Are conservatives boycotting Disney now?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:No one is boycotting Disney. Disney has a huge socially conservative clientele, here and abroad, you can bet they're going to cater to it, while virtue signaling to try and keep their more progressive employees reasonably compliant. It's a struggle between progressive Hollywood, and paying customers. Disney management is used to threading a fine line between the two. It's done so for decades. The previous CEO was more progressive than usual, so that's why there's now a little reframing going on with this CEO, who doesn't want to stick his neck out quite as much. It will blow over.

How interesting that you think Disney is “catering” to conservatives but “virtue signaling” to progressives. I don’t see it.

PP you replied to. Because it is. I don't care either way, just so you know. But you should all realize that Disney is never going to be a progressive company. Most of its customers are socially conservative. So that's what Disney is going to sell, with a sprinkling of counter-examples it can point to when it's accused of not being woke enough.

There is NO WAY DeSantis is actually going to move against Disney long term - he would damage his own state's tourism.

It also might be that this was simply a bridge too far for Disney, despite its conservative leanings.

See, I actually think that DeSantis is that stupid. Time will tell I guess!

Disney movies/shows are starting to introduce gay characters. This is going to blow Desantis' and the uber conservatives' collective minds.

https://nypost.com/2022/03/30/disney-executive-wants-more-lgbtqia-minority-character/

Sorry, but I don’t want my kids seeing gay kisses in Disney movies.

Sorry, but your preferences don’t get to dictate the stories that Disney tells. If you’re that concerned, prescreen everything so you can be warned and know when to clap your hands over your children’s eyes so they are not irredeemably corrupted by seeing a G rated gay kiss.

What about the “gays” in Miami? They could kiss each other on the beach in front of kids! When will DeSantis start to arrest gays in Florida? It’s the next step. You know DeSantis wants to go after the blacks and jews next.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No one is boycotting Disney. Disney has a huge socially conservative clientele, here and abroad, you can bet they're going to cater to it, while virtue signaling to try and keep their more progressive employees reasonably compliant. It's a struggle between progressive Hollywood, and paying customers. Disney management is used to threading a fine line between the two. It's done so for decades. The previous CEO was more progressive than usual, so that's why there's now a little reframing going on with this CEO, who doesn't want to stick his neck out quite as much. It will blow over.

How interesting that you think Disney is “catering” to conservatives but “virtue signaling” to progressives. I don’t see it.

PP you replied to. Because it is. I don't care either way, just so you know. But you should all realize that Disney is never going to be a progressive company. Most of its customers are socially conservative. So that's what Disney is going to sell, with a sprinkling of counter-examples it can point to when it's accused of not being woke enough.

There is NO WAY DeSantis is actually going to move against Disney long term - he would damage his own state's tourism.

It also might be that this was simply a bridge too far for Disney, despite its conservative leanings.

See, I actually think that DeSantis is that stupid. Time will tell I guess!

Disney movies/shows are starting to introduce gay characters. This is going to blow Desantis' and the uber conservatives' collective minds.

https://nypost.com/2022/03/30/disney-executive-wants-more-lgbtqia-minority-character/

Sorry, but I don’t want my kids seeing gay kisses in Disney movies.

Why is that? Do you feel the same way about hetero kisses?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How many people are actually boycotting Disney? I suspect the number is relatively small.

Why aren’t you seeing how Disney stock is plummeting? Wake up.

[Anonymous]

58 million people annual! Disney needs to start throwing its weight around. Go hard after DeSantis.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Yes they’re starting to boycott. I am on some Disney groups and they’re not explicitly saying they are, because of group rules, but it’s political.


Also, I didn’t know they were tax exempt!

Disney isn’t tax exempt.

(The second) 10:37 here And I didn’t think they were which is why I was surprised when OP said they were. Either way, in my Disney groups there are people who are boycotting/not patronizing Disney. That’s fine, it’s completely their right. The same way some people don’t patronize Chick-fil-A. Less crowds is always better!

OP is confused. When Disney World was being planned, Walt Disney made an agreement with Florida to essentially create his own jurisdiction, called Reedy Creek Improvement District. In doing so, he was able to do things like build new rides, hotels, etc. without having to get everything approved by Orange and Osceola County Boards (the two counties in which Disney World is located). In return, Walt Disney Company provides for its own trash collection, fire protection, road maintenance, etc.

This doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t pay taxes. Of course they do. Having their own improvement district just means they take on the cost of running things within that district, in return for more efficient operations (since they don’t need to go through local approval processes for new buildings).

DeSantis wants to revoke Reedy Creek Improvement District, which will actually raise the cost for local Florida residents of having Disney World there, since they’ll have to pay for all of those services. The counties will also have to deal with approving new rides, hotels, etc. It’s a terrible deal for Florida.

OP here and yes sorry, I was confused! Thank you for the detailed explanation!

And yeah, I’m really tempted to just pull out of this but I’m letting DH deal with his family. At least early on it sounded like this trip was important to his parents, who are getting older and likely won’t be up for it for much longer, so the whole 180 is just bizarre.

PP here — no worries. It’s a really idiosyncratic arrangement that Disney figured out for itself (but one that makes a huge amount of sense for a corporation with a ton of money and a desire for maximum control over its operations).

When they started building the park the local government was not capable of providing the services.

I would argue the local government is still not capable of providing the services, and they will certainly be at a worse level than what Disney provides for itself now - and very expensive for taxpayers. Seems like a great way to s***w everyone here.

I struggle to see what the end game is here for these maroon Republicans. What do they think happens after Disney loses its private government? Is this just a horse head in the bed for other corporations?

If Republicans stop providing corporate handouts, I, as a democrat, would be thrilled.

Also, did you really star out "screw." Seriously? Your definition of profanity is . . . aggressive.

[Anonymous]

From yesterday's Washington Post:

Republican sponsors of the legislation couldn’t answer questions Tuesday about whether the measure would leave local governments responsible for billions of dollars in infrastructure and other responsibilities in the district that Disney now pays for on its own.

The creation of Disney World helped launch the thriving Central Florida theme park industry, which draws an estimated 70 million tourists a year. About 20 million people visit Disney World annually, making it the most-visited theme park in the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Yes they’re starting to boycott. I am on some Disney groups and they’re not explicitly saying they are, because of group rules, but it’s political.


Also, I didn’t know they were tax exempt!

Disney isn’t tax exempt.

(The second) 10:37 here And I didn’t think they were which is why I was surprised when OP said they were. Either way, in my Disney groups there are people who are boycotting/not patronizing Disney. That’s fine, it’s completely their right. The same way some people don’t patronize Chick-fil-A. Less crowds is always better!

OP is confused. When Disney World was being planned, Walt Disney made an agreement with Florida to essentially create his own jurisdiction, called Reedy Creek Improvement District. In doing so, he was able to do things like build new rides, hotels, etc. without having to get everything approved by Orange and Osceola County Boards (the two counties in which Disney World is located). In return, Walt Disney Company provides for its own trash collection, fire protection, road maintenance, etc.

This doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t pay taxes. Of course they do. Having their own improvement district just means they take on the cost of running things within that district, in return for more efficient operations (since they don’t need to go through local approval processes for new buildings).

DeSantis wants to revoke Reedy Creek Improvement District, which will actually raise the cost for local Florida residents of having Disney World there, since they’ll have to pay for all of those services. The counties will also have to deal with approving new rides, hotels, etc. It’s a terrible deal for Florida.

OP here and yes sorry, I was confused! Thank you for the detailed explanation!

And yeah, I’m really tempted to just pull out of this but I’m letting DH deal with his family. At least early on it sounded like this trip was important to his parents, who are getting older and likely won’t be up for it for much longer, so the whole 180 is just bizarre.

PP here — no worries. It’s a really idiosyncratic arrangement that Disney figured out for itself (but one that makes a huge amount of sense for a corporation with a ton of money and a desire for maximum control over its operations).

When they started building the park the local government was not capable of providing the services.

I would argue the local government is still not capable of providing the services, and they will certainly be at a worse level than what Disney provides for itself now - and very expensive for taxpayers. Seems like a great way to s***w everyone here.

I struggle to see what the end game is here for these maroon Republicans. What do they think happens after Disney loses its private government? Is this just a horse head in the bed for other corporations?

If Republicans stop providing corporate handouts, I, as a democrat, would be thrilled.

Also, did you really star out "screw." Seriously? Your definition of profanity is . . . aggressive.

How is the existence of Reedy Creek Improvement District a corporate handout? Please explain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes they’re starting to boycott. I am on some Disney groups and they’re not explicitly saying they are, because of group rules, but it’s political.


