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The Walt Disney World Resort has been in the news a lot recently for the Disney vs. DeSantis feud. Recently, the Walt Disney Company—specifically Walt Disney World—sued DeSantis for the board trying to go back on their previous agreement with the Mouse House. This came about after an ingenious maneuver on the part of the Walt Disney Company to continue to allow them to have their self-governing status despite the dissolution of the previous Reedy Creek Improvement District board and the installment of the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board.
Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort/Credit: Disney
Many have been expressing their frustration with this situation that has already been raging on for over a year—remember, all this began with the “Don’t Say Gay” debacle when former Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out on behalf of the Walt Disney Company against the bill—officially called the Parental Rights in Education Act. While the two parties have been clashing incessantly, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis repeatedly underlining Disney cannot receive special treatment compared to other businesses and corporations and Disney CEO Bob Iger maintaining his stance on doing what Disney needs, while also saying he’d “be glad to meet with” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, things have heated up in the Sunshine state.
However, in the midst of this battle, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board has been doing more than just sparring with Disney.
Beacons of Magic, Tree of Life, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Walt Disney World Resort / Credit: Disney
The outlet shared that “After more than four years of negotiations, the union representing Disney World’s first responders says it has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.”
The new contract addresses “staffing at the Reedy Creek Fire Department,” addresses a “longstanding safety concern for the union,” and “includes a significant boost to firefighter pay and benefits,” according to Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters President Jon Shirey.
Sorcerer Mickey meet ‘n’ greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park/Credit: DVC Shop
Shirey also referenced the current fight the board is having with the Walt Disney Company, sharing, “With the feud between Disney and the board, and with the governor, I think that there was a little extra incentive for the board to want to get this thing off their plate…The other big difference is that this new board isn’t a single-interest board like they were before.”
As per the Orlando Sentinel, the union members will vote on this contract during the week of May 15, and then it will be presented to the board for ratification during the week of May 24.
