During the Q&A section of Monday’s 2023 Annual Investor call, Disney CEO Bob Iger was specifically asked about the Reedy Creek Improvement District situation with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Iger said that Disney loves Florida and reminded folks that companies have the constitutional right to freedom of speech just like individual Americans do, and that corporate companies have the right to weigh in on political matters. He did say that while the company may not have handled expressing itself in the best way, he feels that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is “retaliating against” Disney for expressing their stance, essentially accusing DeSantis of punishing the company for free speech.
Any action that thwarts those efforts simply to retaliate for a position the company took sounds not just anti-business, but it sounds anti-Florida.
Robert Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company
Disney expects to invest $17 billion in Walt Disney World over the next ten years, which, according to Iger, will create approximately 13,000 jobs in Florida.
Another question asked was regarding the Disney Premier Passport and whether or not it would return. Iger advised that there is not much demand for this particular pass and that it would not be returning.
Iger ended the call by stating that diversity has been a huge priority for The Walt Disney Company with not only the content they produce but also with regards to their cast members and board of directors. Disney also wants parents to trust the content they deliver to families as they hope to encourage a greater acceptance of all people.
Senior Editor for the DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a '13/'14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº
