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Walt Disney World to lose self-governing status

Destinations
Rob Gill
22 April 2022

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is set to lose its special self-governing status in a row between the company and the state’s governor.

Walt Disney World in Florida is to lose its special status in June 2023

Disney’s theme park in Orlando has had self-governing status since 1967 including the ability to charge tax, build roads and control utilities on the 25,000-acre site.

 

But Florida’s Senate has voted to remove Disney’s special status after Disney opposed a bill by Florida governor Ron DeSantis which would prevent primary schools from discussing sexual orientation in their classrooms.

The decision means that Disney’s special district will be dissolved on 1 June 2023. Disney has yet to comment publicly on the vote by Florida politicians.