According to a press release issued Monday by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), a referral has been submitted to the Florida Inspector General objecting to an over half-a-million dollar invoice they received from Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. The bill breaks down each dollar spent for employee perks and benefits that the former Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District “funneled” back to Disney.
In the press release, the CFTOD calls Disney’s invoice a “scheme” and says that they are “constituting unethical benefits and perks.”
For decades, the former Disney-run RCID used taxpayer funds to provide season passes and amusement experiences to its employees and their family members, cover the cost of discounts on hotels, merchandise, food, and beverages, and give its own board members VIP Main Entrance passes. In 2022 alone, it cost taxpayers over $2.5 million.
The CFTOD says it plans to eliminate those employee perks and that its staff will still be able to access Disney premises to fulfill their job duties.
