MickeyBlog News for April 3rd, 2023
Bob Iger took no prisoners this week, as The Walt Disney Company acted aggressively in settling some scores.
We’ve got an oddly bloodthirsty week of MickeyBlog News!
Rise of the Reedy Creek Resistance


Photo: Fox Business
Depending on whom you ask, this story has either come to a resounding conclusion or is just getting started.
Last month, MickeyBlog reported on the final meeting of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District and how Disney thoughtfully planned ahead.


Photo: Reedy Creek
Little did we know at the time how accurate that statement was. While honoring all three requirements of the Sunshine Law, Disney slipped in some clever paperwork.
Effectively, Disney gave itself 30 years of full control of the Reedy Creek land. And that’s not me saying that.
Here’s a political opponent of Disney who now works as a board member for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District speaking on the subject:
“This essentially makes Disney the government. This board loses, for practical purposes, the majority of its ability to do anything beyond maintain the roads and maintain basic infrastructure.”


@HazenWESH on Twitter
So, yeah. This odd situation has taken a turn that is absolutely humiliating for the people who ostensibly tried to put Disney under their thumb.
Disney has legally outmaneuvered lawmakers by taking full advantage of the law.
What Happens Next with the Former Reedy Creek?
Several legal analysts have suggested that while Florida legislators will press the matter in court, they have little recourse for winning.
On Friday, Florida’s government took action in an attempt to void this turn of events.


Photo:ofx.ie
The state’s Attorney General asked for “copies of emails, text messages and other correspondence from board members, district employees and other affiliates related to the deals that new board members say tied their hands.”
The anti-Disney coalition’s chief hope is that they can find some whiff of impropriety that will allow them to charge somebody from Reedy Creek/Disney with something.


Photo:CNN
In such a scenario, Florida’s government would (potentially) have cause to ask for the nullification of the King Charles III clause.
In March Madness terms, Florida’s AG just hurled a desperation three with no time remaining on the clock. But this isn’t over, folks.


Photo: AP
For its part, Disney has issued a statement indicating that it has followed all requirements to perform this action.
“All agreements signed between Disney and the district were appropriate and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine law.”


(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
That’s as close to “neener neener” as Disney can come. Social media is awash with jokes and memes about Mickey Mouse extending a finger he doesn’t even have to Florida’s governor.
The funniest part here stems from the request from the AG’s office. It includes this bit:


Photo:AshleyMoody.com
“Please limit your search to documents discussing an intention or goal of circumventing, avoiding, frustrating, mitigating or otherwise attempting to avoid the effects of anticipated actions by the Florida governor and the Florida Legislature…”
Folks, that’s the attorney general’s office asking people to send along any self-incriminating evidence they may have. Florida officials are that desperate right now.
The Funniest Disney Layoff and Other, Sadder Ones


Source: AP
Even though Isaac Perlmutter has turned himself from a street vendor into a billionaire, he apparently hasn’t learn one of life’s simplest truths: “Be careful what you wish for.”
During 2022, Perlmutter and his billionaire buddy, Nelson Peltz tried to force the latter individual onto Disney’s Board of Directors.


Photo: restorethemagic.com
You can pretty much trace a direct line from this behind-the-scenes negotiation to the return of Bob Iger as Disney CEO. So, thanks Mr. Peltz and Mr. Perlmutter!
Alas, the two individuals didn’t love the move. Iger wasn’t about to allow Peltz on Disney’s Board, as the billionaire lacked any applicable qualifications.


Photographer: Tasneem Alsultan/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Peltz agreed to cede his proxy battle in exchange for Iger announcing massive layoffs at Disney.
In a glorious twist of fate, Iger’s most recognizable layoff thus far is none other than…Isaac Perlmutter.


Photo:Cosmicbooknews.com
The reclusive Israeli American still ostensibly led Marvel Entertainment as the Chairman and head of a toy-making division that generates about $60 million in annual revenue.
Iger didn’t stop there, either. He laid off Marvel several workers loyal to Perlmutter, such as Rob Steffens, formerly Co-President of Marvel Entertainment.


Photo: marvel database Fandom
John Turitzin, the chief counsel for Marvel has also left. Rob Grosser, often described as Perlmutter’s fixer, also lost his job.
In short, Disney sent a LOUD message that the Isaac Perlmutter era has ended at Marvel.


Photo: Marvel
Other significant layoffs this week include Disney’s entire metaverse division as well as Alicia Schwarz, the Chief Compliance Officer. Disney reportedly won’t fill that role from now on.
Disney Miscellany


Photo: Orlando Weekly
We’ve got a few other stories to cover. Most importantly, Walt Disney World’s labor unions have voted in favor of Disney’s offer.
Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle released an official statement that expressed his excitement that the company had resolved its labor dispute.


Union. Logo
Here’s the crux:
“Our cast members have always been at the heart of the Walt Disney World experience, and we are thrilled that, with the support of the union, they have overwhelmingly approved this new five-year agreement that significantly increases wages, alongside our leading benefits program that includes affordable medical coverage and more.”


Narcoossee’s
In other Walt Disney World news, Narcoossee’s reopened on Saturday, April 1st. Here’s a look at the new interior.
Meanwhile, the remnants of the 50th anniversary celebration are starting to come down. Disney is removing some of the Cinderella Castle décor this weekend.


Photo: CNtraveler.com
At Disneyland Park, we just learned when the new DVC Lounge will open. On April 19th, Disney Vacation Club Star View Station – a Member Lounge debuts.
Disney has located this member lounge in the old Carousel of Progress building in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park. It’s a nice addition for qualifying DVC members.


Photo: DVC
Finally, we gained some Disney Cruise Line intel this week. Here’s Minnie Mouse unveiling her new look for the upcoming cruise ship, the Disney Treasure:
Also, Disney has confirmed that it’ll expand its cruises to Singapore in 2025. As a reminder, this is the boat Disney purchased for cheap in 2022.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
Feature Photo: Photo:uniteherelocal362.org