At the end of March 2024, a major part of the ongoing battle between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came to an end.
Cinderella Castle
Although we are still waiting for a ruling on an appeal that Disney filed at the federal level, the state-level case reached a settlement. As a refresher, this state court case (2023-CA-011818-O: CENTRAL FLORIDA TOURISM OVERSIGHT DISTRICT vs. WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS US INC) was brought by the district against Disney. It claimed that certain agreements Disney entered into with the old board were null and void. Disney later filed a countersuit against the CFTOD board, claiming that they willfully failed to search for and produce documents pertinent to the case. A settlement was reached in March that includes the dismissal of the documents case as well. Now, we’re hearing from Disney on the matter once again, but this time at the annual shareholders meeting.
On April 3rd, Disney held its annual shareholder meeting. At the end, Disney CEO Bob Iger participated in a Q&A session, where the topic of the ongoing battle with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District was brought up.
©Disney
Iger said, “The agreement with Central Florida Tourism Oversight District reached last week was a win-win in terms of our ability to pursue future building opportunities”
©Disney
The ongoing battle between Disney and DeSantis’ district was believed by Disney to be an orchestrated campaign to punish Disney for its political views and that this all now threatens Disney’s business. After Disney pushed back on DeSantis’s Parental Rights in Education law (known by many as the “Don’t Say Gay” Law), DeSantis pushed for control of Disney’s special tax district and insisted that his appointed board be in control of happenings in and around Disney World property.
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
Now that a settlement has been reached on the state level, it’s possible that Disney and DeSantis’ district could move toward rebuilding a relationship and reach new understandings as Disney continues to expand the parks and experiences.
As previously mentioned, the federal case still remains. We’re always keeping an eye out for Disney news, so we’ll be sure to keep you updated. Make sure to follow along so that you never miss a thing.
Looking for more comments from April 3rd’s shareholder meeting? Click here!
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I know financially and public relations wise, that settling and moving on was a smart choice. But letting DeSantis get away with using his office for revenge against those who disagree with him is the most obvious violation of the 1st amendment I’ve ever seen. Letting him off the hook sends a bad message.
I wish Disney had kept up the fight and taught him a lesson on our democracy. Emboldening bullies is a bad idea, but I guess in the end, Disney is a business, not an advocacy group.
If Ron’s board is going to stay how about Orange and Osceola County pick the people on the board. Not a Governor or his people in the legislation. The people that know what is best for area are the governing bodies of the area. Also they should be looking at Universal they are in violation of Ron’s speech again a company having so much power over an area.The Universal employee on their board are just what he spoke again with us.Again Orange special need to in control over Universal.
Kelly: I agree with your first sentence and the last half of your last sentence of your comment. I think your middle part is heartfelt..BUTT…Corporations can’t go fighting windmills at the expense of its clients.