Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees are on the verge of finalizing an agreement that could see Disney investing $17 billion into its Florida resort and potentially adding a fifth major theme park at Walt Disney World. The agreement, set to be approved by the five DeSantis-appointed supervisors overseeing the Disney World district, follows a settlement in March that ended a lengthy legal battle between the two parties.
The new development agreement, spanning 15 years, would allow Disney to expand its offerings significantly. Over the next decade or two, Disney could construct a fifth major theme park, along with two minor parks like water parks. The company may also increase its hotel room count from nearly 40,000 to over 53,000 rooms and expand retail and restaurant space by more than 20%. Disney would maintain control over building heights to preserve its immersive environment.
In return for these expansions, Disney would donate up to 100 acres of its vast property for infrastructure projects overseen by the district. Additionally, the company would be required to allocate at least half of its construction projects to Florida-based companies and invest a minimum of $10 million in affordable housing initiatives in central Florida.
The legal dispute between Disney and the DeSantis appointees stemmed from the governor's takeover of the district following Disney's opposition to a controversial Florida law known as “Don’t Say Gay.” The law prohibits discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in early-grade classrooms and was a point of contention between Disney and the governor.
After the district's control shifted to DeSantis appointees, legal battles ensued, with Disney suing over free speech rights and the district challenging agreements that allegedly limited its authority. The settlement in March resolved these issues, paving the way for the current agreement that promises significant growth and development at Disney World.
