Would you wait hours in line at Disney World to meet a cartoon character?
Disney Sues Florida's DeSantis Over Efforts to 'Weaponize' Government
25.08.2023 - 13:43 / skift.com / Bob Iger / Ron Desantis
Walt Disney Co sued Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, asking a court to overturn state efforts to exert control over the company’s Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando, intensifying a political battle between one of the largest U.S. companies and a potential White House contender.
The lawsuit marks the company’s response to escalating efforts by DeSantis and his supporters to bring to heel Disney, which draws millions of visitors every year to its massive amusement parks, the first of which opened in 1971.
“The company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials,” the company said in its lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that a newly formed DeSantis-appointed tourist board violated Disney’s contract rights, and did so without just compensation and deprived it of due process. Disney also argues it was denied its First Amendment rights to free speech. The company is asking the court to declare Florida’s legislative action unlawful.
The battle began last year after the company criticized a state law banning classroom discussion of sexuality and gender identity in schools.
Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger has called the retaliation against the company “anti-business” and “anti-Florida.” The company employs roughly 75,000 people in the state.
A spokesperson for DeSantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment. DeSantis, who is seen as a likely candidate for the Republican 2024 presidential nomination, is currently traveling in Asia as part of a visit to several other countries.
Disney shares were up marginally on Wednesday.
State Republicans last year targeted Disney after it publicly clashed with DeSantis, widely considered a 2024 presidential candidate.
Florida lawmakers passed legislation that ended Disney’s virtual autonomy in developing 25,000 acres in central Florida where its theme parks are located.
But before the takeover by DeSantis’ appointees, Disney pushed through changes to the special tax district agreement that limit the board’s action for decades.
Shortly before news of the lawsuit broke, Florida’s new oversight board said Disney’s plans for potential expansion of the Walt Disney World Resort did not comply with state law, and declared that agreement void.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board unanimously supported an attorney’s findings of legal flaws in the developers’ agreement Disney reached in February with a previous board, including a lack of proper public notice.
“What our lawyers have told us is, factually and
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Autors
Popular Topics
matadornetwork.com
11.09.2023 / 17:47
Bookend Your Disney Trip at These Beautiful Orlando Airport Hotels
If you’re booking an Orlando airport hotel, you’re likely either coming or going to Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, a work conference, family reunion, or some combination of the above (bravo to you, if that’s the case). Whatever the reason, bookending your Orlando trip with an airport stay is the most convenient way to ensure you aren’t rushed getting in and out of town, and have time to actually step away from the scene and relax a bit. These are the best Orlando airport hotels for every major hotel rewards program.
insider.com
09.09.2023 / 14:09
I spent full days at Disney World and Universal, and the latter is way more convenient right now
I've been visiting Disney World and Universal Orlando for many years. Since moving from Maryland to Florida seven years ago, I usually spend several days a month at both parks.
cntraveler.com
05.09.2023 / 20:57
A Sneak Peek at ‘Disney Treasure,’ Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship
While more and more cruise ships are beginning to feel like floating theme parks courtesy an abundance of onboard thrills, no one has mastered this realm quite like Disney. Now, on the heels of Disney Wish, which launched last year, Disney Treasure will set sail in December 2024 with seven-night Caribbean voyages from Port Canaveral. “We were inspired by Walt Disney's love of traveling all around the world and his spirit of adventure,” said Pam Rawlins, an executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, at a much-anticipated ship reveal held onboard the Disney Wish last week while it was docked in Florida. “We are taking you to real-world beautiful places, but also fantastical stories that we bring to life on the Disney Treasure.”
thepointsguy.com
05.09.2023 / 15:17
From a Jungle Cruise lounge to a 'Coco' restaurant, Disney Treasure reveals details and itineraries
Are you ready for your next Disney cruise adventure? At an exclusive event aboard the Disney Wish cruise ship, Disney Cruise Line revealed many of the details of its next new cruise ship, Disney Treasure, debuting in December 2024.
insider.com
30.08.2023 / 18:13
A woman is trying to find the best reading spot at Disney World, and people can't decide if her idea is genius or too expensive
Disney World is the ultimate destination for rides, Mickey Mouse-shaped snacks, and, according to one TikToker, reading.
travelpulse.com
29.08.2023 / 22:37
Latest Updates on Hurricane Idalia Impacting Travel
Florida is preparing for the arrival of Idalia on Wednesday, which has strengthened into a hurricane and is expected to rapidly intensify into a Category 3 storm by the time it makes landfall.
thepointsguy.com
29.08.2023 / 16:37
What to do if you have a trip planned for Florida as Hurricane Idalia takes aim
Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall in Florida early Wednesday, potentially leading to power outages, wind damage and flooding as it moves inland.
insider.com
29.08.2023 / 13:19
My husband and I have been going on dates to Disney World for almost a decade. Here are our favorite kid-free activities.
It's been about 10 years since my husband and I first visited Walt Disney World Resort with our two kids. At the time, we were the parents of preschoolers, and none of us had ever visited Disney before. The trip was hectic and stressful — and before I discovered the importance of taking an afternoon nap when visiting Walt Disney World.
breakingtravelnews.com
28.08.2023 / 14:37
More ‘Magia’ is Coming to Walt Disney World Resort This Fall
Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month is on its way to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida with brand new characters, marvelous musical performances and delectable dining delights to be discovered throughout the resort from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2023.
skift.com
25.08.2023 / 14:46
What If Marriott Had Bought Disney
In the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the James Stewart character George Bailey sees how life would change had he never been born. That’s a fantasy, of course, but like George Bailey, I began imagining recently while watching the Walt Disney Company’s latest leadership drama unfold how a company’s timeline could be altered under a different scenario.
skift.com
25.08.2023 / 14:40
Disney Parks Posts Record Quarterly Revenue Even With Some Closures
The Walt Disney Corporation announced on Tuesday during its fourth quarter earnings call that its theme park division generated $7.42 billion worth of revenue, a division record and a 36 percent increase from the same period last year.