DeSantis District Board Replaces Long-Standing Disney World Symbol

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s takeover of Walt Disney World has just gained another notch on its belt.

His Central Florida Tourism Oversight District ceremoniously solidified its presence as a proper authority over the theme park during a recent board meeting. This governing body has been a thorn in Disney’s side as it navigates the incredibly uncertain storm that Governor DeSantis has unleashed upon them.

DeSantis Takes Over Disney World

Earlier this year, Walt Disney World faced a major setback in its battle with the Republican politician. Its Reedy Creek Improvement District, the self-appointed governing body that oversaw the zoning and facility management for most of Walt Disney World, was completely dismantled and replaced with a new board composed entirely of members appointed by Ron DeSantis. This passage of power served as a considerable shakeup to the Florida Park, which has enjoyed this luxury for almost 60 years.

The board was renamed The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District on the day it was signed into law. Governor DeSantis emphasized that this decision was based solely on ending Disney’s unfair advantage to govern itself, but the company is not buying into it. Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis, saying he is mounting a retaliatory political campaign against them for criticizing his controversial Parental Rights in Education Act (widely known as the “Don’t Say Gay Law.”) Tensions have continued to mount over the issue, especially since DeSantis has entered the running to be the Republican Presidential nominee in 2024.

DeSantis Board Solidifies Disney Presence

The new board just revealed its fresh logo for the takeover at a meeting this week, which you can see below via Ashely Carter on Twitter.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly the Reedy Creek Improvement District) unvieled a new logo at this morning’s board meeting.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly the Reedy Creek Improvement District) unveiled a new logo at this morning's board meeting. pic.twitter.com/DH21DyWPot

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 21, 2023

The war between the two Florida giants has had some interesting developments recently. Walt Disney World’s Firefighter’s Union was at odds with the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District it originally welcomed with open arms. The board seemingly forgot an expected contract negotiation that addressed their staffing and payment concerns. While they promised a vote on the new contract at last month’s meeting, it was not placed on the schedule at any point.

Related: Having Learned Nothing From Disney Feud, DeSantis Picks Another Unnecessary Fight

The battle between Walt Disney World and Governor Ron DeSantis is far from over. With the two locked in a lawsuit expected to drag on, it may be some time before we know who will emerge victorious.