Today marks the long-awaited public opening of Epic Universe, the latest addition to Universal Orlando Resort’s theme park lineup. This is an exciting moment for theme park enthusiasts and Florida alike, as it’s the first significant new theme park in many years. Last night, Universal celebrated its achievement with a fitting celebration, attracting numerous high-profile attendees, including one who hasn’t always had the best relationship with theme parks.
Last night, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis attended the grand opening celebration of Epic Universe. Photographers from Attractions Magazine captured images of him and his group as they entered the theme park.
The governor’s attendance at a significant event in his state might not be particularly remarkable if it weren’t for Ron DeSantis’ history with Universal Orlando Resort, a major competitor to Walt Disney World. For nearly two years, they were embroiled in a substantial dispute over the Florida Special District that encompasses Walt Disney World.
Disney World’s Battle With Ron DeSantis
Previously, under Disney’s former CEO, the company publicly opposed a Florida bill known as “Don’t Say Gay.” This action led Florida Governor DeSantis to propose the dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Established for Disney World, this district was designed to grant the resort the control necessary for Walt Disney to construct his visionary city of the future, Epcot.
Ultimately, the Reedy Creek Improvement District was transformed into the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and instead of the board consisting of district property owners, it was now appointed by the state governor. This shift sparked a wave of legal disputes involving and targeting Walt Disney World.
In the end, all the lawsuits seem to have been withdrawn, suggesting that Disney World and DeSantis might have come to some truce or understanding that appears to satisfy everyone involved. However, it’s hard not to speculate whether Governor DeSantis would be just as enthusiastic if this were a brand-new Disney park being unveiled.
Ron DeSantis Praises Epic Universe
The governor’s disagreements with special districts were confined to Disney, and in fact, Universal gained additional backing from the Governor’s office as a result. This support was evident in various ways, such as a video DeSantis shared from Epic Universe praising the upcoming park for both families and Florida as a whole.
Though Disney doesn’t plan to unveil a fresh theme park in Florida for some time, they are collaborating with a company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to construct one in Abu Dhabi. Over the coming years, they will be introducing several new themed park lands instead.
By that time, Florida would have a freshly elected governor. It might spark curiosity to discuss which one they prefer more: Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort.
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2025-05-22 18:07