Florida tourism board approves Walt Disney World expansion plans, ending Disney-DeSantis feud

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As a longtime resident of Orlando and a dedicated fan of Walt Disney World, I am thrilled to hear that the expansion plans for this beloved destination have been approved by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The prospect of new investments in the park is an exciting development for our community and the state as a whole.

The Florida district overseeing Walt Disney World has unanimously agreed to Disney’s expansion proposals, marking the end of a long-standing dispute between the company and Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida.

As a follower, I can share that on Wednesday, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District made the decision to approve Walt Disney Company’s plan for expanding their theme park complex in Orlando. This expansion includes an initial investment of $8 billion over the first 10 years, with potential additional investments totaling up to $17 billion in the subsequent 10 to 20 years.

Disney’s media and entertainment company in Burbank is making a significant investment in their “experiences” division, primarily their global theme park business. This includes plans for an expansion at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, costing over $1.9 billion.

During the meeting on Wednesday, both local tourism leaders and board members expressed their approval for the proposal and the positive impact it could have economically for the state.

During the meeting, Brian Aungst Jr., a board member, expressed that Walt Disney World is deeply connected to the state of Florida and that the prosperity of the theme park significantly contributes to Central Florida. He confidently believed in this positive outcome since it was the right choice.

The journey to obtaining approval on Wednesday involved a lengthy and complex route. The discord started in the year 2022, as Disney, Florida’s largest private employer, expressed opposition towards Governor DeSantis’ controversial bill named “Don’t Say Gay.” This legislation aimed to prohibit instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

After taking charge, DeSantis gained authority over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, an administrative body that managed the land where Walt Disney World was situated but had been governed for decades by Disney-picked officials. DeSantis subsequently rebranded this organization as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and filled its ranks with his trusted allies.

Disneys legal battle with the state and governor led to a series of conflicting lawsuits. One notable case was Disneys First Amendment lawsuit, which was dismissed in the end. The situation began to deescalate in March when Disney and Florida reached a settlement for a different court case. This development occurred shortly after DeSantis ended his unsuccessful presidential campaign. Prior to that, DeSantis had used Disney as a prominent target in cultural conflicts, long before his presidential bid commenced.

Following the results of the vote on Wednesday, Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort, expressed his enthusiasm with a statement. He noted that the newly approved development agreement signifies a significant opportunity for Disney to inject numerous billions of dollars into enhancing Walt Disney World Resort. This investment will not only propel the expansion of this renowned global destination but also bolster the Florida economy. Furthermore, it enables us to create even more unforgettable and astounding experiences for our valued guests.

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2024-07-18 22:17