In 2021, then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced an ambitious plan to move the company’s Imagineering division from Glendale, Calif., to the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Florida. A favorable business climate in the Sunshine State, paired with a similar atmospheric climate to California, made the idea sound like a no-brainer to Chapek.
The project would have uprooted all the Imagineers and their families, forcing them to move across the country, an idea that was unpopular among the Imagineers. Former-CEO-turned-new-CEO Bob Iger saw the writing on the wall, and, as he has done with many of Chapek’s decisions, he reversed course.
Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro announced the decision to cancel the Lake Nona project in an email to cast members. D’Amaro wrote in part:
While some were excited about the new campus, I know that this decision and the circumstances surrounding it have been difficult for others.
Given the considerable changes that have occurred since the announcement of this project, including new leadership and changing business conditions, we have decided not to move forward with construction of the campus. This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is the right one. As a result, we will no longer be asking our employees to relocate. For those who have already moved, we will talk to you individually about your situation, including the possibility of moving you back.
There’s plenty of language in that statement that could catch your eye if you’re looking for a scapegoat for the Lake Nona cancellation: “considerable changes,” “new leadership,” “changing business conditions.” And you better believe that the left-wing media has found who it wants to blame.
If you guessed Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), you won the prize.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8;32
