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☆ Disney CFO says Epic Universe's opening could boost attendance at Disney's Florida theme parks
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Disney's CFO Hugh Johnston discussed Universal Studios' upcoming theme park, Epic Universe. Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are adding new attractions. AdvertisementEpic Universe's arrival in Central Florida might be good for its direct competitor, Walt Disney World. Disney's Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston discussed Universal Orlando Resort's upcoming theme park during Thursday's earnings call. When asked how Epic Universe's May 2025 debut could impact Walt Disney World, Johnston seemed optimistic.

Persons: Hugh Johnston, Johnston, —, Walt, Arturo Holmes, Disney Dreamers Academy Dennis Speigel, NBCUniversal, Comcast NBCUniversal, Brian L, Roberts, Harry Potter, Berk, Josh D'Amaro, Indiana Jones, James Cameron's Organizations: Universal Studios, Disney, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Service, Walt Disney, Cinderella's, Disney Dreamers Academy, Park, Inc, Comcast, Comcast Corporation, Universal Orlando Resort Universal, of, Nintendo, Magic, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Disney's Hollywood Studios Locations: Central Florida, Florida, Pueblo Esperanza

☆ Disney World is entering its villain era
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewDisney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro unveiled ambitious plans for Walt Disney World, including new attractions and in-park destinations. Advertisement"As we develop the next generation of Disney Experiences, we're always looking for new ways to tell the stories people love," D'Amaro said. Representatives for Walt Disney World did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Disney beyond FloridaD'Amaro also shared details about how other Disney theme parks would expand. AdvertisementAlthough Disney is investing heavily in its domestic theme parks, it also plans to expand Disneyland Paris and Shanghai Disneyland.

Persons: —, Josh D'Amaro, D'Amaro, Araya Doheny, Disney, who've, we're, Joe Burbank, Indiana Jones, Hugh Johnston, Ron DeSantis, Disney hadn't, Florida D'Amaro, James Cameron's Organizations: Service, Walt Disney, Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Business, Walt Disney World, Central Florida . Magic, Magic Kingdom, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty Images, Pueblo Esperanza, Hollywood Studios, Pixar, Inc, The Central, Florida Gov, Marvel, Disney California, Shanghai Disneyland Locations: Anaheim , California, Central Florida, Florida, Animal Kingdom, Pueblo, Disney, The Central Florida, California, Paris, Shanghai

☆ DeSantis tourism board approves $17 billion development deal with Disney that could pave the way for a 5th theme park
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewCentral Florida's tourism district unanimously approved a $17 billion development deal with Disney that could mean a new era for the company's profitable theme parks. Members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's board of supervisors pushed through the landmark deal on Wednesday evening during a meeting at its Lake Buena Vista headquarters. "This agreement is a big win for central Florida and will lead to numerous jobs and improved guest experiences." It will also permit Disney to build a fifth major theme park and two minor theme parks — something Disney fans have fantasized about for years. The development deal also authorizes Disney to add more rooms to its Central Florida hotel and expand its retail and restaurant space.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis, Joe Burbank, Brian Aungst, Charbel Barakat, DeSantis, Bryan Griffin, Disney hasn't, George Miliotes Organizations: Service, Disney, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Business, Florida Gov, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty, Walt Disney, Communications, Wine Bar Locations: Central Florida, Buena Vista, Disney, Florida, Disney Springs

☆ Disney and DeSantis Reach Agreement, Ending Protracted Fight
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Brooks Barnes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida have finally ended their feud, clearing the way for $17 billion in planned development at Walt Disney World near Orlando. On Wednesday night, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — an entity that Mr. DeSantis took over in 2022, ending 55 years of Disney control and sparking multiple lawsuits — gave the company a big part of what it wanted all along: a locked-in, long-term plan for expanding Disney World. At least for the next 15 years, the length of the new agreement, Disney can develop the resort without worrying about interference by Florida politicians. Put bluntly, state leaders can no longer use growth at the 25,000-acre resort as a political weapon, as Mr. DeSantis did two years ago after Disney said it would fight to repeal a state education law that opponents called anti-gay.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, —, Disney, Jeff Vahle Organizations: Disney, Walt Disney, Central Locations: Florida, Orlando, Central Florida