Also, I didn’t know they were tax exempt!

Disney isn’t tax exempt.

(The second) 10:37 here And I didn’t think they were which is why I was surprised when OP said they were. Either way, in my Disney groups there are people who are boycotting/not patronizing Disney. That’s fine, it’s completely their right. The same way some people don’t patronize Chick-fil-A. Less crowds is always better!

OP is confused. When Disney World was being planned, Walt Disney made an agreement with Florida to essentially create his own jurisdiction, called Reedy Creek Improvement District. In doing so, he was able to do things like build new rides, hotels, etc. without having to get everything approved by Orange and Osceola County Boards (the two counties in which Disney World is located). In return, Walt Disney Company provides for its own trash collection, fire protection, road maintenance, etc.

This doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t pay taxes. Of course they do. Having their own improvement district just means they take on the cost of running things within that district, in return for more efficient operations (since they don’t need to go through local approval processes for new buildings).

DeSantis wants to revoke Reedy Creek Improvement District, which will actually raise the cost for local Florida residents of having Disney World there, since they’ll have to pay for all of those services. The counties will also have to deal with approving new rides, hotels, etc. It’s a terrible deal for Florida.

OP here and yes sorry, I was confused! Thank you for the detailed explanation!

And yeah, I’m really tempted to just pull out of this but I’m letting DH deal with his family. At least early on it sounded like this trip was important to his parents, who are getting older and likely won’t be up for it for much longer, so the whole 180 is just bizarre.

PP here — no worries. It’s a really idiosyncratic arrangement that Disney figured out for itself (but one that makes a huge amount of sense for a corporation with a ton of money and a desire for maximum control over its operations).

When they started building the park the local government was not capable of providing the services.

I would argue the local government is still not capable of providing the services, and they will certainly be at a worse level than what Disney provides for itself now - and very expensive for taxpayers. Seems like a great way to s***w everyone here.

I struggle to see what the end game is here for these maroon Republicans. What do they think happens after Disney loses its private government? Is this just a horse head in the bed for other corporations?

If Republicans stop providing corporate handouts, I, as a democrat, would be thrilled.

Also, did you really star out "screw." Seriously? Your definition of profanity is . . . aggressive.

It's not remotely a corporate handout. You really misunderstand the situation if you think that's what this is.

And yes I starred it out - Jeff's google ads monitor has an expansive definition of profanity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How many people are actually boycotting Disney? I suspect the number is relatively small.

Why aren’t you seeing how Disney stock is plummeting? Wake up.

Lol. You really think that’s because of the MAGA morons screaming to cancel Disney?

Disney is going to be just fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes they’re starting to boycott. I am on some Disney groups and they’re not explicitly saying they are, because of group rules, but it’s political.


Also, I didn’t know they were tax exempt!

Disney isn’t tax exempt.

(The second) 10:37 here And I didn’t think they were which is why I was surprised when OP said they were. Either way, in my Disney groups there are people who are boycotting/not patronizing Disney. That’s fine, it’s completely their right. The same way some people don’t patronize Chick-fil-A. Less crowds is always better!

OP is confused. When Disney World was being planned, Walt Disney made an agreement with Florida to essentially create his own jurisdiction, called Reedy Creek Improvement District. In doing so, he was able to do things like build new rides, hotels, etc. without having to get everything approved by Orange and Osceola County Boards (the two counties in which Disney World is located). In return, Walt Disney Company provides for its own trash collection, fire protection, road maintenance, etc.

This doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t pay taxes. Of course they do. Having their own improvement district just means they take on the cost of running things within that district, in return for more efficient operations (since they don’t need to go through local approval processes for new buildings).

DeSantis wants to revoke Reedy Creek Improvement District, which will actually raise the cost for local Florida residents of having Disney World there, since they’ll have to pay for all of those services. The counties will also have to deal with approving new rides, hotels, etc. It’s a terrible deal for Florida.

OP here and yes sorry, I was confused! Thank you for the detailed explanation!

And yeah, I’m really tempted to just pull out of this but I’m letting DH deal with his family. At least early on it sounded like this trip was important to his parents, who are getting older and likely won’t be up for it for much longer, so the whole 180 is just bizarre.

