Just about a year ago, the Walt Disney Co. announced plans to move most Southern California-based jobs not fully dedicated to Disneyland in its Parks, Experiences and Products Division to a new regional facility in Central Florida.
What a difference a year makes.
Today, after months of less-than-ideal relations with the state of Florida, a company spokesperson announced that Disney wants “to continue to provide flexibility to those relocating, especially given the anticipated completion date of the campus is now in 2026.”
The statement continued, “Therefore, where possible, we are aligning the relocation period with the campus completion.”
Last year’s announcement specified an 18-month time frame. Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Division Josh D’Amaro also said the move had been “in various stages of planning since 2019.”
So today’s news will push back the mandated move by approximately three years, depending on when in 2026 the campus is expected to be completed.
Here is today’s full statement from Disney:
While a growing number of our employees, who will ultimately work at the campus, have already made the move to Central Florida, we also want to continue to provide flexibility to those relocating, especially given the anticipated completion date of the campus is now in 2026. Therefore, where possible, we are aligning the relocation period with the campus completion.
One of the original reasons D’Amaro cited for the move was “Florida’s business-friendly climate.” In the interim, Disney and its CEO Bob Chapek have sparred with Florida officials — specifically Gov. Ron DeSantis, who in April signed legislation that strips Disney of the ability to oversee its own special district that covers Walt Disney World — after the company came out publicly against the state’s parental rights law.
DeSantis, for his part, is reportedly considering a run for the presidency. In the meantime, he has declared his candidacy for a second term as governor. If elected again, he would serve in Florida through 2026.
(Excerpt) Read more in: Deadline