Will Disney’s relocation delay dampen Lake Nona’s corporate momentum?
Cast member walk out FILE PHOTO- A statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stand near the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on Jan. 9, 2019. With some workers across the U.S. threatening a walkout Tuesday, March 22, 2022, The Walt Disney Co. finds itself in a balancing act between the expectations of a diverse workforce and demands from an increasingly polarized, politicized marketplace. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux/AP)ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. When Walt Disney Co.’s (NYSE: DIS) relocation of 2,000 jobs from California to Orlando’s Lake Nona first was announced, it functioned as gasoline poured on an area whose commercial real estate landscape already was on fire. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.
wftv.comTwo favorite Orlando venues return: Disney’s Animal Kingdom debuts a new ‘Finding Nemo’ and Theater on the Edge opens stoner comedy ‘Say Goodnight, Gracie’
COVID-19 continues to flood across Central Florida, but even a recent tsunami of virus-related event cancellations hasn't halted this month's rebound of area arts and...
orlandoweekly.comLooking for a job? Nearly 100 employers hiring at Central Florida Job Fair next month
, Fla. — Are you looking for a new career? Nearly 100 employers will be hiring at the Central Florida Job Fair next month. The job fair will take place on July 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Central Florida Fairground’s Expo Hall. READ: Looking for a new job? More than 300 positions available at Lake County job fairSome of the employers attending the event include YMCA of Central Florida, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and more.
wftv.comDisney workers trade costumes for yoga pants on Yoga Day
Disney Yoga Nearly 2,000 cast members practice sunrise yoga celebrating International Yoga Day in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Tuesday, June 21, 2022, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (John Raoux)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — (AP) — Disney workers traded their character costumes for yoga pants early Tuesday and planked, did the downward dog and folded into lotus poses at Walt Disney World in Florida to celebrate International Yoga Day. The sunrise celebration has spread to other Disney properties around the globe since yoga enthusiasts started it at the Florida resort in 2016. More than 1,700 Disney workers spread out their yoga mats in front of Cinderella's Castle in Florida, while another 1,000 workers started their morning with yoga in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California. Other Disney workers participated at resorts in Hawaii and Vero Beach, Florida; in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris; and in front of Cinderella’s Castle at Tokyo Disney Resort. The yoga sessions were conducted virtually at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney.
wftv.comMalaysia: Disney refused to cut gay scenes in 'Lightyear'
Malaysia Lightyear FILE - Character Buzz Lightyear stands near the entrance to the Aliens Swirling Saucers ride at Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., June 23, 2018. Malaysia's film censors said Friday, June 17, 2022, that it was Disney's decision to ax the animated film “Lightyear” from the country's cinemas after refusing to cut scenes promoting homosexuality. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux)KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — (AP) — Malaysia's film censors said Friday that it was Disney's decision to ax the animated film “Lightyear” from the country's cinemas after refusing to cut scenes promoting homosexuality. The Film Censorship Board said it approved the movie with parental guidance for those under 13 on the condition of modifications. “Lightyear” includes a female character voiced by actress Uzo Aduba briefly kissing her female partner in one scene in the $200 million film.
wftv.comANNUAL PASS PRICES INCREASE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO — KnightNews.com
Starting this week, annual and seasonal passes at Universal Orlando will undergo a price increase. Price increases will vary depending of residency status. IN-STATE RATES· Seasonal Annual Pass- was $299, now $324· Power Annual Pass- was $349, now $374· Preferred Annual Pass- was $399, now$439· Premier Annual Pass- was $599, now $639OUT-OF-STATE RATES· Seasonal Annual Pass- was $399, now $424· Power Annual Pass- was $449, now $474· Preferred Annual Pass- was $499, now $539· Premier Annual Pass- was $714, now $754This price increase comes six months after Walt Disney World paused the selling of out-of-state annual passes at its parks. Universal Orlando annual passes will still include free parking and merchandise discounts. For more information, head to the Universal Orlando website.
