A conservative political group has planned a “MAGA invasion” of Disneyland Feb. 28, 2026.
The group, 805 Patriots, a conservative political Southern California group, has had “hundreds” of RSVPs to their event, “Patriots in the Park,” which requires participants to buy a t-shirt online in order to participate. Participants are asked to wear red MAGA hats and these t-shirts, which are described as “your official uniform for a patriotic day of fun, freedom, and family values,” and this is in addition to attendees needing paid park tickets and reservations like any other park guest.
The event is being held in the same vein as other unofficial fan events like Dapper Day, said Joseph Banuelos, who conceived the event for 805 Patriots. The event’s purpose, Banuelos said, is to allow conservatives to enjoy Disneyland with like-minded people, which he claims is often not possible at the parks. Banuelos has had people pretend to spit on him and his children, curse at him, and has nearly come to blows over the MAGA hat he wears regularly to the parks.
“At its root, Disneyland was built by a conservative man, and though that conservatism has changed over the years, he had those conservative values and built this theme park for the American nuclear family,” Banuelos said. “We align with those values and want to create a day for us to bring our families out and have a good time.”
Banuelos said he has nothing against events like Gay Days nor against LGBTQ+ people, but that he takes issue with the “pride movement,” which he said is about influencing children to make them think homosexuality is something necessary for them to be.
Disneyland Resort rules do not outlaw fan-organized events. However, a resort rule prohibits “unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign or other material for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration.” Disney representatives have not responded to a request for comment on the event and whether or not it would constitute an unauthorized demonstration.
Another unofficial fan event, Mini Gay Days, is scheduled for the very same day. Banuelos said it was a coincidence his event was scheduled for the same day.
While Gay Days Anaheim would not comment on the “Patriots in the Park” event, fans of Gay Days have a lot to look forward to, said Eddie Shapiro, a producer for Gay Days Anaheim.
“Our events are opportunities for our community to gather and enjoy one of America’s great family destinations with our families—no matter what they look like,” Shapiro said in an email. “And in these times, that desire for community and for standing up, standing proud, and standing together, feels quite significant.”