Ron DeSantis Tied to New Disney Popcorn Bucket

Disney announced earlier this week that it will be debuting a new popcorn bucket and sipper to Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

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New Disney Popcorn Bucket

As any hardcore Disney park fan knows, every few weeks or months, the company releases a new refillable (and collectible) popcorn bucket.

Related: Disney Reveals Nightmarish New, Exclusive Popcorn Bucket!

The newest creation is modeled after Valentino from the upcoming movie Wish (2023). Asha’s pet goat is voiced by Alan Tudyk.

The actor has provided the voice for multiple Disney characters, including King Candy in Wreck-It Ralph (2012), The Duke of Weselton in Frozen (2013), and Duffle from Strange World (2022).

The popcorn bucket depicts a mischievous-looking Valentino sitting. The popcorn can be filled and enjoyed through his back, and it comes with a carrying strap.

A new #Wish Valentino popcorn bucket and Star Sipper will be available at Disneyland Resort starting Nov. 22. Arriving “soon” at Walt Disney World. pic.twitter.com/gUMNRIdNSh

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 9, 2023

Disney has also announced a sipper featuring the Wish Star. It, too, is smiling and comes with a matching strap. The pair of Disney park souvenirs will be available at Disneyland Resort on November 22 (the same day the movie debuts).

Related: Make-A-Wish Family’s &’Terrible’ Treatment at Disney

They are both slated to arrive at Walt Disney World Resort, but the official date has yet to be released.

As with all signature Disney popcorn buckets, we can expect the Valentino bucket to come with free popcorn for the first fill.

Related: Disney World’s Ugliest Popcorn Bucket…

The Governor Ron DeSantis Connection

But what exactly does this Disney popcorn bucket have to do with Governor DeSantis? A good question…

As reported by Inside the Magic and rumored elsewhere, the villain of the upcoming Wish may be partially inspired by Ron DeSantis. The Republican Florida Governor has been in a war with the Walt Disney Company for almost two years.

The fight began over the Parental Rights in Education Bill (AKA the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill) and Disney’s response to it. Since then, the Florida Government has dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement District, and multiple lawsuits between Disney, DeSantis, and the Florida legislature have been ongoing.

Walt Disney Studios has not confirmed that King Magnifico from the Wish movie is based on Ron DeSantis. But some have pointed out that his anti-magic or anti-wish motives may align with DeSantis’ anti-Disney philosophy.

The Wish Movie

The new Disney movie Wish releases nationwide on November 22 and is directed by Chris Buck, who worked on Frozen and Frozen II (2019).

The animated film follows the story of Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), who lives in the land of Rosas in the Kingdom of Wishes. Trailers suggest she is an apprentice for King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine). However, she finds out he is not granting everyone’s wishes.

After she makes a wish on a star, a wishing Star appears and begins to grant everyone’s desires.

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The new movie also returns to classic Disney tropes such as musical numbers, talking animals, and magical kingdoms.

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