given the long history of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year."
Jeff Vahle, President, Walt Disney World Resort

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has previously said that the legislation will result in Reedy Creek board members being appointed by the Florida Governor and Disney paying upwards of $700 million in Reedy Creek debt.

The action by DeSantis comes in retaliation to Disney's public opposition to the parental rights law, which took place under the ex-CEO Bob Chapek.

Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Ron DeSantis clashed over Disney's opposition to the new law

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peter114358 hours ago

No. But it’s the start of the process

MR.Dis8 hours ago

Does this mean a new agreement has been reached with Disney? I am trying to read between the lines on just what this is saying.

flyakite10 hours ago

castlecake2.013 days ago

Yes

Stripes13 days ago

Has Disney/CFTOD continued to replace the purple direction signage with the new blue color scheme since CFTOD took over?

mkt13 days ago

You're right. The new document will be different. It will be "different" in the way that Chris Gaines was "different" from Garth Brooks or how the drummer from Nirvana is "different" from the singer of the Foo Fighters.

Unbanshee13 days ago

Both are effectively picked by the Governor, just not technically. Look no further than the communications "strategy" with the replacement of Gilzean of the Governor's office getting out ahead of every single step of the process

lazyboy97o13 days ago

The settlement acknowledged the “need” to change the comprehensive plan, which undermines this idea. So too does the lack of an agreement, as the 2032 Comprehensive Plan wasn’t that different than the again in force 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

Brian13 days ago

That's understandable for sure. I just felt inclined to make the distinction due to the ongoing conversation, as the district administrator is selected by the board, while the board is selected by the governor.

mkt13 days ago

The new agreement will be functionally the same as the one Disney was sued over.

pdude8113 days ago

You're right. This has been going on so long I just lumped all the antagonists together.

Brian13 days ago

Not to nitpick, but Gilzean was district administrator, not a board member.

pdude8113 days ago

A bigger risk than keeping Garcia and Gilzean on the board as active disruptors? I don't agree with their decision to stall the federal lawsuit, but I understand why they saw the status quo as a risk to growth over the next few years.