ORLANDO, Florida — Disney asked a federal appeals court Thursday to dismiss its lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a day after his appointed officials approved an agreement with the company over how Walt Disney will be developed. World in the next two decades, ending the last part of the conflict between both sides.
The request did not raise any major surprises because the future of the federal lawsuit depended on whether a development agreement could be reached between Disney and officials appointed by DeSantis to the board of directors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which governs Disney World, according to an agreement reached in March.
The development agreement was approved Wednesday night by DeSantis’ appointees. Next week, Disney was required to file a court filing if it wanted to move forward with its lawsuit against DeSantis and his appointees.
As part of the deal, which will run for 15 years, Disney agreed to invest $17 billion in Disney World over the next two decades, and the district committed to making infrastructure improvements to the theme park property. The district provides municipal services such as fire, planning and mosquito control, among other things, and was controlled by Disney supporters before last year’s takeover by DeSantis appointees.
“This new development agreement paves the way for us to invest billions of dollars in the Walt Disney World Resort, supporting the growth of this global destination, boosting Florida’s economy and allowing us to provide even more memorable and extraordinary experiences to our guests.” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort.
Under the terms of the agreement, Disney was approved to build a fifth large theme park at Disney World, and two more smaller parks, like water parks, if desired. The company can also increase the number of hotel rooms at its property, from nearly 40,000 to more than 53,000, and increase the amount of retail and restaurant space by more than 20%. Disney will maintain control of the height of the buildings so that it can maintain an immersive environment.
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