Disney World Suffers Court Loss

Image: PHOTO: Walt Disney World entrance. (photo via Manakin/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Walt Disney World entrance. (photo via Manakin/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 11:45 AM ET, Sat July 29, 2023

Chalk one up for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

A Florida judge has ruled against Walt Disney Company in its quest to have a lawsuit against the DeSantis-appointed oversight committee dismissed.

It’s all part of the ongoing feud between the entertainment giant and the governor, which began last year when Disney publicly challenged one of the governor’s policies. It has devolved ever since into a raging tit for tat. DeSantis stripped Disney of its self-governing powers and ability to set its own bond raid and taxes and even run its own fire departments. He installed an oversight committee filled with his sympathizers and backers. And here we are in court.

The ruling still allows a Disney lawsuit directly against the governor.

A spokesperson for the oversight committee declined comment, but a spokesman for Walt Disney World said: "We are fully confident Disney will prevail in both the federal and state cases."

DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has repeatedly called the company ‘Woke Disney’ for its extremely liberal views.

The former autonomous Reedy Creek Improvement District is now known as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District run by political allies of the governor.

Disney claims in its original contract from more than 50 years ago that it has the right to set its own agenda until the end of the British monarchy.

Disney filed a federal lawsuit against the governor last year and claims that he abused his power and weaponized the state against the company. Disney is asking the court to reinstate the original contract.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...