PP here — no worries. It’s a really idiosyncratic arrangement that Disney figured out for itself (but one that makes a huge amount of sense for a corporation with a ton of money and a desire for maximum control over its operations).

When they started building the park the local government was not capable of providing the services.

I would argue the local government is still not capable of providing the services, and they will certainly be at a worse level than what Disney provides for itself now - and very expensive for taxpayers. Seems like a great way to s***w everyone here.

I struggle to see what the end game is here for these maroon Republicans. What do they think happens after Disney loses its private government? Is this just a horse head in the bed for other corporations?

The republicans want a government like Russia has. I am sure republicans in Florida have their hands out excepting Disney to paid them off or they want Disney to shut down so one of their friends can buy it on the cheap. It’s always some type of grift with the republicans.

It would be devastating to the state if Disney decided to leave - not that they even could. That's why I am having a hard time seeing where exactly this goes.

Seeing that 1,000 people a day are moving to Florida, it’d actually be great if they left.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes they’re starting to boycott. I am on some Disney groups and they’re not explicitly saying they are, because of group rules, but it’s political.


Also, I didn’t know they were tax exempt!

Disney isn’t tax exempt.

(The second) 10:37 here And I didn’t think they were which is why I was surprised when OP said they were. Either way, in my Disney groups there are people who are boycotting/not patronizing Disney. That’s fine, it’s completely their right. The same way some people don’t patronize Chick-fil-A. Less crowds is always better!

OP is confused. When Disney World was being planned, Walt Disney made an agreement with Florida to essentially create his own jurisdiction, called Reedy Creek Improvement District. In doing so, he was able to do things like build new rides, hotels, etc. without having to get everything approved by Orange and Osceola County Boards (the two counties in which Disney World is located). In return, Walt Disney Company provides for its own trash collection, fire protection, road maintenance, etc.

This doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t pay taxes. Of course they do. Having their own improvement district just means they take on the cost of running things within that district, in return for more efficient operations (since they don’t need to go through local approval processes for new buildings).

DeSantis wants to revoke Reedy Creek Improvement District, which will actually raise the cost for local Florida residents of having Disney World there, since they’ll have to pay for all of those services. The counties will also have to deal with approving new rides, hotels, etc. It’s a terrible deal for Florida.

OP here and yes sorry, I was confused! Thank you for the detailed explanation!

And yeah, I’m really tempted to just pull out of this but I’m letting DH deal with his family. At least early on it sounded like this trip was important to his parents, who are getting older and likely won’t be up for it for much longer, so the whole 180 is just bizarre.

PP here — no worries. It’s a really idiosyncratic arrangement that Disney figured out for itself (but one that makes a huge amount of sense for a corporation with a ton of money and a desire for maximum control over its operations).

When they started building the park the local government was not capable of providing the services.

I would argue the local government is still not capable of providing the services, and they will certainly be at a worse level than what Disney provides for itself now - and very expensive for taxpayers. Seems like a great way to s***w everyone here.

I struggle to see what the end game is here for these maroon Republicans. What do they think happens after Disney loses its private government? Is this just a horse head in the bed for other corporations?

The republicans want a government like Russia has. I am sure republicans in Florida have their hands out excepting Disney to paid them off or they want Disney to shut down so one of their friends can buy it on the cheap. It’s always some type of grift with the republicans.

It would be devastating to the state if Disney decided to leave - not that they even could. That's why I am having a hard time seeing where exactly this goes.

Seeing that 1,000 people a day are moving to Florida, it’d actually be great if they left.

How would it be great if Disney exited Florida?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes they’re starting to boycott. I am on some Disney groups and they’re not explicitly saying they are, because of group rules, but it’s political.


Also, I didn’t know they were tax exempt!

Disney isn’t tax exempt.

(The second) 10:37 here And I didn’t think they were which is why I was surprised when OP said they were. Either way, in my Disney groups there are people who are boycotting/not patronizing Disney. That’s fine, it’s completely their right. The same way some people don’t patronize Chick-fil-A. Less crowds is always better!

OP is confused. When Disney World was being planned, Walt Disney made an agreement with Florida to essentially create his own jurisdiction, called Reedy Creek Improvement District. In doing so, he was able to do things like build new rides, hotels, etc. without having to get everything approved by Orange and Osceola County Boards (the two counties in which Disney World is located). In return, Walt Disney Company provides for its own trash collection, fire protection, road maintenance, etc.

This doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t pay taxes. Of course they do. Having their own improvement district just means they take on the cost of running things within that district, in return for more efficient operations (since they don’t need to go through local approval processes for new buildings).

DeSantis wants to revoke Reedy Creek Improvement District, which will actually raise the cost for local Florida residents of having Disney World there, since they’ll have to pay for all of those services. The counties will also have to deal with approving new rides, hotels, etc. It’s a terrible deal for Florida.

OP here and yes sorry, I was confused! Thank you for the detailed explanation!

And yeah, I’m really tempted to just pull out of this but I’m letting DH deal with his family. At least early on it sounded like this trip was important to his parents, who are getting older and likely won’t be up for it for much longer, so the whole 180 is just bizarre.

PP here — no worries. It’s a really idiosyncratic arrangement that Disney figured out for itself (but one that makes a huge amount of sense for a corporation with a ton of money and a desire for maximum control over its operations).

When they started building the park the local government was not capable of providing the services.

I would argue the local government is still not capable of providing the services, and they will certainly be at a worse level than what Disney provides for itself now - and very expensive for taxpayers. Seems like a great way to s***w everyone here.

I struggle to see what the end game is here for these maroon Republicans. What do they think happens after Disney loses its private government? Is this just a horse head in the bed for other corporations?

The republicans want a government like Russia has. I am sure republicans in Florida have their hands out excepting Disney to paid them off or they want Disney to shut down so one of their friends can buy it on the cheap. It’s always some type of grift with the republicans.

It would be devastating to the state if Disney decided to leave - not that they even could. That's why I am having a hard time seeing where exactly this goes.

Seeing that 1,000 people a day are moving to Florida, it’d actually be great if they left.

No, it wouldn't. It would be devastating. I don't think you understand how employers, attractions, or taxes work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes they’re starting to boycott. I am on some Disney groups and they’re not explicitly saying they are, because of group rules, but it’s political.


Also, I didn’t know they were tax exempt!

Disney isn’t tax exempt.

(The second) 10:37 here And I didn’t think they were which is why I was surprised when OP said they were. Either way, in my Disney groups there are people who are boycotting/not patronizing Disney. That’s fine, it’s completely their right. The same way some people don’t patronize Chick-fil-A. Less crowds is always better!

OP is confused. When Disney World was being planned, Walt Disney made an agreement with Florida to essentially create his own jurisdiction, called Reedy Creek Improvement District. In doing so, he was able to do things like build new rides, hotels, etc. without having to get everything approved by Orange and Osceola County Boards (the two counties in which Disney World is located). In return, Walt Disney Company provides for its own trash collection, fire protection, road maintenance, etc.

This doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t pay taxes. Of course they do. Having their own improvement district just means they take on the cost of running things within that district, in return for more efficient operations (since they don’t need to go through local approval processes for new buildings).

DeSantis wants to revoke Reedy Creek Improvement District, which will actually raise the cost for local Florida residents of having Disney World there, since they’ll have to pay for all of those services. The counties will also have to deal with approving new rides, hotels, etc. It’s a terrible deal for Florida.

OP here and yes sorry, I was confused! Thank you for the detailed explanation!

And yeah, I’m really tempted to just pull out of this but I’m letting DH deal with his family. At least early on it sounded like this trip was important to his parents, who are getting older and likely won’t be up for it for much longer, so the whole 180 is just bizarre.

PP here — no worries. It’s a really idiosyncratic arrangement that Disney figured out for itself (but one that makes a huge amount of sense for a corporation with a ton of money and a desire for maximum control over its operations).

When they started building the park the local government was not capable of providing the services.

I would argue the local government is still not capable of providing the services, and they will certainly be at a worse level than what Disney provides for itself now - and very expensive for taxpayers. Seems like a great way to s***w everyone here.

I struggle to see what the end game is here for these maroon Republicans. What do they think happens after Disney loses its private government? Is this just a horse head in the bed for other corporations?

If Republicans stop providing corporate handouts, I, as a democrat, would be thrilled.

Also, did you really star out "screw." Seriously? Your definition of profanity is . . . aggressive.

It's not remotely a corporate handout. You really misunderstand the situation if you think that's what this is.

And yes I starred it out - Jeff's google ads monitor has an expansive definition of profanity.

