Disney has filed a dozen lawsuits against Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado, claiming that the assessed values of their property are excessive and violate Florida statutes.
Disney has filed such lawsuits multiple times before and has won in the past. They say the excessive property taxes are a result of inappropriate appraisal methods. In a 2020 lawsuit, the appraisal method used by then Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh was declared illegal.
The lawsuit also names the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District as a “political subdivision.” The Reedy Creek Improvement District was named in previous suits. Disney is embroiled in separate state and federal lawsuits with the District.
These are the assessed value of Walt Disney World theme parks according to Mercado:
- EPCOT: $646,178,878
- Magic Kingdom: $513,779,313
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $526,382,172
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $426,211,245
In 2022, EPCOT was assessed at $521 million, Magic Kingdom at $467 million, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at $479 million, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom at $387 million (via Florida Politics).
Disney has already paid the property taxes but wants the previous bills canceled and new bills issued.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.