Universal Orlando Resort will receive several benefits through a new district approved by Florida, with benefits similar to those Walt Disney World once received.

The district, titled the Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District, consists of a board made up of Universal employees, with Universal owning a majority of the district's land. Additionally, the district will be home to Universal Orlando's theme park, Epic Universe, which is still under construction.

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The approval of this district, and the inclusion of Universal employees on the district's board, is noteworthy as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is in a legal dispute with the Walt Disney Company. The fight between Disney and the governor started earlier this year after DeSantis signed a law transforming Reedy Creek Improvement District into the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, replacing the district's existing board, made up of Walt Disney World employees, with new board members appointed by himself.

The lawsuit between Disney and the Florida government constitutes a claim on First Amendment grounds, where Disney alleges a "relentless campaign to weaponize government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain State officials." There were previously five counts in the lawsuit, though four of the counts have since been dropped.

Disney and Florida's feud with each other started after Disney spoke against Florida's Parental Rights in Education law in March, which prevents kindergarten through third grade students from learning about sexual orientation and gender identity. Neither Universal Orlando Resort nor its parent company Comcast issued a statement against the law.

DeSantis's feud with Disney is ongoing as he is running in the 2024 presidential race, announcing his run in May. He is competing against other Republicans in the party's primary, including former President Donald Trump, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and Vivek Ramaswamy, among others.

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Epic Universe is scheduled to open in 2025 and will be the fourth park in Universal Orlando Resort, after Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the water park Volcano Bay.

The Washington Examiner has contacted DeSantis's office, Walt Disney World, and Universal Orlando Resort for comment.