In a closely watched and divisive election, former President Donald Trump has emerged as the winner of the 2024 presidential race. Across the nation, Americans are reacting to the outcome and what it could mean for the country’s direction in the coming years.
Within the Disney community, there has been a particular interest in understanding how locals near the major U.S. Disney parks—Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California—voted in this significant election.
Related: Donald Trump Wins 2024 Election: What Could It Mean for Disney World?
Walt Disney World Locals Favor Kamala Harris
In Florida’s Orange County, where Walt Disney World Resort is located, early voting data shows that residents leaned toward Vice President Kamala Harris. While ballots are still being counted, projections indicate that around 56% of voters in this county supported Harris, aligning with the trend of Orange County consistently favoring Democratic candidates in recent years.
This Democratic preference contrasts with the broader state of Florida, which has often swerved Republican in statewide and national elections. Overall, Trump took the electoral votes from this state.
The lean toward Harris among locals near Walt Disney World may reflect demographic shifts in Orange County, with an increasingly diverse and younger population that has historically supported Democratic policies.
Additionally, Walt Disney World employees, known as “Cast Members,” and other tourism industry workers comprise a significant portion of the local population, many of whom tend to favor policies that prioritize social issues and economic measures that benefit the working class.
Disneyland Resort Locals Narrowly Support Donald Trump
Meanwhile, across the country in California, Orange County—home to Disneyland Resort—shows a closer race. Preliminary data suggests that around 51% of voters in Orange County cast their ballots for Donald Trump.
This marks a narrow preference in a region that has a history of political swings. In recent elections, Orange County, once a Republican stronghold, had leaned increasingly Democratic, reflecting California’s broader progressive stance.
However, the close margin in favor of Trump this year indicates a split sentiment, with some voters drawn to his platform amid ongoing debates on national issues.
This slight tilt toward Trump near Disneyland reflects the diverse views within Southern California. While California is known for its progressive politics, Orange County residents, including many small business owners and middle-class families, may feel aligned with Trump’s economic policies.
These communities often weigh factors such as taxes, business regulations, and broader national issues, which may have swayed their preference in this election. Overall, the state of California went to Harris.
A Divided Disney Community
The contrasting preferences between the regions surrounding Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts reveal an interesting political divide within the Disney community. These theme parks, synonymous with family-friendly entertainment and magic, reflect the diverse viewpoints of Americans nationwide.
With Disney theme park employees and fans spanning the political spectrum, reactions within the community to Trump’s victory range from optimism about his policy plans to concern over his potential approach to social issues.
While the election results solidify Trump’s return to the presidency, questions remain about how his administration might address key issues that impact Disney park communities, such as economic policies affecting tourism, labor rights for theme park workers, and the ongoing focus on national and local concerns.
As the Disney community reacts, the contrasting voting trends near these iconic parks illustrate the broader political landscape and the continued divide in perspectives among Americans.
In the days to come, as the final ballots are counted and the country reflects on the 2024 election results, these regional voting patterns offer a snapshot of how residents in Disney’s orbit view the direction of the nation.
Regardless of their differences, communities around Walt Disney World and Disneyland remain united in their shared love for the parks, even as they process what this election outcome means for their future. What do you think of the results in these communities?