Yet another afflicted party is speaking up in the battle between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World Resort’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
DeSantis’s hand-picked Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board held its second-ever meeting on Wednesday, pressing forward despite the hastily-passed King Charles clause. Before transferring power to the new board, Reedy Creek essentially made itself powerless effective until 22 years after the death of the last current living descendant of King Charles III.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Disney Springs business owners appealed to DeSantis’s board for help. Representatives from Wine Bar George, Splitsville, T-Rex Cafe, Yak and Yeti, The Boathouse, and more were present at the meeting to express their concerns after the board voted to void an agreement between the State of Florida and Disney Springs tenants, upping their taxes to fund the battle between DeSantis and Reedy Creek.
Business owners say the change threatens their livelihoods and asked to create an ongoing conversation with the new board members. One told the Orlando Business Journal they felt like “collateral damage” in the battle.
“At the beginning of the meeting, they couldn’t be any nicer. At the end of the meeting, they say they are going to raise taxes,” another said.
Hours later, Walt Disney World Resort announced a lawsuit against DeSantis. The Walt Disney Company alleges that its First Amendment right to free speech was violated when the Republican Governor retaliated against former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who spoke out against the Parental Rights In Education Act (“Don’t Say Gay”).
Nevertheless, DeSantis claims he and his board did nothing wrong. In a press release, the Governor’s communication director wrote that the “lawsuit is yet another example of [Disney’s] hope to undermine the will of the Florida voters and operate outside the bounds of the law.”
Over the years, there have been stories of Guests returning home from Disney World with mountains of debt, with unexplained illnesses, and more recently, with COVID, but this story may be the first of its kind, as it involves a pastor whose trip to the Walt Disney World Resort ultimately resulted in his being a fugitive wanted by the FBI. In fact, his Disney trip earned him a spot on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list.
Chris Burns, a former youth pastor turned financial adviser, is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for fraud. But his alleged scheme was no ordinary scheme. According to prosecutors, Burns’ carried out a Ponzi scheme for years–one that made victims of residents in three different states. He allegedly operated under the guise of a “peer-to-peer” lending program with promissory notes bearing high interest, and the money he received from his “clients” was then used to fund Burns’ alleged “lavish lifestyle” that included the purchase of a $1 million lake house, several vehicles, a boat, and airtime for his local radio show, as well as multiple trips to the Walt Disney World Resort located near Orlando, Florida.
While Burns was reportedly able to keep us his vicious scheme for several years, everything started to unravel in August 2020. The 40-year-old financial adviser and local financial talk show host from Georgia was contacted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the message was clear: the SEC had opened an investigation into his businesses. One day before Burns was to hand over documents to the SEC, he vanished into thin air. The only traces left behind were a car in a parking garage, registered to Burns, copies of three cashier’s checks totaling nearly $80,000, a string of angry investors, and a family that had just as many questions as the investigators.
“I have [had] to rethink my entire life,” said Philip Burns, Chris Burns’ son, who was only 15 years old the last time he saw his father. “He was my role model. It hurts so much that he left that day. I believe he is still out there somewhere, but [he] is not a part of our family and our lives anymore.”
In the SEC’s complaint, Burns is accused of telling his clients that they would be repaid their principal investment amounts, as well as interest–interest that might reach as much as 20%. He even gave clients a “personal guarantee for each promissory note, in which he promised to repay 100% of any principal loss,” per the complaint. Burns’ indictment further states that he promised his clients collateral that “either did not exist at all or was worth substantially less than he represented.”
Before it all came crashing down, Burns allegedly sold at least 70 promissory notes to multiple investors living in North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
By his family’s account, Burns was obsessed with Disney. Not long after Burns began hosting his own financial radio talk show, he also began spending money profusely–especially when it came to Disney. Burns’ family says they visited the Walt Disney World Resort at least twice a year and enjoyed several Disney cruises, but it didn’t stop there. Thanks to Burns’ fraudulent practices, the family also enjoyed to perks of being Disney Vacation Club members. Burns’ wife Meredith said that at one point, her husband paid for their neighbors to come to Disney World with them. Burns even paid for Disney World VIP tours that contributed to the family’s trip expenses that sometimes exceeded $8,000 per day.
“He was obsessed with Disney,” Burns’ son Philip said. “He was a Disney adult.”
