SOURCE: “Disney Knows How To Retaliate. Gov. DeSantis Will Be Blamed For Rising Costs, Discounts Ending.”
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2022 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Disney may terminate the ”Florida Resident Discount” as a response to its battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The termination is not a done deal, but a potential response to DeSantis’ rushed removal of the special tax district known as “Reedy Creek.” BocaNewsNow.com has learned of the potential response from several sources who are connected to the Walt Disney Company, but not authorized to speak about its plans.
Gov. DeSantis on Friday approved the removal of the special tax district that Disney has enjoyed since breaking ground on its parks in Florida in the late 1960s. In the simplest of terms, Disney had permission to self-govern its land — providing its own EMS services, setting its own environmental rules and regulations, and installing its own board of commissioners. While seemingly self-serving, officials in Orange and Osceola Counties, where Disney’s property actually sits, have been largely supportive of the special tax district. It relieved the counties of the need to oversee the massive Disney operation.
But when Disney as a company opposed the Governor’s “Don’t Say Gay” act earlier this year, DeSantis launched a war on the Mouse. Sources close to Disney say “The Mouse” is about to roar.
“If DeSantis is battling Disney which is Florida’s largest employer, and making it feel unwelcomed, just wait to see what Disney is going to do in return. Disney will hit Floridians in the pocketbook, and blame Ron DeSantis every inch of the way.”
The Florida Resident discount provides savings of up to 40 percent off the cost of admission to Disney parks, which can run more than $100 a day.
“The Florida Resident Discount is a huge incentive to families in Florida to consider a day trip to the parks,” said another Disney source. “It’s also been a thank you to Florida residents and lawmakers for welcoming Disney into the state. If DeSantis seriously removes the tax district, Disney will remove the incentive. And that’s going to hurt a lot of people, people who will be told time and time again that it’s all because of Ron DeSantis.”
…Developing…
