News Reedy Creek Improvement District and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District

[GoofGoof]

Just because it seems to have been lost in the shuffle-

Remember that Disney is moving nearly all of their Imagineering to Florida. That already did not sit well with them. This is a group of creatives who thrive on a creative and diverse environment. Moving them to a suburb in a ultra-conservative state is not going down well. I know there are plenty of regular cast members in the parks who have no issues with the new bill. What is more troubling is that I think it IS affecting Disney's creative group - who like it or not is really at the root of why they succeed. I am not sure if Disney looses a big majority of their imagineers that they will stay number one. especially since other theme parks are starting to recognize the importance of strong world building. That is where I think Disney is most at risk.

It’s definitely a risk. Then again so is the weather. My company had offices in Southern CA and we relocated a bunch of people out there. When the office closed only a handful came back. It is paradise out there.…if you can afford to live.

One thing to consider is FL is a big and diverse state. So even though the state leans red now Lake Nona, where those jobs are going, is in Orange County which is more progressive than average for the state. People could still be turned off because of the impact on public schools and other social issues being pushed down by the state, but locally it‘s not as conservative. It will likely still be a culture shock compared to CA but pretty much everywhere is except maybe a handful of states.

 

[chrisvee]

Then the unhappy employees can leave and find work elsewhere. AND they can be replaced. Plenty of talented people out there who'd be happy to take those jobs.

But speaking of unhappy employees...seems to me I read a couple of news articles that there are Disney employees who do not agree with Disney taking sides but are afraid to speak up because of a loud vocal minority in the company who would likely try to get them fired. So...what does Disney do about THOSE unhappy employees?

I’m sensing you haven’t hired anyone lately

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

It is. No company functions well with unhappy employees.

While I agree in principal the fact that all the other theme park operators, all the other studios, and pretty much every other company on the planet has avoided this debacle by not picking a side seems to support the argument that Chapek should have stayed out of it.

None of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered employee backlash, none of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered political backlash… supporting your employees is one thing but jumping into a political fight is idiotic and just asking for trouble, unfortunately for Disney they have an idiot at the helm that isn’t aware that politics and religion are third rails in business, touch them and your career is likely going to die.

 

[mikejs78]

While I agree in principal the fact that all the other theme park operators, all the other studios, and pretty much every other company on the planet has avoided this debacle by not picking a side seems to support the argument that Chapek should have stayed out of it.

None of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered employee backlash, none of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered political backlash… supporting your employees is one thing but jumping into a political fight is idiotic and just asking for trouble, unfortunately for Disney they have an idiot at the helm that isn’t aware that politics and religion are third rails in business, touch them and your career is likely going to die.

There were unique circumstances in effect for Disney that didn't exist for other theme park operators. Specifically the movinng of WDI to Florida.

 

[Lilofan]

While I agree in principal the fact that all the other theme park operators, all the other studios, and pretty much every other company on the planet has avoided this debacle by not picking a side seems to support the argument that Chapek should have stayed out of it.

None of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered employee backlash, none of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered political backlash… supporting your employees is one thing but jumping into a political fight is idiotic and just asking for trouble, unfortunately for Disney they have an idiot at the helm that isn’t aware that politics and religion are third rails in business, touch them and your career is likely going to die.

One may want to read on Walt Disney. He was involved in politics even hosting Dewey in 44' for a rally at the Studios. Eisner pulled off a feat hosting the Washington Inaugural Parade in the mid 1980s in a sweltering May morning with a parade for Ronald and Nancy through World Showcase complete with a daytime fireworks show.

 

[JoeCamel]

While I agree in principal the fact that all the other theme park operators, all the other studios, and pretty much every other company on the planet has avoided this debacle by not picking a side seems to support the argument that Chapek should have stayed out of it.

