The recent grassroots activity in Orange County centers on a concerted effort by unionized Disney employees and local educators to inform residents about a complex legal battle with consequences for public education funding. Canvassers from Unite Here and the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association have been going door-to-door and organizing public meetings to explain how The Walt Disney Co.’s continuing challenges to property assessments could reduce revenue available to schools.
Union organizers emphasize a message aimed at public accountability: large corporations that benefit from local services should not automatically seek reductions that shift costs to taxpayers. The campaign has included multiple town halls and an extensive neighborhood canvass that has reached tens of thousands of homes, drawing a mix of surprise and anger from residents who were previously unaware of the litigation.
Background: decades of litigation and the school district’s response
Disney has been contesting property tax assessments in Orange County since 2015, filing annual lawsuits over valuations for theme parks, hotels and operational areas. The company argues that some assessments are incorrect and has defended its position in court. In a previous public statement, Disney called certain increases in assessments “unreasonable and unjustified” and said it was compelled to challenge them.
In anticipation of potential outcomes, Orange County public schools (OCPS) has set aside funds to guard against revenue shortfalls tied to the litigation. OCPS documents show a reserve of about $119 million designated to absorb any financial impact if Disney were to win reductions. OCPS officials say they are preparing for a range of possibilities, while uncertainty remains about whether independently operated charter schools have taken similar steps.
Why the litigation matters to schools
If property tax collections shrink because of successful appeals, the pool of local revenue that helps finance public education could be diminished. Charter schools, which operate with public funding but separate governance, might be particularly vulnerable if they have not budgeted for a reduced revenue environment. Union leaders and teacher groups argue that the litigation places a burden on public services that rely on stable tax income.
The campaign: canvassing, town halls and public pressure
Union members have temporarily stepped away from park duties to lead canvass efforts that have already covered more than 40,000 doors. The outreach combines face-to-face conversations with public meetings where organizers explain the stakes and present data about how potential tax reductions could affect classroom resources. Supporters of the canvass include local elected officials who have spoken at events and joined in the effort to raise awareness.
Attendance at recent forums has been substantial: more than 300 people came to the latest town hall hosted by teachers and Disney unions. Additional sessions are planned, with the next publicly announced gatherings scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 2 at 1020 Webster St. in Orlando and 6 p.m. on July 2 at Renaissance Senior Center, 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Trail. Organizers say these events are meant to be informational, giving residents the chance to ask questions and express concerns.
Voices from the ground
Canvassers report varied reactions: some neighbors were unaware of the litigation, others were angered that a profitable company would seek tax cuts that might affect schools. Union members stress the symbolic call to action, often framed as “don’t take, but give,” urging Disney to invest in the community that supports its operations. Employees describe daily motivation to continue outreach even under difficult conditions, including rainy canvass days.
Government, accounting and corporate context
The dispute is handled administratively by the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office, which inherited a complex case load when Amy Mercado took office in 2026. Her office has been reviewing financial information for contested properties — much of which, officials say, only became available through litigation. The Property Appraiser’s Office continues to defend assessments while also engaging in settlement talks where appropriate.
There have been some settlements in recent years, including an agreement covering Animal Kingdom’s tax bill for a period spanning 2015 through 2026, according to officials. Local media and public agencies are probing the financial details of these settlements to gauge the broader fiscal impact; updates are expected as more information becomes public.
State-level pressures and broader fiscal trends
Complicating the local picture are statewide developments that already strain school finances: declining student enrollment and policies that expand access to taxpayer-funded education vouchers. Recent statewide budget moves and discussions about constitutional amendments on property tax could further reshape local revenue streams for schools. Analyses released by county offices estimate potential large-scale impacts on OCPS budgets if certain proposals advance, while the Legislature has signaled measures to shield school funding in some scenarios.
At the same time, The Walt Disney Co. reports continued profitability in its parks division, with operating income growth noted in its quarterly reports released in May. Company representatives did not respond to requests for comment about the current canvass and town halls at the time of reporting.
As the union and teacher-led campaign continues to mobilize neighborhoods and stage public forums, the debate over fair taxation, municipal revenue and the future of school funding in Orange County remains active. Residents and stakeholders are being urged to attend the scheduled town halls to learn more and weigh in.
