Walt Disney World vs DeSantis & Florida vs Walt Disney World Lawsuits – End in a Draw. We try and stay out of political conversations, but this deserves to be seen. Disney vs DeSantis aka Florida have come to a deal. A deal which is considered a stalemate where each side withdraws the respective lawsuits and try to work things out mutually.
Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have reached a truce regarding the special district governing Walt Disney World in Orlando. In a settlement announced on Wednesday, both parties have agreed to withdraw their lawsuits and engage in fresh negotiations for development agreements within the 40-square-mile area covering the theme parks.
Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World, expressed satisfaction with the deal, stating that it initiates a new phase of positive interaction with the state government. He remarked, “We are pleased to conclude all ongoing litigation between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. This agreement marks the beginning of constructive engagement with the district’s new leadership and serves the mutual interests by facilitating substantial ongoing investments, along with the generation of numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities in the state.”
The resolution concludes a two-year conflict between DeSantis and Disney, which ignited when Disney opposed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, restricting gender identity and sexual orientation education in classrooms. In response, DeSantis and the state legislature swiftly moved to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the governing body Disney had overseen for over half a century. Despite Disney’s board approving development agreements before the transition, constraining state appointees, DeSantis gained control over the newly formed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Legal battles ensued in state and federal courts, with Disney accusing the governor of retaliation against its First Amendment rights. As per the settlement, Disney acknowledges the invalidity of the previous development agreements and commits to negotiating new terms, while both parties agree to cease litigation.
Thanks to Variety for first posting about this.
