Ron DeSantis is once again stirring the pot with The Walt Disney Company. Just when you thought the dust had settled with lawyers packing up their briefs and a $17 billion deal inked, DeSantis reignited the feud at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The Florida Governor took the stage to renew his jabs at Disney, embracing his ongoing battle against what he sees as the “wokest company in America.”
For those just tuning in, the sparring began when former Disney CEO Bob Chapek opposed the controversial Parental Rights in Education Act, commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The conflict escalated, leading to the dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District—Disney’s semi-autonomous tax district. In its place, DeSantis installed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, wholly run by his appointees, to oversee Disney’s Orlando operations.
Despite the public skirmish and numerous lawsuits, a surprising settlement was reached, paving the way for an unprecedented $17 billion expansion of Magic Kingdom. This mammoth project will include potential new theme lands and more, revitalizing Disney’s already vast Orlando footprint. DeSantis himself has signed off on this deal, hailing it as a victory for Florida while implying that Disney will now be “paying us a lot more money than they would have before.”
At a panel sponsored by Moms for Liberty, DeSantis boasted about his role in “eliminating corporate welfare,” suggesting that Republicans need to stand firm against large corporations like Disney. It’s clear that DeSantis views his actions as a triumph, despite the tangible economic benefits—new parks, hotel rooms, and jobs—that Disney’s expansions will bring to Florida.
With DeSantis back in the news for taking swings at Disney, it seems this saga is far from over. We’re left wondering: Is he laying groundwork for another round of clashes, or is this just political bravado? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how you feel about the ongoing Disney-DeSantis drama.
Source: Inside the Magic
