Sticking It To Disney! DeSantis Spends the Day At Rival Theme Park

It’s been a strange couple of weeks in the relationship between the Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. It started with Governor DeSantis appointing Glen Gilzean to be the supervisor of elections in Orange County. This position would require him to resign as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District administrator.

Related: She Helped Save Disney From a Supreme Court Case, Now She’s In Charge Of DeSantis’ Disney District

To replace Gilzean, Governor DeSantis recommended Stephanie Kopelousos, who has an amicable relationship with the Walt Disney Company. Kopelousos helped Disney carve out an exception to Florida’s social media law, which is now in front of the Supreme Court, saving Disney millions in legal fees in the process.

Shortly after Gilzean left the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Board chairman Martin Garcia abruptly resigned, leaving another hole in the Board that oversees the Walt Disney World Resort.

But while Disney’s case against Governor DeSantis and the CFTOD made its way through the courts, there appeared to be a bit of a cooling-off period between the two sides. But that may have just come to an end.

Related: DeSantis/Florida Said Disney’s Special District Was Corrupt, So Why’s Universal Getting One? 

According to sources, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a trip this week to Disney World’s biggest Central Florida rival, Universal Studios Orlando Resort, for a day out with his family. DeSantis was spotted in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

DeSantis purchased Butterbeer at Honeydukes; however, most of the guests at the theme park were unaware that it was the Florida Governor standing in line at Universal Studios next to them.

DeSantis’ family is not seen in the photos, but the report said he was there with his wife and children.

This is the first time in years that DeSantis has been a guest at one of the state’s theme parks. Despite getting married at Walt Disney World, DeSantis won’t be heading to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” soon.

PHOTO: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) Spotted in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure (@UniversalORL)

According to @AGGancarski, DeSantis purchased butterbeer at Honeydukes.

Credit: @AGGancarski (X) pic.twitter.com/fCh5soAneQ

— Orlando Theme Park Zone (@OTPZ_TP) March 19, 2024

DeSantis and Disney have been locked in a battle since former Disney CEO Bob Chapek spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, known by its critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

DeSantis and the Florida Legislature reacted by stripping Disney World of the Reedy Creek Improvement District and replacing it with the CFTOD. The two sides have been locked in a year-long legal battle over the former Reedy Creek District.

But with all the legal wrangling, DeSantis may have found a new place for his family to spend their vacation time and stick it to Disney at the same time.

What do you think of the Florida Governor hanging out with Harry Potter? Let us know in the comments.