Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney have reached a settlement agreement in a state court fight over the development of Walt Disney World following the governor’s takeover of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The agreement, approved by the board of the district, ends nearly two years of litigation that began after DeSantis took control of the district from Disney supporters due to the company’s opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. This 2022 law prohibits classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades and was supported by DeSantis, who criticized Disney in his speeches until suspending his presidential campaign earlier this year.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which provides various municipal services, was previously controlled by Disney supporters for over five decades. Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle expressed satisfaction with the settlement, stating that it enables continued investment, job creation, and economic opportunities in the state. In response to Disney’s opposition to the law, DeSantis took over the district through legislation and appointed a new board of supervisors. Disney filed a lawsuit claiming their free speech rights were violated, which was dismissed by a federal judge in January. Before the change in control, agreements were signed giving Disney control over design and construction at Disney World, which the new DeSantis appointees argued limited their powers, leading to the state court lawsuit.
The settlement agreement states that the comprehensive plan approved by Disney supporters before the takeover is null and void, along with previous development agreements and restrictive covenants. Instead, a 2020 comprehensive plan will be used with the new board having the ability to make changes and negotiate a new development agreement with Disney in the future. The agreement aims to facilitate cooperation between Disney and the new district leadership, opening a chapter of constructive engagement between the parties. This resolution comes after a period of conflict and legal battles between Disney and the DeSantis administration over control of the district and its role in Walt Disney World’s development.
The settlement marks a shift towards collaboration and mutual benefit for both Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District under the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis. By resolving the disagreements over the district’s governance and Disney’s development rights, the agreement paves the way for continued investment and job creation in the state. The resolution also signals a willingness on the part of both parties to move forward and work together, setting aside past disputes and focusing on shared goals of economic growth and community development. Overall, the settlement brings closure to a contentious period and sets the stage for a new chapter of partnership between Disney and the district’s leadership under the supervision of the governor.
