DeSantis suggests Disney World build a fifth theme park to compete with Universal

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state is moving on from its battle with Disney after a Wednesday legal settlement, and said the state-appointed board overseeing Walt Disney World is ready to negotiate with the company on park expansions.

Specifically, DeSantis noted Universal is constructing a third theme park on its property in Orlando, “Epic Universe,” and that Disney should be interested in a response of its own.

“It’s just gonna be a huge game changer,” he said. “It’s bigger than [Universal’s] other two parks combined. I’ve got to think that Disney would want to answer that [to] keep up with the competition.”

“I’ve got to think Disney would have an interest in maybe offering another one,” DeSantis said. “The district will be ready to negotiate something.”

Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort’s third theme park, on top of the current Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure parks. It will launch in summer 2025.

Meanwhile, Walt Disney World is host to four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Disney constructed its fourth theme park – Animal Kingdom – in 1998.

According to multiple reports, there have been ongoing rumors and predictions that a fifth theme park is on the way for Walt Disney World.

The legal battle with Florida drew to a close Wednesday under a new settlement. Disney’s last-minute agreements and restrictive covenants will be declared “null and void,” which is the objective sought by DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board, which replaces Reedy Creek last year.

Disney and Universal are located less than 10 miles from each other, with Disney consistently still being the king of park attendance in the region. However, Universal has caught up in recent years.

Universal’s 2025 expansion is massive, including the new theme park and three separate brand new resort hotels.

Disney is slated to invest around $17 billion in Walt Disney World in the face of Universal’s moves.

Here’s a roundup of media headlines prematurely declaring DeSantis’ failure in battle with Disney

Apart from the legal battles over the past couple years, DeSantis is no stranger to Disney World, which happens to be the location of his wedding venue with his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis.

The governor also encouraged Disney to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic while Disneyland in California had to remain closed longer.