The Controversial Between Disney and Ron DeSantis
In 2022, Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education Bill, which was dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The bill prohibits the discussion of sexual identity and gender roles in schools.
Source: David Guerrero/Pexels
Almost instantly, there was backlash to the signing of the bill from LGBT groups and other activism groups across the state and US.
Disney Release Statement Condemning Bill
Disney were quick to release a statement in opposition to the bill and in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
Source: Walt Disney Television
They suggested the law “should never have passed and should never have been signed into law,” (via the Epoch Times). They said that their “goal as a company” is to have the law “struck down in courts”.
Ron DeSantis Reacts
In response to Disney’s statement, Ron DeSantis reacted immediately by removing members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Disney’s private, tax-privileged governing zone, and replaced them with his own appointees.
Source: @RonDeSantis/X
This meant that the governance board, which makes decisions on matters such as construction projects, was no longer made up of those sympathetic to Disney.
Disney's Last-Minute Decisions
In preparation for the handover of power to DeSantis appointees, Disney made a quick decision by rushing through several policies. Many of these polices were discovered by the new appointees much later
Source: Fawpixel
These new (and unapproved by new appointees) polices included agreements that limited the new boards power, such as a development agreement that gave Disney control over future construction with no expiration.
New Appointees React to Disney's Decision
In response to these power-limiting “eleventh-hour” decisions, the state of Florida sued the company in 2023.
Source: Freepik
As part of this lawsuit, they requested Disney hand over documents showing communications regarding the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Disney Counter-Sues
In a further escalation, Disney sued the board, DeSantis and other state legislators at a federal level.
Source: ingey injury law firm/Unsplash
Disney claimed that they were undertaking a “targeted campaign of government retaliation.” The lawsuit was dismissed earlier this year.
Massive Deal May Have Settled the Dispute For Now
The $17 billion deal may have settled the dispute once and for all, with both parties seemingly satisfied with the compromise.
Source: Freepik
While being allowed to further develop their resort, Disney must direct at least half of their total spending towards local Florida businesses. At the latest board meeting, board appointee Brian Aungst stated that “the success of Walt Disney World is the success of Central Florida and vice versa”, signalling satisfaction with the outcome.
The End of the Fight
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which DeSantis took over in 2022, agreed to give Disney a long-term plan of expanding Disney World.
Source: iStock
For the next 15 years, the length of the new agreement, Disney can develop the resort without push back from DeSantis.
The Future of Disney World
Jeff Vahle, the president of Disney World, said in a statement that the agreement would support “the growth of this global destination, fueling the Florida economy,” (via the New York Times).
Source: Mark Willard
While the deal doesn’t give Disney everything they want, the company can finally make Disney World the resort they have been wanting to build for several years.
Disney's Multi-billion Dollar Deal (and 13000 Jobs)
According to the company, Disney’s infrastructure improvement plan should bring huge benefits to the local economy in Florida.
Source: John Guccione/Pexels
Disney claims that the new project will bring 13000 direct jobs, as well as many more indirect jobs due to increased tourism and tax generation.
Investing Billions More Into Disney World
Disney’s motive isn’t purely altruistic. This deal will allow the mega-corporation to pour billions more dollars into expanding Walt Disney World, one of the two theme parks in the company owns in the US.
Source: Inside the Magic/Flickr
This move will allow the company to build its fifth major theme park at Disney World while expanding their hotel and entertainment spaces.