Will Bob Iger be able to save the Reedy Creek Improvement District?

Why is the Reedy Creek Improvement District so important to Walt Disney World and will Bob Iger be able to save it?

Dismantling of Reedy Creek

Earlier this year, conflicts arose between former Disney CEO, Bob Chapek, and the state of Florida. Due to this tension, state Republicans looked to repeal the Reedy Creek Improvement Act of 1967. Essentially, the law states that Disney is its own governing body in the two cities and land within Orange and Osceola counties.

They can make their own laws, zone their own land, and have the freedom to make their own decisions. By stripping the company of those abilities, Disney would be regulated by Orange and Osceola Counties. Emergency services would be responsible for calls on Disney property. Disney would also have to seek approval for new attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

Later news emerged that a “successor district” may be established. You can read more about how this may differ from the current Reedy Creek Improvement District HERE.

Bob Iger’s Plan

Today, Bob Iger returned to Walt Disney Studio Lot for a Town Hall meeting. During this meeting, he shared plans to continue a hiring freeze,  the possibility of a merge with Apple, the Park Reservation system’s future, and relocating Disney employees to Florida. He also addressed the issue regarding the dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Iger shared that he followed along with the news of the Reedy Creek Improvement District dismantling that occurred while he was no longer with the Walt Disney Company. Bob Iger stated, “I was sorry to see us dragged into that battle, and I have no idea what its ramifications are in terms of the business itself.”

“What I can say is that the state of Florida has been very important to us for a long time and that we have been very important to the state of Florida. That is something I’m extremely mindful of and will articulate if I have the chance.”

At this time Iger will continue to investigate the full ramifications of the dismantling of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Time will tell if he may be able to voice these concerns with the Florida representatives.

“What I can say is that the state of Florida has been very important to us for a long time and that we have been very important to the state of Florida. That is something I’m extremely mindful of and will articulate if I have the chance.”

What do you think of the dismantling of the Reedy Creek Improvement District? How do you think this may affect the Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney World? Do you think Bob Iger may be able to save this district? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page.