LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - The newly-appointed board for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District – formerly known as the Reedy Creek Independent District – and governs Walt Disney World and its properties, said Wednesday that that previous board signed an unexpected decades-long agreement with Disney, effectively stripping the new board of its power."I cannot tell you the level of my disappointment in Disney.
I thought so much better of them," said Board member Ron Peri ."This essentially makes Disney the government. This board loses for practical purposes, the majority of its ability to do anything," Peri said.Under the terms of the agreement, the district is prohibited from using the name "Disney" or any symbols associated with the theme park resort without the company’s permission, nor can it use the likeness of Mickey Mouse, other Disney characters or other intellectual property in any manner.
The company can sue for damages for any violations, and the agreement is in effect until perpetuity, according to the declaration.If the agreement is deemed to violate rules against perpetuity, it will be in effect until 21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of England’s King Charles III, the declaration said.It marks the latest battle in a months-long fight between Florida Gov.
Ron DeSantis and Disney over the signing of the Parents Rights in Education, which limits discussion or lessons on gender identity or sexual orientation in elementary school.