Disney has cancelled its plans to expand its operations in Orlando, Florida, citing "changing business conditions" as the reason. The expansion would have included a new employee campus in Lake Nona and the relocation of the company's Imagineering team, and was estimated to cost $1 billion and relocate more than 2,000 California-based employees. Tensions between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have been escalating, and with the return of CEO Bob Iger, Disney has decided to abandon the plans and keep its employees in California.
Posts tagged as “Disney’”
Walt Disney Co. has filed a lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, accusing him of launching a "targeted campaign of government retaliation" in response to Disney's criticism of the state's "Don't Say Gay" law. The complaint alleges that DeSantis' actions have threatened Disney's business operations and violated its constitutional rights. Reports have emerged that DeSantis is preparing to jump into the presidential fray, potentially as soon as mid-May, which could have an impact on the state and its citizens.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a plan to take action against Walt Disney World in response to the company's opposition to a state takeover of its special taxing district. This includes building a prison or a competing theme park near the Magic Kingdom, as well as raising taxes on Walt Disney World. The feud between DeSantis and Disney began in March 2022 when Disney CEO Bob Chapek issued a statement opposing DeSantis-championed legislation.
Disneyland's Splash Mountain is set to close on May 31, 2021 and be replaced by Tiana's Bayou Adventure, an attraction featuring the first Black princess in Disney history. The new ride will feature the same flume ride technology, but with a new soundtrack and animatronics themed around Princess Tiana's adventures in the Louisiana bayou. The ride is expected to open in the near future and provide an inclusive experience for guests.
Governor Ron DeSantis has hinted at future action against Disney after the company reached an agreement with the outgoing Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board to take control of its special governing powers. The new board, appointed by DeSantis, has expressed their frustration with Disney's move and the Governor has made it clear that he is not backing down from the fight.
A newly appointed board in Florida has discovered that their predecessors passed a restrictive covenant granting Disney "prior review and comment" over any changes made to properties in the district. This agreement was signed just weeks before the new board was appointed, stripping them of many of their powers. The board is now working to find ways to challenge the covenant and gain back the power that was taken away from them.
The new board appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to oversee Disney's special taxing district is considering legal action over a multi-decade agreement that gives Disney control over much of its vast footprint in Central Florida for 30 years. The agreement has been met with criticism from local residents and activists, who argue that it gives Disney too much control, and the board is now exploring its legal options to challenge the agreement.
Brandy Norwood is reprising her role as Cinderella in Disney's upcoming movie "Descendants: The Rise of Red", 26 years after her original performance. Joining her in the cast is Mia Baker and Paolo Montalban, and the movie will be available to stream on Disney+ later this year. Fans of the classic Disney movies will be able to enjoy a modern take on the beloved characters, with Brandy back in her iconic role.