As of the time of this publication, “Disney Dad” Christopher W. Burns is considered a fugitive and is listed among the FBI’s Most Wanted. He has not been seen since September 24, 2020. He told his wife he was driving to South Carolina to see his parents, but when he didn’t return home as planned, his wife contacted his parents, who said they had not seen him and that no plans had been made between Burns and his parents for a visit. A warrant for his arrest was issued on October 23, 2020.
“Burns is charged for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from clients in an illegal investment fraud scheme. Financial crimes of this nature can cause significant disruptions to the lives of those who are victimized, and the FBI is dedicated to holding these criminals accountable,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is still seeking the public’s help in locating Burns and will continue to pursue him no matter how long he tries to evade the law.”
Christopher W. Burns is wanted by the #FBI for his involvement in a mail fraud scheme in Georgia in which he allegedly defrauded a number of victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. He has not been seen since leaving his home on Sept 24, 2020: https://t.co/5GEvVM5ARkpic.twitter.com/GCXMUQLsZp
Christopher W. Burns is wanted for his alleged involvement in a mail fraud scheme in Georgia. It is alleged that Burns defrauded a number of victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. As part of his scheme, Burns allegedly falsely told victims that he was investing their money in a “peer to peer” lending program in which loans were backed by collateral. In reality, the collateral promised by Burns either did not exist at all or was worth substantially less than Burns represented. He has not been seen since he left his home on September 24, 2020, one day before he was supposed to turn over documents related to his businesses to the Securities and Exchange Commission. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Burns on October 23, 2020, in the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, after he was charged with mail fraud.
Exciting eats are coming from a galaxy far, far away! As May the 4th draws near, the best treats in the galaxy are landing at Disney Parks with Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort joining in on adventures guests will have to taste to believe.
With can’t-miss novelties like the Acid Spitter Orb Sipper at Disneyland Resort, Star Wars staples like the Lightsaber Churro at Walt Disney World Resort, guests will be ready to conquer all of their out-of-this-world missions!
Beyond May the 4th, Disneyland Resort also celebrates Black Spire Day in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! The space celebrations are truly endless.
It’s time we jump to lightspeed and explore the May the 4th Foodie Guide. Let’s go!
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
(New) Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad with Seasoned Gwayo Egg: Sweet-savory salad greens, brined vegetables, roasted mushrooms, fried potato noodles, and soy-marinated soft-boiled egg (Available beginning May 2; mobile order available)
(New) Temple Rootleaf and Moss Salad: Sweet-savory salad greens, brined vegetables, roasted mushrooms, and fried potato noodles (Plant-based) (Available beginning May 2; mobile order available)
(New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 3)
Galactic Grill (Mobile order available)
Darth by Chocolate Parfait (Available May 2 through 6)
(New) Grogu Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 2)
Kat Saka’s Kettle
(New) Surabat Valley Mix: Sweet kettle corn (Also available with furikake) (Available starting May 2)
(New) Niamos Mix: Savory sour cream and chive popcorn (Also available with furikake) (Available starting May 2)
(New) Jellyfruit Muffin: Passion fruit buttermilk muffin with pineapple and blackberry jam (Available starting May 2)
Milk Stand (Available starting May 2; mobile order available)
Tenoo Swirl Crunchies Cereal: Blue milk topped with strawberry and grape candy pebbles
Oga’s Cantina (Available May 2 through August 31)
Five Blossom Bread with Mustard Cream: Warm pretzel knot with a new creamy honey mustard dip
(New) Ginger Lime Tea Lemonade with Soju: Soju, Minute Maid Lemonade, Gold Peak Unsweetened Iced Tea, habanero lime and ginger flavors topped with matcha foam
Ronto Roasters
(New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 2)
Beverage Carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Galma Garlic Puffs: Puffed cheese chips (Available starting May 2)
Fruit Cart, Churro Cart, and Lemonade Cart in Tomorrowland
(New) Grogu Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 3)
Downtown Disney District
Marceline’s Confectionery (Mobile order available)
Grogu Candy Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in colored white chocolate with gold sanding sugar for the belt
Hotels of Disneyland Resort
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Hearthstone Lounge (Available May 2 through 31)
(New) Ginger Daiquiri: El Dorado Rum, Sherry, Velvet Falernum, ginger syrup and lime juice, garnished with mint
Grand Californian Hotel Lobby Cart (Available April 28 through May 30)
Star Wars Sugar Cookie
Wookiee Cookie
Pretzel Lightsabers
Falcon Lollipop
Stormtrooper Crisped Rice Treat
Tropical Whoopie Pie
Galaxy Macaron Box
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite (SOLD OUT)
If you’ve already purchased tickets to one of the sold-out Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite events, your tastebuds are about to go on a galactic adventure. At Harbour Galley, the Mos Eisley Spaceport Cookies are a sweet treat you simply must try. Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor is serving up a delight fit for royalty – the Galactic Princess Sundae. If you’re a mint fan, the Mossy Mint Churro available at the Frontierland churro cart is for you. For those wanting a more savory addition to your evening, the Harissa Tip-Yip Bowl at Red Rose Taverne or the Corned Shaak Loaded Fries at Hungry Bear Restaurant are the perfect galactic goodies. For those attending, you’ll have an opportunity to purchase both the Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard and the Grogu Sipper beginning May 2, while supplies last!
