Several of Orlando’s theme parks have sued the Orange County property appraiser over 2015 assessments that they feel are too high.
The Walt Disney Co., Universal Orlando and SeaWorld join over 110 other property owners that have filed lawsuits against appraiser Rick Singh’s office, up from 46 lawsuits in 2015.
For 2015, Walt Disney World’s property is valued at $8.2 billion, while Universal Orlando came in at $2.1 billion.
Unlike his predecessors who he says were willing to negotiate or settle, Singh is willing to fight the disputes in court, adding that he intends to “hold their feet to the fire.”
Universal and Loews Hotels are also filing a separate dispute regarding the assessment of their resort hotels.
Last year Universal paid $37.9 million in property taxes, while The Walt Disney Co. paid $118.3 million.
A spokesperson for Disney called the 2015 assessments “unreasonable and unjustified,” but wouldn’t comment further. Universal and SeaWorld have not commented.
Tom is the host and producer of the DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition podcast, plus Disneyland Editor of The DIS. He enjoys traveling with his wife and teenage son. At this point, their favorite destination is Alaska, with a FIFTH cruise there planned for the Summer of 2019. In his spare time he volunteers with Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, and help found his son's former Cub Scout Pack. His favorite Disneyland attraction is Space Mountain.
