ORLANDO, Fla. – Disney has reached a settlement agreement with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the special district that governs Walt Disney World. In this truce, both parties have decided to drop the lawsuits they filed against each other and work on negotiating new development agreements for the wide area that encompasses the Orlando theme parks.
Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating that it “opens a new chapter of constructive engagement” with the state government. Vahle emphasized that the agreement will enable continued investment, job creation, and economic opportunities in the state.
The resolution puts an end to a two-year battle that started when Disney opposed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, which restricts classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation. In response, Governor DeSantis and the Florida legislature moved to eliminate the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the special governing body that Disney had controlled for over 50 years. Eventually, DeSantis gained control over the newly established Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, but not before Disney’s board approved development agreements that limited the actions of state appointees.
Disney and the state engaged in legal battles in both state and federal courts, with the company accusing the governor of retaliating against it for exercising its First Amendment rights. As part of the settlement, Disney acknowledges that the last-minute development agreements are void and intends to negotiate a new agreement while dropping the litigation.
Overall, this agreement between Disney and Florida marks a turning point in their relationship, ushering in a fresh era of cooperation and collaboration. It also signals a commitment to long-term investments and economic growth for both parties involved.
(More to come…)