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Rosie’s All-American Café (Available May 4 through 31; mobile order available)
Jettison Juice: Minute Maid Lemonade and watermelon served with a glow cube (Non-alcoholic)
Backlot Express (Available May 4 through 31; mobile order available)
Darth Vader Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with chocolate-peanut butter buttercream, dipped in dark chocolate ganache, edged in chocolate flakes, and topped with a chocolate Darth Vader
Wookiee Cookie: Two oatmeal cookies with vanilla cream filling garnished with a milk chocolate sash on top
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (Mobile order available)
Oi-Oi Puff: Raspberry cream puff with passion fruit mousse (Available May 4 and 5)
(New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 4)
PizzeRizzo and The Trolley Car Café (Available May 4 and 5; mobile order available at PizzeRizzo)
Dark Side Chocolate Creation: Malted milk chocolate mousse dome with raspberry mousse filling, slivered almonds, and chocolate shortbread cookie
Churro Carts at The Market (Available May 4 and 5) and Grand Avenue and Anaheim Produce (Available May 4 through 31)
Lightsaber Churro served with chocolate sauce
Ronto Roasters
(New) Light Up! Acid Spitter Orb Sipper with Lanyard includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (Limit five per person, per transaction; no discounts apply) (Available while supplies last beginning May 4)
Disney Resort Hotels
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Pineapple Lanai (Available May 4 only)
Millennium Falcon Star Wars Soft-serve Sundae: Galactic gray vanilla soft-serve with mint flavor, chocolate cream cookie crumbles, chocolate drizzle, white chocolate pearl stars, brownie asteroid pieces with stardust sparkles, and a Millennium Falcon white chocolate piece
Disney Springs
The Ganachery
Queen Amidala Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate piñata filled with ruby chocolate and raspberry bark (Available May 1 through 31)
Ahsoka Pop: Plant-based coconut and blueberry swirl pop enrobed in dark chocolate (Available May 1 through 31)
Millennium Falcon Pop: Milk chocolate pop with crisp pearls (Currently available)
Swirls on the Water (Available May 1 through 31)
(New) Loyal Astromech Swirl: DOLE Whip Mango swirled with habanero soft-serve in a red velvet cone with toasted graham cracker crumbs, chocolate rocks, and a BB-8 edible garnish
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has been at war with Disney since mid-2022. In that time, he has learned a valuable life lesson: If you’re going to come for the Mouse, you’d better come correct because Disney doesn’t play around. They are relentless too. You won’t find Disney backing down from a fight. DeSantis has been met with significant criticism for his role in the ongoing feud.
In a shocking turn of events today, Disney has said, “I’ll see your empty threat and raise you a real one.” We are just discovering that Disney has, in fact, filed a lawsuit against Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis. The suit comes as the final straw in the ongoing battle over the Reedy Creek Improvement District and governmental overreach in regard to constitutionally protected free speech.
This battle began when DeSantis signed his Parental Rights in Education Act, which seeks to ban educators from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with students younger than 3rd grade. After initially being silent on the matter, Disney spoke out against it. That should have been the end of it, but DeSantis chose to threaten and punish Disney over their stance. He took away their Reedy Creek Improvement District, targeted Disney over trivial matters, and canceled future projects. He also threatened to build a prison next door in a very public meltdown. It’s clear today that Disney was simply placating the Governor up to this point but has finally had enough.
