Disney World Officially Suing Ron DeSantis

For more than a year, The Walt Disney Company — Walt Disney World Resort specifically — has been in a heated battle against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. What started out as Disney voicing its opinion against a controversial Florida bill — the Parental Rights in Education bill — has devolved in an all out war. The governor has stripped Walt Disney World of its right to self-govern, threatened to put a prison next to the Resort, and has insinuated that the new board that oversees the former Reedy Creek may tighten the purse strings should Disney keep producing “woke” content.

Disney tried to fight back. Mainly by making a deal with the Reedy Creek board which said that Disney had ultimate authority over what happened with the Resort until 21 years after the death of the youngest descendant of King Charles III. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight Committee — the new Reedy Creek board— however, has voted to overturn the deal. The governor and Florida state legislature have also started to work on a bill that would overturn the deal.

Now, it appears that Walt Disney World has had enough. On April 26, Walt Disney World officially filed a lawsuit against the governor. Theme park reporter Scott Gustin shared that Disney is claiming that the governor is “weaponizing” the State’s power.

BREAKING: Walt Disney World is suing DeSantis.

Lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida.

In the complaint, Disney outlines its argument and says the company is being “forced to defend itself against a State weaponizing its power to inflict political punishment.”

In the complaint, Disney outlines its argument and says the company is being "forced to defend itself against a State weaponizing its power to inflict political punishment." pic.twitter.com/zFrFBHiUNe

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 26, 2023

The lawsuit also states that Disney “regrets” that it has had to go so far in its fight with the state. However, Disney believes that they are being retaliated against for exercising their First Amendment Rights.

A targeted campaign of government retaliation—orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech—now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights.

Disney regrets that it has come to this. But having exhausted efforts to seek a resolution, the Company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponize government power..

Walt Disney World has been in Central Florida for more than 50 years. During that time, they have brought billions into the state in taxes, brought tens of thousands in jobs, and millions in tourism dollars. Disney CEO Bob Iger has said that the company wants to spend $17 billion over the next 10 years on Walt Disney World Resort, as well as add thousands of jobs. That could change if DeSantis continues to try to punish the House of Mouse.

In addition to Disney having issues with the board, several Disney Springs restaurants have voiced their concerns and frustration. The restaurants are being caught in the middle. Owners are worried that the fight between Disney and DeSantis will affect their business and the people they employ.

Governor DeSantis has not yet commented on the lawsuit.