Disney4me Posted November 11 Report Share Posted November 11 If you’ve been paying attention to Disney news over the past few years, you’ve probably heard the name Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID). This now-transformed and newly named special district essentially functions as its own government and has done so since 1967, when it was first created. Cinderella Castle The RCID has undergone some significant changes over the years including being renamed to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) and falling under the control of Florida’s governor. But, just how did Disney end up creating its own government? In May 1967, the Reedy Creek Improvement Act was signed into law — establishing the area surrounding Disney World as its own governmental authority. This law granted Disney the same authority and responsibility as a county government. And from there, chaos ensued. Nah, not really — not yet anyway. That wouldn’t come until years later, when the act was challenged — but I’ll get to that shortly. Reedy Creek Improvement District When Disney’s “Florida Project” (the name Imagineers called Disney World before it was officially named) was underway, much of Orange and Osceola Counties — where Disney World is located — were underdeveloped and lacked the ability to provide power and water to the property. ©D23 So, Disney worked with the Florida Legislature to create a special district that could govern Its own properties and levy additional taxes on top of what local governments charge, in order to pay for various services on Disney property. Essentially, Disney wanted to ensure that Florida taxpayers wouldn’t have to take on the cost of providing and maintaining essential public services and infrastructure required to build and later operate Disney World. With the Reedy Creek Improvement Act, Disney was able to pay for the water, power, etc. that would normally fall to taxpayers in a normal district or county. ©D23 Not only that, but since Disney World spans two counties, having the Reedy Creek Improvement District allowed a unified governing body to make decisions, which gave legislative flexibility when it came to Disney’s innovative construction techniques and more. A board of supervisors was to be chosen by landowners inside the district, who would in turn make decisions on behalf of Reedy Creek, and thus Disney. Reedy Creek Trash Cans The status of the district has been challenged more than once in the past. In 1968, the Supreme Court of Florida ruled that the law did not violate Florida’s Constitution, and in the 1980s, Orange County officials threatened legal action against Disney over the RCID charter. More recently, in April 2022, the Florida Legislature passed a law to disestablish the RCID that was supposed to take effect in June 2023, with lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis arguing that the Orange County government should be in charge. via Twitter After it became unclear what would happen to the $1 billion in bond liabilities the RCID had if the district were dissolved, lawmakers voted to revert most of the changes — but replaced the board with five members appointed by the Governor. Additionally, some of the district’s powers were stripped — such as the ability to construct a nuclear power plant, airport, and stadium — and the name was changed to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream While the future of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District seems secure for now, we’ll be keeping an eye out for any potential changes that may come to Disney’s special tax district. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss the latest Disney news and more! This Is the Hotel Where President Nixon Gave His “I’m Not a Crook” Speech in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW When are you visiting Disney World next? Tell us in the comments.The post Wait, How DID Disney World Create Its Own Government? first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.