Disney and DeSantis End Dispute with New $17 Billion Walt Disney World Development Agreement

Jun 13, 2024 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

Posted: Thursday June 13, 2024 4:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney officially ended its First Amendment lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, concluding a two-year conflict triggered by the company's opposition to the so-called "Don't Say Gay" law.

Team Disney Orlando

This decision followed last night's Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board's approval of a new 15-year development agreement, permitting Disney to invest up to $17 billion to expand its Orlando theme parks.

"Walt Disney World is inextricably intertwined in the fabric of the state of Florida, and the success of Walt Disney World is the success of Central Florida and vice versa," said Brian Aungst Jr., a Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board member. "This agreement provides a lasting, sustainable, and prosperous future for the district, the people of Florida, and the Walt Disney Company."

In a statement, Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort said, "This new development agreement paves the way for us to invest billions of dollars in Walt Disney World Resort, supporting the growth of this global destination, fueling the Florida economy, and allowing us to deliver even more memorable and extraordinary experiences for our guests."

The resolution marks the end of a contentious culture war that dominated headlines in 2022. The legal battle left Disney in a weakened position, as it lost control over the nearly 40 square-mile area surrounding its parks, a privilege it had held since 1967.

U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor dismissed Disney's First Amendment suit in January, ruling that Florida had the authority to revoke the district. Disney had initially planned to appeal, warning that the case had significant implications for the rule of law.

In March, Disney and DeSantis settled most of their disputes, dismissing state lawsuits and agreeing to focus on the new development plan. Disney suspended its federal appeal pending the resolution of development issues.

On Wednesday night, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District voted 5-0 to approve the new development agreement. With the agreement finalized, Disney notified the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday that it was dismissing the case.

"All parties to this appeal hereby stipulate to dismissal of the appeal with prejudice," the notice stated.

CFTOD HQ near Disney Springs

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tissandtully19 hours ago

Yeah, apparently she should be done on Feb. 26th, but who knows what Ronnie has in mind.

JoeCamel20 hours ago

She still there? Thought she was busy with her OF

tissandtully20 hours ago

Glances over at Bridget.....

lazyboy97o2 days ago

You’re so out of touch with the times. Institutional knowledge isn’t based. The terms are clearly part of the facade of propriety. The posts are minor patronage and an example of “new” ideas of executive power. People can rotate through and they get to pad their resume because the board only needs to exist, not overtly act, at this time. So long as Disney remains compliant anyone can provide the rubber stamp. Who has remained is quite telling.

wdwmagic2 days ago

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board Changes Again as Vice Chair Departs https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/reedy-creek-improvement-district/news/18feb2025-central-florida-tourism-oversight-district-board-changes-again-as-vice-chair-departs.htm

LAKid532 days ago

Because the originals work is done.

mmascari2 days ago

How normal is it for boards roughly like this one to change members this often disconnected from their terms? I keep wondering what the point of terms even is, if we're just going to replace members whenever anyway.

lazyboy97o5 days ago

This is not normalcy nor should we lie and pretend it is. Development and building are local concerns and this structure remains abnormal and completely outside the construct of what are supposed to be legal taxing authorities. The threats remain clear, even if they’re just more loudly coming from others at the moment, and Disney is actively complying.

JoeCamel6 days ago

I think I would like to know Gilbert's campaign contribution history he seems to fit the bill of a Florida real estate salesman. Those and car dealers seem to gravitate to being politicians. Oh and lawyers too. I guess I yearn for the days of citizen service where the motives were clear but the money is way too high a bar for most.

Stripes6 days ago

These seem like decent appointments. Certainly better than the departing board members. With these appointments, it would seem to me that the new board will have members that are all qualified to be there. With the showdown over, things have returned to normalcy.

wdwmagic6 days ago

DeSantis Reshapes Disney's Central Florida Tourism Oversight District with New Appointments https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/reedy-creek-improvement-district/news/15feb2025-desantis-reshapes-disneys-central-florida-tourism-oversight-district-with-new-appointments.htm

DCBaker6 days ago

Ron DeSantis has appointed 3 new members to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Alexis Yarbrough as Chair, John Gilbert, and Scott Workman to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Alexis Yarbrough Yarbrough is the current Chair of the Broward College District Board of Trustees. She previously served as Chair and Commissioner on the Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. Yarbrough earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and her juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University. John Gilbert Gilbert is the Executive Managing Director at Stream Realty Partners. He was recognized as the 2007 and the 2012 Orlando Office Broker of the Year by the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks, Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Gilbert earned his bachelor's degree in real estate from Florida State University. Scott Workman Workman is the Owner of Workman Transportation and Owner and President of Workman Travel. He has been active in the transportation industry in Orlando for over 25 years. Workman attended the University of Iowa. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-three-central-florida-tourism-oversight-district

lazyboy97o9 days ago

The FCC is investigating Comcast over their internal corporate practices that have nothing to actually do with broadcasting. Make no mistake, this is why Iger capitulated.