Orlando’s theme park landscape changed dramatically this morning.
Universal Studios just opened its biggest attraction ever.
And Ron DeSantis made one surprising move that has everyone talking about his Universal Studios appearance.
DeSantis shows up for Universal’s big night while Disney feud continues
Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe officially opened its gates today after years of anticipation and pandemic-related delays.Â
The massive new theme park represents the biggest expansion to Orlando’s tourism landscape in decades.
But it wasn’t just the dazzling attractions and immersive worlds that caught everyone’s attention.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a surprise appearance at the park’s private opening ceremonies Wednesday evening, signaling what many see as a deliberate show of support for Disney’s biggest competitor.
“Billions and billions of dollars have gone into it. It’s going to be a huge impact economically for Florida,” DeSantis said on X. “But I think even more importantly than that, it’s going to give a lot of memories to a lot of kids.”
Epic Universe is officially open starting tomorrow. Was great to tour the park and see firsthand how the vision has become a reality.
The kids will love it! pic.twitter.com/R52WfFx0Uz
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) May 21, 2025
The governor’s appearance wasn’t lost on industry observers who noted the stark contrast between his frosty relationship with Disney and his warm embrace of Universal.
A theme park power shift years in the making
Universal first announced plans for Epic Universe back in 2019, with Comcast CEO Brian Roberts calling it “the largest investment we’ve ever made in a park.”
The ambitious project faced significant hurdles when the COVID-19 pandemic devastated Orlando’s tourism industry in 2020.Â
Theme parks across central Florida shut down for months, and Universal paused construction on Epic Universe as uncertainty loomed.
“We had paused that during COVID until we felt confident enough that we could see a resumption of a great business,” Roberts said in March 2021. “(Now) we feel that way.”
Construction resumed, and despite delays pushing back the original 2023 opening date, Universal persevered to create what many are calling Orlando’s most ambitious theme park yet.
DeSantis embraces Universal amid ongoing Disney tensions
DeSantis’ appearance at the Epic Universe ceremonies comes at a notable time in Florida’s tourism landscape.
The governor has been engaged in a public dispute with Disney since 2022, when the company publicly opposed his Parental Rights in Education legislation, which critics labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
In response, DeSantis moved to strip Disney of its special self-governing status that it had enjoyed for over 50 years through the Reedy Creek Improvement District.Â
The battle led to lawsuits and ongoing tensions between Florida’s government and its most iconic entertainment company.
Universal, meanwhile, has largely stayed out of political controversies, focusing instead on expansion and innovation.
Epic Universe creates new tourism powerhouse
Epic Universe spans 110 acres and features five distinct worlds, including Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and the centrally located Celestial Park.
The park is expected to create thousands of new jobs and generate significant economic impact for central Florida.
Epic Universe is located near the Orange County Convention Center, a short drive from Universal’s existing parks.Â
Two new hotels, Stella Nova and Terra Nova, offer budget-friendly accommodations, while the luxury Helios hotel provides direct park access.
According to visitors who’ve experienced the park during preview events, some waited up to five hours to ride the new Harry Potter attraction, demonstrating the intense public interest in the new development.
Political observers note the timing
The timing of DeSantis’ appearance at Epic Universe has caught the attention of political observers in Florida.
With the ongoing legal and political tensions between the state government and Disney, the governor’s enthusiastic support for Universal’s expansion could be interpreted in various ways.
DeSantis has made no secret of his displeasure with Disney’s political stances, while Universal has maintained a more neutral public position on controversial legislation.
For Universal, the opening of Epic Universe represents not just a business expansion but potentially a shift in the political dynamics of Florida’s tourism industry.
What happens next for Orlando’s theme parks
With Epic Universe now open to the public, the competition in Florida’s theme park industry intensifies.
The park’s first-day guests lined up overnight for a chance to be among the first to experience attractions like Stardust Racers, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, and Mine-Cart Madness in the Donkey Kong area.
The grand opening coin souvenir was already sold out according to social media reports, highlighting the enthusiastic reception from park goers.
As Universal celebrates this milestone expansion, the company’s relationship with Florida’s government appears strong, with DeSantis publicly celebrating the economic impact of the new park.
“It’s going to have a huge impact economically for Florida,” DeSantis emphasized in his social media post about the park.
