Disney Makes Its First Political Donations in Florida Since 2022

For the first time since 2022, The Walt Disney Company has made a political donation in Florida.

Once a major player in the Florida political fundraising game, Disney suspended all political contributions in the wake of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education bill (which critics dubbed “Don’t Say Gay”). After initially choosing to remain silent on the issue, then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek publically stated his opposition to the bill.

Photo: CNBC

Disney’s public refutation of the new Florida law set off a firestorm that pitted Disney and eventually returned CEO Bob Iger against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his Republican allies.

The battle would eventually lead to the dissolution of the Reedy Creek Improvement, the creation of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), and a federal First Amendment lawsuit by Disney (the CFTOD would later also sue Disney in state court).

Photo: Fox Business

Earlier this year, however, Disney and DeSantis reached an agreement that saw Disney accept the dissolution of Reedy Creek and suspend their legal proceedings. This came after the CFTOD replaced key board members.

Disney Donates to State Sen. Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando)

Now that Disney and DeSantis have seemingly reached a detente, the company looks ready to open its checkbook again.

Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson appears to be the first recipient of Disney contributions in over two years.

Photo: Orlando Sentinel

Invitations to Thompson’s upcoming fundraiser feature Princess Tiana on the front. Thompson also said that Disney provided theme park tickets for the event.

By bequeathing the tickets, Disney made an in-kind contribution, which is when a donor provides services or products as opposed to a simple cash donation.

Photo: Orlando Magazine

“While they can’t write checks, this is an opportunity for me to raise funds for my campaign and with substantial support from them,” Thompson told the Orlando Sentinel. “Not in [cash] dollar amounts, though.”

Will Disney Become a Major Donor in Florida Again?

When asked whether or not Disney would begin making cash donations in Florida again, Thomspon said that was up to Disney’s upper management.

“They’re waiting to hear from Burbank,” Thompson said.

Bob Iger – 2024 Annual Shareholder Meeting

In the 28 years prior to Disney’s political donation suspension, the company gave roughly $55 million to candidates on both sides of the aisle.

Now, it appears that Disney is quietly set to get back in the game.

Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below. One of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon! Also, thanks for reading!