The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District) held a board of supervisors meeting on September 13th. During the meeting, board members shared an update on the status of a long-held Reedy Creek District employee benefit that may soon be eliminated.
Walt Disney and Mickey
The issue stems from a previously-created Reedy Creek employee benefit that granted employees free access to the Disney World parks (it was essentially a Disney World Annual Pass). Reportedly, the collective cost of these passes and peks was worth about $2.5 million, according to the Central Florida Torusim Oversign District. As part of the board’s new cost-cutting measures, the CFTOD talked about eliminating this benefit. Now, we’ve got an update.
District administrator Glen Gilzean and the other board members called the Annual Pass benefit “unethical” and have previously floated the idea of increasing wages by $1,425 in lieu of the perk. Board Chairperson Martin Garcia previously noted that under the proposed changes, “Some will make out better, some won’t do as well,” but “whatever that contract obligates us to do, I promise you we will do it.”
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
Another potential Annual Pass replacement may come in the form of a stipend program, which would give Reedy Creek district employees about $1000 per year. (Note the Incredi-Pass Annual Pass is $1,399 plus tax.) Board members claim the program will have “individualized flexibility rather than underserving employees with a one-size-fits-all approach.”
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
During the September 13th meeting, District administrator Gilzean noted that the board is making progress in developing a solution, stating, “We received feedback on the stipend amount, and we’re working with the board of supervisors to increase the initial proposal now and making it more equitable.”
Glen Gilzean ©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
The plans are still a work in progress, though, and Gilzean revealed that he hopes to have more information to share during the board meeting on September 27th.
Reedy Creek Improvement District
Toward the end of the meeting, Chairperson Garcia commented on the federal lawsuit filed by The Walt Disney Company against the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Garcia addressed the fact that Disney amended its complaint to focus on First Amendment rights and called Disney’s move a “major tremor,” according to Orlando Business Journal.
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board
In speaking about the amended complaint, Garcia stated, “In doing so, Disney has all but admitted it knew that the federal charges against this board were bogus. And moreover, that the filing of them constituted a publicity stunt.”
Reedy Creek
Garcia went on to say, “The dispute between Disney and the board only involved contracts. Contracts that the corporation, Disney, entered into with our predecessor. As such, it has nothing to do with the dispute between Disney and Gov. DeSantis over legislation.” He criticized Disney’s actions as a “mockery of the legal system.”
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
We will continue to look out for updates regarding the removal of the Annual Pass benefit for Reedy Creek District firefighters and Disney World first responders. Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news.
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The reedy creek mess is childish someone wants to cause trouble but remember karma it is a shame they aren’t taking Disney out of fla as this is a mess of a state
Is Disney now totally seperate from rc if so can they stop using rc fire service and go with orlando instead they are an excellent service why use rc whatevers
Personally, if I, or any of my family members, get injured on Disney property… I would want the responders to know the lay of the land. So while the Annual Pass might seem like a “perk” it also provides knowledge of the area, as well as the potential that a responder might already be in the park when something happens.
Are they also going to check on this “unethical perk” with Universal and Sea World? When my company offers discount tickets, is that considered “unethical” too?
It’s just absurd.
As predicted, this bunch of DeSantis appointed political minions will be deciding how funds for a share holder owned company will spend its money. It’s all simply punishment for free speech and needs to be stopped.
I find it strange that they would make a statement on the validity of a law suit. The reason that they stuck to ready creek was that they built it, funded it and now the government shanghaied it. As a taxpayer I wish that Disney took over my city government and ran it as they did an incredible job and stayed within budget, like wow 😯.
I feel bad for the staff like the firemen etc. They thought they were going for “better” based on previous comments and now they realize that this isn’t accurate.