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Credit: Ron DeSantisFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis shared some choice words for The Walt Disney Company.
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently commented on the arrival of Universal Studios’ newest theme park, Epic Universe, and what this means for Walt Disney World going forward. “It’s really a healthy competition,” stated DeSantis, per a new report from Florida Politics. “I think Disney has to up the game because of all the investment that Universal’s done.”
DeSantis shared these comments when asked about the two theme parks amid his Alligator Alcatraz tour. “People should definitely get a chance to go to experience Epic Universe. I think it was really well done.”
The Walt Disney Company has a long and treasured history in the State of Florida. Following the success of Disneyland in California, Walt Disney chose the swamplands of Florida as the home of his next theme park. After years of planning and construction, Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, and the rest is history.
Disney World brings in millions of tourists each year and also provides thousands of jobs. In return, Florida allows Walt Disney World to essentially operate of its own accord. However, things certainly changed following the dissolution of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
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The conflict between Disney dates back to 2022 when former CEO Bob Chapek criticized DeSantis’ highly controversial Parental Rights in Education Act, which became unofficially known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney and DeSantis had many back-and-forth exchanges, prompting other conservative lawmakers to get involved.
Walt Disney World faced numerous threats, including a proposed piece of legislation that would strip the resort of its no-fly zones. Disney ultimately lost control of its governing board, allowing DeSantis and his hand-picked appointees to step in.
Walt Disney World is now governed by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), a board created by Gov. DeSantis.
“We had a very serious difference of opinion and a really legitimate standoff,” DeSantis said, recalling his very public scuffle with Disney. “It was a skirmish that needed to be fought on behalf of parents and children, and we were right on that, and we won on that. We also couldn’t allow one company to run their own local government.”
DeSantis also took the opportunity to call out Disney regarding its decision to pass on the theme park rights to Harry Potter, which ultimately went to Universal.
“Disney rejected having Harry Potter, and so [J.K. Rowling] went to Universal, and they’re printing money just on Harry Potter. So, literally, like, one butterbeer is like 12 bucks. And it’s good, not for everyone, but me and my kids like it,” DeSantis said.
Stay tuned here for the latest Walt Disney World news.