Most Disney World guests focus their attention on the attractions, restaurants, and entertainment experiences that make up the visible theme park operation. However, behind the scenes exists a complex governmental structure managing essential infrastructure that makes the resort function. Roads connecting the four theme parks require maintenance and expansion. Water treatment facilities process millions of gallons daily. Emergency services respond when guests experience medical issues or accidents on property. Fire departments maintain stations strategically positioned across the 25,000-acre resort. These behind-the-scenes operations fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the special government district overseeing Disney World’s infrastructure and services. While this governmental body typically operates outside public attention, recent appointments to its board signal ongoing changes in how the district functions following significant restructuring in 2023.Credit: Inside the MagicGovernor Ron DeSantis recently announced two new appointments to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board: banker Matt Ravenscroft and attorney David Woods. These appointments continue the governance structure established when the Florida Legislature granted the governor authority to select board members rather than allowing Disney to control its own governing body as it had done for decades under the previous Reedy Creek Improvement District framework. Understanding who these new board members are and what their appointments mean for Disney World’s operational future provides important context about the governmental oversight affecting one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations per Florida Politics.The New Board MembersCredit: Inside the MagicMatt Ravenscroft brings extensive banking experience to his new role on the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board. Currently serving as Executive Vice President and Director of Sunrise Bank in Orlando, Ravenscroft has built a career in Central Florida banking that includes senior vice president positions at Old Florida Bank, United Heritage Bank, and Citrus Bank. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, giving him local connections to the region where Disney World operates.David Woods works as an attorney at Woods & Woods, P.A., focusing his practice on real estate, wills, trusts, and estates. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Florida State University and a juris doctor from St. Thomas University. His real estate expertise could prove particularly relevant given the district’s responsibilities for property management and development oversight across Disney World property.Both appointments require Senate confirmation before the appointees can officially assume their board positions. Once confirmed, they will join other DeSantis-appointed board members in overseeing district operations that directly affect Disney World’s daily functioning.What the District Actually DoesThe Central Florida Tourism Oversight District handles governmental functions that most theme park visitors never consider but that prove essential to resort operations. The district maintains the extensive road network connecting Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom to resort hotels and parking facilities. Water and wastewater treatment systems processing the resort’s daily needs fall under district oversight. Building inspections and permitting for new construction projects require district approval.Perhaps most visibly to guests, the district oversees emergency services responding to incidents across Disney property. Fire departments stationed at multiple locations throughout the resort respond to emergencies ranging from minor medical issues to serious accidents. These emergency response teams coordinate with Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies who provide law enforcement services on Disney property.The district also manages environmental services including mosquito control and wetland management across the vast acreage Disney owns but doesn’t actively use for theme parks or resorts. These behind-the-scenes governmental functions enable Disney World to operate as a self-contained resort destination rather than relying entirely on county and municipal services.The 2023 RestructuringThe Central Florida Tourism Oversight District exists in its current form following significant restructuring in 2023 during a highly publicized conflict between Governor DeSantis and Disney. The special district had previously operated as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, with board members effectively controlled by Disney through a structure that gave the company substantial autonomy over its own governance.The conflict emerged after then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek publicly opposed Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, legislation critics labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Following Chapek’s statement, Florida Republicans pushed back against Disney’s political positioning. The Legislature subsequently passed legislation giving Governor DeSantis authority to appoint members to what became the renamed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.Governor DeSantis argued that Disney’s previous control over its own governing board created an inappropriate advantage compared to other Central Florida theme park operators. The restructuring transferred appointment authority from Disney to the governor’s office, fundamentally changing the district’s governance structure.Current Operations and Reduced TensionsThe Central Florida Tourism Oversight District now operates under Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos, who previously served as Governor DeSantis’ Senior Advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs. Day-to-day district operations continue handling the infrastructure and services that Disney World requires, though under different governmental oversight than the previous structure provided.The intense public conflict that characterized 2023 has largely subsided. Media attention to the district has decreased substantially, and the operational relationship between Disney and the district appears to have stabilized. In a signal of improved relations, Governor DeSantis appointed Disney World President Jeff Vahle to a University of Central Florida Trustee position in 2024, suggesting the contentious period has given way to more functional working relationships.What This Means for Disney World GuestsFor most Disney World visitors, these governmental changes remain largely invisible. Theme parks continue operating as they did before the restructuring. Emergency services respond to guest needs. Roads remain maintained. Infrastructure continues functioning. The district’s behind-the-scenes work proceeds regardless of which governing structure oversees it.However, the appointments do matter for Disney World’s long-term development and operational decisions. District board approval is required for major infrastructure projects, new construction, and various operational changes. The board’s composition and priorities could influence how quickly Disney receives approvals for future expansions, how infrastructure investments are prioritized, and how the district balances Disney’s interests against broader regional concerns.The shift from Disney-controlled governance to state-appointed oversight represents a fundamental change in how Disney World relates to governmental authority, even if those changes don’t manifest in ways most guests would notice during typical park visits.Are you a Disney World regular who pays attention to the governmental and political aspects of how the resort operates? Drop a comment about whether you think the governance changes over the past few years have affected your actual experience visiting the parks, or if this all feels like background noise that doesn’t touch the vacation experience. And for Florida residents, how do you feel about the state’s involvement in Disney World operations compared to the previous structure? These discussions about theme park governance don’t come up often, but they shape the environment in which Disney operates in ways that could eventually affect guest experiences.The post FL Gov. DeSantis Interrupts Disney World Ruling, Makes Major Resort Change appeared first on Inside the Magic.