The monthly board meeting of Walt Disney World’s governing district was uneventful, focusing on approving contracts for infrastructure projects. This came after Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ board appointees reached a deal to end their lawsuits over the governor’s takeover of the district. The district provides municipal services for the theme park resort, including firefighting and mosquito control. The meeting was devoid of the usual drama, as there were no confrontations or demands for resignations.
In the past, the governing district had been controlled by Disney supporters for five decades until DeSantis and the Republican-led Legislature took over last year. This takeover was a result of Disney’s opposition to Florida’s Don’t Say Gay law, which prohibits classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. DeSantis supported the law and criticized Disney, leading to the legal battles between the company and the governor’s appointees. The state lawsuits have been dismissed, while the federal lawsuit is currently on hold pending further negotiations.
During the recent board meeting, the focus was on regular municipal business, with little mention of the previous lawsuits. An amendment to a labor services agreement was approved, shortening it to 2028 instead of 2032, as part of the deal reached between Disney and the DeSantis appointees. Despite the lack of drama, the meeting was a stark contrast to the contentious nature of previous gatherings, where Disney supporters would often speak out against the governor’s appointees. However, on this occasion, even the Disney supporters did not show up during the public comment period.
Overall, the atmosphere of the board meeting was described as mundane and uneventful, a stark departure from the heated exchanges and confrontations that had characterized previous meetings. With the lawsuits between Disney and the DeSantis appointees now settled, the focus has shifted back to routine municipal matters such as infrastructure projects and service contracts. The board members expressed satisfaction in being able to conduct the “people’s business” without the distractions and controversies that had overshadowed previous meetings. Moving forward, the governing district can now operate smoothly and efficiently, providing essential services for the Walt Disney World resort without the cloud of legal battles hanging over its proceedings.