☆ Disney and DeSantis-backed board ‘come to their senses’ in new agreement
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

“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,” he said. The Disney World resort is currently home to four theme parks and two water parks. It’s been 26 years since Disney has opened a new theme park in Florida,” said Dennis Speigel, owner and founder of International Theme Park Services, a global consultant for theme park projects. Orlando is the Mecca of the theme park industry, and for it to function, Disney and Florida have to function together.”

Persons: Disney, Ron DeSantis, “, ”, Aubrey Jewett, Brian Aungst Jr, Walt, Jeff Vahle, CFTOD, It’s, Dennis Speigel, DeSantis, Bob Chapek, Walt Disney, ” Jewett, Reedy, Jewett, Speigel Organizations: CNN, Disney, Walt Disney, University of Central, Walt Disney World, Walt, World, Park, Universal, Improvement, ” Locations: Florida, Central Florida, University of Central Florida, Reedy, Disney, Orlando, Mecca

☆ Florida locals endorse Disney World's new $17 billion development
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The Central Florida tourism board will vote on a development plan with Disney next week. The proposed development deal could allow Disney to expand its existing Florida properties. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementLocal businesses are throwing their support behind Disney's $17 billion development deal, saying it could invigorate the local economy and boost sales. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's board of supervisors discussed the pending development deal in a 25-minute meeting on Wednesday at its Lake Buena Vista headquarters.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis Organizations: Disney, Service, Disney's, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Business Locations: Central Florida, Florida, Buena Vista

☆ Disney's new development deal with DeSantis could pave the way for a Disney World expansion of mythic proportions
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Central Florida's tourism oversight district will soon vote on a development plan with Disney. The plan would greenlight $17 billion in development at Walt Disney World over 10 to 20 years. It could herald the arrival of the much-rumored "fifth theme park" in Florida. AdvertisementRumors that Walt Disney World might build a fifth theme park in Central Florida have persisted for years. A potential new development agreement between Central Florida's tourism board and The Walt Disney Company could usher in the rumored expansion.

Persons: —, Walt Organizations: Disney, Walt Disney World, Service, Walt Disney, Walt Disney Company, Central, Business Locations: Florida, Central Florida, Central

☆ The S&P 500 just turned in its best first quarter since 2019
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The S&P 500 index rose 10.2% during the first three months of the year, its best first-quarter performance since 2019. The S&P 500 on Thursday logged its 22nd record-high close of the year. Companies in the S&P 500 saw earnings grow 4.3% during the fourth quarter of 2023 from the prior year, according to FactSet data. Analysts polled by FactSet expect S&P 500 earnings to grow by more than 10% for all of 2024. About 140,000 cars a day traversed the I-35W bridge that once stood more than 100 feet above the Mighty Mississippi.

Persons: Bell, Bitcoin, What’s, Leslie Thompson, Warren Buffett’s, Zachary Hill, ”, Elisabeth Buchwald, Samantha Delouya, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Disney’s, Bob Chapek, “ Don’t, ” Chapek, ” DeSantis, “ I’m, Read, Francis Scott Key, Alicia Wallace, ” Christopher Phelan, ” Read Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New, New York CNN, Traders, Dow Jones Industrial, Nasdaq, Investment Research, Dow, Apple, Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft, Spectrum Wealth Management, Companies, FactSet, Research, Horizon Investments, Disney, Central, Republican Gov, Central Florida Tourism, Twin, University of Minnesota, CNN Locations: New York, China, Florida, Central Florida, Central Florida Tourism District, Orlando, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Mississippi, Twin Cities, Mighty Mississippi, Minnesota

