Disney leadership thought the company out-maneuvered Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis this year after a last-minute agreement with local officials gave the theme park virtually unlimited developmental power. But sources tell The Federalist that Disney’s corporate lawyers missed the fine print in Florida statute governing tourist districts. …

Disney’s first hearing on the issue was held Jan. 25, and the second on Feb. 8. The company advertised proceedings in the Orlando Sentinel. The last requirement of Florida law, however, that all affected property owners be given notice by mail, was skipped entirely, according to sources familiar with Disney’s proceedings. The missed mandate means the company would have to restart the process for its 11th-hour resolution to be valid.

[It wouldn’t surprise me if they did miss it, but it doesn’t really matter. The state legislature has the last word on such districts and can take further action to dismantle Reedy Creek and/or penalize it in numerous ways. Disney’s attempt, even if executed properly, was a stupidly short-sighted attempt to win a war that they simply cannot win at all. All it proves is that Disney’s foolishness was not limited to Bob Chapek. — Ed]