After a prolonged two-year conflict marked by public disputes, insults, and legal battles, the clash between the Magic Kingdom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis seems to have reached a resolution.
The board members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District voted unanimously on Wednesday to accept a settlement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, effectively resolving most of their legal disputes and paving the way for future collaboration, according to The Associated Press.
The conflict between the entertainment giant and DeSantis included several lawsuits.
In one instance, Disney accused DeSantis of orchestrating a "targeted campaign of government retaliation" in response to the company's then-president's criticism of the governor's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law.
The lawsuit alleged multiple violations of Disney's constitutional rights, including two free speech violations, a property rights violation, a due process violation, and a violation of the contracts clause.
A federal judge dismissed the First Amendment lawsuit in January, but Disney planned to appeal.
Another conflict arose between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which DeSantis established in 2023 to replace Disney's 56-year-old special district, Reedy Creek Improvement District.
This move would have shifted Disney's self-governing authority over property and development to DeSantis' hand-picked board members.
However, on the eve of the Florida House's vote to establish the new district, Reedy Creek and Disney approved two contractual agreements that preserved much of Disney's control for the next 30 years.
The new board only discovered this maneuver after their initial meeting, prompting them to challenge both agreements.
The settlement between Disney and the CFTOD includes the following terms:
- Nullifying the development agreements made before the board takeover in February, thereby giving control to the DeSantis-appointed board
- Disney dropping the public records lawsuit and withdrawing its requests
- The 2020 comprehensive plan remaining in effect, with the board agreeing to consult with Disney on any future changes
Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle stated, "We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the State."
Regarding the First Amendment lawsuit against DeSantis, Disney has not yet withdrawn it.
However, the company has agreed to postpone the next stage of its appeal until negotiations on the new development agreement with the CFTOD are concluded.