Disney’s Princess Tiana will appear on an invitation to Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson’s fundraiser next month, marking the return of a major figure in Florida politics with her image.
Thompson said the Walt Disney Co. provided theme park tickets as an in-kind donation. It could be the first time in more than two years that the entertainment giant, once the largest donor to both Democrats and Republicans, has donated to a Florida politician.
Disney suspended all political donations in Florida in March 2022 following controversy over the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law, which prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.
Then-CEO Bob Chapek voiced his opposition to the bill after receiving criticism from some fans and the LGBTQ community for not speaking out.
In the past 28 years before the hiatus, Disney donated about $55 million to Republican, Democratic and political committees in the state, including about $5 million in 2020 and 2022, according to state records. That includes more than $2 million in the first two months alone.
Friends of Ron DeSantis, a political committee connected to the governor, received more than $100,000 in 2019.
Chapek’s comments marked the beginning of a battle between Disney and DeSantis that includes dueling lawsuits and a state takeover of the company’s operating district, which oversees Walt Disney World’s government services.
But after a March settlement between the state and the company and Chapek’s ouster in late 2022, CEO Bob Iger is now back at the helm, and Disney is once again making money in Florida. Looks like it’s ready to open.
“It’s understandable that a company the size of Disney would shut down and not donate,” said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida. “But what if I wanted to get out of the influence business forever? That would have been pretty hard to believe.”
Disney suspends political donations in Florida, CEO apologizes for silence: ‘Don’t call me gay’
Thompson, an Orlando Democrat whose district includes Walt Disney World in southwest Orange County, said direct political contributions from the company have not yet resumed.
But she said Disney has made in-kind donations — when donors provide services, products or other benefits — to herself and at least one other state lawmaker, whom she did not name.
“They can’t write me a check, but this is an opportunity for me to get some great support from them and raise some money for my campaign,” she said. [cash] However, it is a dollar amount. ”
A Disney spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
According to the invitation, those who donate $250 to Mr. Thompson will receive one Walt Disney World park pass, those who donate $500 will receive two passes, those who donate $700 will receive three passes, and those who donate $1,000 will receive four park passes. A pass will be given to you. All donors will be able to attend a dinner and fireworks display at the end of the fundraiser on June 7th.
The monetary value of a Disney Parks ticket ranges from $149 to $210.50 for Florida residents as of June 7, according to the company’s website.
In-kind donations must be reported on election reports, but donations made between April and May do not need to be reported until June 10. After that, they must report every two weeks until the election.
Asked whether Disney might start making cash donations in Florida again soon, Thompson said he understood it would have to be approved by senior management at the company’s California headquarters.
“They’re waiting to hear from Burbank,” Thompson said.
The return of the low-profile donations was “pretty much as expected,” Jewett said.
“Disney made a lot of noise by announcing they were pausing donations,” Jewett said. “It makes strategic sense for Disney to re-enter quietly, without a lot of fuss. They probably wanted to avoid the headlines over something political.”
It’s unclear whether other lawmakers, candidates or state parties have begun accepting in-kind donations from Disney.
The Florida Democratic Party held its annual “Leadership Blue” event at Disney’s Contemporary Resort earlier this month. In 2021, before the hiatus, Disney provided $114,761 worth of free room, food and beverages to parties, according to state records.
Asked whether Disney had made any in-kind donations this year, party spokesman Eden Janiolio said they were “still finalizing expenses” for the period.
According to Politico, the Florida Republican Party received about $142,000 in in-kind contributions, such as lodging, meals and beverages, from Disney in 2021 and early 2022. State GOP Chairman Evan Power did not respond to questions about current in-kind spending with Disney.
