DeSantis appointees approve Disney World resort development plan
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A Mickey Mouse performer at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Orange County, Florida. Photo: Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees unanimously approved a $17 billion Walt Disney World development deal with the company on Wednesday evening.
Why it matters: The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board's approval marks the end of a yearslong feud between DeSantis and Disney, which the company argued stemmed from its opposition to the Florida "Don't Say Gay" law signed in 2022.
- Disney's 15-year infrastructure improvement commitment in the deal means Disney can develop the resort without interference from Florida politicians.
Context: The oversight district serves as a special tax district and offers municipal services including firefighting.
- Disney publicly opposed Florida's Parental Rights in Education Law that critics dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill in 2022, prompting DeSantis to signed legislation that gave the state control over the theme park's self-governing district and appointed a new board of supervisors.
- This resulted in Disney launching litigation against DeSantis and the board, which countersued the company before both parties agreed in March to settle and agree to stop all lawsuits.
Details: Disney "intends to make significant capital investments into the Project over an extended period of years," according to the oversight district's meeting agenda.
- The company estimates its investment "will create 13,000 new jobs and thousands of other indirect jobs that will attract more people to the state and generate more taxes."
- The deal includes a "buy local" affordable housing initiative that requires Disney to commit at least 50% of its total spending in the expansion of Disney World going to Florida businesses.
What they're saying: Brian Aungst, a member of the five-person district board, said at Wednesday night's board meeting, "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."
- Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle said on Wednesday night the new development agreement paved the way for the company to invest "billions of dollars" in resort.
- This would support "the growth of this global destination, fueling the Florida economy" and allow "us to deliver even more memorable and extraordinary experiences for our guests," Vahle added in his emailed statement.
- Representatives for the district did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
