The nearly year-long scuffle between The Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a noisy one. Still, one of Disney’s top executives is ready to get back to what they do best – entertaining Disney fans and making an extraordinary difference in the economics of the local community.
In a walk-through interview with the Orlando Business Journal at Magic Kingdom on Monday, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared some of his thoughts on what getting back to business looks like from where he sits.
The reality is we work with different people around the world at our different theme parks. So we know how to work with different people. For all those reasons, I have to look at the situation of where we are going — I believe in where we are going — and I hope the board sees the same.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro
D’Amaro reportedly “declined to get into the politics of the Reedy Creek district dispute, possible future political contributions or if there would be any legal challenge to the law. He said he is just making sure the parks and the cast members who keep it operating are in good hands — including the new district board’s hands.”
If that new board understands the value that gets created here and how it positively impacts the Central Florida community, I think they will be aligned with our vision and will carry on the Reedy Creek soul that’s been in place.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro
D’Amaro also mentioned that the “company will still find success continuing to serve all types of people even if their beliefs may differ.”
We will stay focused on what we have always done. Look at how we run our business. Look at the investments we are making in our business. As long as I can keep providing that, take care of our cast members, the Central Florida community [and] take care of these guests … I’m in good shape. I can only control what I can control.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro
Today, D’Amaro issued a new statement regarding the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District:
The Reedy Creek Improvement District created and maintained the highest standards for the infrastructure for the Walt Disney World Resort. We are hopeful the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will continue this excellent work and the new board will share our commitment to helping the local economy continue to flourish and support the ongoing growth of the resort and Florida’s tourism industry.
Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is set to meet on Wednesday, March 8th, for the first time.
