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The Lake Nona campus cancellation has made major headlines since its announcement yesterday. After a tumultuous few months of the Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s back and forth, it seems apparent that Disney is making good on its promise that there will be real economic consequences for the Sunshine State if the company and Disney Resort’s ability to function within it continues to be attacked.
Mickey Mouse and Friends at Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort / Credit: Disney
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After the news was announced, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis responded to the move, sharing that “it [was] unsurprising that [Disney] would restructure their business operations and cancel unsuccessful ventures.”
The Lake Nona campus would have brought thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue to the state of Florida, but per the response from DeSantis’s team, the Governor seems uncaring about this. But this isn’t a view universally held by all state officials.
Lake Nona campus, Florida / Credit: Disney
After the shocking news yesterday, the Orange County mayor responded to the Lake Nona campus cancellation, sharing, “…these are the consequences when there isn’t an inclusive and collaborative work environment between the state of Florida and the business community.”
Journalist Scott Gustin shared the response on Twitter:
NEW: In a statement, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings says it's "unfortunate" Disney won't move forward with Lake Nona.
"…these are the consequences when there isn’t an inclusive and collaborative work environment between the state of Florida and the business community." pic.twitter.com/LfJRccqw09
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) May 18, 2023
It’s certainly an unfortunate move, but one that proves that Disney CEO Bob Iger was not bluffing when he asked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (and the audience) at the Walt Disney Company earnings call earlier in May, “Does the state want us to invest more, employ more people, and pay more money in taxes, or not?”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (left); Disney CEO Bob Iger (right)
Related: Fans Want Disney World to “Move to a Better State”
Regardless of the outcome of this Disney vs. DeSantis, fans have made it clear whose side they are on. Many seem to agree with Disney’s view that this fight is “simply a matter of retaliation,” as the Disney CEO framed it, though there are certainly enough who believe DeSantis is in the right.
Stay tuned to Disney Fanatic for more updates on this story and all other Disney news.
