Disney ends legal dispute with DeSantis administration
In a recent development, Disney has taken a significant step by requesting a federal appellate court to dismiss its lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. This move comes on the heels of the approval of a monumental deal between Disney and DeSantis’s appointees, pertaining to the development of Walt Disney World over the span of the next two decades. The resolution of this conflict marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two entities.
The anticipation surrounding the fate of the federal lawsuit was closely tied to the successful negotiation of a development agreement between Disney and the DeSantis appointees of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which governs Disney World. The settlement reached in March stipulated that the future of the lawsuit hinged on the outcome of this crucial development deal. With the approval of the development agreement by the DeSantis appointees on Wednesday night, Disney faced a looming deadline to file a brief with the court, signaling the potential progression of the lawsuit.
As part of the extensive 15-year deal, Disney has committed to injecting a staggering $17 billion into the development of Disney World over the forthcoming two decades. In return, the district has pledged to undertake infrastructure improvements on the theme park resort’s premises. Previously under the sway of Disney loyalists, the district underwent a significant transformation following the takeover by the DeSantis appointees last year.
The newly forged development agreement grants Disney the green light to construct a fifth major theme park at Disney World, in addition to two minor parks like water parks, if desired. Moreover, Disney has been authorized to augment the number of hotel rooms on its property from nearly 40,000 rooms to over 53,000 rooms, along with expanding the retail and restaurant space by more than 20%. Upholding the immersive environment is paramount, with Disney retaining control over building heights.
In a reciprocal gesture, Disney has pledged to allocate up to 100 acres of its vast 24,000-acre expanse for the execution of infrastructure projects overseen by the district. Additionally, Disney is mandated to award at least half of its construction contracts to Florida-based companies and allocate a minimum of $10 million towards affordable housing initiatives in central Florida. This multifaceted agreement signifies a significant milestone in the evolution of Disney World and its relationship with the governing district, heralding a new chapter of growth and prosperity.
