Disney Admits Defeat To DeSantis, Set To Build New Park In Florida But Don't Expect Any Apologies

The Walt Disney Company engaged in one of the most unnecessary public battles in recent corporate history when it announced its intention to interfere in the Florida legislative process. Employee and progressive pressure over the state's Parental Rights in Education Bill led to Disney putting out an embarrassing statement criticizing common sense protection for children.

Sure enough, legislators and Governor Ron DeSantis took a closer look at the company's essentially autonomous government district south of Orlando…and realized that Disney had been taking advantage of their self-governance while not fulfilling their stated obligations.

READ: Walt Disney World Corruption Was Even Worse Than Previously Realized

Disney sued, leading to a firestorm of media coverage and Gavin Newsom tweets on how a "cartoon mouse" had comprehensively beaten DeSantis. Some politicians even suggested that Disney should move its Disney World property out of Florida entirely, or refuse to do business with the state moving forward. 

Except DeSantis then won every resulting legal proceeding. And now the oversight board in charge of the Disney World complex has cleared the way for a massive $17 billion investment in the Florida property. 

It's hard to imagine a more comprehensive defeat than that.

MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 05: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference on February 05, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida. Among other topics, he addressed the upcoming influx of spring breakers and assured the public that law enforcement officials and resources were available to maintain order if needed. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Disney Could Build New Park In Florida, DeSantis Still Waiting For Apologies

According to Fox Business, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) voted on Wednesday to unanimously approve Disney's investment plan over the next 10-20 years. While there will be an additional vote to come, it effectively clears the way for the entertainment conglomerate to make "significant capital investments," according to an agenda published by the oversight board. 

Those investments could include building a fifth theme park at the Disney World property, and are likely to lead to additional retail and hotel construction. 

So Disney unfairly and unjustly criticized DeSantis and the Florida legislature to appease its political allies, saw their unprecedented arrangements ended, sued, and effectively lost in every conceivable way. Only to then announce their intention to invest further in Florida after critics said they'd leave the state over the fight with DeSantis.

It's a testament to the importance of staying true to principles; DeSantis never backed down from the fight with Disney, despite immense criticism, and comprehensively won. Disney has been forced to admit its political stances have hurt their financial bottom line, the state is still set to benefit financially from their theme parks, and DeSantis didn't abandon an important stand for truth and common sense.

Just don't expect him to receive any apologies now that the disagreement is effectively over. The media hates to acknowledge when one of their political partners gets it wrong.