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UPDATE: Disney vs. DeSantis Feud

Posted by: Steven Wilk June 21, 2023

Monorail at Disney World
Credit: Disney

Since the battle between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company began over a year ago, there has been a lot of back and forth between the two parties. It has resulted in lawsuits, public relations battles, accusations, and Walt Disney World losing Reedy Creek Improvement District, which allowed the Resort to govern itself.

RELATED: VIDEO: Disney Guest Jumps off Ride, Fights Others

Ron DeSantis Speaking

Credit: ABC

There have been a few more developments in the past few days.

New Logo

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (the new district that took over after Reedy Creek Improvement District was dissolved) released its new logo (see below).

New Closed-Door Meeting

In addition, on Wednesday, June 21, at a meeting of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, General Counsel Daniel Langley proposed a closed-door meeting in July to discuss the ongoing lawsuits between the district and Walt Disney World Resort. Langley said, “It’s a good time to have a closed-door meeting to have discussions and elicit input from the board, and seek your guidance and discuss litigation strategy and expenditures.” He further suggested that the meeting occur in July, and none of the board members objected.

RELATED: DeSantis Scores a Win in Disney Lawsuit

New Advisory Board

Also, on Wednesday’s meeting, District Administrator Glenton Gilzean provided an update on the taxpayer advisory boards he first mentioned in a May 25th meeting. Gilzean said that he has been in discussions with several taxpayers and that the advisory boards will attempt to create “honest and open conversations that deals with much of the misinformation that is currently out there.”

Gilzean told reporters that he is still in the process of creating and defining advisory boards. He is looking at including several different businesses, taxpayers, and even non-district interests, such as businesses in the area that don’t necessarily pay taxes. When asked about the Walt Disney World Resort, Gilzean acknowledged that they were a fundamental interest as they were the district’s largest taxpayer, but he would not confirm whether or not they were involved in any talks with him.

RELATED: Is Disney’s CFO Leaving Because of Bob Iger?

New Conflicts?

Cinderella Castle in the MAgic kingdom

Credit: Disney

It is unclear how much of the district’s actions as of late involve any coordination or input from Governor DeSantis. Although he appointed the board’s leaders, his 2024 presidential run is likely occupying much of his time. Could this be a sign that the feud between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Walt Disney Company is starting to fade into small local district meetings?

Time will tell…

RELATED: Chief Diversity Officer Leaves Disney

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)