Disney Stops Ron DeSantis Takeover of Walt Disney World, Quietly Strips Power of Oversight Board

Ron DeSantis' attempted takeover of Walt Disney World may have backfired on him as the Florida governor's new Disney World oversight board got stripped of its power as the company sidestepped its takeover.

The Florida governor has repeatedly declared victory in his yearlong effort to restrict the autonomy of Disney World after the media giant spoke out against his "war on woke," specifically his "Don't Say Gay Law."

DeSantis had been gloating over his apparent "victory" over the state's largest employer that he even held a press conference last month on Disney property before appointing a handpicked board of conservative supporters.

However, the New York Times reported that Disney, at the same time, had been secretly maneuvering to restrict this effort and pushed through a development agreement that would limit the new board's power for decades to come.

In other words, DeSantis got outmaneuvered by Disney. The governor's appointees were not too pleased as Disney invoked a surprising rule that would allow the company to circumvent the new board.

New Agreement Prohibits Ron DeSantis Board-Controlled District to Use Anything Associated With Disney

Before Ron DeSantis approved the new conservative board, the Disney board drafted an agreement that would prohibit the special district from using the name "Disney" or any symbols associated with the theme park resort without the company's permission.

The new board and the district also cannot use the likeness of Mickey Mouse, other Disney characters, or other intellectual property in any manner. According to the Associated Press, the company can also sue the district if it violates this agreement.

However, DeSantis could still get rid of this agreement if he wanted to, but he would have to wait a long time, as the agreement stated that it would be in effect until "21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of England's King Charles III."

Disney revealed that all these agreements took place in public and that the district and the company legally signed them.

"All agreements signed between Disney and the District were appropriate, and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida's Government in the Sunshine law," Disney said in a statement.

New Florida Board Expected to Challenge Disney Agreement

As expected, the Ron DeSantis-appointed board would not be going down without a fight and is set to challenge the agreement in a protracted legal battle.

Brian Aungst, a board member of the newly created Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, said in a public meeting on Wednesday that they will have to deal with this matter and correct it.

He called the action "a naked attempt to circumvent the will of the voters and the will of the Florida Legislature."

According to the BBC, the board's new chairman, Martin Garcia, admitted they may have to challenge the agreement in "protracted litigation."

DeSantis' attempt to take over the special district once controlled by Disney was part of his ongoing "culture war" narrative as he is set to run for president in 2024. He is running against the recently-indicted former President Donald Trump for the Republican nomination.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Full Panel: Disney Power Move Against DeSantis Oversight Board Happened in 'Plain Sight' - From NBC News