‘It’s a good fit’

Board chairman Martin Garcia also resigned. He was a vocal Disney critic, calling the company’s previous status in Florida arguably “the most egregious example of corporate cronyism in the history of modern America.”

His replacement is Craig Mateer, an Orlando entrepreneur who founded the baggage-handling service Bags Inc. A major GOP donor, Mateer made millions through the tourism business, selling Bags Inc. for $275 million in 2018.

In an interview, Mateer said he wants to focus on “growth and investment” in the district, adding that he is excited to join the board.

“I am an ardent supporter of the governor,” he said. “I also know how to work with Disney. I am a long-term Central Florida resident. I think it’s a good fit for all of us.”

The Disney-DeSantis dispute unfolded with political theatrics fit for a Hollywood script, a storyline Florida political analysts didn’t see coming because of the company’s powerful sway with Republicans and Democrats alike in Tallahassee.

It starred a firebrand governor with presidential aspirations and Mickey Mouse, America’s beloved cartoon icon.

The feud started when Disney came out against a contentious 2022 bill that limited classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill’s official title was Parental Rights in Education, and supporters said it was intended to protect young children from age-inappropriate topics.

Critics, though, dubbed it the “don’t say gay” bill and blasted it as an attack on the state’s LGBTQ community.

Disney spoke out against the bill and paused its political contributions in Florida. DeSantis responded by blasting Disney as a “woke corporation” that was attempting to “sexualize” children, which Disney CEO Bob Iger called “preposterous.”

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