☆ Disney agrees to settle Florida lawsuit with special district backed by DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board chairman Martin Garcia, right, delivers remarks as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a news conference at CFTOD headquarters at Walt Disney World on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Disney agreed Wednesday to end litigation in state court involving a Florida special tourism district that the entertainment giant effectively controlled for more than five decades until last year after Gov. The lawsuit was originally filed in state court by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District to void agreements the old district board had signed with Disney right before it was dissolved at DeSantis' behest after Disney opposed Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill backed by the governor. Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, in a statement, said "We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Persons: Martin Garcia, Ron DeSantis, Disney, Jeff Vahle, Vahle, DeSantis Organizations: Florida Gov, Walt Disney, Disney, Gov, Central, DeSantis, Republican Locations: Florida, Lake Buena Vista , Florida, Orlando, Central Florida

☆ Disney and Florida reach a deal, putting their legal war on hold
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Disney World and Florida have settled their legal dispute. The board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — which was DeSantis hand-picked to take control of Disneyworld's special tax district — agreed on Wednesday to settle the state lawsuit brought by Disney. AdvertisementBut just before DeSantis' allies took over the board, Disney's outgoing board members passed an agreement stripping the board of much of its power, effectively hamstringing DeSantis' incoming board. Related storiesNow, as part of the Disney-proposed settlement, Disney will agree to return power to the DeSantis-appointed board, which can now have a say in development plans and expansion. The settlement also instructs the tourism board to consult with Disney as it reviews and amends planning documents for the Disney World site.

Persons: Disney execs, DeSantis, Ron DeSantis, —, Bob Iger, Disneyworld, hamstringing, Iger, Disney, Charbel Barakat, Disney — I'm, Barakat, Walt, Jeff Vahle, Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Egan, Jones, Nelson Peltz Organizations: Disney, Florida Gov, Service, Central, Improvement, DeSantis, Walt Disney World, Associated Press Locations: Florida, Central Florida, Reedy, Disney

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The shakeup of Walt Disney World's governing district more than a year after it was taken over by Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees continued Wednesday with the departure of its board chairman who had been highly critical of Disney. In an email, DeSantis' communications director, Bryan Griffin, thanked Garcia for “successfully navigating” the transition of the district from a governing body controlled by Disney supporters to the current iteration controlled by DeSantis appointees. As punishment for opposition to the law, DeSantis took over the district through legislation passed by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature and appointed a new board of supervisors. Disney sued DeSantis and his appointees, claiming the company’s free speech rights were violated for speaking out against the legislation.

Persons: Walt Disney, Ron DeSantis, Martin Garcia's, Glen Gilzean, DeSantis, Martin didn't, Bryan Griffin, Garcia, “, Garcia “, ” Griffin, Stephanie Kopelousos, Kopelousos, ”, Disney, Mike Schneider Organizations: Gov, Disney, Central, Republican, DeSantis, Florida Legislature, Straight Alliance Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Central Florida, Orange County, Orlando, Florida

☆ Disney files appeal after judge dismisses lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and allies
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Disney is appealing a major setback earlier this week in its ongoing legal and political battle with Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis. On Thursday, Disney filed a notice of appeal, challenging a Florida federal judge’s decision to throw out its case accusing DeSantis of punishing Disney for exercising its right to free speech. The judge ruled that Disney lacked standing to sue DeSantis and that the company’s claims against the governor’s oversight board failed on merit — a win for DeSantis. On Wednesday, a Disney spokesperson said the company was undeterred, despite the initial dismissal. The board has threatened to hike taxes, raise utility rates and develop the land around the entertainment giant’s Central Florida theme parks.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Disney, DeSantis, Disney’s, Bob Chapek, ” Organizations: CNN, Disney, Republican, Florida federal, DeSantis, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney World, Central, ” Locations: Florida, Central Florida

☆ Judge dismisses Disney lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis alleging retaliation
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Ron DeSantis stands at a campaign event at the Los Angeles Harbor Grain Terminal on September 29, 2023 in Long Beach, California. A judge on Wednesday dismissed a federal lawsuit Disney filed against Florida Gov. Judge Allen Winsor ruled that Disney lacked legal standing to sue DeSantis and the secretary of Florida's Commerce Department. DeSantis had touted the law, and his fight with Disney, during his unsuccessful run for the Republican presidential nomination. A Disney spokesperson told CNBC Wednesday, "This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here."

