Beginning of the End: Disney and DeSantis’s Board Exhausted by Battle, Break Ground on Solution

In a ground-breaking surprise, the Walt Disney Company and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board have reached an agreement.

The ongoing feud between the Walt Disney Company and the board members hand-picked by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a long-drawn-out struggle that made headlines and held Disney fans’ attention for far too long.

However, recent developments suggest that both the company and the appointed board members are done fighting and clashing and have come to some form of agreement.

This announcement comes with the understanding that productive negotiations have culminated in the agreement to settle their differences, marking the dawn of a fresh chapter in their interactions.

This new development is a clear indication that perhaps it is finally the start of a new chapter in Disney and Florida’s saga; it’s a potential shift towards a more harmonious and cooperative dynamic between the two parties.

Theme park journalist Scott Gustint took to X to share, “During a meeting this morning, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District announced they reached a settlement agreement with Disney over the state-level lawsuit involving development agreements.” 

During a meeting this morning, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District announced they reached a settlement agreement with Disney over the state-level lawsuit involving development agreements. I'm working to learn more about what this means going forward. pic.twitter.com/W1nqQJgxH6

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 27, 2024

This is momentous considering how fraught with conflict Disney’s relationship with the Sunshine State has been off-late. The issues arose following the public disagreement between former Disney CEO Bob Chapek and the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill, formally known as the Parental Rights in Education Act, that transpired in 2022.

The rift between Disney and the Florida government has been a focal point of discussion, reflecting a broader clash of ideologies and values between the entertainment giant and the political landscape of the Sunshine State.

At the time, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis seemingly took Disney to task for this perceived infraction. He then set to work dismantling Disney’s special Reedy Creek Improvement District board and replacing it with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board.

The resolution of the Disney-DeSantis board settlement marks a potentially pivotal moment in the complex relationship between the two parties.

An important note: The news today only impacts the state-level lawsuit. As it stands right now, no change to Disney's appeal of the federal lawsuit: https://t.co/B7qbdAoDrU

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 27, 2024

It’s important to note that, as Gustin clarified, “The news today only impacts the state-level lawsuit. As it stands right now, no change to Disney’s appeal of the federal lawsuit.” 

As Disney supporters and fans would know, there were multiple levels of lawsuits that Disney and the new Reedy Creek Improvement District board were dealing with. There were not only state-level lawsuits; there is also presently a federal lawsuit ongoing that Disney has filed an appeal for with the court.

However, it’s worth noting that as it stands at present, the federal case appeal is “on pause.” Were Disney and the board to successfully reach a new development agreement, then the company would likely withdraw its federal appeal.

Statement from Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort https://t.co/7eI8Ni6x2C

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 27, 2024

The occasion was also noted by Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle.

Mr. Vahle commented, “We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in [the] state court of 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.”