The 50-year relationship between Walt Disney World and Florida had been one of mutual success. Disney largely created the tourism industry that the central Florida region now thrives on. But a battle between Disney and Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has now moved from being a simple war of words to legal challenges. First Disney sued Florida, then Florida sued Disney. But the mouse now wants to see Florida’s countersuit tossed out of court.
The battle between Disney and Florida surrounds what used to be called the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a special district created by Florida in the 1960s to help manage the municipal affairs of Walt Disney World. The district has now been replaced by a new one with a board appointed by Governor DeSantis. However, the new board discovered last month that prior to the new board taking over, Disney and the Reedy Creek board agreed to a land deal that gave the theme park direct control over much of the district’s land.
