Credit: Inside The MagicThe long-standing tension between Florida’s political leaders and the Walt Disney World Resort has reached a boiling point in the first week of 2026. James Fishback, a high-profile Republican candidate for Florida Governor, is at the center of a national firestorm after being issued a lifetime trespass from the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Following his removal from Disney property in late December 2025, Fishback has escalated his rhetoric, accusing the entertainment giant not only of political targeting but also of a more insidious agenda: “manipulating the youth.”
The Incident: A Political Rally Cut Short
The controversy began during the final week of 2025. James Fishback, an outspoken investor and founder of Azoria Partners, attempted to host an unsanctioned “meet-and-greet” with voters at a Walt Disney World Resort. Fishback, who is running for governor on a platform of “aggressive affordability” and “anti-H-1B” policies, reportedly attracted more than 150 supporters to the gathering.
However, Disney’s private property rules regarding political activity are among the strictest in the industry. Security quickly intervened, citing the park’s ban on unsanctioned political meetings. The situation concluded with Fishback being escorted off the premises and issued a formal trespass warning, which barred him from all Disney-owned properties for life.
The Escalation: Accusations of “Manipulating the Youth”
Fishback has not taken the ban quietly. In a series of viral posts on X (formerly Twitter) on January 1, 2026, Fishback took his grievances beyond simple property rights. He accused The Walt Disney Company of using its platform to shape the minds of the next generation.
“Disney is no longer just a theme park; it is a political machine,” Fishback stated in a viral post. “By banning a candidate for Governor from speaking to citizens, they are showing their true colors. They are terrified of leaders who will stop them from manipulating the youth with their ‘woke’ social engineering.”
Fishback’s rhetoric mirrors the “culture war” strategies used by outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis. Still, he has taken it a step further by framing Disney’s trespass policy as a form of viewpoint discrimination and electoral interference.
The Letter to Bob Iger: “Apologize Now”
Fishback’s campaign has officially issued a demand to Disney CEO Bob Iger. In an open letter, the gubernatorial hopeful demanded a formal apology and a personal meeting to discuss what he calls the “exclusionary” policies of the resort.
Fishback’s demands include:
- A Public Apology: For the “unprofessional” treatment of a guest and a candidate for public office.
- Policy Transparency: A full review of Disney’s rules on guest interactions and “free speech zones.”
- The Lifting of the Ban: A demand that Disney stop using trespass warnings as a “political weapon.”
“You cannot accept billions in tax breaks from Floridians and then ban their candidates from your property,” Fishback wrote. “This is a direct attempt to silence the voices Disney doesn’t like.”
Legal Reality: Private Property vs. Political Rallies
While Fishback’s supporters view the ban as an overreach, legal analysts point out that Disney is well within its rights. As a private landowner, Disney World has the authority to remove anyone who violates their code of conduct—which explicitly prohibits solicitation and political campaigning without prior written approval.
Despite the legal clarity, Fishback is using the ban as a powerful campaign tool. By positioning himself as “the man Disney is afraid of,” he has seen a significant surge in polling and small-dollar donations in the opening days of 2026.
What Happens Next?
Disney has not issued a formal response to Fishback’s demands. Historically, the company prefers to let its security protocols speak for themselves. However, as the Florida Governor’s race heats up, this “Disney vs. Fishback” saga is likely to remain a central theme of the primary season.
Do you think Disney is right to keep politics out of the parks, or is a lifetime ban too extreme? Let us know in the comments.