The State of Florida Has Begun Inspecting Disney World’s Monorails
Eight months after Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill giving the state authority to inspect and oversee private transportation systems, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDLT) began the process of regulating Walt Disney World’s monorail system.
The new transportation legislation took effect on July 1, 2023. However, an FDOT spokesperson told News 7 that implementation of the law was now underway.
“Being that this is the first time that the State has had oversight, FDOT is doing its due diligence to thoroughly complete the review while ensuring the safety of travelers,” said FDOT District Five Public Information Director Cindi Lane.
Disney Has Shared Monorail Documentation
As part of the new process, Disney has provided the FDOT with monorail documentation, including safety manuals. The FDOT has also begun conducting field inspections of the monorail structures.
Such inspections are expected to be conducted every two years, after which the FDOT will release written reports.
At this time, however, the agency said it has not yet prepared any written documentation from their ongoing inspections.
“The Department continues to work with Disney on necessary information for the non-structural portion of the (monorail) system,” Lane said.
DeSantis Vs. Disney
The new legislation that gave the state oversight of Walt Disney World’s monorails came as the feud between Ron DeSantis and Disney reached its zenith.
In their federal First Amendment lawsuit, Disney mentioned the monorail legislation as an example of DeSantis’ relation against the company for speaking out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill (which critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay”).
“(The) amendment was precision-engineered to target Disney alone, just as Governor DeSantis intended and previewed – imposing state oversight over only those private monorail systems located ‘within an independent special district created by a local act which has boundaries within two contiguous counties,’” Disney’s lawsuit stated.
As Disney continues to contest the legislation that saw the Reedy Creek Improvement District dissolved, it appears as if they have accepted the new monorail law.
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