The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

Disneyland kicks man out for unfurling pro-Trump banner

Dion Cini, 49, has described his demonstration as 'guerrilla marketing'

Joanna Whitehead
Monday 18 February 2019 13:09 GMT
Comments
Dion Cini unfurls his Donald Trump 2020 flag at Disneyland

A man has been kicked out of California’s Disneyland for revealing a Donald Trump 2020 flag, a violation of the park’s rules.

Dion Cini, a 49-year-old resident of New York, displayed the flag, which read “Re-elect Trump 2020” and “Keep America Great”, on Disneyland’s Mark Twain Riverboat ride.

Cini has become notorious for displaying pro-Trump flags and banners in public locations in a bid to “go viral” and draw attention to President Trump’s campaign, a technique he has termed “Operation Flag Drop”.

In September 2018, Cini revealed a Trump banner in the Magic Kingdom and in November he displayed pro-Trump signs on Splash Mountain and Expedition Everest.

According to its website, Disneyland prohibits “the usage of any flag, banner or sign for commercial purposes, or to incite a crowd.”

A Disney spokesperson previously stated that the issue was not with Cini’s political views, but the violation of the park’s rules and regulations.

As a consequence of his repeat offending, Cini has been permanently banned from all Walt Disney World sites.

A spokesperson for Disneyland told USA Today: ”We welcome all guests to enjoy our parks; however, demonstrations and the display of signs and banners are not permitted.

“This person has been previously warned, and we have taken appropriate steps to address his behaviour.”

Jennifer Elliott, a visitor to the park who witnessed the banner being unfurled, described being “dumbstruck” upon spotting the sign.

“This is the happiest place on Earth; that kind of political agenda doesn’t belong in the park,” she said.

“We hear about politics every day. I come to Disney to escape it. I was appalled.”

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Cini has also displayed similar signs proclaiming his political allegiance on Broadway and at Yankee Stadium.

One report states that Cini is known for kayaking around New York City with his Trump marketing materials.

Cini, an ex-Marine, has described his demonstrations as “guerrilla marketing.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in