Should Bob Iger Forget About Disney World?

In the six months that Bob Iger has been CEO of The Walt Disney Company (again), he has had to deal with an ongoing fight with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The battle began while Bob Chapek was still in charge of Disney. Chapek spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, which the governor did not appreciate. Since then, DeSantis has repeatedly targeted Disney with various pieces of legislation. He has stripped the company of its right to self-govern in Florida. Most recently, he signed a bill that puts the monorail under state inspection. DeSantis wants all Disney attractions to fall under state control, but that isn’t likely to happen.

Iger didn’t take kindly to the governor’s constant attacks. On April 26, Walt Disney World officially filed a lawsuit against DeSantis. In the lawsuit — which has since been expanded — Disney said that the Florida governor is going after them just to retaliate. Iger doubled down on those beliefs during the second-quarter earnings call. Iger defended the company’s lawsuit. He pointed out that Disney was the only special district being targeted, despite the fact that they were the largest single taxpayer in Central Florida in 2022.

So, with all of this trouble between Disney and DeSantis, should Iger just forget about Walt Disney World Resort?

During the Annual Shareholder’s Meeting back in February, Iger said that, over the next 10 years, Disney planned on investing $17 billion in Walt Disney World Resort. They also planned to bring around 13,000 more jobs to the Resort. But is that a good idea? The governor seems more determined than ever to make Disney kneel before him. He wants Disney World solely under the state’s control. DeSantis wants to be able to say that he beat Disney and that they are now at the mercy of the state.

Walt Disney World Resort is the most-popular Disney Resort there is. However, it is also most likely the Resort that is giving Iger the biggest headache. It may be best if he puts Disney’s money and resources into another Resort. Disneyland fans are looking forward to the advancement of Disneyland Forward. California Governor Gavin Newsom has said that he is more than willing to work with Disney to make things easier for them in the state.

Iger can also dedicate more money to Disneyland Paris, which is seeing a massive increase in Guest attendance. The Resort even as some of its highest visitor counts just last year. If Iger has Walt Disney World Resort take a back seat, he can dedicate more money to Shanghai Disney and the Hong Kong Disney Resort.

During the earnings call, Iger asked DeSantis if he wanted Disney to continue to invest money into the Parks, which would bring more jobs, and have Disney pay more in taxes. If Governor DeSantis wants to make things as difficult as possible for Disney, then there are plenty of other places where they can put their time and money. The other Resort will gladly accept it, as will the residents who can find themselves employed that the Parks.

According to multiple reports, the lawsuit launched against DeSantis has already cost Florida taxpayers $6 million. DeSantis’ decision to play games with one of the state’s biggest moneymakers and employers may end up costing Florida more than it can afford.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s and may not reflect the sentiment of Disney Fanatic as a whole.