Amusement park dispute resolved
DeSantis and Disney bury their hatchet
March 27, 2024, 6:33 p.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
Disney criticizes a Florida law that bans school lessons about sexual orientation. The entertainment company’s behavior outrages Governor Ron DeSantis – a legal battle that lasts for years. Now the feud seems to be coming to an end.
The Disney company and allies of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have settled their legal dispute over control of the government district in which the Disney World theme park is located. The site’s management board approved a settlement, ending a feud that had lasted nearly two years. Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle said the agreement serves the interests of all parties involved and allows for significant investment and the creation of thousands of jobs.
Disney had criticized a law pushed by DeSantis that bans school lessons about sexual orientation and gender identity for young schoolchildren. DeSantis then took control of the district in which the theme park is located, which had previously been managed by Disney itself. The governor appointed a new oversight board to oversee municipal services at the sprawling site near Orlando, which include firefighting, insect control and planning services.
But before the new management team could begin work, the company pushed through last-minute plans and agreements that stripped the new board of much of its authority. Disney sued DeSantis and the oversight board because it felt his right to free speech had been violated. The panel, in turn, requested that the contract concluded by Disney be declared invalid. The entertainment company responded with a countersuit.
In the settlement, Disney now agrees that its controversial agreements and plans are invalid. Instead, a comprehensive 2020 plan will be used, which the supervisory board can change. It is also expected to negotiate a development plan with Disney in the near future. With around 75,000 employees, Disney is one of the largest employers in Florida.