by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:20 AM ET, Thu June 13, 2024
The years-long feud between Walt Disney World Resort and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis seems to have finally cooled as the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District committee agreed to allow the entertainment company to invest billions of dollars into a new 15-year development plan.
The new Disney development plan, which some speculate could bring about a fifth Disney park to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, would invest some $17 billion into projects over the next 10-20 years. Already, Disney World has been revamping and revitalizing attractions across its parks, such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and several places throughout EPCOT.
According to Axios, the 5-person district board agreed to the plan for the significant economic impact it will have on Florida’s economy, creating what Disney estimates to be 13,000 jobs and will generate more tax money for the state. Any construction work must be at least 50 percent Florida-owned business.
This is the first peaceable agreement made between the Oversight District and Disney following the two-year court battles that raged following Disney’s protest of DeSantis’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill was put into Florida law in 2022. A settlement was reached between the two in court in March.
Speaking in support of the development plan’s approval on June 12's hearing was President and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, Robert Argusa, FCCP: “Today I stand before you in support of the approval of the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts developers agreement… it’s no secret that Disney is not only an economic engine for Florida, but more importantly, to the nearly 450,000 hospitality employees across the Central Florida region.”
“With nearly 40 percent of our local workforce within the hospitality industry, Disney’s commitment to make an investment of up to $17 billion over the next 10-20 years will positively impact our industry and our region with increased visitors and additional opportunities for business to grow…” said Agrusa.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