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Allen Winsor, DeSantis, Winsor, Disney Organizations: Gov, Disney, Florida Gov, Florida's Commerce, Central, Republican, Walt Disney Resort, CNBC Locations: Long Beach , California, Florida, Central Florida, U.S, Tallahassee

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney this week requested a second delay in a state court case involving its legal battle with Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees over who controls Walt Disney World's governing district, as the company accused them and the governor's office of stonewalling requests for documents that are part of the litigation. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesDisney, DeSantis and the district have taken their fight over who controls the district to state and federal courts. The district said in court papers that it had provided the appropriate documents. Earlier this month the Republican Party of Florida ousted Christian Ziegler as chairman of the state party.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Walt, DeSantis, ” Erin O'Donnell, Disney, hasn't, hadn't, Nick Meros, Bridget Ziegler, Christian Ziegler, “ It’s, ” O'Donnell, Mike Schneider Organizations: Disney, Gov, Walt Disney, GOP, Florida Legislature, Central, Liberty, Republican Party of Florida Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Central Florida, Sarasota

☆ Haley, DeSantis clash over Disney and government's role in business
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-11 | by ( Chelsey Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Ron DeSantis and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley participate in the Republican presidential debate hosted by CNN at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 10, 2024. Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley butted heads Wednesday night over the role of government in regulating private business practices during the final Republican primary debate before the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses. "Now, Nikki Haley sided with Disney. The exchange between Haley and DeSantis about Disney served to highlight a fundamental difference between the two candidates.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Nikki Haley butted, DeSantis, Haley, Ron, Bob Chapek, Chapek, Disney Organizations: Florida Gov, U.S, United, CNN, Drake University, WASHINGTON —, WASHINGTON — Florida Gov, Walt Disney Co, Disney, CNBC PRO Locations: Florida, Des Moines , Iowa, WASHINGTON, WASHINGTON — Florida, Iowa, South Carolina, The Florida

☆ DeSantis board accuses Disney of controlling previous one with gifts
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

It found the board was "inverted to serve Disney," which held voting control of the prior board of supervisors. The Central Florida Oversight Board will meet Wednesday to vote whether to accept the report, which was prepared for the board by a group of experts. In what Disney described as retaliation, the Florida legislature in February replaced the old board with a new Central Florida Oversight District, whose five supervisors are handpicked by DeSantis. In April, Disney sued Florida in federal court, claiming DeSantis and his allies of "weaponizing" state government to punish Disney for exercising its free speech rights. The DeSantis-appointed oversight board counter-sued in state court, seeking to void the "backroom deals" favorable to the entertainment giant.

Persons: Octavio Jones, Ron DeSantis, Walt Disney's, Disney, DeSantis, flagrantly, John Classe, Dawn Chmielewski, Ken Li, Lisa Shumaker Organizations: Walt Disney, REUTERS, Walt, Disney, DeSantis, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Florida Oversight, Reuters, American Express, Florida, Thomson Locations: Orlando , Florida, U.S, Florida, Reedy, Central Florida, New York

☆ Florida GOP chairman's hunt for a threesome results in sexual assault allegation
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

But a recent rape allegation against Christian Ziegler undermines the principles they tout. Christian Ziegler, however, still showed up at the woman's apartment and raped her, the woman told Sarasota police, according to the Post. AdvertisementMeanwhile, the rape allegation against Christian Ziegler is a profound step away from the "pro-family" values his supporters have celebrated him for. An attorney for Christian Ziegler did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent during the weekend. A GOP power coupleFlorida GOP chairman Christian Ziegler greets former president Donald Trump at the Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit.

