The war between Mickey Mouse and Ron DeSantis appears to be over.

Allies of the outspoken Florida governor and Disney have reached a settlement in their court battle over how Walt Disney World in the Orlando area is developed in the future.

The agreement brings to an end almost two years of litigation sparked after Mr DeSantis’ takeover of a special tourism district from Disney supporters following the company’s opposition to Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law.

The controversial 2022 law bans classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades and was championed by the Republican governor.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District provides municipal services such as firefighting, planning and mosquito control, among other things, and was controlled by Disney supporters for most of its five decades.

A board appointed by Mr DeSantis to oversee development around Disney’s theme parks sued the company to void “backroom deals” favourable to the entertainment conglomerate.

Mr DeSantis used Disney as a punching bag in speeches on the campaign trail as he vied for the Republican presidential nomination earlier this year, until he ultimately suspended his bid.

Baltimore has ‘very long road ahead’ after bridge disaster – as update given on ship crew

End of an era in Baltimore after bridge collapse leaves residents in disbelief

Sam Bankman-Fried: Disgraced ‘crypto king’ jailed for 25 years after stealing billions of dollars from FTX customers

Read more:
Disney scraps campus plans amid spat with DeSantis
Five things to know about Ron DeSantis

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

“This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district,” Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle said.

The settlement lifts a significant barrier to the continued development of Walt Disney World.

The four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando – Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and Magic Kingdom – attracted roughly 47 million visitors in 2022, according to industry statistics.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Mr DeSantis said the state’s actions had been “vindicated”.

“A year ago people were trying to act like all these legal manoeuvres were all going to succeed, and the reality is here we are a year later, not one of them has succeeded,” he told reporters, according to the New York Times.

Related posts:

Jason Donovan says actors and freelance theatre staff ‘have suffered’ Netflix urged to pull down Dave Chappelle’s new show after accusations of ‘anti-LGBTQ diatribes’ Alec Baldwin calls for police to ‘monitor weapons safety’ on film sets using guns Millennium Dome, Pompidou Centre and Lloyd’s of London architect Lord Rogers dies Il Divo singer Carlos Marin dies aged 53 Sir Rod Stewart rents Berkshire home for Ukrainian family of seven who fled war ‘Pure magic’: Bruce Willis becomes a grandfather as daughter Rumer reveals birth of first child Music mogul Scooter Braun dumped by two more stars – reports Rihanna welcomes second child with A$AP Rocky Guy Pearce remembers ‘sharp, fierce and witty’ mother who has died after Alzheimer’s diagnosis Liam Gallagher adopts dog rescued by Thai animal sanctuary Hannah Waddingham recalls reason teacher told her she would ‘never work on screen’