For several years, The Walt Disney Company seemed to be in an unending battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The trouble started when former Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out against Florida’s controversial Parental Rights in Education Bill, which was championed by the governor. That led to an all-out war, and the Governor ultimately dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which allowed Disney to operate as its own form of government.
Related: Ron DeSantis Bans Certain Disney Cast Members From Public Spaces
However, Disney did not back down and ended up filing multiple lawsuits against Governor DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (the new Reedy Creek). The company accused the Governor of violating its First Amendment Right to free speech and the CFTOD of breach of contract.
Thankfully, things have since calmed down between the two sides. The state and Disney recently came to an agreement that will allow Disney to begin its $17 billion expansion project. Disney has also dropped its lawsuit against the Republican governor.
Related: Despite Lawsuits and Mass Exodus, DeSantis Claims “Success” in Disney Takeover
Recently, the Governor signed a bill into law banning the production and use of “lab-grown” meat in the state. It is the first law of its kind in the country, although three other states are considering similar bills.
While this bill is not directed specifically at Disney, it is possible that it could affect the kind of food that Disney serves at its four Florida theme parks, two water parks, and two dozen hotels.
The Debate Surrounding Lab-Grown Meat
According to the Green Climate Fund, “lab-grown” meat is just as it sounds. The meat is grown in a laboratory setting. What happens is this — scientists take stem cells from a cow and place them in a petri dish. From there, they will add things like amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to those stem cells, supplying the cells with what they need to become meat.
In the end, lab-grown meat is indistinguishable from meat taken from an actual cow.
In announcing the new law, DeSantis said that lab-grown meat is for the “global elite” and that he would support the cattle farmers in the Sunshine State.
However, those who are in favor of cultivated meat said that its development will allow millions of hungry people to be fed. It also has a much smaller carbon footprint and does not release the methane gas that cows do.
Is Lab-Grown Meat Vegan?
This is a more complicated question, and it really depends on why the person is a vegan.
If the person is a vegan because meat products make them sick, then they will want to stay away from lab-grown meats. The lab-grown product uses meat stem cells as the base, so it will still have those same properties.
However, if you are a vegan because you oppose the treatment that the animals undergo, then you may consider lab-grown meat vegan. Retrieving stem cells from an animal like a cow is a minimally invasive property. The cow is not injured, and the recovery time is almost non-existent.
At this time, the vegan community is still pretty divided on its stance.
Eating Vegan at Walt Disney World
One of the great things about dining at Walt Disney World is that there is something for everyone, and that includes guests who eat a vegan diet. There are so many vegan dishes, and guests can identify them because Disney puts a little leaf symbol next to the vegan dish.
Of course, there are vegan snacks all over the place, including Mickey Pretzels, popcorn, and the iconic DOLE Whip. If you head on over to Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can enjoy a plant-based Ronto Wrap.
Related: The Best Plant-Based Quick Service Meals in EPCOT
There are also options like the Vegan Chilli at Columbia Harbor House, the vegan pizza at Pinocchio Village Haus, and the plant-based plate at Docking Bay 7 in Galaxy’s Edge, and that is just the tip of the iceberg!
We do not know if Disney uses lab-grown meat at this time. However, Governor DeSantis’s new bill will not affect the incredible vegan options available at the Most Magical Place on Earth!
What do you think about lab-grown meat? Is it the way of the future? Let us know in the comments!
