Walt Disney World Resort has installed a tribute to an employee of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s replacement for the former Disney-operated Reedy Creek Improvement District.
In 1967, the Florida legislature passed the Reedy Creek Improvement Act, which gave Disney oversight of the municipality encompassing Walt Disney World Resort’s hotels, theme parks, and other offerings. This special district remained untouched until 2022, when a feud between former Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sparked a change in the law.
All eyes were on Florida in 2022, when Governor DeSantis passed the Parental Rights in Education Act, known colloquially as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Disney cast members and theme park fans protested en masse, demanding that The Walt Disney Company make a statement about the anti-LBGTQIA+ legislation.
DeSantis reportedly warned Chapek that there would be consequences for speaking out, but the Disney CEO did not heed the warning. He released a statement confirming Disney’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Florida and beyond.
Soon after, DeSantis introduced legislation to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District. It passed, and his appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board took over in early 2023. Despite Walt Disney World Resort’s efforts to make the district powerless, the board has made several changes in the area, including the prohibition of COVID-19 restrictions and mandates.
Disney sued DeSantis for unfairly retaliating against its First Amendment-protected free speech. However, a judge dismissed the lawsuit. Since 2023, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has had complete control over the municipality that encompasses Walt Disney World Resort, and the current Mouse leadership has remained mostly quiet about DeSantis.
Now, a tribute to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Fire Department has been installed at the Magic Kingdom. This week, BlogMickey reported that a barrel reading “Fire Chief Eric Ferrari, Lost Boys Fire Brigade” has been installed in Fantasyland near the Peter Pan’s Flight and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel attractions.
Fantasyland Prop Updated with New Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Fire Chief
Fantasyland Prop Updated with New Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Fire Chief
byu/dejablu82 inWaltDisneyWorld
In response, many Disney Parks fans expressed their ongoing dismay with the not-so-new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
“The district is still a ridiculous name,” said Reddit user u/TheRealFiremonkey. “It’ll always be RCID to me.”
“Ugh… can’t we just wait it out?” u/at-woork asked.
How do you feel about this tribute to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District? Let Disney Dining know in the comments.