Persons: Bridget Ziegler, Christian Ziegler, —, Ziegler, Bridget, Bridget Ziegler's, Donald Trump, Joe Burbank, they've, Sen, Rick Scott, Florida's, Scott, John Stemberger, Stemberger, Ziegler's, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Gavin Newsom, Christian Zeigler, Spencer Roach, Roach Organizations: Service, Florida GOP, Liberty, Sarasota Police, Florida Center, Government, Washington Post, GOP, Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty Images, Florida Politics, Republican Party, Business, Gov, Central, Board, Disney, Sarasota County School, Republican Party of Sarasota, California Gov, Post, Associated Press Locations: Florida, Sarasota, Sarasota County, Iowa, Central Florida

The request for documents and communications was made Thursday by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, now controlled by DeSantis appointees. The district wants all Disney communications about DeSantis, as well as communications dealing with laws passed by the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature that switched control of the district from Disney supporters to the governors’ appointees and nullified deals the company made with the Disney-controlled district before the state takeover. Before control of the district changed hands from Disney allies to DeSantis appointees, the Disney supporters on its board signed agreements with Disney shifting control over design and construction at Disney World to the company. The new DeSantis appointees claimed the “eleventh-hour deals” neutered their powers, and the district sued the company in state court to have the contracts voided. Political Cartoons View All 1253 ImagesDisney has filed counterclaims which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable.

Persons: Ron DeSantis ’, “, ”, DeSantis, Mike Schneider Organizations: —, — Florida Gov, Disney, Walt Disney World, Central, Republican, Florida Legislature, The Central, Improvement Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, — Florida, Central Florida, Florida, The Central Florida, Tallahassee

☆ It's a small world with a big impact: Disney generated over $40 billion for Florida in fiscal year 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Disney experiences brought in $40.3 billion in economic activity in Florida in fiscal year 2022. Disney economic activity is keeping unemployment low and tax revenue high. That study looks at the total impact of Disney experiences in Florida, which includes the Walt Disney World Resort , Disney Vacation Club, and Disney Cruise Line. In essence, about one out of every 36 dollars spent in Florida directly or indirectly came from a Florida Disney experience. AdvertisementIn total, according to the report, Disney generated $6.6 billion in taxes in fiscal year 2022.

Persons: —, it's, Adam Sacks, Ron DeSantis Organizations: Disney, Oxford Economics, Service, Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation, Disney Cruise, Oxford, Oxford Economics's Tourism, Florida Disney, Central, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Walt Disney Locations: Florida, Oxford Economics's, Central Florida, California, Walt

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney on Tuesday released a study showing its economic impact in Florida at $40.3 billion as it battles Florida Gov. Disney accounted for 263,000 jobs in Florida, more than three times the actual workforce at Walt Disney World, according to the study conducted by Oxford Economics and commissioned by Disney, covering fiscal year 2022. The jobs include Disney employees as well as jobs supported by visitor spending off Disney World property. In central Florida, Disney directly accounts for 1 in 8 jobs, and for every direct job at Disney World, another 1.7 jobs are supported across Florida, Oxford Economics said. Before control of the district changed hands from Disney allies to DeSantis appointees, the Disney supporters on its board signed agreements with Disney shifting control over design and construction at Disney World to the company.

Persons: Disney, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, “, Mike Schneider Organizations: Florida Gov, Disney, Walt Disney, Oxford Economics, Sunshine State, Central, Florida Legislature Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Disney, Oxford, DeSantis, Southern California, Orlando , Florida, Central Florida, Orlando, Tallahassee

