Evidence surfaced that Disney entered agreements with the previous Reedy Creek board, giving themselves maximum developmental power right before the state of Florida took over the special taxing district. On February 8th, before a legislative session that saw the district fall under Governor Ron DeSantis’ control, the Reedy Creek board's president brought up the first item of two that would essentially give Disney massive control over property development, while taking away the special district’s power. No members of the public responded and only a few journalists were present, so this significant move was probably not grasped by anyone who attended the public hearing.

While Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom praised Disney, the national attention on DeSantis is described as “over-hype”. Although, DeSantis' attorney has demanded emails and texts regarding Disney's underhanded maneuvering with former special district members. DeSantis’ spokesperson Taryn Fenske argues that these brokered agreements may have significant legal implications and would subsequently void the contracts as a matter of law. Newsom believes that DeSantis is sure to retaliate, but ultimately he feels the maneuver hurt DeSantis politically since he's already been slipping in the polls regarding the Republican nomination for president in 2024, and he cannot fall lower.