Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Plan to Take Action Against Walt Disney World in Retaliation for Company’s Opposition to State Takeover

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a plan to take action against Walt Disney World in retaliation for the company’s opposition to a state takeover of its special taxing district.

In a statement on Monday, DeSantis said the Republican-controlled state legislature will take steps to “formally nullify” Disney’s attempts to maintain control of the district. He also threatened to build a prison or a competing theme park near the Magic Kingdom or raise taxes on Walt Disney World.

The feud between DeSantis and Disney began in March 2022, when former Disney CEO Bob Chapek issued a statement opposing DeSantis-championed legislation that aimed to ban the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation in classrooms up to third grade.

DeSantis said the legislature will advance a bill that will “make sure that people understand that you don’t get to put your own company over the will of the people of Florida.”

The Reedy Creek Improvement District is a special taxing district that includes the Walt Disney World Resort. DeSantis has said the district could include building a state prison next to one of Florida’s biggest tourism attractions.

The governor’s plan has been met with criticism from some who say it is an abuse of power and an attempt to punish Disney for its political stance. Others have argued that the plan could have a negative impact on the state’s economy and tourism industry.