None of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered employee backlash, none of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered political backlash… supporting your employees is one thing but jumping into a political fight is idiotic and just asking for trouble, unfortunately for Disney they have an idiot at the helm that isn’t aware that politics and religion are third rails in business, touch them and your career is likely going to die.

Many have said Disney does not run the company on social media input, I think in this case Bob's reaction was one to save face which ended blowing up in his face based on social backlash.
The best thing they can do now is let others file the suits and come in as amicus to voice their grievances and add to the action, not lead in them.
I think TWDC and certainly the parks division has a duty to understand who their "cast" is and help them in any way they can in life. The people are the magic or so I've been told. TWDC does plenty with college etc and they can do more but, they screwed up this time and it will be an expensive mess to sort out.

 

[GoofGoof]

While I agree in principal the fact that all the other theme park operators, all the other studios, and pretty much every other company on the planet has avoided this debacle by not picking a side seems to support the argument that Chapek should have stayed out of it.

None of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered employee backlash, none of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered political backlash… supporting your employees is one thing but jumping into a political fight is idiotic and just asking for trouble, unfortunately for Disney they have an idiot at the helm that isn’t aware that politics and religion are third rails in business, touch them and your career is likely going to die.

Simply not true. Here’s a link to a petition signed by 250+ companies condemning policies detrimental to the LGBTQ community. While not specifically started in reaction to this specific bill it’s clearly companies taking a stand on these types of issues. Among the signers are TWDC and also Comcast NBC Universal as well as Paramount, Sony and several large hotel chains prominent in FL. These companies don’t have the public feud that I agree Chapek started with his lack of reaction and then strong reaction, but they all jumped into a political fight.

 

[mikejs78]

Simply not true. Here’s a link to a petition signed by 250+ companies condemning policies detrimental to the LGBTQ community. While not specifically started in reaction to this bill it’s clearly companies taking a stand on these types of issues. Among the signers are TWDC and also Comcast NBC Universal as well as Paramount, Sony and several large hotel chains prominent in FL. These companies don’t have the public feud that I agree Chapek started with his lack of reaction and then strong reaction, but they all jumped into a political fight.

And you know, in the past when companies took political stands, the calculus was whether or not they would be boycotts. Not whether or not there would be government retaliation.

 

[Nubs70]

It’s definitely a risk. Then again so is the weather. My company had offices in Southern CA and we relocated a bunch of people out there. When the office closed only a handful came back. It is paradise out there.…if you can afford to live.

One thing to consider is FL is a big and diverse state. So even though the state leans red now Lake Nona, where those jobs are going, is in Orange County which is more progressive than average for the state. People could still be turned off because of the impact on public schools and other social issues being pushed down by the state, but locally it‘s not as conservative. It will likely still be a culture shock compared to CA but pretty much everywhere is except maybe a handful of states.

Freedom of Association, it's a good thing

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

Simply not true. Here’s a link to a petition signed by 250+ companies condemning policies detrimental to the LGBTQ community. While not specifically started in reaction to this specific bill it’s clearly companies taking a stand on these types of issues. Among the signers are TWDC and also Comcast NBC Universal as well as Paramount, Sony and several large hotel chains prominent in FL. These companies don’t have the public feud that I agree Chapek started with his lack of reaction and then strong reaction, but they all jumped into a political fight.

That‘s how intelligent companies oppose legislation, with carefully crafted PR statements and a unified voice, not by the CEO flip flopping and making statements with no thought of the consequences.

 

[GoofGoof]

That‘s how intelligent companies oppose legislation, with carefully crafted PR statements and a unified voice, not by the CEO flip flopping and making statements with no thought of the consequences.

In this regard Chapek and DeSantis are very similar: speak, act, and then think is not a good management strategy.

I don’t disagree. The mistake in my opinion was on the execution by Chapek and not the decision to pick a side.

 

[celluloid]

They didn’t have Biden record a speech. Expect that to be the new normal

With current Disney management and Hall of Presidents being the most Animatronic heavy show on property (numbers not range) I would not expect that attraction to be around much longer as it is.

