Disney, DeSantis end spat with 15-year deal

Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have finally put an end to their long running feud. Under a new agreement announced this week, the entertainment giant will invest $17 billion over the next 15 years to develop its Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. That's according to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the special district that includes Disney's theme parks that DeSantis took control of in 2023. The new agreement also gives Disney the ability to build a fifth theme park, expand retail and office space, and add about 14,000 more hotel rooms. The company will also expand an affordable housing initiative and ensure at least 50% of its total spending in the expansion goes to Florida businesses. Disney had sued DeSantis last year, claiming he took control of the tourism oversight district in retaliation for the company's criticism of a Florida law that prohibits classroom discussion of sexuality and gender issues for younger students. Critics describe it as the Don't Say Gay law. The two sides settled that lawsuit earlier this year.