Watch Your Back Florida, Another State is Eyeing a Disney World Move

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that the Disney Company and Walt Disney World have been having some issues with the state of Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis stripped Disney World of its self-governing status by removing the Reedy Creek Improvement District and replacing it with the Central Florida Tourism Oversite District.

Related: Ron DeSantis Introducing New Legislation to Overturn Reedy Creek Deal

Disney successfully got the legs out from under the Central Florida Tourism Oversite District by stripping it of all its power before the DeSantis appointed Board even held a meeting. In response, DeSantis had the Florida State Legislature draft a resolution to undo what the previous Board enacted and threatened to build a prison next to Walt Disney World.

So, suffice it to say; there has been some tension between Florida and the largest employer in the state. That tension could have unforeseen consequences for the state and Governor DeSantis. It seems that Mickey Mouse may have a new suitor.

North Carolina is now attempting to bring Walt Disney World to the Tar Heel State. State Senator Michael Garrett has introduced Bill 594, “The Mickey’s Freedom Restoration Act.” The bill would authorize $750,000 to study the possibility of bringing Disney World north and actively attempt to lure the Mouse House away from the state of Florida.

Along with my colleagues, I’ve introduced SB594, Mickey’s Freedom Restoration Act. North Carolina is a great place to do business. Politicians who put their economy at risk to boost their own political ambitions are a liability. pic.twitter.com/azktbqZcSp

— Sen. Michael Garrett (@MichaelKGarrett) April 19, 2023

Garrett said in a press release:

North Carolina is a great place to do business. Politicians who put their state’s economy at risk to boost their own selfish political ambitions are a liability. In North Carolina, we’ve learned this lesson the hard way. When HB2, the so-called ‘bathroom bill’ passed, other states capitalized on our state’s disgraceful misstep. I welcome The Walt Disney Company and all other businesses seeking refuge from the culture war madness currently gripping the great state of Florida.

Walt Disney World employs more than 77,000 Cast Members, making it the largest single-site employer in the country. It is estimated that Walt Disney World has a $75.2 billion annual on Florida’s economy. Disney World pays $296.2 million in property taxes to Orange County alone. Disney CEO Bob Iger also pledged to hire 14,000 more Cast Members and spend $17 billion over the next decade.

Related: Ron DeSantis Just Needs to Take the Loss in Fight With Disney

DeSantis is now facing heat from his own party over his clash with Disney. Despite that, Governor DeSantis shows no signs of backing down.

Garrett, who has two young children, said this would help the North Carolina economy and “make a trip to Disney World cheaper for the people of North Carolina.”

With that many jobs and that much money being pumped into the economy, there should be plenty of other states offering up a new home to a Disney Theme Park if DeSantis keeps pushing it away.

We will continue to keep you updated on this story at Disney Fanatic.