 

[celluloid]

One may want to read on Walt Disney. He was involved in politics even hosting Dewey in 44' for a rally at the Studios. Eisner pulled off a feat hosting the Washington Inaugural Parade in the mid 1980s in a sweltering May morning with a parade for Ronald and Nancy through World Showcase complete with a daytime fireworks show.

Well if you read about him and just go by the facts of what we know you can see where he leaned, which would have been with most conservatism. Or not commenting publicly at all.

 

[Brian]

An article from local news about the uphill battle the lawsuit filed today in particular faces. Noteworthy quote (Sanchez is counsel for the plaintiffs):

Sanchez said he believed his case was very strong, but other attorneys who spoke to Eyewitness News weren’t as confident. One, who requested his name be withheld, said Sanchez was stretching the definition of “special injury,” which typically applies to plaintiffs who were uniquely affected by a government’s action rather than entire counties.

He also said he was confused by Sanchez filing his lawsuit in federal court instead of state court. Florida judges can offer taxpayers more protections than federal judges, the attorney explained.

It should be noted that the plaintiffs' counsel is running as a Democrat to replace Senator Rubio in November.

First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strength

“We have a federal court judge to ask to help us in finding out whether or not they’re going to cut their own deal and cut taxpayers out.”

www.wftv.com

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

An article from local news about the uphill battle the lawsuit filed today in particular faces. Noteworthy quote (Sanchez is counsel for the plaintiffs):

It should be noted that the plaintiffs' counsel is running as a Democrat to replace Senator Rubio in November.

First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strength

“We have a federal court judge to ask to help us in finding out whether or not they’re going to cut their own deal and cut taxpayers out.”

www.wftv.com

So is this legit or just another politician using Disney for publicity and political gain?

 

[lazyboy97o]

So is this legit or just another politician using Disney for publicity and political gain?

The suit has been filed, so it’s not just a threat.

 

[LittleBuford]

While I agree in principal the fact that all the other theme park operators, all the other studios, and pretty much every other company on the planet has avoided this debacle by not picking a side seems to support the argument that Chapek should have stayed out of it.

None of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered employee backlash, none of the companies that didn’t pick a side have suffered political backlash… supporting your employees is one thing but jumping into a political fight is idiotic and just asking for trouble, unfortunately for Disney they have an idiot at the helm that isn’t aware that politics and religion are third rails in business, touch them and your career is likely going to die.

I for one am very glad that Disney (belatedly) distinguished itself from the competition. When we look back on this moment in years to come, it will be clear as day that Disney made the right call.

 

[UNCgolf]

An article from local news about the uphill battle the lawsuit filed today in particular faces. Noteworthy quote (Sanchez is counsel for the plaintiffs):

It should be noted that the plaintiffs' counsel is running as a Democrat to replace Senator Rubio in November.

First Reedy Creek lawsuit against DeSantis filed, but some question its strength

“We have a federal court judge to ask to help us in finding out whether or not they’re going to cut their own deal and cut taxpayers out.”

www.wftv.com

I thought it seemed strange that it was filed in federal court and not state court myself, but since I don't do anything even remotely similar to this topic I assumed there must be a good reason for it.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I thought it seemed strange that it was filed in federal court and not state court myself, but since I don't do anything even remotely similar to this topic I assumed there must be a good reason for it.

Did you read it? Am I wrong to think it seemed hastily written and not well researched?

 

[No Name]

Since when does a CEO have to support his workforce in the matter you're indicating? All an employer is required to do for his employees is provide a salary, benefits, and decent working conditions. Period.

What smart to do is a lot more than just what’s legally required to do. There were protests and internal uproar over Disney’s silence. If they want to maintain strong employees and a strong reputation, they have to do far more (as does every good company). The only think Chapek “effed up” on was not speaking sooner and more confidently.