Disney, DeSantis-backed board reach settlement in suit over tourism district

Disney and a Florida tourism board supported by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis reached a settlement Wednesday over who has authority over the special governing district on which the theme park sits. 

In the settlement, Disney agreed to end litigation against the tourism district in local court, according to CNBC News. 

The settlement also states that Disney can halt its lawsuit against DeSantis. 

“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," Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said. 

The feud between Disney and DeSantis started nearly two years ago when Disney publicly opposed a bill which opponents labeled "Don't Say Gay," which banned some classroom curriculum on sexual orientation and gender identity.

DeSantis then signed a bill into law giving him new power over the 47-square-mile district that contains Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida, which resulted in Disney filing a suit in April 2023.

This resulted in Disney suing DeSantis, but a federal judge dismissed the case.  

"We are glad that Disney has dropped its lawsuits against the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and conceded that their last-minute development agreements are null, void, and unenforceable," Bryan Griffin, DeSantis' communications director said, according to Fox News.