Of course it is. Perhaps not in the traditional tax break sense, but do you really think the company would have requested it, and that it would have been maintained for so many years, if it wasn't in Disney's interests to keep it?

Disney benefits enormously from not having to comply with the same local regulations that other businesses do. If you don't think this is the way Disney prefers it, and that this arrangement actually burdens Disney, I'm not the one who has misunderstood.

Or do you think this is some scheme dreamed up by Disney, with Desantis's unwitting participation, to rid itself of the dreaded improvement district?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes they’re starting to boycott. I am on some Disney groups and they’re not explicitly saying they are, because of group rules, but it’s political.


Also, I didn’t know they were tax exempt!

Disney isn’t tax exempt.

(The second) 10:37 here And I didn’t think they were which is why I was surprised when OP said they were. Either way, in my Disney groups there are people who are boycotting/not patronizing Disney. That’s fine, it’s completely their right. The same way some people don’t patronize Chick-fil-A. Less crowds is always better!

OP is confused. When Disney World was being planned, Walt Disney made an agreement with Florida to essentially create his own jurisdiction, called Reedy Creek Improvement District. In doing so, he was able to do things like build new rides, hotels, etc. without having to get everything approved by Orange and Osceola County Boards (the two counties in which Disney World is located). In return, Walt Disney Company provides for its own trash collection, fire protection, road maintenance, etc.

This doesn’t mean Disney doesn’t pay taxes. Of course they do. Having their own improvement district just means they take on the cost of running things within that district, in return for more efficient operations (since they don’t need to go through local approval processes for new buildings).

DeSantis wants to revoke Reedy Creek Improvement District, which will actually raise the cost for local Florida residents of having Disney World there, since they’ll have to pay for all of those services. The counties will also have to deal with approving new rides, hotels, etc. It’s a terrible deal for Florida.

OP here and yes sorry, I was confused! Thank you for the detailed explanation!

And yeah, I’m really tempted to just pull out of this but I’m letting DH deal with his family. At least early on it sounded like this trip was important to his parents, who are getting older and likely won’t be up for it for much longer, so the whole 180 is just bizarre.

PP here — no worries. It’s a really idiosyncratic arrangement that Disney figured out for itself (but one that makes a huge amount of sense for a corporation with a ton of money and a desire for maximum control over its operations).

When they started building the park the local government was not capable of providing the services.

I would argue the local government is still not capable of providing the services, and they will certainly be at a worse level than what Disney provides for itself now - and very expensive for taxpayers. Seems like a great way to s***w everyone here.

I struggle to see what the end game is here for these maroon Republicans. What do they think happens after Disney loses its private government? Is this just a horse head in the bed for other corporations?

If Republicans stop providing corporate handouts, I, as a democrat, would be thrilled.

Also, did you really star out "screw." Seriously? Your definition of profanity is . . . aggressive.

It's not remotely a corporate handout. You really misunderstand the situation if you think that's what this is.

And yes I starred it out - Jeff's google ads monitor has an expansive definition of profanity.

Of course it is. Perhaps not in the traditional tax break sense, but do you really think the company would have requested it, and that it would have been maintained for so many years, if it wasn't in Disney's interests to keep it?

Disney benefits enormously from not having to comply with the same local regulations that other businesses do. If you don't think this is the way Disney prefers it, and that this arrangement actually burdens Disney, I'm not the one who has misunderstood.

Or do you think this is some scheme dreamed up by Disney, with Desantis's unwitting participation, to rid itself of the dreaded improvement district?

Disney benefits from it, but local municipalities do as well. It means they don’t need to pay for providing services in the 43 square miles WDW occupies.

Moreover, when WDW was being planned, Orange and Osceola Counties barely had anything in them. There was an Air Force Base and really nothing else. They didn’t have the resources to provide the infrastructure Walt Disney was planning to build, so he had to create his own improvement district. So it was borne of necessity and has become, of course, a net positive to Disney (otherwise they wouldn’t be continuing it).

But it’s more complicated than simply a corporate handout. Getting rid of it would create significant economic costs to the local governments pretty much immediately.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I and every one of my friends I’ve discussed it with are (none are very political either). I mean - I’m not bothered, it’s Orlando. Stupid place to vacation anyway. But they said some pretty sick s*** so it’s less about “not supporting them” and more about being an actual parent to my kids and keeping them away from groomers.