Disney has been handed yet another property tax win in Florida. This time, it was for the big legal battle that has been going on for ten years. However, their win could hurt the local community schools, and Cast Members aren’t happy.
What Happened?
Way back in 2015, the Property Tax Appraiser Rick Singh valued properties using the Rushmore Method that included intangibles such as the “Disney Brand” for assessment value. That method was later deemed illegal in Florida and changed.
Back then, Singh’s assessed values for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge were higher than the actual market value when “intangibles” were added. This led to lawsuits from Disney and other resorts in the area over excessive property valuations.
On June 8, 2026, the courts sided with Disney and determined that the Animal Kingdom Lodge was overvalued by more than $25 million, and the Wilderness Lodge value dropped by about $18.6 million. Meaning a refund is likely due.
Since the initial assessment, the appraiser has changed to Amy Mercado, but it is the same case.
What Happens Now?
From here, the Property Assessment Office will need to issue a Certificate of Correction to finalize what needs to be refunded, or if Disney still owes anything.
If Disney gets a refund, it will hit the Orange County Public Schools. They have been expecting it and have set aside about $119 million, but Disney is just one of the lawsuits.
Because of the pending refunds, school unions and personnel have been fighting cuts to programs and staff within the district. Many families believe Disney’s constant property tax legal battles are hurting school districts. With less funding, the schools can’t perform as well.
Even Walt Disney World Cast Members who are in the UNITE HERE union have been going door-to-door to raise awareness and generate public support for the school systems. There have also been town hall meetings over the issues.
Disney may have been overcharged due to “intangibles” like their “brand”, but the company is fine issuing massive upcharges for their resort hotels using their intangible brand value as a reason.
Ultimately, if Disney was unfairly charged, the money should go back to them. The issue is that the company keeps suing, almost yearly, over their property taxes, even by methods not using intangible elements.
For a company that talks about how important families are to them, they have no problem spending countless dollars on lawyers instead of letting the tax dollars go to the local school district that educates many of their own employees’ children.
It’s such an important issue that even their own Cast Members are willing to stand up against Disney.
That is a very bad look, but Disney clearly doesn’t care.
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