Gunfree Disney World

July 3, 2008— -- ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Walt Disney World believes it is exempt from a new state law that allows Florida residents to keep firearms in their vehicles while at work, according to an internal memo obtained by a newspaper.

Under the bill, which took effect Tuesday, businesses cannot prohibit employees or customers from keeping a legally owned gun locked inside their cars, as long as the owner has a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

However, the bill states that property owned or leased by an employer who has a permit required by federal law to manufacture, use, store or move explosives would still be off limits. Disney has a permit for its fireworks shows.

The loophole was lobbied for by a group of lawyers that represented groups and businesses that included Disney, the Sentinel reports.

Shannon McAleavey, Disney World Vice President of Public Affairs, said in the memo that, with some exceptions, "this law does not apply to Walt Disney World Co. owned and leased properties."

The Orlando Sentinel obtained the memo. A Disney spokesman confirmed it circulated last week.

Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez told The Associated Press that the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy, and said "anyone bringing a gun on property can expect to be subject to discipline."