Final Confirmation: Florida Government Imposes Fee on Disney World Visitors

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DeSantis yelling edited in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World

Credit: Inside the Magic

A new law imposed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis went into effect on Monday, and it impacts Walt Disney World Resort guests.

On July 1, almost 200 laws passed during the previous Florida legislative session took effect. Among the onslaught of legislation signed by DeSantis came numerous policies that potentially impact Walt Disney World Resort, including bans on intentional balloon releases, lab-grown meat, and legally forced water or breaks for hourly employees.

A diverse group of Disney cast members, mostly young adults, are standing closely together, smiling, and looking ahead. They are all wearing teal uniforms with badges. Some are holding hands, creating a sense of unity and celebration. The background shows more people in similar attire.
Credit: Disney

One of the laws, HB 1363, adds requirements to a previous statute that legalized red light cameras throughout Florida. County governments must pass ordinances to authorize the installation of new red light cameras starting on July 1, 2025.

Additionally, all counties using red light cameras must report revenue from the traffic control devices annually. This portion of the bill is effective immediately.

Guests driving to Walt Disney World Resort should exercise caution–a red light camera violation in Florida comes with a $158 fee. Who wants to tack that expense onto an already pricey visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney Springs?

A large, colorful archway sign welcomes visitors to Walt Disney World, featuring its iconic slogan "The Most Magical Place on Earth." The road leading to the entrance is lined with palm trees and includes an image of Mickey Mouse. The sky is partly cloudy.
Credit: Inside the Magic

None of the 185 laws that took effect in Florida on July 1 were directly targeted at Walt Disney World Resort. However, Governor DeSantis has a history of targeting legislation at The Walt Disney Company.

In 2022, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek publicly condemned the Parental Rights in Education Act, known commonly as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. He paused the corporation’s political contributions to legislators that supported the anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.

In response, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis legally dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement District–a municipal special district controlled by Walt Disney World Resort since 1967. He renamed it the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and hand-selected board members to oversee the area.

The Walt Disney Company sued DeSantis for allegedly violating its constitutionally protected right to free speech, but a judge dismissed the lawsuit in January. Since taking over, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board has outlawed COVID-19 restrictions at Walt Disney World Resort, changed Monorail inspection policies, and more.

Do you support increased traffic law enforcement near Walt Disney World Resort? In the comments, share your thoughts with Inside the Magic. 

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