May 12, 1967 – Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr. Signs Disney Bill
On May 12, 1967, then-Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr. signed special legislation that allowed Walt Disney Productions’ the ability to run the operations for Walt Disney World. Before the legislation, there were concerns that Florida taxpayers would have to pay for the construction of the new Disney park. This legislation allowed the formation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District with two cities: Bay Lake and Reedy Creek (now known as Lake Buena Vista). The creation of these cities allowed Disney to issue tax-free bonds, as well as remain unaffected by any current or future state land-use laws.
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