Following this week's votes in the Florida State House and Senate, the bill to make fundamental changes to the Reedy Creek Improvement District appears to now be a certainty.
Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle has just released a statement that appears to concede defeat and accept that the proposed changes will come into effect.
"For more than 50 years, the Reedy Creek Improvement District has operated at the highest standards, and we appreciate all that the District has done to help our destination grow and become one of the largest economic contributors and employers in the state. We are focused on the future and are ready to work within this new framework, and we will continue to innovate, inspire and bring joy to the millions of guests who come to Florida to visit Walt Disney World each year."
-Jeff Vahle, President, Walt Disney World.
The bill that has passed moves to replace the governing body's board with five members appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In addition, the Reedy Creek Improvement District would be renamed "Central Florida Tourism Oversight District."
The final step for the bill is for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to sign it into law, which at this point would appear to be a certainty.
The creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District in 1967 allowed Disney the luxury of establishing its own independent government that handles many aspects of the Walt Disney World property, including emergency services, infrastructure, and construction permitting.
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