If you’ve followed along with the Walt Disney Company for some time, you’re probably aware of the Company’s dispute with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Magic Kingdom
The ongoing battle between Disney and DeSantis’ district was believed by Disney to be an orchestrated campaign to punish Disney for its political views and that this all now threatens Disney’s business. After Disney pushed back on DeSantis’s Parental Rights in Education law (known by many as the “Don’t Say Gay” Law), DeSantis pushed for control of Disney’s special tax district and insisted that his appointed board be in control of happenings in and around Disney World property. Since the battle began, Disney paused all donations to local politicians, but it seems that that is now changing.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, “In March 2022, Disney suspended all political contributions in Florida in the wake of the controversy over the so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, which bans instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity in schools.”
Magic Kingdom
Now, Disney’s Princess Tiana is featured on the invitations to Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson’s fundraiser next month — indicating the return of Disney into Florida politics.
Sourced via Orlando Sentinel
Thompson said that Disney provided them with theme park tickets, “in what’s known as an in-kind contribution.” This would mark the first financial contribution to a political campaign in over two years.
EPCOT
The Sentinel stated, “Before the pause, Disney had given about $55 million to Republicans, Democrats and political committees in the state over the previous 28 years, including about $5 million in 2020 and more than $2 million in just the first two months of 2022, state records show.”
Slinky Dog Dash
While Disney’s direct political contributions have not yet started back up, Disney is providing in-kind contributions, which means that a donor is providing services, products, or other benefits — which is indicated by the use of Princess Tiana on the fundraiser invitations.
Tree of Life
According to the invitation, a $250 contributor to Thompson would receive one pass to a Disney World park, $500 gets two park passes, $700 gets three and $1,000 gets four. All donors receive access to a dinner and fireworks display at the end of the June 7th fundraiser.
EPCOT
We’re always on the lookout for Disney news, whether that be new snacks in the theme parks, new merchandise, or even political updates like these. Make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop and never miss a thing.
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What do you think of Disney’s in-kind contributions to political campaigns? Let us know in the comments!
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Is Disney ALSO doing a
Fundraiser for a Republican candidate?!
I don’t think anyone cares who Disney silently contributes to. That said, renaming the “parental rights and education“ bill the “don’t say gay“ bill is such a manipulative tactic that is clearly meant to stir up the emotions of the uninformed. ALL parents, Straight or gay, want to be kept in the loop on what’s happening in regards to their children. Disney publicly advocating for keeping parents in the dark in regards to their children in public schools is creepy and deserved pushback.
When I was a kid sex education was about biology, and the parents were informed. Now it’s about “feelings“ and “you don’t have to tell your parents“. We had a creepy neighbor that used to tell kids that. Frigging weird.
Ultimately, children should be under the umbrella of their parents, not the state. In my opinion, Disney deserved to feel major heat over this one.
Sneaky way of biting the hand that feeds them. This is a no brainer for anyone that doesn’t care who is elected, is undecided, or tends to vote for a democrat party candidate. The value of the “donation” gets them in the park for what it would normally cost plus extra benefits. Disney is indirectly financially supporting this candidate’s campaign.
Disney will never learn. Stopping all contributions was the correct policy and should remain the policy of Disney forever. Just improve and add to the parks, that’s all Disney customers want to see.
Notice how the contribution was to Democrat, not a GOP politician. You think Disney is going to support the ones who turned their back on them and sided with a wannabe Dictator? Don’t b surprised if all donations go to the Dems to defeat the GOP, especially the next Governors race.
When is Disney going to learn to stay out of politics, ALL politics, and focus back to entertainment?
Some of you are very naive . All corporations support different candidates. You want people who will vote favorably to help your business. I’m a Democrat, but I remember Mitt Romney saying CORPORATIONS ARE PEOPLE TOO! A Republican who ran for President.