☆ Disney is in trouble. Bob Iger has 5 big problems to solve
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Last quarter, Disney’s linear television revenue continued to slip, declining 7% compared to the same quarter last year. Disney World angstIt may not be all bad news for Disney, though. However, Disney World Resort in Florida has struggled with declining attendance in recent months. Over the summer, Disney World parkgoers experienced shorter-than-expected ride wait times and fewer crowds. Nearly one year ago, Iger unexpectedly came out of retirement to take over the role of Disney CEO once again after the board unexpectedly fired his successor, Bob Chapek.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Bob Iger, Hugh Johnston, Christine McCarthy, Iger, ” Iger, I’ve, expansively, Indiana Jones, Reynaud Julien, Bank of America’s Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Ehrlich, Jason Bazinet, Disney, Disney isn’t, ”, Vijay Jayant, underperformance, Bob Chapek, Johnston Organizations: Los Angeles CNN, Disney, Republican, Gov, Warner Bros, CNN, Media, YouTube, ESPN, Wall Street, PepsiCo, ABC, Disney Channel, Geographic, “, Destiny, Cannes Film, APS, Bank of America’s, Citigroup, Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Locations: Florida, Refinitiv, Cannes, France, Canada, Hulu, Shanghai, Hong, Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Morale and trust within the Walt Disney World government has deteriorated since allies of Florida Gov. With the departure of so many district employees in such a short period of time, the district is “no longer functional,” a facilities director who left last month wrote in her exit survey. Disney has sued DeSantis and the members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board in federal court in Tallahassee over the takeover, claiming its free speech rights were violated. Disney is also battling the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in state court in Orlando. Before control of the district changed hands, the Disney supporters on its board signed agreements with Disney to shift control over design and construction at Disney World to the company.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, ”, “, there’s, DeSantis, hadn't, Matthew Oberly, Martin Garcia, ” Garcia, Glen Gilzean, Gilzean, Mike Schneider Organizations: —, Walt Disney, Florida Gov, Central, District, Associated Press, Republican, GOP, Florida Legislature, Disney, Improvement Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Central Florida, “, Reedy, cronyism, Tallahassee, Orlando

Ron DeSantis' appointees is dragging its feet in providing requested documents to Disney in a lawsuit over who has design and construction powers over the company’s sprawling theme park resort in central Florida, Disney said in court papers. The new DeSantis appointees claimed the “eleventh-hour deals” neutered their powers, and the district sued the company in state court to have the contracts voided. Disney has filed counterclaims which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable. Disney also is seeking from DeSantis’ office and several state agencies internal communications, including text messages and emails, and documents. DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have asked a federal judge to throw out Disney’s First Amendment lawsuit, calling it meritless.

Persons: Walt, Ron DeSantis, Disney, ” Disney, DeSantis, Mike Schneider Organizations: Walt Disney, Florida Gov, Disney, Central, Improvement, “ Productions Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Central Florida

☆ Disney accuses DeSantis-appointed district of withholding key lawsuit documents for nearly 2 months
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Walt Disney World is currently locked in a lawsuit with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly called the Reedy Creek Improvement District, was controlled by Disney allies for more than five decades until it was taken over by DeSantis appointees earlier this year. AdvertisementAdvertisementDisney has filed counterclaims which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable. Disney also is seeking from DeSantis' office and several state agencies internal communications, including text messages, emails, and documents. DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have asked a federal judge to throw out Disney's First Amendment lawsuit, calling it meritless.

Persons: Disney, Ron DeSantis, —, Walt, DeSantis Organizations: Walt Disney, Central, Service, Florida Gov, Disney, Improvement, Productions Locations: Central Florida, Florida, ORLANDO, Fla

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney attorneys want to question a previous administrator of the governing district that provides municipal services to Walt Disney World as part of its defense against a state lawsuit brought by a board made up of appointees of Florida Gov. The agreements were signed in February before the district takeover by the DeSantis appointees, who claim the contracts neutered their powers. The appointees are now suing Disney in state court in an attempt to void the deals. One of the arguments the DeSantis appointees make about why the agreements should be voided is that they weren't properly publicized. Political Cartoons View All 1211 ImagesDisney has filed counterclaims in the state lawsuit which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis, John Classe, DeSantis, Glen, Mike Schneider Organizations: — Disney, Walt Disney, Florida Gov, Central, DeSantis, Republican, Florida Legislature, Disney, Classe Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Central Florida, Florida, Glen Gilzean, Classe

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