When it rains, it pours. As Disney continues to fall under the microscope of lawmakers who don’t like the way that Disney has spoken out in support of the LGBTQIA+ community, a Republican House of Representatives member has taken to the skies in his attack of the company. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, wants to remove the no-fly zones over the Disney theme parks because he doesn’t agree with the stance Disney has taken with regards to the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The no-fly zones were enacted in the wake of the September 11th attacks.
According to a 2003 article by the Orlando Sentinel, a well-connected lobbyist urged Congress to create the special no-fly zones that are typically reserved for higher-profile locales. In the article, Disney admitted to wanting to keep out “banner ads from trial lawyers” and to prevent “pilots buzzing the parks”. However, Congressional sources say that Disney only presented security concerns when called to defend their desire for a no-fly zone.
The Orlando Sentinel reported that two Republicans were instrumental in creating the no-fly zones for Disney theme parks, but now it could be the “culture war” between Republicans and Disney that undoes it.
The no-fly zone prevents aircraft from operating under 3,000′ for a 3 nautical mile radius from roughly Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Two of Disney World’s theme parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, fall completely outside of the no-fly zone. EPCOT is mostly encompassed by the no-fly zone and Magic Kingdom is fully encompassed.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
Disney backlash keeps getting better.