knightnews.comEPCOT’s newest thrill ride, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, opens Friday
Video: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens at EPCOTBAY LAKE, Fla. — A brand new attraction opened at Walt Disney World on Friday. Guests can now ride “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” at EPCOT. The roller coaster is fully immersive, blasting guests from one side of the galaxy to the other. READ: 9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindDisney Imagineers used techniques and technology from previous experiences in a brand new story with your favorite “Guardians of the Galaxy” characters, including Star-Lord, Groot and more. There are a lot of flavors from the movies that make their way into the attraction.”SEE: Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindRead nine facts about the ride here.
wftv.comThese artists are playing at EPCOT’s Eat to the Beat concert series
EPCOT 'Eat to the Beat' concert series (Walt Disney World)ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney has released its lineup for EPCOT’s Eat to the Beat concert series. You can catch the performances nightly during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival from July 14 to Nov. 14. Big-name bands and singers will perform Friday to Monday nights. Local artists will perform from Tuesday to Thursday. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comWATCH: TRON Lightcycle / Run tests full-speed launch at Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World's new "TRON" roller coaster, coming to Magic Kingdom, is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland (Photo source: Walt Disney Company)Walt Disney World's new "TRON" roller coaster, coming to Magic Kingdom, is based on TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland (Photo source: Walt Disney Company)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Progress on an upcoming thrill ride at Walt Disney World is revving up. Walt Disney Imagineering last week shared a behind-the-scenes look at the first full-speed launch test for TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom. TRON Lightcycle / Run is themed around the 2010 film “TRON: Legacy” and will be located in Tomorrowland near Space Mountain. An official opening date has not been announced. ©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comDeSantis promises legislation to prevent Disney debt from falling to taxpayers
Gov. Ron DeSantis reiterated his promise that Florida's taxpayers will not take on Walt Disney World's debt when and if the Reedy Creek Improvement District dissolves in 2023, teasing that he may have some legislative measures in place to prevent that from happening.
Orange County man wins $2M prize in scratch-off game
ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orange County man claimed a $2 million prize after purchasing a winning scratch-off ticket in Orlando. Julio Gonzalez, 42, of Orlando, claimed a $2 million top prize from the 100X THE CASH Scratch-Off game. Read: Man who lives in Walt Disney World community wins $1M in Mega Millions drawingThe winning ticket was purchased from Circle K, located at 10030 University Blvd. READ: Seminole County woman claims $1M prize from scratch-off gameThe owner of the store will receive $4,000 for selling the winning ticket. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comSen. Hawley introduces bill to strip Disney of copyright protections — KnightNews.com
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Today I’m introducing legislation to strip @Disney of its special copyright protectionshttps://t.co/pushCxnjoO — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 10, 2022The new proposed legislation would limit all federal copyright material to 56 years. AdvertisementThe Restoration Act would limit an owner’s copyright material to 28 years and allow for one 28-year extension. Hawley said he it was time to strip Disney of their special privileges that they have benefited from for decades. “Thanks to special copyright protections from Congress, woke corporations like Disney have earned billions while increasingly pandering to woke activists.
