13The tension between Florida politics and the Walt Disney World Resort has reached a fever pitch as 2026 begins. James Fishback, a Republican candidate for Florida Governor and outspoken investor, is now at the center of a brewing legal and corporate firestorm. Following his high-profile removal from Disney property in late December 2025, Fishback has officially escalated the conflict by issuing a direct demand to Disney CEO Bob Iger.
After being issued a formal trespass warning for attempting to hold what Disney termed an “unsanctioned political meeting,” Fishback is not backing down. In a blistering open letter, the gubernatorial hopeful is demanding a personal meeting and a formal apology, accusing the media giant of “political targeting” and “viewpoint discrimination.”
The Incident: A “Meet-and-Greet” Cut Short
The controversy began during the final week of December 2025. James Fishback, a 30-year-old investor and founder of Azoria Partners, attempted to host a political meet-and-greet with voters at a Walt Disney World Resort. As a candidate running on an “aggressive affordability” and “anti-H-1B” platform to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis, Fishback has made a name for himself with fiery social media content and direct challenges to the establishment.
However, Disney’s “private property” rules are notoriously strict regarding political activity. When Fishback began engaging with guests and organizing a formal gathering, Disney security intervened. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in Fishback being escorted off the premises and banned from the property.
“I was there as a guest and a Floridian to speak with my fellow citizens about the future of our state,” Fishback stated following the incident. “Instead, I was treated like a criminal for the crime of having a conversation.”
The Letter to Bob Iger: “Apologize Now”
In a move designed to capture national attention, Fishback has now taken his grievances directly to the top of the Mouse House. His letter to Bob Iger—which has since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter)—frames the trespass as a deliberate attempt to silence a conservative candidate in the lead-up to the 2026 election.
In the letter, Fishback demands:
- A Formal Apology: For the “unprofessional and discriminatory” treatment by Disney security staff.
- A Personal Meeting: To discuss Disney’s “exclusionary” policies toward conservative political figures.
- A Policy Review: A demand that Disney clarify its rules regarding guest interactions and free speech within the “Disney Bubble.”
“You cannot take billions in tax breaks from the people of Florida and then ban their candidates for office from your grounds,” Fishback wrote. “This is a blatant attempt by a ‘woke’ corporation to interfere in a democratic election.”
The Legal Reality: Private Property vs. Political Rallies
While Fishback’s letter has energized his base, legal experts point out that Disney is operating within its rights as a private landowner. Disney World’s property rules clearly state that “solicitation, the sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services”—which traditionally includes political campaigning—is strictly prohibited without prior written approval.
Furthermore, Florida law allows private property owners to issue trespass warnings for any individual who violates established codes of conduct. Even for a high-profile candidate for Governor, the First Amendment does not grant the right to hold a political rally on private corporate grounds.
Despite these hurdles, Fishback appears to be using the “banned from Disney” status as a badge of honor on the 2026 campaign trail, positioning himself as a candidate who is “too dangerous” for the corporate elite.
Impact on the 2026 Governor’s Race
James Fishback is currently locked in a competitive Republican primary against frontrunners like Rep. Byron Donalds, whom Fishback has recently criticized as being a “slave to special interests.” By forcing a confrontation with Disney, Fishback is tapping into the “culture war” energy that Governor Ron DeSantis successfully utilized during his tenure.
For Bob Iger, this is a headache the company hoped to avoid in 2026. After years of litigation and public feuds with the state, Disney has been attempting to lower its political profile. However, as the Governor’s race heats up, it is becoming clear that the “Disney vs. Florida” narrative remains a potent weapon for candidates looking to make a mark.
What Happens Next?
As of early January 2026, Disney has not issued a formal response to Fishback’s letter. Historically, the company tends to avoid engaging directly with political candidates in these types of disputes, preferring to let its established trespass and conduct policies speak for themselves.
However, the optics of a gubernatorial candidate being banned from the state’s largest employer are significant. For Fishback, the trespass warning is a badge of honor he intends to use on the campaign trail. For Disney, it is yet another reminder that in the hyper-polarized environment of Florida politics, even a “World of Magic” can’t escape the fray.
The question remains: will Bob Iger respond to the demand for an apology, or will Disney continue to enforce its “politics-free” zone regardless of the candidate’s stature? For now, Fishback remains persona non grata at Disney World, but his voice is louder than ever.
What do you think of James Fishback’s stand against Disney? Should the parks remain a “politics-free zone,” or should candidates have the right to meet voters where they are? Let us know in the comments below!