Governor Ron DeSantis's original five-member board overseeing Walt Disney World Resort has been completely replaced. The final two appointees from the 2023 Disney takeover have stepped down, ending the direct connection between DeSantis's initial political retaliation and current district governance.
Last Original Members Depart
Bridget Ziegler and Brian Aungst Jr. no longer appear on the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board's official member roster. Both have served since February 2023, when the DeSantis-appointed board first seized control from Disney. Their departures complete the turnover of all five original appointees DeSantis installed during his political battle with the company.
Ziegler's exit carries particular significance—she co-authored the Parental Rights in Education Act that triggered the entire Disney-DeSantis confrontation and led to Disney losing control of its special district.
The current board consists of Alexis Yarbrough serving as Chair, alongside David Woods, Matt Ravenscroft, John Gilbert, and Scott Workman. DeSantis recently appointed Woods and Ravenscroft, though the Florida state legislature hasn't yet confirmed their positions.
How the Battle Started
The feud erupted in early 2022 after former Disney CEO Bob Chapek publicly criticized the Parental Rights in Education Act. The legislation—commonly called the “Don't Say Gay” law—severely limits teachers' ability to discuss sexuality in classrooms, disproportionately impacting LGBTQIA+ educators. Disney cast members and fans protested the bill, pushing Chapek to voice opposition despite DeSantis privately warning him against it.
DeSantis responded weeks later by signing legislation abolishing the Reedy Creek Improvement Act of 1967. That 56-year-old law had granted Walt Disney World Resort control over a special district board handling municipal services on Disney property. Although thousands of similar districts operate throughout Florida, DeSantis successfully argued Disney had enjoyed unfair special treatment for decades.
2023 Takeover and Disney's Failed Response
DeSantis handpicked five board members to govern the area, which he renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The new board assumed authority in February 2023 and immediately implemented policies, including banning COVID-19 restrictions and mandates on Walt Disney World Resort property.
Disney attempted legal maneuvers to preserve the Reedy Creek Improvement District's powers in the weeks before surrendering control, but those efforts collapsed. The company filed a free speech lawsuit arguing DeSantis violated First Amendment protections by punishing Disney for opposing the Parental Rights in Education Act. However, a judge dismissed the case in DeSantis's favor.
What do you think of the current Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
IN 1967 the whole area was nothing but cattle grazing, orchards, and swamps. i think overall Disney Corporation has done a fantastic job bringing development, tax revenue, jobs and not to mention a place to vacation where million upon millions of domestic and foreign currency are spent not only at disney but for the whole surrounding area. maybe leaving things alone and not letting personal B.S. cloud the overall good
It’s another example of DeSantis being a spoiled little ass. Politics should not get involved with private business anywhere. But in this country that line has been removed completely. Why does Disney not have the right to free speech? It’s because a DeSantis appointed judge said so.