knightnews.comWATCH: First look at new ‘Finding Nemo’ show coming to Walt Disney World
First look at new ‘Finding Nemo’ show coming to Walt Disney World (Walt Disney World), Fla. — Walt Disney World released a new video showcasing a new “Finding Nemo” show coming to Animal Kingdom this summer. “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” will let guests catch up with the group of fish from Dr. P. Sherman’s office in “Finding Nemo,” who have made their way across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute. READ: 9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindThe 25-minute show will feature live performers, puppets and many beloved songs from the original “Finding Nemo: The Musical.”Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 First look at new ‘Finding Nemo’ show coming to Walt Disney World (Walt Disney World)Disney said the new set will have a new LED video wall designed to visually extend the world created by the sets on stage, including a 32-foot-long sunken submarine and a fish tank volcano standing nearly 15 feet tall. READ: Get an early look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT’s newest thrill rideYou can see a sneak peek of the new show in the video below. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comSEE: Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Video: SEE: Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindBAY LAKE, Fla. — Roller coaster fans are getting ready for an out-of-this-world experience. We’re just weeks away from the grand opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind:READ: 9 things to know about Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 38 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Walt Disney World)The ride will open at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT on May 27. READ: ‘Awesome Mix’: Disney reveals playlist for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ coasterRead nine facts about the ride here. Photos: Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindWATCH: Take a look inside Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comTexas congressman pushes to eliminate no-fly zones over Disney parks
VIDEO: Texas congressman pushes to eliminate no-fly zones over Disney parks Texas congressman pushes to eliminate no-fly zones over Disney parksORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A Texas congressman from Texas is questioning the no-fly zones over Disney theme parks in both Florida and California. This comes after Florida lawmakers recently voted to do away with Reedy Creek, Walt Disney World’s special taxing district. READ: What would dissolving Disney’s Reedy Creek mean for local taxpayers? The no-fly zone states aircrafts can be no closer than an altitude of 3,000 feet and a three-mile radius from the center of Magic Kingdom. “So the criticism of Disney Is that a no-fly zone doesn’t really protect them from anything,” said Dr. Richard Foglesong, author of the book “Married to the Mouse,” which chronicles Disney’s history in Florida.
wftv.comOrlando lawmakers: Gov. DeSantis may replace Reedy Creek with state-run district
Democratic state lawmakers are set to hold a news conference Monday morning to address the new Florida law which will dissolve six special districts in the state, including the Reedy Creek Improvement District which allows Walt Disney World to self-govern.
Happening this morning: Central Florida lawmakers speak about ending Disney’s self-governing status
Reedy Creek Reedy Creek leaders met for the first time on Wednesday since Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill to dissolve the special district that governs Walt Disney World. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Three Central Florida lawmakers plan to speak about ending Disney’s self-governing status. The governor signed off on a bill to end the Reedy Creek Improvement District after Disney criticized the Parental Rights in Education law. READ: What actions could Reedy Creek take after Florida ended its special tax district?
wftv.comHillary Clinton lauds Madeleine Albright at dignitary-packed funeral
The Clintons and the Obamas join more than 1,400 people at the funeral of America's top diplomat Madeleine Albright in Washington, DC. Albright rose from child refugee to the country's first female secretary of state and served as US ambassador to the United Nations. She died last month at 84.
news.yahoo.comReedy Creek leaders meet for the first time since bill signed to dissolve special district
Reedy Creek Reedy Creek leaders met for the first time on Wednesday since Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill to dissolve the special district that governs Walt Disney World. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Reedy Creek leaders met for the first time on Wednesday since Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill to dissolve the special district that governs Walt Disney World. The company also alluded to past negotiations with the state not to dismantle Reedy Creek as long as the district holds debt.
wftv.comResort near Walt Disney World sells for $121M
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An upscale resort near Walt Disney World sold this week for $121 million. JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group announced Wednesday that Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, which features 400 rooms, six pools and two lazy rivers, traded hands from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to a joint venture between Tishman Realty and Cross Lake Partners. The resort is within two miles of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Disney Springs. “With Disney World breaking all-time revenue records and the overall leisure thesis within hotel real estate, we expect the Orlando market to increasingly come into focus for investors,” JLL Senior Vice President Christopher Exler said in a statement. READ: New York firm buys resort on Walt Disney World propertyClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comIn Depth: DeSantis pushes limits in feud with Disney
Ron DeSantis’ deepening feud with Walt Disney World is testing the limits of his combative leadership style while sending an unmistakable message to his rivals that virtually nothing is off limits as he plots his political future. Republican pollsters have been privately testing DeSantis’ political strength beyond Florida for several months, finding that the only Republican consistently with more support than DeSantis among GOP voters is Trump himself. So far, Florida voters seem to be on DeSantis’ side. Nearly 6 in 10 Florida voters approved of DeSantis’ job performance in a February poll conducted by the University of North Florida. “No other elected official, maybe in the country, has the Republican base support that Ron DeSantis has.
