The battle between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World continues.
Disney’s Iconic Monorail
Walt Disney World’s monorail is the Resort’s iconic transportation system. It carries Guests between the Transportation and Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and premium hotels, including the Contemporary Resort. The Florida government has argued that Disney World has operated for nearly 50 years without much government oversight. Among the many privileges Disney World enjoyed, it had the authority to inspect its monorail system, which carried an estimated 150,000 passengers daily.
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State Inspections Ahead
On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, the Senate committee advanced a plan to allow state inspections of Walt Disney World’s signature mode of transportation. Under the new bill, Walt Disney World must submit an annual safety plan and allow onsite visits every three years to ensure compliance. The Florida Department of Transportation would oversee the regulations, just as they currently do with other tram systems in the state, such as the one at Orlando International Airport.
Justification of the new inspections includes monorail accidents throughout the years, such as a failed track switchover in 2009 that resulted in the death of a pilot. There was also an event in 2014 where 120 people had to be evacuated when the monorail stalled after a lightning strike.
These new regulations follow a recent pattern of the Florida government cracking down on Walt Disney World’s operations following the company’s pushback on House Bill 1557 (the Parental Rights in Education bill).
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But There’s More…
In addition to the monorail inspection plans, Gov DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are also considering a resolution prohibiting Disney (and other businesses within the former Reedy Creek Improvement District) from requiring customers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccinations or testing before entry. However, this is not a policy the Florida Disney Parks currently have in place.
As always, we will continue to keep Disney Tips readers updated as we learn more about what’s ahead with the unfolding situation between DeSantis and Disney.