Florida has once again stepped into the spotlight with a decision that could carry ripple effects far beyond state borders. Governor Ron DeSantis and State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo have announced plans to abolish every vaccine mandate currently on the books, from school immunization requirements to long-standing childhood vaccine schedules. If approved, Florida would become the first state in the nation to fully eliminate these protections.
Dr. Ladapo, speaking in Valrico, emphasized that the rules were “immoral” intrusions on parental rights and even drew comparisons to oppression such as slavery (via BBC and UNMC). “Every last one of them,” he said, referring to vaccine requirements that have been standard across the country for decades. Governor DeSantis reinforced the message by launching the “Make America Healthy Again” commission, which is dedicated to advancing medical freedom, informed consent, and reevaluating public health measures.
This effort dovetails with a broader movement associated with federal Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime opponent of vaccine mandates. Together, these actions highlight a growing divide in national health policy that is being felt most immediately in Florida—home to world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.
On average, Walt Disney World Resort welcomes about 58 million guests annually. The Magic Kingdom Park, in particular, remains the most visited theme park on the planet, drawing families from across the globe. While many come for the joy and adventure, the sheer density of guests and frequent touchpoints across the 30,000-acre property bring with them certain risks. Visitors often leave their trip with an illness of some kind, and without vaccine protections in place, those risks could grow significantly.
Not everyone has greeted Florida’s announcement with support. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Dr. Rana Alissa emphasized the role vaccines play in keeping schools and communities safe. Dr. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer of the American Medical Association warned the rollback threatens decades of public health progress. Dr. Tina Tan, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, described the move as “really devastating news” that could lead to “multiple outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Political leaders have joined medical experts in voicing concerns. Representative Anna Eskamani, currently running for mayor of Orlando, called the plan “reckless and dangerous” and warned of potential outbreaks of preventable diseases. Representative Lois Frankel added that unvaccinated populations mingling in places like schools, senior communities, or even theme park turnstiles could threaten vulnerable groups and Florida’s tourism economy.
Data from the World Health Organization notes that vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives in the last 50 years, most of them infants and children. A reversal in a high-traffic state like Florida raises the possibility of diseases such as measles or polio resurfacing, complicating operations in crowded destinations like Orlando’s theme parks.
Meanwhile, other states are charting a different course. Governors in California, Oregon, and Washington recently announced the West Coast Health Alliance, a coalition dedicated to preserving evidence-based vaccination practices and shielding public health from political influence. This fragmentation of vaccine policy may create challenges for families traveling between states, particularly in Central Florida, where international tourism plays such a large role.
From classrooms to cruise ports to the Most Magical Place on Earth, Florida’s proposal represents more than just a state-level debate—it could reshape how health and safety are managed in some of the busiest gathering spaces in the world.
How do you feel about the changes? Will they alter your travel plans to Central Florida? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
I’m wondering when Disney makes a statement…maybe they’ll ban Floridians from DW!😂
Thank you for your comment cc ! I agree wholeheartedly! I am so sick of reading crap that gets conveniently twisted out of context. I am so thankful for Governor Desantis and the fact that he puts Floridians first! I am thankful I live in Florida!
Is every Disney blogger a libtard? Stick to Disney News and leave the politics to the sane people who don’t have TDS, thanks.
I agree. If people want to get vaccinated to the moon and back that is their choice and if you don’t want to get them that is your choice. It is amazing how anyone grew up and stayed healthy before all these vaccines.
Yikes. Read the room. Stick with where the best fries are, you are clearly out of your depth here.
Phoniest state in the union. They don’ t round up all the illegals because the state couldn’t function without them. Playground for wealthy people who don’t pay their workers well. I have no desire to return to Florida. Disney World will let you stand in line for an hour while those with money walk right by. This will allow more time to catch the diseases the unvaccinated will be spreading. No thanks Florida.
If a person is vaccinated, how exactly does one “catch” a disease from an unvaccinated person. Is that not the purpose of a vaccination; to make sure you don’t catch the disease? Thus, the only ones at risk are those who choose to remain unvaccinated. I would not change my DW plans just because someone might be carrying a disease that I’ve chosen to vaccinate against. This whole argument is rather silly.
Vaccinations only lessen the chances of getting a virus or lessen the severity by helping your body fight it better. If everyone is vaccinated, the virus spreads less and eventually goes dormant. That’s why they ask adults to get the shingles vaccination. It’s to keep the adult version of chicken pox dormant.