In what appears to be a surprising twist, the ongoing saga between Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney World seems to have taken a turn for the better. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), under the governor’s influence, has announced nearly $100 million in much-needed upgrades for the iconic Orlando resort. This includes extensive improvements to bridges and roads around Walt Disney World, a significant move that could mark a new chapter in the tumultuous relationship between the two titans.
For almost a year, the battle lines were drawn, with the former Disney CEO Bob Chapek publicly condemning the Parental Rights in Education Act, which quickly drew the ire of DeSantis. The governor retaliated by dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District—Disney’s semi-autonomous zone. In its place, the CFTOD came into being, staffed with DeSantis’ allies. Despite a flurry of lawsuits, including a notable case where Disney accused DeSantis of violating its First Amendment rights, it seems that both parties have found a way to collaborate, at least when it comes to infrastructure improvements.
The most recent development saw the CFTOD board approving the pursuit of nearly $100 million worth of bonds for various transportation projects directly benefiting the resort. District Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos presented the proposal, which includes significant projects like the World Drive North Phase III, North Buena Vista Drive Bridge Replacements, and several other key improvements aimed at enhancing visitor and traffic flow.
It’s worth noting that while these upgrades aren’t explicitly labeled as Disney World improvements, the significant impact on the park is undeniable. Acting chairman Charbel Barakat mentioned, “It’s great we are able to take a positive step,” signaling a potential new era of cooperation between the state and the entertainment giant. This unexpected move suggests a win-win situation for both entities, potentially smoothing out past friction.
Governor DeSantis, despite occasional critical remarks directed at Disney, appears willing to channel substantial taxpayer funds into the enhancement of the resort’s infrastructure, a move that will likely benefit the economy through increased tourism. This raises the question: Could this growing cooperation further enhance the magic of Disney World?
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this latest development! Do you think these upgrades are a good move for both Disney World and its visitors? Share your Disney travel stories and join the conversation in the comments below! For a closer look at the CFTOD meeting notes and detailed plans, you can download them [here](https://insidethemagic.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CFTOD-May-22-2024-BOS-Meeting.pdf).
