There is no sign that Florida governor Ron DeSantis’ war on Disney will wind down anytime soon.
After Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District was taken over by the state of Florida–essentially wresting control from the company– DeSantis has been tightening the screws on all regulations. The Florida governor’s vendetta against Disney initiated when the company protested against the state’s controversial bill. Commonly referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, it caused outrage nationwide, as well as lots of problems for Bob Chapek, who was serving as CEO of The Walt Disney Company at the time. Since then, the hostility between the governor and the theme park has steadily increased.
The board that now oversees the new district, officially titled The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, has come up with a laundry list of things it wants to change, some of which would directly affect the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
According to Inside the Magic, one of the most shocking changes enacted by the new board involves COVID-19 safety protocols. The board recently passed a resolution that makes all COVID-19 safety mandates from businesses, such as wearing masks and social distancing, illegal within the District’s reach. While such safety measures had been optional, now they are outright illegal.
The new board has also targeted Disney World’s Monorail system, specifically citing that it seeks to expand the safety protocols and measures of the service. The new amendment, which was filed earlier this week, states that the Monorail would have to completely shut down during safety inspections. The amendment also aims to enforce stricter guidelines on inspections done in the Parks at Walt Disney World.
On April 26, Disney fired back at Gov. DeSantis, filing a massive new lawsuit. In its lawsuit, Disney says, “This government action was patently retaliatory, patently anti-business, and patently unconstitutional.” The company is asking a federal judge to declare the board’s action “unlawful and unenforceable.” It also accuses DeSantis of violating its protected speech.
It’s unknown what will come of the lawsuit, but it’s safe to say the relationship between The Walt Disney Company and the state of Florida is extremely strained at the moment. Outlawing Covid-19 safety resolutions however, seems an extreme measure even by Florida standards, as that could affect the health and welfare of its population as a whole.