A review of the complaint shows several grievances, but perhaps the most poignant comes at the very end: “Disney also knows that it is fortunate to be able to take a stand against the state’s retaliation – a stand smaller businesses and individuals might not be able to take when the State comes after them for expressing their own view.”
The complaint also seeks to prove that DeSantis violated due process, was in breach of contract, and has filed two first amendment violation grievances. The complaint stated that Disney never wanted a fight with DeSantis and tried to open dialog in order to de-escalate the fight several times and was met with derision. They also expressed regret for how things have turned out, saying, “Disney regrets that it has come to this. But having exhausted efforts to seek a resolution, the Company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its Cast Members, Guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials.”
The suit has been filed in Federal courts. No hearing date has been set yet, but when that happens, you can be sure Disney Dining will bring you up to date information. Grab your popcorn, folks. This is about to get good.
As reported by the Orlando Business Journal, a Florida bill sponsored by Representative Randy Fine (Republican — Palm Bay) would redefine the way timeshare properties are valued in the state, consequently allowing the potential for massive tax breaks to entities in the state such as Walt Disney World, Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Westgate Resorts, and Travel + Leisure Co.’s Wyndham Destinations.
Legislative Background
Florida House Bill 451 primarily aims to reduce the amount of property taxes paid by timeshare owners to city and county governments, by allowing owners the right to determine “fair market” rates via resales, even if there are only a small handful.
Sometimes, there aren’t enough observable resales to adequately and accurately determine a fair market value. Under current practice, when this happens, the property tax is determined by “usual and reasonable fees and costs of the sale” from the original purchase price, instead of the limited selection of resales. This can end up reflecting 50% of that original price, which proponents of the bill argue is too high.
On the affirmative side, sponsor Fine insists allowing the rates to be determined by even the smallest amount of comparable resales is necessary for fairness:
Your [property] taxes should be based on what it’s worth. Timeshares are like a car. We need to do a better job of valuing them. Oftentimes the resale value of timeshares is not substantial and I think that’s the issue. [This is a] matter of fundamental fairness and paying the value of what they are worth.
On the opposing side, critics are worried the bill would simply offer extra and humongous tax breaks to major corporations, with no major benefit for anybody else. The utilization of resales as a measurement is also considered unreliable. Loren Levy, general counsel for the Property Appraisers’ Association of Florida, had this to say:
When you’ve got 600 good arms-length transactions versus four that come out of a junky market where most of it is transacted for nominal doc stamps — it’s just not a reliable place to gather data. It shows you what a big deal this could be.
By his estimation, individual timeshare owners could save $40 per year in taxes, but “obviously the true benefactor would be the large resort developers that have all these units in the inventory.”
Representative Anna Eskamani (Democrat — Orlando), who opposed the bill in Committee, did not view it as “the most accurate approach” and echoed concerned sentiments that it would ultimately benefit large companies over individuals.
A state analysis of the bill (conducted by the House Ways & Means Committee) estimates this will reduce county and local property tax revenue by $208.2 million, including $77.5 million for public schools, beginning with fiscal year 2023-2024. If the bill is passed, it is slated to take effect July 1 this year.
After gaining a majority of approval from the aforementioned Ways & Means Committee, it is now on its way to the Commerce Committee.
Disney’s Timeshare Operations in Florida
The Walt Disney Company is a major timeshare operator in Central Florida through the Disney Vacation Club (DVC), which is a vacation timeshare program headquartered in Celebration. Of the 16 DVC-specific properties currently in operation, 11 (containing 3,600 units) are at Walt Disney World, with an additional Florida destination in Vero Beach.
According to Disney’s report for the 2022 fiscal year, the Parks, Experiences, and Products division recorded almost $29 billion in revenue, of which $6.4 billion was categorized for resorts and vacations.
Given recent heated legal fights between The Walt Disney Company and Governor Ron DeSantis driven by his continued onslaught of supposed retribution, it’s certainly interesting to see a bill from his own political allies that, while not specifically directed at Disney, aims to deliver the company massive savings.
