Overview
- The records obtained Monday by Florida Politics reveal Disney leaders paused the Magic Kingdom expansion over doubts the new state‑appointed board would grant wetland credits.
- Disney hired the law firm Holtzman Vogel to write a development deal to lock in building rights, keeping the firm’s role quiet to avoid losing state work.
- The outgoing Reedy Creek board, Disney’s on‑site government at the time, approved the deal in January 2023 after chief counsel John McGowan supplied brief, vague talking points.
- The new board later refused to issue bonds for World Drive Phase III near the Grand Floridian, leaving the $175 million road‑widening project unfinished.
- Disney says the legal fight is now settled and construction is moving “full speed ahead” with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, with work visible on Villains Land and Piston Peak.