NEWS: Disney Resumes Political Contributions in Florida for the First Time Since 2022

If you’ve followed Disney news the past few years, then you probably know about the company’s battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

The back and forth started back in 2022 over the Parental Rights in Education Bill (known commonly as the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill), and lasted several months, with lawsuits, public statements, and significant news coverage. During that time, Disney decided to halt all political contributions, but now that is changing.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that Disney has started donating to politicians again, according to Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson. The Walt Disney Company provided theme park tickets for Senator Thompson’s fundraiser next month.

Cinderella Castle

This is known as an “in-kind” contribution and marks the first time that Disney has donated to a politician in over two years (contributions were halted in March 2022). Before contributions were halted in 2022, Disney had given about $55 million to Republicans, Democrats and political committees in the state in the 28 years prior.

This isn’t the first time Disney had halted political donations. Back in 2021, Disney — along with several other companies — halted political contributions to national lawmakers who voted to reject the certification of the Electoral College votes.

Senator Thompson’s district in southwest Orange County includes Walt Disney World. She noted that Disney had not yet started back with direct financial contributions, sticking to in-kind donations, which typically include things like products or services in lieu of money.

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

The invitation to Thompson’s fundraiser notes that a $250 contributor would receive one pass to a Walt Disney World park, a $500 contribution gets two park passes, $700 gets three and $1,000 gets four. All donors get access to a dinner and fireworks display at the June 7th event.