Disneyland announced its inaugural "Pride Nite" at its California theme park, only hours after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the entertainment giant in his state. The two sides have been at odds since Disney publicly denounced legislation supported by DeSantis that prohibits discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third-grade classrooms.

The dispute intensified when DeSantis, 44, established a new board to oversee Disney World, terminating the company's longstanding self-governance. However, the board appointed by DeSantis was rendered powerless after its predecessors covertly approved a restrictive development agreement prior to the change.

The conflict escalated further on Monday, just hours before Disney unveiled its California Pride Month event, as DeSantis pledged to halt Disney's attempts to bypass state oversight. "You're not going to have Disney have its own government in Central Florida," DeSantis stated. "You're going to live under the same laws as everybody else."

DeSantis removed the five Disney-backed members from the panel overseeing the Reedy Creek Improvement District, Disney's unique self-governing district, and selected their replacements to curb the company's influence. However, before the outgoing members were replaced, they voted to return most of the panel's powers to the entertainment giant.

DeSantis accused Disney of "circumventing that whole process" and negotiating with itself to maintain self-governing status, defying the will of Florida's people. The decision granted full developmental authority over the 27,000-acre property to the parent company and prohibited the board from using the Disney brand, which DeSantis claims the state Legislature will stop.

Seemingly in response to DeSantis' latest criticism, Disneyland in California announced its festive after-hours event, "Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite," just hours after his comments. The event is described as "a separately ticketed event which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, and will be held on June 13 and 15, 2023, inside Disneyland park."

The after-hours Pride Month celebration will include themed entertainment, Disney characters, photo opportunities, specialty menu items, merchandise, and more, as reported by the Disney Parks Blog.

The ticketed event will kick off with a three-hour pre-party, followed by a private party that lasts until 1 a.m. PT. During this period, attendees can enjoy popular attractions beyond regular park hours.