wftv.com‘Awesome Mix’: Disney reveals playlist for ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ coaster
BAY LAKE, Fla. — Fans of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and Disney World are no doubt counting down the days to May 27. They know it’s the magical date when EPCOT’s new “Cosmic Rewind” roller coaster will officially launch. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Disney shares another inside look of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Walt Disney World/Walt Disney World)Peter Quill, a.k.a. The movies feature fun, classic pop songs — so it’s no surprise that Disney Imagineers decided “Cosmic Rewind” riders should coast along to some epic tunes. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Disney shares another inside look of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Walt Disney World/Walt Disney World)READ: Walt Disney World announces opening date for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindDisney said its team rode the attraction over and over until they landed on the right playlist.
wftv.comA top Florida state legislator said DeSantis dissolving Disney's special tax status is a 'smokescreen' to take media attention away from the state's new redistricting plan that splits up Black voters
The bill marks a third legislative win for DeSantis after he signed a controversial state education law and proposed a GOP-benefitting redistricting map.
news.yahoo.comDisney World in Texas? Houston-area judge attempts to lure company from Florida to Lone Star State
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — As Walt Disney World remains embattled over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ redistricting, a Texas county judge is hoping to lure the company away from Central Florida to the Houston area. READ: DeSantis signs bill to dissolve Disney’s self-governing powerFort Bend County includes several cities, including parts of Houston. George mentions other major employers such as Amazon, Texas Instruments, Comcast and Gallery Furniture who have set up shop in Texas. “With a strong focus on economic development, we encourage small and large business growth through a business-friendly climate,” George writes.
wftv.comDisney government dissolution bill signed by DeSantis
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a bill to dissolve Walt Disney World’s private government, after the entertainment giant criticized a measure that critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The law would eliminate the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the 55-year-old Disney government is known, as well as a handful of other similar districts by June 2023. The measure does allow for the districts to be reestablished, leaving an avenue to renegotiate its future. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
wftv.comDisney’s defense against Reedy Creek dissolution might not be easy
ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Many experts closely following new state legislation on the verge of dissolving Walt Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District wonder if an existing state statute may prevent the move. Read: End of Reedy Creek: Disney won’t pay more taxes, but you willIf the Legislature were to dissolve an active independent special district, Florida Statute 189.072 enacted in 2015 says the action must be approved by a majority of resident electors in the district or a majority of the governing landowners, etc. Ron DeSantis and do away with Reedy Creek by June 2023. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.
wftv.comFlorida Gov. DeSantis may repeal Disney's special tax status. But tax officials and legislators say the move could leave local taxpayers to cover more than $1 billion in bond debt.
The bill seeking to repeal Disney's special tax status is the latest development in the company's fight with lawmakers over the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
news.yahoo.comFlorida House passes congressional map drawn by DeSantis despite protest
Florida House protest Chaos erupted at the Florida state capitol Thursday as Black state lawmakers staged a sit-in to protest the governor’s congressional map. (WFTV.com News Staff)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Chaos erupted at the Florida state capitol Thursday as Black state lawmakers staged a sit-in to protest the governor’s congressional map. They fear the new congressional map will reduce the number of Black Democrats representing the state. Just before noon, a protester carrying a sign stormed onto the floor of the Florida House to protest the new congressional maps, which would eliminate to Black congressional districts. READ: DeSantis, Florida lawmakers sued by groups over congressional mapsThe map, drawn by the governor, splits Orlando into three parts and Jacksonville into two.
