Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have put an end to their feud with a deal that allows the entertainment giant to develop the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando for the next 15 years. A special Florida district that governs Walt Disney World Resort has voted unanimously to approve the company’s plans for expansion.
This has officially ended the years-long spat between the Disney, the House of Mouse and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Disney DeSantis feud
DeSantis and Disney, one of Florida’s biggest employers, had been embroiled in a dispute since 2022, when former Disney CEO, Bob Chapek criticized a state legislative effort to limit classroom discussion of sexuality and gender issues for younger students. Critics described it as the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Disney’s expansion plan
Under the agreement with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Disney said it would spend at least US$8 billion at the resort over a decade with a total of US$17 billion invested over 10 to 20 years. It will also expand an affordable housing initiative and ensure at least 50% of its total spending in the expansion goes to Florida businesses, according to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Disney agreement
The agreement with Central Florida Tourism Oversight District also gives Disney the ability to build a fifth theme park, expand retail and office space and add about 14,000 hotel rooms for a resort total of nearly 54,000.
The agreement comes after Disney and appointees of Ron DeSantis reached a settlement in March to end a high-profile lawsuit in state court over control of the special district that includes the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Disney President Jeff Vahle said in a statement the new agreement “paves the way for us to invest billions of dollars in Walt Disney World Resort”.
Turning point for Disney and Florida state
This resolution marks a significant turning point in the relationship between Disney and the Florida state government. The substantial investment and expansion plan are expected to have far-reaching economic benefits for the state, including job creation and increased tourism. Additionally, the commitment to affordable housing reflects Disney’s ongoing efforts to address critical social issues within the community.
Overall, this agreement not only resolves a high-profile dispute but also sets the stage for a new era of growth and development at Walt Disney World Resort, promising significant economic and social contributions to the state of Florida.
