Disney Bans Fishback After Political Meet-and-Greet Draws Over 150 Supporters

In what has become the most talked-about incident of the 2026 gubernatorial race, James Fishback was issued a lifetime ban from all Disney-owned properties in Florida after hosting an impromptu political meet-and-greet at Disney Springs that drew over 150 supporters. The gathering took place on December 30, 2025, when Fishback and supporters—whom he called "patriots"—convened at the popular dining and shopping district. Disney security classified the event as an unauthorized political rally, citing the park's policies against solicitation and organized demonstrations on private property without prior written approval. When Fishback refused to leave, he was escorted off the premises and issued a formal trespass warning, resulting in a permanent ban from all Disney properties in Florida. On December 31, Fishback fired back with an open letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger that went viral, demanding: • A formal apology for the "unprofessional and discriminatory" treatment by Disney security • A personal meeting with Iger to discuss Disney's "exclusionary" policies toward conservative political figures • A policy review regarding guest interactions and free speech "Disney is actively manipulating the youth," Fishback wrote. "They're using their platform to gaslight and indoctrinate the next generation with their social engineering agenda." Fishback warned that if Disney did not apologize and meet with him, there would be "hell to pay" when he takes office, suggesting a dismantling of Disney's remaining incentives in Florida. Disney's legal team has responded by citing Florida law, which allows private businesses to issue trespass warnings to individuals who violate established codes of conduct. Fishback has since embraced the controversy, positioning himself as "the guy Disney is afraid of" and using the incident to energize his grassroots campaign. "They tried to silence me. They failed," Fishback posted on social media. "Disney thought they could kick out a fourth-generation Floridian from his own state. Wrong move." The incident has drawn national attention and become a central talking point in the Republican gubernatorial primary.