Photo Credit: File Photo
Disney has officially withdrawn its federal appeal against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, concluding a high-profile, two-year legal dispute initiated by Disney’s opposition to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, often dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. This decision follows the approval of a new 15-year development agreement between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which will allow Disney to invest up to $17 billion in expanding its Orlando theme parks.
The new development agreement is a significant step forward for Disney, enabling the construction of a fifth major theme park in Orlando, along with up to two additional minor parks. This expansion includes the addition of more than 13,000 new hotel rooms. In a move that aligns with broader community support, Disney also pledged $10 million over the next decade towards affordable housing initiatives, with the state board committing to provide the necessary infrastructure to support Disney’s expansion plans.
Brian Aungst Jr., a member of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, emphasized the mutual benefits of the agreement: “Walt Disney World is inextricably intertwined in the fabric of the state of Florida, and the success of Walt Disney World is the success of Central Florida and vice versa. This agreement provides a lasting, sustainable, and prosperous future for the district and for the people of the state of Florida and for the Walt Disney Company.”
The conflict between Disney and Governor DeSantis erupted in 2022 after Disney publicly opposed the Parental Rights in Education law, which restricts classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. In response, Florida lawmakers, backed by DeSantis, moved to dissolve the special Reedy Creek Improvement District, stripping Disney of its self-governing status over a 40-square-mile area surrounding its parks. Disney’s lawsuit claimed this action was an unconstitutional retaliation against the company’s protected speech.
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor dismissed Disney’s First Amendment lawsuit in January, ruling that Florida had the authority to revoke the district regardless of its reasons. Disney argued that the decision had severe implications for the rule of law, stating, “If left unchallenged, this would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with.” However, with the recent agreement, Disney decided to abandon its appeal.
This settlement signifies a new chapter in the relationship between Disney and Florida’s state government. With the legal battles Now behind them, both parties appear committed to focusing on future development and growth. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s unanimous 5-0 vote to approve the development agreement underscores this collaborative spirit.
By dismissing the case, Disney and DeSantis have effectively moved past a bruising culture war, setting the stage for significant economic and infrastructural advancements in Central Florida. Disney’s future investments promise to bolster the region’s tourism industry, bringing substantial economic benefits and new opportunities for the local community.
In notifying the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals about the dismissal, Disney stated, “All parties to this appeal hereby stipulate to dismissal of the appeal with prejudice,” marking an official end to the contentious legal saga and a hopeful beginning for cooperative progress.