wftv.comDisney self-government in peril after Florida House vote
The idea was presented to Florida lawmakers 55 years ago: Let Disney form its own government and in exchange it would create a futuristic city of tomorrow. That city never materialized, but Walt Disney World became an economic juggernaut, and its government retained unprecedented powers. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — The Florida House of Representatives on Thursday gave final passage to a bill that would dissolve Walt Disney World's private government, handing Republican Gov. DeSantis and his fellow Republicans then lashed out at Disney, and have defended the law as reasonable. Disney is one of Florida's biggest private employers, last year saying it had more than 60,000 workers in the state.
wftv.comFlorida lawmakers strip Disney World of its self-government
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida House of Representatives has given final passage to a bill to dissolve a private government that Walt Disney World has been allowed to operate on its properties for more than five decades. What’s next for Reedy CreekThe Disney bill would eliminate the self-governed districts by June 2023. But it does allow the districts to be reestablished in the future, leaving the door open for further negotiations. Read: What would dissolving Disney’s Reedy Creek mean for local taxpayers? Read: Disney’s debt is about to be Central Florida taxpayers’ problem©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.comFlorida Legislature votes to strip Disney self-government
The idea was presented to Florida lawmakers 55 years ago: Let Disney form its own government and in exchange it would create a futuristic city of tomorrow. That city never materialized, but Walt Disney World became an economic juggernaut, and its government retained unprecedented powers. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — The Florida House of Representatives on Thursday gave final passage to a bill that would dissolve Walt Disney World's private government, handing Republican Gov. DeSantis and his fellow Republicans then lashed out at Disney, and have defended the law as reasonable. Disney is one of Florida's biggest private employers, last year saying it had more than 60,000 workers in the state.
wftv.comFlorida legislature passes bill repealing Disney’s special tax status
Placeholder while article actions loadFlorida’s Republican-led state legislature on Thursday passed a bill sought by Gov. Ron DeSantis to cancel Walt Disney World’s special tax district in Florida. That law prohibits discussions about gender-related issues in public school classes up to third grade, and potentially through high school. The Disney law will dissolve the entertainment giant’s Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was created in 1967 after Walt Disney bought 40 square miles of land in Central Florida to build the Magic Kingdom. Disney lobbyists said the project was too massive for local governments to handle, so legislators gave Disney the authority to run the development as a quasi-governmental agency.
washingtonpost.comHere’s how to celebrate Earth Day 2022 in Central Florida
Food waste As part of its efforts to reduce food waste, Walt Disney World is tweaking the way it plans menus and recycles scraps. Earth Day kicks off Friday. READ: Disney’s debt is about to be Central Florida taxpayers’ problemHere’s your guide to Earth Day events in our area. ORLANDOCentral Florida Earth Day, the largest and longest-running Earth Day festival in Central Florida, returns to Lake Eola Park Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PALM COASTRide, roll or walk for Earth Day and Trail Day on the A1A.
wftv.comFlorida Senate passes bill to end Disney self-government
Florida Disney Feud FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses a joint session of a legislative session, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida Gov. “If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy,” DeSantis wrote in a campaign fundraising email Wednesday. It is not immediately clear exactly how Disney or neighboring governments would be affected if the district was dissolved. The Florida House of Representatives is expected to take up the bill Thursday.
wftv.comYears of fruitful relations between Disney, Florida at risk
Disney's Government Eastern seaboard architecture of turn of the century America is being recreated in Main Street U.S.A., at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 1970. Republican Rep. Randy Fine, sponsor of the bill to scrap the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government entity is known, said it is time for a change. It targets the Walt Disney Co.,” Fine said. Along with a theme park, Disney officials led by Roy Disney, Walt’s brother, told Florida lawmakers in 1967 that they planned to build a futuristic city — the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, also known as Epcot. On any given day, as many as 350,000 people are on Disney World property as theme park visitors, overnight hotel guests or employees.
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