The battle for control over Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District has seemingly come to an end, but that doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of the ripple effects.
And now, in the wake of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement naming the district’s new board members, one Disney executive has shared some insight.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has named his appointees for the new Reedy Creek Improvement District — now called the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. This is a new responsibility the governor created after signing a bill into law that significantly changes key aspects of how the district operates.
Some have pointed out that DeSantis has named “politically connected Republican allies” to the board (The Orlando Sentinel) and now, a Disney executive has shared his thoughts.
In an interview with the Orlando Business Journal, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro didn’t discuss politics in too much depth, but is sticking with things that are in his control — which doesn’t include “how state leaders feel about the company.”
“We will stay focused on what we have always done. Look at how we run our business. Look at the investments we are making in our business. As long as I can keep providing that, take care of our cast members, the Central Florida community [and] take care of these guests … I’m in good shape. I can only control what I can control,” said D’Amaro.
While declining to really discuss the Reedy Creek debacle, D’Amaro shared that he wants to focus on making sure the Disney parks and Cast Members are in good hands, which includes the new district board’s hands.
D’Amaro stated, “The reality is we work with different people around the world at our different theme parks. So we know how to work with different people. For all those reasons, I have to look at the situation of where we are going — I believe in where we are going — and I hope the board sees the same.”
It’s most likely that D’Amaro is referencing Disney parks in operation around the globe and having to be well-versed in international relations to do so.
“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,” he shared.
“Will there be noise on the outside? Will there be different points of view that we may not like? Sure,” said D’Amaro, also noting that Disney World “still embraces the differences in the world and welcomes all kinds of visitors, regardless of their political backgrounds or other beliefs.”
He continued, “I really believe that, so we are not going to get distracted.”
The new board is set to hold its first meeting on March 8th, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for updates — so stay tuned.
See a COMPLETE Timeline of the Battle Between Disney and DeSantis Here
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The post NEWS: Disney Executive Comments on New Reedy Creek District Board first appeared on the disney food blog.